Marvey's DAC Chart of Awesomeness

Alright, I think I got the point, didn't take the term "stage location" into account until now. With this taken into consideration I'm guessing even non-mb Gungnir still holds better p/p value in its range.
Cheers!

 

@purrin do you have any plans to audition any DACs to add to your chart? I'm curious about the Metrum Accoustics Musette and the Hegel HD12...

 

How would you compare the DAC-19 and the Bifrost Multibit? Don't want to spend the $$ on a Gungnir Multibit so these two are on the short-list for potential purchase. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I could give you my piece of mind. Bifrost Multibit has better detail retrieval, stage, layering and separation. DAC19 sounds more intimate and I would say it's a good bit better in that regard. Tested that both in a Cizek KA-1 with Voice of the Beast, my HDVA600 with modded HD800 and Schiit Valhalla 2 with HD600 setup. If you prefer a slightly more intimate balance, the DAC19 might be your groove. My friend still swears with his LaVoce (another great 1704 implementation and probably second the LaScala for me which are the best two 1704s I've heard) but found the Bifrost Multibit still the more capable DAC overall. Both DACs have a more analog touch in the sound, so no glare or anything, I like both.

Hope that helps, personally I think the Bifrost Multibit is the better purchase for the reasons specified above. Plus the MegaComboBurrito filter is something to be experienced.

 

Thanks for your comments, SKiring! I've read by some that the DAC-19 is far superior and much easier to listen to than the Bifrost Multibit. What's selling me on the Bifrost Multibit is 1) $200 in my pocket and 2) it can be upgraded if/when Schiiit comes out with something better. Having never used an external DAC in my 2-channel system I have no reference, but I purchase things for the long-term and found these two to fit nicely in my budget.

 

@Kevin Bryner no worries! The thing is I can see why someone would prefer it but give us an idea of the rest of the chain. What headphones are you looking at or speakers? And what amp?

I stand by my impressions and most people's that compared it with me. One of my friends now owns the Gungnir Multibit after listening to my Bifrost Multibit next to his DAC19. And another who stuck with his LaVoce even if he preferred it with many tracks, due to the more intimate and softer listening. Two examples of how important it is that you listen yourself honestly.

 

Nothing special. I know I have to update my source...thinking about using a Mac Mini to stream hi-res files/Tidal. Very different listening setup than most here, I'm sure.

iPod Touch -> Pure i20 (optical) -> HK3490 -> Dali Zensor 3 Speakers

I listen to Jazz, Rock/Indie and Techno/House mostly. Thanks again for any comments folks can provide!

 

Where would the Bifrost 4490 be purrin?

 

@Kevin Bryner since I have no experience with your chain I'll refrain from commenting if it's gonna be a great match or anything like that. What I will say, if you haven't experienced many DACs and want to see how it fairs, if nothing else with the Bifrost Multibit you can always return it if (after at least 4-24 hours) you're not satisfied. And considering the price difference, keep the change.

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...dac-chart-of-awesomeness.63/page-6#post-22006

 

I didn't find anything illuminating there (at that link). ELI5, please.

 

He hasn't heard the Bifrost 4490 yet.

 

Well, that post was like Dec 16...

 

Here we go:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?members/pyruvate.227/#profile-post-1264

@purrin "4490 is win"

So... I hereby 2nd the request for a Bifrost 4490 placement on the Dac Chart du Jour.

 

My very brief listen this weekend to a 4490 bifrost feeding a Valhalla into my HF-400s cans was quite satisfactory, need to hear it some more.

 

Please update as you go.

 

This is great. This is what I was imagining for a plot of headphones. Curious where the 4490 fits in. Do any of these listed use that chip?

 

Unfortunately that may have to wait for another hf meet, since a hf member owned the electronics not me. I will keep on the lookout for another opportunity,

 

I don't think any of the listed DACs use the 4490 chip. However, IMO I feel that Bifrost 4490 fits directly to the right of Bifrost Multibit. It's definitely not as warm, but its expansiveness and resolve is at its level. In regards to expansiveness, it's wider for sure.

 

@purrin - you may wish to add the Bifrost 4490 to the chart. I'll have a review up for it soon - but I assume you've probably had a chance to hear it.