Schiit Modi 2 Uber AK4490

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by lm4der, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    I'm not sure if this is the best to post this.

    I bought a Modi 2 Uber, as I plan to pass on my Modi 2 (non-uber) to my dad. So for now I own both the Modi 2 and the Modi 2 Uber - and so for anyone that was wondering (because I was) the Uber is noticeably better. I feel like it climbs out of the "entry level DAC zone", into the "better than entry level DAC zone". Easily worth more than the extra $50. Sound is more extended in both directions, better subtlety and dynamics. Wish @schiit would stop holding out on us with the next wave. But until then, I will say this, the Modi 2 Uber is pretty sweet at $150. Get this over non-Uber if you are vascilating.

    Edit: oh yeah, so I would put this a notch or 2 above Modi 2 non-uber, on the DAC chart.
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2016
  2. SSL

    SSL Friend

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    Interesting. Some around here have claimed that hey sound no different, but the supposedly better analog section on the Uber would suggest otherwise, along with your observations.
     
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Did you buy one recently? Maybe there is a new DAC chip inside.
     
  4. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    Righto, I have heard this opinion, that they sound the same. Although I think I rem @AustinValentine saying Uber IS better too. To me the difference was easy to tell, and significant. It really is a discrete notch above. I have been kind of critical of the non Uber modi 2, but Uber was refreshing. I wonder if, in addition to the "more sophisticated analog section", the fact that it is not USB powered may contribute.
    Whoa. Yeah, arrived this weekend. Do I need to open it to check?
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Hmmm, suspect AKM4490 inside. More resolving, more spacious, less grainy than earlier chip. Shhhhhhh.
     
  6. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    Getting screw driver, warranty schmarranty
     
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  7. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    modi 2 uber.jpg
     
  8. Pyruvate

    Pyruvate Friend

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    Holy f'ing mother of schiit...

    Jason and Mike you sneaky bastards!!!
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2016
  9. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    beauty man! looks like a 4490 to me. :D
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I guess the secret is out. I am super proud that you guys figured it out with your ears!

    I knew a change was imminent, just not when.
     
  11. TraverS

    TraverS New

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    So it's really 4490. I wonder why Schiit don't tell us about this secret little update.
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Running updates happen all the time.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2016
  13. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    omg, the floodgates will open. Too bad the Bifrost upgrade policy doesn't apply to the Modi.
     
  14. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    Well, this explains a lot. I was really kind of surprised that there could be such a jump.
     
  15. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Out of curiosity, is this the DAC Jason brought to the LA meet earlier this year? Or was that an entirely different prototype DAC?
     
  16. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    How is the tonality? Bifrost 4490 tonality was fucked up with bass bleed into the lower mids causing me to prefe the Modi 2U I bought in December of last year.
     
  17. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    Not surprised at all, the bifrost 4490 sounded really nice at a meet when I heard it and the guys on the DIY forums have been saying the 4490 when done right was a pretty nice jump up from the various old dual 4399 implementations.

    Then again it is all about implementation and a usb powered 4490 based dongle is not going to sound like this dac. And maybe none of the cheap chinese boards.
     
  18. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    Hmmm, to my ears this Modi 2 Uber 4490 sounds more controlled and detailed in the base than the AKM4396. To me it sounds similar to the AKM4396 in tonality, but per above, I feel like the treble extension is much better and smoother, and the lower ends sounds more resolving. Everything has more bounce. I have Bifrost Multibit and would say that Bifrost Multibit is richer in the bass.

    Edit: Bifrost Multibit is just better, imho.
     
  19. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    To upgrade to 4490 Modi 2U or stay with the planned Emotiva DC-1 when I buy a new pair of near fields... upgraditis makes for hard decisions.
     
  20. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    P.S. I love you Mike Moffat ( @baldr ) and Jason Stoddard (@schiit). Not like in a creepy way.
     

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