Bifrost Multibit vs. Gungnir Multibit?

Thanks, will try when I finally get my hands on one.

Any feedback available on how downsampled DSD content (via Audirvana, etc.) fares using filter vs. NOS (Bifrost Multibit and/or Gungnir Multibit)? Or would it sound the same as if the content was in 176/192 format anyway since the downsampling is being performed on they fly by the music playing software?

 

I have a few headfi'rs coming to my house next Friday with a Gungnir Multibit and Bifrost Multibit, going to compare them on some of my speakers and a few headphones, I'll take notes and post my thoughts. I've had an opportunity to hear the Yggdrasil and Gungnir Multibit briefly, but only at a meet and for a limited time. So this should be a better representation. I really want the Bifrost Multibit to wow me and hold up well to the Gungnir Multibit, so I can just buy it and get on with my life.

 

Looking forward to this.

 

I can also compare a few tracks on my cheap TT as well just for you

 

I happen to think Bifrost Multibit is quite capable:
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...tem-synergy-special-sound.54/page-3#post-8918

 

That's what I like to hear!

 

Excellent, I'm really looking forward to hearing it. I've been using a Essence ST as my primary DAC for years.

 

With a stock HD800, which do you think is better: Bifrost Multibit + Liquid Carbon, or Bifrost Multibit + Black Widow?

 

Local Schiit connect just left. Impressions as to Gungnir Multibit vs Bifrost Multibit in my main system(B&W, Anthem) without any poetry is as follows.

Balanced Gungnir Multibit is much wider in sound stage/more holographic, a hell of a lot louder at any given knob position. It's also brighter, my amp and speakers are somewhat bright, on bright tracks this was a liability.

Bifrost Multibit sound stage sounds cupped, detail retrieval is a wash between the two IMHO, I prefer the Bifrost Multibit's warmer tonality, in my system it takes just enough edge off. If I could get the stage width of the Gungnir Multibit and the tone of the Bifrost Multibit, it would be perfect for me.

Bifrost Multibit Vs Vinyl: using a Sys fed by my turntable and Bifrost Multibit+Lyr 2 we got a fairly close level match on my JBLs and listen to FLAC of Depeche Mode-violator and Buena Vista Social Club, while playing the records and switching back and forth. Both were shocked at how good my yardsale deck, generic stylus, and a $30 phono pre sounded with clean well pressed vinyl. Sound stage of BVSC was superior on the turntable versus the Bifrost Multibit. Bifrost Multibit had IMHO better detail, but not by much.

My take away is there are pros and cons to both DAC, both are easily differentiated in terms of their sound. With my music, speakers, and electronics as much as the Gungnir Multibit absolutely floored me in staging, I don't think I could live with the brightness. Now that I've heard both though, I'll always begrudge the smaller stage on the Bifrost Multibit. The obvious solution is just buying a better turntable when

Back to reality though, both the Gungnir Multibit and Bifrost Multibit are two of the most pleasing DAC's I've ever heard, they for lack of prose, sound more analog then any D/S DAC I've ever heard and they were both a joy to audition. If I had darker gear, and a deathwish in my domestic life I would buy a Gungnir Multibit. But as it is, I think come this tax season a Bifrost Multibit will be on my shortlist. I would live in my office system anyway where the cupped staging is much less noticeable nearfield.

 

Based on everyone's impressions, this about expresses my theoretical perfect setup.

 

Enter Grumby/Grimby? I'd be very ok with this...