Life after Yggdrasil: Watering the Ash

Can't comment on the specifics of how it sounds as a DAC just yet ...

... but I did have a quick play with this ...

I suppose it's better than running raw USB into the Modi MB. Beyond that, it's a bit pointless. There are myriad better DDCs and/or multi-purpose devices that can be employed in that fashion, and none of them cost $850. Notwithstanding that just using a USB connection with split power (and a non-computer power source) seems to achieve about the same thing (for about $800 less).

That would mean that pretty much of all of the DDCs I've seen that can offer an S/PDIF output are outperforming the Concero in the role of a converter here. Be that the $150 inline stuff, the more serious things like the Singer SU-1 and, in the case of multi-purpose devices, Aries Mini or the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label.

You'd have to really like the Concero as a DAC and just use the bridge functionality "because it's there" for it to make any sense at all.

If it were me ... and I was looking at improving the Modi MB ... I wouldn't screw around with DDCs (though I'd try an available TOSLINK or COAX connection if it was just going to cost me the price of the cable) I'd just buy a better DAC - you'll get a better return for it.

I've never heard the Eikon, so I won't be able to comment on that specifically.

What I can say is that, if the Concero HD exhibits what I've experienced with many Sabre-based DACs then the only way a headphone could really "fix" that would be to commit such grievous sins of omission as to be fundamentally awful.

...

But listening tests on the Concero HD are a few days away yet ...

 

@Torq:
Thanks so far for the first comments. Seems it probably will become a "float it down the river" answer also from you...
I bought it second hand a few years ago, so no big deal.

 

It's a shame that the Breeze U8 seems to have gone out of production- it looked like it comes close to the Singxter in @atomicbob's measurements- for under $100.

 

I don't think it is straight from Breeze but: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...-USB-coax-fiber-XMOS/1264787_32781725545.html

There is some price markup, unfortunately, but not drastic.

 

I love it…
DSD = Department for Social Development
hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

JJ

 

Please read carefully this quote from Marvey's DAC chart post:

I have my preferences which are easily assessed from my System Synergy = Special Sound thread. There are few absolutes in this hobby though general trends emerge. A relatively large number of people consider the Yggdrasil a neutral, resolving DAC. Audio-gd S19 appears to be generally despised. My first experiences with it are not happy ones either.

ESS Sabre DACs stimulate a certain hard edginess for me, no matter the headphone or EQ adjustments. Others don't have this problem. Just as low residual mains hum drivers me crazy, others aren't bothered in the least. The reverse is also true. Some here are very sensitive to source attributes that don't bother me at all. Attempting to gain a master agreement of all posters as to the merits of any given DAC, or system for that matter, is a fruitless crusade.

So if something works for you and brings you enjoyment, don't immediately assume that an opinion to the contrary automatically voids your experience. Listening comparisons with other systems will help identify one's preferences and refine future directions. Those may even change over time. My auditory preferences are considerably different now than 20 years ago.

 

@atomicbob:
thanks for the wise words and reminders!
problem is I have never had an opportunity to listen to a real good dac. I accumulated a few low-fi and 3 mid-fi ones over the years for different tasks. It is only recently that I felt like stepping up to more expensive gear by getting a ZMF Eikon and a used Trafomatic Head 2 amp. The next step will be something like an Aries mini and a good but reasonably (1000-2000 €) priced Dac. (by the way I just read in another thread Metrum Acoustics might bring the new 24 bit Dac modules to the Musette...)
I am happy to learn here as much as possible, without denying my own taste and experience. I don´t find the Concero (and the Herus+) that nasty, but yes, like most I prefer the Modi Multibit. The very first Audioquest Dragonfly (fed from Audirvana) definitely made me understand what is meant with edgy Sabre sound...

 

Then you're likely looking at a Gungnir Multibit (or Yggdrasil, if you can stretch).

 

FYI, not out of production. I messaged Breeze Audio on Ali saying I wanted to buy one and they messaged me back saying they are back in stock. About 100 of each model available. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bre...chronous-USB-coax-fiber-XMOS/32499738639.html

 

Weird, that page said that they were no longer available when I was looking for a cheap/easy DDC for someone recently. I'd bookmarked it one day, and the next when I wanted to show them, it was (apparently) not available.

Delighted to be wrong!

 

I considered buying that one before but I moved and never got into it. For the price I think it's something to try to connect my pc. I hope the AES works as intended.

Edit - on my phone I don't see a difference between the colors, does anyone else that could tell me? Thanks

 

Some technical differences. Version 3 presumably being best.

 

1 is the entry level it seems, 2 has a fancier set of clocks, 3 has the fancier clocks and a fancier transformer. Either way, I'm still shocked at @atomicbob's findings that it's actually somewhat respectable, as it looks pure ChiFi (check out the DSD logo..)

 

Ya when i noticed i laughed my arse off.

Chifi poster child.

 

@Torq : Hi , this is the first time i comment in here and I was impressed by your experience . I used to use Ifi Micro DSD and then Audio GD NFB 1. Now when I wonder what will be a best DAC at 1500 USD , in your opinion , if we evaluate about their technique and details ?

 

It appears that Breeze Audio listens to their customers' input. Level 2 and Level 3 appear to incorporate mods that customers were performing on the base unit some time ago.

 

Assuming we're talking new-prices, then going based on the stuff I've actually heard, that's pretty easy ... Schiit Gungnir MB at $1249.

$1,500 is a bit of a interesting price-point though as it sits right between two well-populated ones, further complicated by the fact that minute you start considering gear from vendors that do purely direct sales (like Schiit), your points of comparison typically have to be a couple-to-three times more expensive to generally be comparing like-for-like in terms of performance.

Going used would give you more options, and you might find you like things like the Auralic Vega, PS Audio or Holo Audio Spring DACs, or perhaps some of the classic/vintage units, but that Gungnir MB is going to be challenging to beat at that price even so.

Also ... depending on your overall chain, however, you might be better served with upgrades elsewhere.

 

That's interesting, I take it that the uprated clocks and transformer are passable quality then? Still a little shocked at the bang/buck that it represents based on your testing. For jitter-sensitive DACs like the Modi Multibit, it seems like a nice easy option to get a solid upgrade to the sound without folks having to get their hands dirty.

Until Schiit cough up the Eitr, it might be $99 well-spent.

 

Oi thank you so much. Actually I am looking a dac while my budget is about 1000 USD . I want to ask about the used-price but I didn't know if it was a right question to ask so I gave the new-price at 1500.
I like the sabre chip DAC because of their detail and transparent. But after searched a few days I have not found a Dac which was evaluated higher than Gungnir Multibit so I came here and hope could receive the advices from you and the others .

 

Musings regarding the last 10 pages or so:

1.) A bit about Stereophile: They will review who greases their palms first, and if you don't, well, it's the gas chamber for you.

@Torq

2.) RE: The Linn Klimax DSM/3 - So, if one buys a used DSM-1, for say, $2600, and then the upgrade price for the new DAC board is $5000, now you're in $7600 + shipping for what Linn sells for $23,000, yes?

3.) Maybe I'm just sleepy, but, the DAC in the Linn is all for nothing if you're not using the stands, or the Exaktbox with speakers that might or might not be Exakt compatible?

If so, that's a shit ton more than $23k, and with an estimated 3% above the Yggdrasil, could that 3% be worth the extra $$$$?