Schiit (MultiBit) Bifrost

I have no idea. You can look at the description: http://www.amazon.com/FosPower-Toslink-Digital-Connectors-Strain-Relief/dp/B00T8HWV62

 

Excuse me, but could you clarify the situation for me: is Bifrost Multibit's optic input "regular" Toslink or Mini Toslink?

 

A DAP with the 4490 can't be that bad can it? Maybe Cayin used the wrong filter out of the 5 available to the 4490.

 

My laptop outputs SPDIF using optical mini which is why I need that mini connector.

 

First listen with the Bifrost Multibit. Coming from a ~10 year old DAC with a AKM 4396 chip It's like putting someone else's glasses on and realizing how bad your vision is. Even after 10 minutes music is easily and obviously more lively and enjoyable. There's "more" of everything, in every direction. Volume scales much more smoothly on my Lyr 2. I'm having difficulty placing what percentage of an improvement I would rate this as (one of those "you didn't know what you're missing" situations), but it's meeting and exceeding my expectations so far.

It's difficult for me to explain what the changes are; I suppose the most immediate difference is discovering the much more pronounced effect people refer to as holographics or image placement.

Bass reaches lower, very satisfying, sub-bass I believe.

 

The cable I linked to earlier is playing a 24/192 file with no issues that I am aware of.

 

Hey Vlad,
I'd recommend the Schiit PSYT cables, I have the USB and RCAs for my Lyr 2 and Bifrost Multibit.
They're made by StraightWire for Schiit and offer transparent performance and good quality for a more than fair price IMHO.
Good luck!

 

I can't get the USB to work at all, not sure if it's my cable that's causing the issue or my crappy laptop. But optical works great.

 

Thank you a lot.
I think I will buy Schiit PYST USB cable, but their RCAs is too short for me. I need something about 10 feet. That is why I have to look at other brand RCAs cables (so far, BJC is the first in my list).

 

Thank you once more. Your Toslink cable looks really good. And your experience is so important for me, that I think I'll buy this cable ("regular" Toslink one).
Although there is a review there:
"The problem is it can no represent 14bit at 192mhz.
I guess talking with people this is a challenge for any spdif but still that sucks.
The cable however does work on my imac and on a mac laptop I used at work.
Be aware that if you have a high end doc you may not get the full frequency modulation at 24 bit."

Nevertheless, it looks like it's worth a try. But let me know, please, if you run into any problem with it.

 

I ordered the schiit PYST USB cable to see if it's my USB cable or the laptop that's causing me problems (my USB ports have always been wonky because I got this laptop when USB 3.0 was brand new; some of the ports are 2.0 and some are first gen 3.0 and they've never been great). I'll let you know if I can get it to work next week.

 

Stupid question, but if you are a windows user did you install the schiity drivers? Next I would double check the usb cable. It says so on the website, but do not use a fancy audiophile usb cable, just a standard one (like for a printer). I had cable that was only $50 on amazon, but claimed to be a better sounding cable in the chain, and once I swapped out to a basic cable everything worked out fine.

A powered usb hub would be the one last thing to try if the above wasn't working. I plug directly into my laptop (Lenovo X1 Carbon) but I have had other devices not work on laptop ports, but do work on powered hub ports. Good Luck!

 

Yeah I tried to install the drivers with no success because it couldn't detect my device (despite both windows and the Bifrost Multibit noticing each other)

Pretty sure all my ports are powered. Can charge my phone with them.

 

I'm a bit foggy on the process since its been a while, but shouldn't you install the drivers first and then plug in the device. I also remember going into win 10 sound settings and having to manually select the Schiit Device as the default sound output. Not sure what you mean by windows and Bifrost Multibit noticing each other, but device not being able to be detected. Can you provide clarification?

Correct - all ports are powered on a laptop, but your DAC might need a boosted stronger signal, but it might not. This could potentially be the solution to the above problem, a weak signal between the dac and computer.

 

My experience with the Bifrost Multibit suggests that it is rather finicky about USB implementation. My Surface pro 3 has only a single USB 3.0 port, and it didn't like that - it wouldn't recognize the Bifrost Multibit device or install device drivers. By simply connecting an _unpowered_ usb hub to my Surface, Bifrost Multibit connected and Windows downloaded the cMedia driver from Windows update. I never needed the Schiit supplied driver. I also had a very similar experience with a Lenovo.

But I use the Wyrd, and this also fixes the problem.

tl;dr Use a hub, preferably powered, or a USB decrapifier, because Bifrost Multibit connects to these reliably.

 

I just followed instructions on their website. Turned it on, USB mode, plugged it in, Windows couldn't automatically install drivers, gave some error. Tried to install schiit drivers, installer couldn't detect Bifrost Multibit and refused to install drivers. Regardless of which USB port I plug into on my laptop, Windows sees the device and the Bifrost Multibit makes a clicking sound. Still can't install drivers. Going to try the schiit cable first, see if that's the issue. Optical works just fine.

 

I think the Bifrost Multibit doesn't like USB 3.0. I also had USB issues when I was using my Macbook as a source, and a USB 2.0 hub fixed all my problems. And now I still use the hub to power my HDD to connect to my Raspberry Pi, so the purchase was not in vain.

 

Agreed, USB 3.0 was a common theme for my Bifrost Multibit getting disgruntled. Made for a good excuse to keep my Wyrd, cuz even though I don't hear the difference, it performs a functional role.

 

I can also vouch for BJC -- I've ordered RCA interconnects, coax digital cable and even speaker cables from them. Just good honest cables at a reasonable price.
They are FAST and since they are located here in Seattle, I usually get them the next day if I place my order in the morning!
I see they also have a UK location now as well: http://bluejeanscable.co.uk/index.htm

 

I purchased various lengths of this type of cable. Sounds good to me and after reading about the type of cable used, it seems comparable to the Belden BJC uses. And I've purchased plenty of cables from BJC in the past. The connectors on the BJC version seem harder to work with, given their large size. I've used BJC for my subwoofer cables and compared to the smaller, more flexible cables I have now, I prefer the more flexible type for a cleaner install.

http://www.amazon.com/Foot-RCA-Cable-Pair-High-Definition/dp/B01ALI37OQ/ref=sr_1_9?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1457665259&sr=1-9&keywords=worlds+best+cables&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_four_browse-bin:7800969011