Modi Multibit: Multibit for the masses.

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by MrTie, Jul 25, 2016.

  1. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    That sounds like electrical noise down the USB VBUS line, from the computer. That should be one of several things that the Eitr fixes, as it gives you some pretty solid isolation.

    In any case, the USB on the Modi Multibit will sound crappy anyway, the USB receiver is a very cheap and perfunctory affair, with its own (lesser) noise issues, plus crummy clocks which will always give you smeary layering and blunted transients. You may as well pull the trigger on an Eitr now and free yourself from the nervosa, before various randos start suggesting $600 USB cables, "reclockers", and magical stones :)

    It's pretty cool that there's a non-bullshit solution to the problem of decent connectivity to low-cost DACs. It used to be a nightmare, involving either tons of effort or more expenditure than the DAC merited. At least you're having these issues at the right time.

    (That's no real insult to @baldr - I'm sure he doesn't like that particular USB subsystem either, but is pragmatic enough to know that he had to include it to tick a box and get sales.)
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2018
  2. AudioThief

    AudioThief Acquaintance

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    Awesome, thank you cat face!
     
  3. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Definitely doesn't like it, since they're working on an in-house UAC2 interface for their cheap stuff.
     
  4. limesoft

    limesoft Friend

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    I'm keen to understand the sound difference between Sony ZX2 (used as source) and the Modi Multibit, would appreciate someone who has both to give me a brief comparison.. I have a good spdif source, won't be using USB.

    For the most part I like the ZX2 sound however on occasions I find it a bit dry and too studio/neutral sounding, not organic/smooth enough. Will the Modi Multibit bring me closer to my vinyl rig in ways the ZX2 can't?

    I'm based in the UK and the MM costs £270, much more compared to US, however reading all the positive experiences I'm thinking it might still be good value.
     
  5. Abhishek Chowdhary

    Abhishek Chowdhary Friend

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    ZX2 - Raw, unprocessed, great dynamics, treble is a bit grainy
    Modi Multibit - Smoothed over but still pleasant sounding, rounded bass, average staging (depth perceived between instruments is shallow), not dark but top octave missing (roll of is gradual though), not as explosive sounding as the zx2, overall it doesn't sound offensive but the microdynamics and nuances are just too Smoothed over for critical listening
     
  6. limesoft

    limesoft Friend

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    Thanks for that. Based off your description it doesn't seem like the Modi Multibit is a clear improvement, it just has different sound character to the ZX2.
    I do think the ZX2 can sound a touch grainy in the treble. I'm guessing that any other DAC (desktop or portable) in the £200-400 range might be a side grade to the ZX2. I might have to look at upping my budget for Schiit's higher spec R2R dacs
     
  7. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    This exact same thing just happened to me, except I'd just blown up my MCTH and then successfuly necromanced it. I heard the ringing, which sounded tooby to me, and thought that there was some residual damage after all. Swapped over to Magni 3 and heard the same thing, then power cycled the Modi Multibit. Back to normal service. Phew!
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2018
  8. JustAnotherRando

    JustAnotherRando My other bike is a Ferrari

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    This Modi Muliltibit 'ringing', can it manifest as distortion on higher pitched notes? Because I had that on my left channel for a couple of days. Initially thought it was an amp problem, having tested by switched left/right channels on the headphones.

    It went away when I simutaneously dumped the RCA cables and restarted the DAC. I'd simply assumed it was a cabling issue.
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2018
  9. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    I heard it most clearly in quiet passages. It sounded like distorted "feedback" of the higher frequencies and presented only in the left channel. Kind of a wispy wooshing. You can still hear it when levels are louder, but have to listen more closely.

    Pretty sure it was restarting the DAC that fixed it.
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    What's your amp and headphones?
     
  11. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    I had never heard of the Modi Multibit ringing issue and have certainly not experienced it in over a year of use. Read those posts over the weekend, came in this morning, and there it was. It was very obvious and not something I would have missed previously. If it wasn't for these posts, I would have assumed it was the tube going bad.

    Restarted the Modi Multibit, and all better.

    Thanks, folks. The coincidence of the timing was spooky, but I was grateful for your posts about it.
     
  12. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Interesting. I've not experiences this and hope that I never do. Glad to know that it seems a pretty simple fix. Is this just something inherent to Modi Multibit or is it with other MB dacs?
     
  13. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    I haven't heard this on the Bifrost Multibit. Though, I have run across a different issue with the Bifrost (hitting the input select button doesn't change inputs). That case was also solved with a restart.

    It's not unlike computers. Restarts fix 99% of the issues you run into.
     
  14. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    Just Modi Multibit, it's likely some soft of firmware glitch.
     
  15. winders

    winders boomer

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    I had it happen with my Yggdrasil. I powercycle my DACs every week or so just to refresh their state just in case.
     
  16. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    Interesting, I've never had it happen with my Gungnir Multibit.
     
  17. klyrish

    klyrish Facebook Friend

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    MY SCHIIT ARRIVED!

    Just finished unboxing and setting up my Modi Multibit and Vali 2. Letting them both warm up for a bit before I test drive. I'm so excited and anxious to hear this and also bummed knowing that it's not going to sound as good as it can until this time tomorrow.

    Listening to music via my Fulla 2 at the moment but will definitely break out the Mojo again to do comparisons between the Mojo and Modi Multibit/Vali 2 combo. I sure hope my FLC 8S IEMs sound good through the Vali 2...they sound terrible through the Mojo.

    EDIT: It's been about 20 minutes since I first posted and I put on a song about 5 minutes ago. If this is how good it sounds cold and not at all ready...holy shit. I think that Mojo's going back...

    Listening to Enter Shikari as they're incredibly versatile with songs ranging from soft, heartfelt piano ballads to electronic-heavy dance-fests to scream-laden post-hardcore (sometimes all in the same song). The dynamics are unreal. The soundstage is incredible. Listening to "The Appeal & The Mindsweep II" from Live at Alexandra Palace, I can hear Rolfe's cymbals. Separately. On a LIVE ALBUM.

    I can't wait to listen to NIN through this combo.

    EDIT 2: Just switched to Enter Shikari: The Mindsweep and am playing the opening track, "The Appeal & The Mindsweep I" and I have full-body goosebumps. Everything is separate and equally audible yet it's all mixed together perfectly. I can't believe how clearly the synths can be picked out even when Rou's screaming, the bass and guitar are both at 11, and the drums are pounding. This is INCREDIBLE.

    EDIT 3: moved to Architects to see how it handles extremely-detuned and all-around aggressive music and I'm nearly brought to tears. Opening track from All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, "Nihilist," sounds positively menacing. It's already one of the most aggressive songs I've ever heard and the detail is taken to levels I didn't think were possible. The bass guitar is thundering, the drums are making the floor shake, and Sam's voice is terrifying.

    I seriously can't wait to revisit in 24 hours.
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2018
  18. n2n

    n2n New

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    Hi All,

    Been following these threads for a while now. Had a hard time deciding between Bifrost Multibit vs Modi Multibit+Eitr. Finally leaning towards pulling the trigger on Modi Multibit+Eitr. I just want to bounce my thoughts with you folks.

    Initially, i was fixed with Bifrost Multibit since it has a better power supply and supposedly better build with 5 years warranty. And well the upgradability, which, for me, is nice to have but no way a deal changer. Also I learned reading the reviews that its a bit warm sounding which is a plus for me as my current setup is a touch on the other side and I was hoping to balance it out with some bit of warmth (also i like my sound a tad warm).

    Then I dug a little deep in the reviews to understand purely sonic differences. Here's a summary of my findings (based on reviews):

    1. Modi Multibit's in more cohesive than Bifrost Multibit. [Link]
    2. Modi Multibit's headstage is slightly narrower than the Bifrost Multibit.
    3. Modi Multibit's mids are a bit smoothed out while Bifrost Multibit's vocal retains more micro-dynamics but a tad harsher in comparison.
    4. Modi Multibit's highs are a bit rolled-off. Probably Bifrost Multibit's slightly pronounced highs (than Modi Multibit) give a sense of better resolution.
    5. As a result of last two points, with poor recordings, Modi Multibit tends to do a comparatively better job keeping things listenable i.e. less fatiguing. [Link for 2,3,4,5]​

    I understand these sonic differences are very very subtle and hard to notice except in critical listening session. Also my system might not be resolving enough to reveal them as well. What confuses me is, if I could care less about the price differences, is Bifrost Multibit going to give me even a slight advantage sonically over Modi Multibit or not. I know it would be best to audition them both and decide for myself, but lets just say its not an option for me at this moment.

    So finally, as I said, I am leaning towards Modi Multibit+Eitr mainly because of point 1 & 5 (plus it saves me some money). I'll be using it with Hegel H90 integrated and a pair of KEF R500. Source will be HP Laptop / MacBook Pro. Will appreciate any of your comments (positive and negative).

    Best regards.
     
  19. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    I can't answer your question directly (haven't heard the Bifrost Multibit), but I suspect the reason you haven't had an answer yet is because this thread is pretty old and the people with the appropriate experience have stopped reading it. Try it again in the all-purpose advice thread, there are helpful illuminati who keep an eye on that one.

    Kudos for the way you asked, BTW; specific about the gear and what you're trying to achieve, your tastes, other equipment, budget, and you showed you'd done some research. Do mention your current DAC if you try again, though, it'll give yet more context.

    Kinda think you might have answered it for yourself already, though ;)
     
  20. n2n

    n2n New

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    Thanks Biodegraded (really!!! lol) for the advice and the good words. Did some research yes, but to be honest, the more research I did, the more it gets confusing. :) I'll surely try the thread you mentioned.

    Btw... this is going to be my first external DAC. I've used NAD D3020's built-in DAC before and currently using the built-in DAC of Hegel H90.
     

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