Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp

Both now have the same shipping date, I'm sure it was just originally just a typo.

 

I am my avatar. My excuse is I was originally thinking of stacking a Modi Multibit/Eitr on top and was focusing on the depth, rather than width. Then I thought, why not get the Bifrost Multibit w/ Gen5 instead? I'll continue questions/discussion about pros/cons of these two options in more appropriate threads.

Thanks for the pics @CEE TEE. The first one is a bit deceiving as there's only a 0.7" difference in width. But it's pretty obvious that CTH+Bifrost Multibit just weren't meant for each other, unless the rear feet of the CTH can be moved forward a bit.

If anyone has CTH and Modi/Eitr, I'd appreciate a pic of what that/those look like stacked on top.

 

It's ok, man. We all pull a gixxerwimp now and then.

 

So... Can't the Bifrost Multibit go under the CTH?

 

Yes, it seems it could. But ideally the front panels would align, which means, based on this photo, the rear feet on the CTH would need some modding or extending towards the front. I'm guessing they screw into the bottom of the chassis. I will be moving the stack occasionally from bedroom to living room, so stability is a factor.

Also, it's not the most elegant looking stack IMHO. Two pieces of mini-Schiit stacked on top of the CTH would be less unwieldy. I need to reread all the Modi Multibit/Bifrost Multibit comparos to assess the sonic differences. Price and flexibility weigh in favour of Modi Multibit+Eitr.

 

Oh, yeah, those feet. Sorry.

Well, Eitr+Modi Multibit doesn't suck. I was considering it for work recently. Let us know how it sounds.

 

CTH on top of Bifrost Multibit can be made to work. Line up the front panels. The rear of the CTH will overhang 3½". Put some kind of support (block of wood, bracket, anything) under the rear of the CTH to hold it up.

 

Yup, but something more permanent, stable would be nicer.

Planning a trans-Pacific trip to the Schiitr next February, so it'll be a while before I get everything together. But you can bet on my lame impressions appearing somewhere on SBAF

 

Have you considered a small shelf?

I searched around a bit, but could not find one with the correct dimensions. Perhaps with more searching you could find something that would work for you. Or, DIY might be pretty easy on something this small.

 

My usage model is different to most. The stack will sit next to my bed on limited real estate as that's where I do the majority of my serious listening with HD650s. I also want to be able to easily transport it to the living room for those infrequent occasions when I want to listen on the sofa. I don't like listening while sitting in front of a computer. So it's not so much an obsession as practicality. If appropriately stable rear feet can be rigged for the CTH, that would probably work well enough stacked on the Bifrost Multibit. Stick-on silicone feet of the same height would probably do the trick.

In case anyone's wondering, source will continue to be the Note 3 I currently have stacked on my micro iDSD. I trust Eitr/Gen5 will clean that up sufficiently to more than satisfy my less than golden ears.

Apologies to those who find this derail from sonic discussion a bit boring.

 

Does no one else here stack their gear on their sides?

 

That polarises the audio signals!

 

Not sure if meant you would stack it like books in a bookshelf or as tall as you can like a cheerleader stack.

 

Just get a piece of wood, like a cheap cutting board from ikea, add some plastic feet, use that on top of the Bifrost Multibit to provide a better base for the amp.

 

Yeah, like books.

The videos I've seen all have them stacked laying down... but maybe my reference points are different from yours.

 

I'm tempted to sell the Lyr 2 and Modi2u for this one, just to have a simpler set up (since I don't plan on keeping those two long term anyway, and the CTH + SDAC would be easier to leave at work when I did replace it.)

Then again, I would be stuck for six months uses the amp on a Focusrite Solo.

 

I've done this with cool running products like Class D amps, but I avoid doing it for any Schiit amp, since Jason has made several references to his thermal management designs depending on convection, which would require the standard orientation, being sideways would mess that up.

 

How so, if you don't mind me asking? I'm guessing (probably incorrectly) that the Lyr 2 has quite a bit more slam and less of the smaller details, since the CTH seems to lean towards the Magni 2u/Jot kind of sound. As far as the SDAC goes, I have no idea.

Since I sold the HD800 for now (returning to it later, had to get baby shit) and bought a Denon D2000, I'm curious to see if they mesh well.