Schiit Gungnir Multibit impressions

For me it was a tremendous upgrade, especially in a fully balanced system. Let us know how it goes

 

Would someone mind telling me the optimal sound settings to use in Windows 10 for the Gungnir Multibit via optical cable?

16-bit 44100 Hz or 24-bit 44100 Hz (there is no 18-bit option).

Would selecting 48000 Hz or above be a detriment since the Gungnir Multibit can only play redbook/CD quality music?

 

If you are playing through Windows audio, the rule of thumb is that you want to avoid sample rate conversions. Worry less about bit depth and generally set that to 24. So, you want the settings for sample rate to match the sample rate of your digital source. ie, for cd audio (redbook) this means sample rate should be set to 44.1khz, and bitdepth to 24 (it is useful to increase bit depth to accommodate software volume control).

If your player supports WASAPI, use that instead, as it bypasses the windows mixer and lets the signal go straight to the dac.

Gungnir Multibit can handle any sample rate you choose, but you're better off letting it do any conversions internally.

 

Does anybody have quick thoughts on USB + Wyrd vs. optical on the Gungnir Multibit or other Schiit DACs?

I built a new computer that has an optical out on the Mobo, and am just wondering if it's worth my time/money to buy an optical cable and experiment. All my stuff is redbook so no issue with hi-res bandwidth limitations.

 

Usually the Mobo optical out is the most rolled off, most murky and least precise sounding digital output you can use to get the bits to your dac. I even preferred straight USB with no Wyrd with my computer and my Gungnir DS.

Still, is it worth a try? Sure, optical cables are really cheap. Your Computer might be different and the optical implementation could be decent.

 

On Gungnir Multibit I have found no major difference with optical as connector to source, vs USB. However, I find usb+wyrd bests optical, and coax noticeably better than both.

How long of a cable do you need? I have at least two that I am not using, pretty sure it would cost pennies to ship. PM me.

 

Take my opinion for whatever it's worth, but I have tried several times. The setup

1. Computer 1: Linux Server (i7) -> DeadBeef Exclusive Mode -> Belkin Gold USB -> Gungnir Multibit USB -> Balanced XLR3s -> Liquid Carbon -> HE560 (Edit2: Balanced)
2. Computer 2: Windows 10 (i7k) -> Foobar Exclusive Mode -> Soundblaster Z (EDIT: sorry, not ZX) -> Monoprice "Premium" Optical -> Gungnir Multibit Optical -> Balanced XLR3s -> Liquid Carbon -> HE560 (Edit2: Balanced)
3. Songs -> all FLACs personally ripped by me from CDs from a spectrum of eras.

Pretty much level matched by the Gungnir Multibit. Switching is done by cycling through Gungnir Multibit's inputs. Cue up the same playlist in both software. Using 2 mice, hit play at nearly the same time. I have listened at both holistic levels and concentrating intently on one frequency range or one instrument/voice/inflection.

I cannot hear any difference. After several tries over a couple of months, I've basically told myself "F' it. I'm just going to enjoy the music!"

I will try this again when my BlackWidow2 shows up and just switch out the Carbon for the Black Widow.

Now, when using a Monster 2.5mm to RCA adapter -> Monster Interlink 400 mk2 RCA -> Gungnir Multibit RCA, I have heard noise. I have heard both computer noise (that noise you hear when the computer does things) and a low level hiss from somewhere. Whatever you think of Monster, this cable is well shielded (and I picked it up at 75% off from a going out of business sale in the 90's!). The hiss came from both computers, while only the Linux Server was passing computer noise through. Linux Server has an AsRock Z77 Extreme6, and the Windows machine has an AsRock Z77 Extreme9 inside.

 

Found this review of the gungnir
http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/schiit-gungnir-multibit-and-mjolnir-2-dac-and-headphone-amp

 

My Gungnir Multibit will arrive next week so I am eager to learn how to get the best out of it when pairing with my Valhalla 2. I am confused a lot about balanced vs unbalanced output of Gungnir Multibit. I wonder if I can get something better when connect Gungnir Multibit with my Valhalla 2 through a XLR cable and XLR-RCA adapter instead of through a RCA cable. And if yes, what is the better, XLR-RCA adapter or transformer like Jensen Isomax PC-2XR? I knoiw it is a crazy question but may you guys who own the Gungnir Multibit can help me. Thanks in advance

 

No. RCA to RCA. Never (almost) better to use an adapter.

 

That Jensen transformer is going to cost you almost as much as a Val2; so why not put that money towards a Jotunheim But on a bigger note, I would take some of these balanced or die proponents with a grain of salt. You could easily drop all that money and then some just to gain a small improvement.

 

I have the Jensen xlr to rca transformer box. xlr out from Gungnir Multibit is 4v, rca out is 2v. Does it make a big difference, nah. But I was curious and found a Jensen used on eBay for $200. Jensen box also helps with any ground noise. Slightly blacker background, slightly tighter bass. Don't recommend for everyone, just weirdo's who don't leave well enough alone.

In your case, I agree, save up for better amp. Balanced systems throughout is overrated, but balanced outs from Gungnir Multibit is not.

 

Depends on what headphones he has too. The Jot seems to work with alot of them except the HD800 from most accounts.

 

Many thanks for your advices. I think I will stick with SE out of Gungnir Multibit for a while until used and affordable Jensen converter or Jotunheim pop up

 

I run Gungnir Multibit single ended and balanced on speakers, to through the same preamp, and there's not that much of a difference at all. A little more weight maybe, but if you didn't hear them to compare (and even after I did), you won't miss anything. Rest easy.

 

I bought a Gungnir Multibit used about 2 months ago to compare it to my Geek Pulse infinity with PSU.

I have now sold the Gungnir Multibit again. While I liked it, I didn't feel the sound difference was worth it relative to the Pulse. The footprint of the pulse also suited me better.

Overall I would say the Gungnir Multibit was slightly warmer, with wider soundstage and slightly blacker background.

The pulse was quicker, more delineated and a bit clearer in its presentation.

I would call it a tie between the two.

All listening done on Cavalli liquid crimson with Russian rocket tube and through Ether v1.1

 

Since my audio rack is not in the same room as my computer, I have always used a portable DAC as my source (currently, an X7). If I add the Gungnir Multibit to my set-up, what is a good portable device to feed info to the DAC? (I do not think I can bypass the X7's DAC.) Can I do this with an iPhone? Are there other useful devices?

Thanks,

 

You can bypass X7's DAC. I believe it has a coax out.

 

Has anyone married Gungnir Multibit with RedNet3 using AES/BNC transformer? Dropouts during music? Any other hickups? I'm pondering between Yggdrasil/Gungnir Multibit for the DAC in my chain. I've read reports from Yggdrasil+RN3 combo which ought to work pretty flawlessly but the price is a bit too high for my tastes.

 

I haven't tried rednet with Gungnir Multibit - I would just go Yggdrasil at that point, at least from cost perspective.

I did have dropouts and hiccups with Gungnir Multibit initially, wyrd fixed this. I later replaced Wyrd with a Mutec MC1.2, still no hiccups, improved soundstage, blackness of background, more precise imaging, probably not worth $500 new. Used for $250 seems to be normal and much better value.