Schiit Gungnir Multibit impressions

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Bill-P, Oct 7, 2015.

  1. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    I can't help but wonder about those who "preferred" Yggdrasil A1 to Gungnir Multibit A1 (and i wonder how many did actually compare both) and now "suddenly" will "flip-flop" (maybe not the correct term) and prefer Gungnir Multibit A2 to Yggdrasil A2.

    Just food for thought and merely a curiosity since the few people that i know that tried both (aka only 2) in a blind test preferred Gungnir A1.
     
  2. Darren G

    Darren G Friend

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    @msommers - The Yggdrasil A1 was a dramatic step up from Bifrost for me. My first 'world class' DAC. I was not expecting there to be as much difference as there was, so Holy C**p applied. Yggdrasil turned me into a DAC believer (and I was quite skeptical) The A2 update just takes it to another level of refinement. Polished off those slight annoyances that I became aware of over time, though would have lived with had there been no update.

    Of course if I had bought Gungnir Multibit I'd have likely been impressed and overall content too.

    Definitely looking forward to reading more from those who can compare the most recent version of Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil.
     
  3. direstraitsfan98

    direstraitsfan98 D2Girls v2.0

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    I'll have a chance in the next 4-6 weeks to AB the two on my speaker system. I'll be able to have both in my setup at the same time. Should be exciting.
     
  4. BillOhio

    BillOhio Friend

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    I owned Gumby1 and Yggy2 at the same time and felt that Yggy2 was a big step up in stage and instrument separation.
     
  5. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    I like your naming conventions of Gumby1 and Yggy2 - simple and clear as to which version you're referring to. I plan to use those.
     
  6. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    New Toy Syndrome is certainly a real phenomena.

    Thanks Bill. How did they compare in tonality?
     
  7. BillOhio

    BillOhio Friend

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    They seemed similar to me. Yggy2 has never struck me as 'analytical' the way I've heard Yggy1 be described.
     
  8. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    Got the Gungnir Multibit A2 in. Didn't crack it open yet for pictures as I had to get back to work so I just hooked it up on top of my DS Gungnir in hopes it'd be nicely toasted by the time I get home. I'll open it up for some snaps tonight after I dac myself off real good.


    Funny you ask I'd been looking out for a cheap used Auralic Taurus MKII

    My budget is about 600ish, just depends on what comes about.
     
  9. BillOhio

    BillOhio Friend

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    I'm thinking Yggy2 has better bass than Gumby1 also, though it's been a few months since I had them both.
     
  10. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I agree. It seems like there is better definition as well as sub bass being clearer/more nimble.
     
  11. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    Gungnir DS/MB are both extremely good DACs.. comparing them is hard honestly. Each with strengths and weaknesses..
    The DS version has (IMO, your synergy will be different!)
    More slam
    More reverb with bite
    DS more engaging except for certain aspects of vocals.. they are better defined on MB.
    Less definition as for where sounds are coming from on DS
    Vocals don't stand out as well, but are more raspy which is awesome on DS.. the MB has more of a from the chest sound which is also great but definitely a lighter bite.
    The MB is brighter for sure, with what seems like a more up-front and more detailed stage on certain tracks. It is still a good stage, just not as large as the DS which seems to extend to infinity.
    Symbols sound infinitely better on the MB, also the MB sounds more realistic...

    Time to go enjoy more tunes :D
     
  12. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Ok you did some initial comparing. Now give that Gungnir Multibit way more time cooking on the grid (do not shut it off) before you do more comparisons - like a few days at least. Likely you will hear even larger differences in favor of the multibit.
     
  13. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    My impressions are definitely not concreted yet, though - I'm only at the 10 hour on-time mark.I do have it baking on top of the DS Gungnir.. it is quite toasty currently. The DS at this point has more subbass extension, less mid punch that leads to the more 'punchy' feeling of the ds? For a few days I'm going to do some non comparison solid listening on MB.. then switch and see how I feel about it. I'm guessing the Gungnir Multibit has some opening up to do.

    Don't be confused by my comments though as I'm just nitpicking observations of my own preference.. both of these dacs sound absolutely f-in superb.
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2018
  14. BillOhio

    BillOhio Friend

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    I thought the Gungnir Multibit sounded like ass for the first day or two that I had it, and mine was a used unit that had already been listened to for several months.
     
  15. kevnin

    kevnin #facetweeting - Friend

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    I bought a new one recently. For me it was bad on day 1, ok on day 2, pretty good on day 3 but without the 3D staging I was expecting. No change from day 3-6 and I was starting to get a little worried, then on day 7 the 3D stage snapped into place.
     
  16. Pillars

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    Thanks for the input on warmup, I'll leave it powered on as many have suggested (I leave the DS on 24/7). Positioning is already laser focused and although the DS has a wider stage it is also more diffused. Everything is incredibly detailed on MB. Much smoother and more natural while still holding that level of detail is incredible. While it is also brighter, more upfront with a little less extension at both ends currently compared to DS I'm hoping as the days pass that changes as it appears it may very well. Last night was like comparing a couple of delicious beers each with its distinct flavor. Some songs sounded better on each DAC TBH. Worth mentioning I'm using a heavily modded K702, so several of these things may go unnoticed on a headphone such as the HD6X0.
     
  17. Dusty

    Dusty New

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    My new Gungnir Multibit was set up against my dads Bifrost this past weekend. Both Gen 5. As good as the Bifrost sounds the Gungnir Multibit had it sounding very linear. The Gungnir Multibit was only on for 2 days and it sounded very vinyl like. (My vinyl set up anyway). It was a touch bright out of the gate but settled down now (1 week in) and it produces all instruments in their place, creates the depth and soundstage I love.

    Comparing the Gungnir Multibit to my Vinyl rig and using Tidal masters the Gungnir Multibit has everything I love about Vinyl, warmth depth and space without the hassle to get up every 15-20 minutes :)

    I really never thought of selling my Vinyl. Never thought it was possible to achieve it with a DAC. I am a convert.

    I am contemplating selling all the Vinyl. I will be sitting on this thought for a bit though... :)

    Just for those reading and wondering: Jolida 502A, Cardas Cables, Merlin Speakers, VPI Scout with Ortofon Bronze. Gungnir Multibit is in from iMac with Pangea Cable.

    db
     
  18. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    Really glad to hear about the brightness settling down - my hopes exactly down the road. I've yet to try records on a headphone rig but I'm glad I may not be missing TOO much.
     
  19. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    Another evening with Gungnir Multibit. The SQ is incredible. Very realistic and laser focused over the DS version. I prefer Vocals, drums, symbols, wind instruments and much more on the Multibit. It sounds fantastic. It lacks the warmth and engagement of the DS version however. Guitars are much more powerful and gripping on the DS. Also as noted before the DS is more extended downward and upward while the MB bass has much more detail within what is there, but is a little softer in comparison in certain areas. The Gungnir Multibit also has a more forward presentation. Ultimately the MB is much better but I wish it has the slam and engagement of the DS. This is a hard trial period.... Also, things may change as I have an Auralic Taurus MKII on the way to better evaluate.
     
  20. westermac

    westermac Friend

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    Glad you're enjoying the new Gungnir Multibit. It's surprising to hear you find the Gungnir D/S warmer and more laid-back; the D/S bass impact and extension is often mentioned but warmth not so much (generally the opposite). I expect a few more days of warm-up will bring them more in line.

    My experience coming from a D/S DAC is more in line with @Dusty's; the Gungnir Multibit A2 is warmer and fuller sounding, with a better sense of space, separation and a pretty significant reduction in digital "edginess" (I can see how this might take some of the bite from electric guitars).
     

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