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Gungnir Multibit or Yggdrasil or keep what I've got??

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016.

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  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    I'm struggling with whether or not to upgrade my dac. I currently have the NAD m51, a very decent DAC in it's own right. I do like the NAD for it's excellent volume control and smooth signature. The NAD is great for controlling the volume on my dual Questyle cma800's.

    But I'd really like to venture into the multi-bit world. I have the money for an Yggdrasil but wonder if my preference for a smoother, warmer sound might be better served with Gungnir Multibit.

    Current headphones are: hd800 S, hd650 and ETHER

    I worry a little about having to control the pots on the amps separately, but I'd done it before and it's not too bad.

    All suggestions are appreciated.

    -Ice
     
    Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016
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  2. drfindley

    drfindley Secretly lives in the Analog Room - Friend

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    Have you considered a turntable?
     
    drfindley, Mar 29, 2016
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  3. Perot

    Perot Facebook Friend

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    I'd like to trade my yiggy for a turntable/pre amp
     
    Perot, Mar 29, 2016
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  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'd keep your NAD M51, unless you are curious. Nothing wrong with curiosity.
     
    purr1n, Mar 29, 2016
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  5. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Gungnir Multibit + Mutec 1.2 or similar. Use BNC. Leave it at that. (Though, having not heard the NAD, I would not weigh my opinion too heavily. Just that I find Gungnir Multibit very hard to beat for what it is.)
     
    Hands, Mar 29, 2016
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  6. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    What he said.
     
    MisterRogers, Mar 29, 2016
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  7. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    I forgot to mention that I already have a Wyrd for what it's worth. Is bass response texture and slam better on GMB or Yggdrasil?
     
    Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016
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  8. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Yes, I've thought about it often. If I'm honest, I know that a good TT will always sound better than any digital source. BUT...at this point I have a 4TB hi res music collection, so at this point I'm kinda committed to this format.
     
    Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016
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  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Yggdrasil takes the bass to another level. Once you up the Gungnir Multibit with USB gizmos, it's the bass that is the main difference between Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil. The M51 is a good DAC. You are at the point of diminishing returns. Yggdrasil would be the way to truly move up. YMMV; make sure you have an amp resolving and dynamic enough to take advantage.
     
    purr1n, Mar 29, 2016
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  10. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Thanks everyone. Is this a fair assessment of bass performance between GMB and Yggdrasil?

    Gungnir Multibit=warm, punchy, slightly blended/less texture and detail compared to Yggdrasil

    Yggdrasil=more dynamic, better texture/detail, more extended
     
    Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016
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  11. sfoclt

    sfoclt Friend

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    I'd keep the M51 for the convenience alone.
     
    sfoclt, Mar 29, 2016
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  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Sort of. Both are equally extended. Yggdrasil has more bass impact and sustain.
     
    purr1n, Mar 29, 2016
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  13. TwoEars

    TwoEars Friend

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    I've heard the Gungnir Multibit in a system I'm familiar with and I don't think I would call it warm, neutral is probably right. Just don't get any illusions about the Gungnir Multibit being warm, I don't think it is personally. Maybe compared to Yggdrasil but I haven't heard Yggdrasil. But the Gumpy is certainly a lively little animal, if you want a "smooth" dac I don't think this is the one for you. It's quite energetic.

    The most impressive quality of the Gungnir Multibit as I heard it was probably being so lively while not sounding strained. I thought it did vocals well too. It's certainly a very good dac for the money but if you like smooth probably keep the NAD.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2016
    TwoEars, Mar 29, 2016
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  14. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    First, Mutec 1.2 or similarly good converter will beat out a decrapifier into USB on either. Yggdrasil sees less gains since Gen3 is a nice step up for USB.

    The USB->SPDIF converters, good ones anyway, should make the Gungnir Multibit fairly neutral sounding, but very balanced with great extension. A must for the best stage size.

    Assuming fed with source components I recommend, primary difference is that Yggdrasil slams harder, has sharper transients, sounds cleaner/clearer, and just generally digs into the music more. Keep in mind a proper fed Gungnir Multibit is wonderful, so we're not talking mind boggling gains here. Main difference is really that Gungnir Multibit is just a slightly more cushiony ride, but not in some euphonic, tubey way. That is not to say the Yggdrasil is unpleasant or not musical, just more manly.

    If you got the cash, go all in (including Mutec or similar known good unit).
     
    Hands, Mar 29, 2016
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  15. Ice-man

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    I need to research the Mutek. It's not on my radar.
     
    Ice-man, Mar 29, 2016
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  16. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Or just buy it. ;) 1.2 model around $500 or 3+ USB for double, roughly. CIAudio Transient is also good but less of a value vs Mutec 1.2. Really, Gungnir Multibit USB with decrapifier was no match to the SPDIF bridges feeding it. Yggdrasil has some leeway but can still be improved. Honestly I'd rather spend $2300, if limited, on a Gungnir Multibit + good source than just a Yggdrasil.
     
    Hands, Mar 29, 2016
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  17. ctrlm

    ctrlm New

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    I've heard neither but I was interested to come across this quote from Jason Stoddard himself:

    "And I live by my beliefs that our products sound different, as well. My “main stack” is Mjolnir 2/Gungnir Multibit, not Ragnarok/Yggdrasil. Mjolnir 2 is a warmer, wetter, “happier” amp than Ragnarok, and Gungnir Multibit is also a bit more euphonic than Yggdrasil. The combo may not be the absolute ultimate word in resolution and transparency, but I like the way it sounds better than our top stack"

    Stolen from HF :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2016
    ctrlm, Mar 30, 2016
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  18. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    What a salesman! :p
     
    Hands, Mar 30, 2016
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  19. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Bought the Yggdrasil. Got a great deal used that was just too good to pass up. I appreciate everyone's input. Yggdrasil inbound...game on. :punk:
     
    Ice-man, Mar 30, 2016
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  20. DrForBin

    DrForBin Friend

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    hello,

    @Ice-man, good on ya! enjoy!
     
    DrForBin, Mar 30, 2016
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