Modi Multibit: Multibit for the masses.

The Modi-bit might just be the DAC to dissuade me from my intended Emotiva DC-1 upgrade. I have fond memories of being impressed by the old AD1955 based Apogee MiniDAC. I'll have to see what Schiit poops out at the Schiit show though.

 

Tried to edit on an iphone, something went wrong

TLDR Bifrost Multibit's bass lacked slam which made polite fart 'pfffffffft' noises with my HD650. It was a clear example to me of when synergy between components doesn't work. It's good to hear Modi Multibit is more in line with the other Schiit DACs in this regard.

 

About 30 hours into my Bifrost Multibit, idk if it's the tubes in my Valhalla, but the bass has great kick and is of a higher quality than the BF4490. Still have to hear the Modi Multibit though.

 

Alright.. I've had the ModiBit running continuously for the last three or so days... and, boy, has it really, "stretched out made itself comfortable."

What I notice most is how much the sound has tightened, cleaned, and sped up. Even with USB (I blabbered a bit about coax vs USB on the Momby in the status/shoutbox.. tl;dr is that I preferred coax over USB.. even with a cheap ass usb-to-SPDIF converter). Now, it sounds quite noticeably less bloated and better textured in the midbass, less thick and more precise through the midrange.. and cleaner, sharper, and more transparent through the treble. Really though, texture and depth across the entire frequency spectrum is more articulate than I've ever heard from the MM. Plankton galore. Staging is still on the slightly intimate side in terms of width and height (excellent depth, though).. but there's better space between instruments now and layering is obscenely good for a DAC in this price range. The MM has this wonderfully delicate tone: slightly dry, yet warm. Very unique to my ears. I do miss some of the razor sharp precision, frighteningly black background, staging, and sheer speed a good DS/ES9018 DAC offers.. but considering all the other "sins of commissions" that comes with most of those, the MM is nothing short of a revelation, IMO.

@schiit & @baldr .. you guys are straight mean for doing the sub $500 DAC market this dirty.

 

@FlySweep The Yggdrasil has all of that plus the great precision in attack, staging, layering, and separation. The Yggdrasil is god.

 

Key observation, I think. I'd say the same, but didn't. Well put.

 

Yeah - I can't think of another DAC I'd recommend in the sub-$800 range. At around $800, you can find used original chassis Geek Pulse X Infinitys occasionally. Those are pretty much on par with the Modibit but with a different character. I could recommend that to some people over the Modi Multibit based on their specific listening preferences.

Also, the Modibit has effectively killed my ability to recommend most vintage DACs...save the higher end SFD models and the Theta Gen III/V/Basic III. Too much hassle dealing with the lack of USB, needed maintenance due to age, poor parts availability, etc. etc. Just buy a f'ing Modi Multibit instead.

Mean is right.

 

Gawd.. first @Artasia .. now you..

Think my 2.5 yo will go for this as an excuse to rob her CSA for the Yggdrasil?

Are you going to get your hands one a MM? I'd be interested in reading your thoughts since I've followed (and largely agree with) your critiques on the other Schiit & DS gear.

 

Full ride scholarship or bust!

 

Reading my mind as usual, Austin.. the Pulse X Infinity would be probably be my other choice.. for those that want the DS goodness I mentioned (but I'm not entirely in love with the LHLabs filters for the Geek Pulses/Outs.. even the FRM sounds a little too midbass forward and treble is somewhat rolled/splashy, IME.. but FRM does get tone/timbre more correct than TCM & SSD. TCM is the most resolving.. but it's u-shaped and thin sounding).

 

She won't even know! Just sit her down in middle school and explain that mommy and daddy want her to understand the value of education and the risk of delayed rewards, so you intentionally didn't save for college, and it's time to make the grades count or get good at a sport

 

It's an ideal blend, really.. fast, resolving, and smooth.. but not lush/colored or muddy.

 

my daughter: "..but daddy, what about laying an academic foundation for my professional future?"

Me: **rolls eyes** "CAN YOU BELIEVE ALL THIS PLANKTON?! And it's only been on for 24 HOURS!"

 

Hi Everyone, I'm new to SBAF. I made this account to actually get more info on Modi Multibit comparisons. I currently use an ifi iDSD micro and ak100ii for a transportable rig. I was considering switching out the iDSD for the mojo, but then Schiit introduces the Modi Multibit and totally throws a wrench in my plans! I've been stalking this thread and one over at HF gathering impressions before I likely pull the trigger on a Modi Multibit/magni2U stack. Can anyone provide a comparison against the iDSD either directly or from memory? I'm assuming, based on the comments about the mojo, that Modi Multibit would be more resolving and smoother than the iDSD. Thanks!

 

I would need to hear it first as I like my Modi 2 Uber AK4396 tonally except for the treble sometimes. I'm still aiming for the Emotiva DC-1 when I get a new pair of near fields due to it having both RCA/XLR outs, AES inputs, and pre-amp functionality. I really want to see what Schiit brings to the Schiit Show and if they can stick a neutralish tonally (the Bifrost Multibit was far from neutral) multi-bit implementation with Burrito filter into a pre-amp type thing or even a receiver for under a thousand dollars.

 

The Bifrost Multibit definitely seems like it has less bass than the Modi Multibit. This is apparent until something really deep comes along, where the units reverse. This is typically difficult to discern on headphones or small speakers.

 

@baldr: Ah, well, there you go. Word of God. Makes total sense. I happen to prefer the Modi Multibit for my own, modest purposes.

You and your compadres have done spectacular work, sir!

 

Time for SBAF admin to give @baldr a Member of trade status? Just to verify he is mike moffat from schiit audio?