Schiit Gungnir and Bifrost Multibit Comparison (And HQPlayer Closed-Form Filter Comparison)

My bad. I'll just copy/paste my thoughts.

Mutec 1.2, CIAudio Transient Mk2 USB->SPDIF converters - Seemed like the guys really enjoyed trying these devices and comparing them to direct USB into Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil as well as with the Regen in the mix into both USB input and into SPDIF converters themselves. I found the Transient Mk2, even powered over USB, was a great improvement over running directly into the Gungnir Multibit's USB input when I had the DAC on loan. It was not particularly subtle. I think everyone agreed on similar improvements at the meet, and it didn't even take many back-to-back listening tests. Both SPDIF converters seemed to offer larger and more accurate staging, a smoother and yet equally or more detailed sound, overall more cohesive response, more slam, and so on. I believe everyone agreed that even a Regen + LPSU into Yggdrasil USB gen 3 was bested by the SPDIF converters even when the converters were not fed by a Regen or similar.

The interesting thing is that the Mutec and Transient were affected by the computer, USB cable, method of output, and even the DAC itself. The Mutec definitely benefited when we used the AES output to Yggdrasil vs. the RCA coax into Gungnir Multibit...I know, not same DACs, but Mutec via RCA coax seemed to lose a bit of focus and attack vs. AES in general. For me, when both were fed into Yggdrasil, I found the Mutec to offer a slightly larger stage, where as the Transient sounded slightly smoother and perhaps with more low end punch. Both sounded quite good to me and still and improvement over Regen + LPSU into Yggdrasil Gen 3 USB. The Transient, again without LPSU, fed with the Regen seemed to gain back some of that slightly larger stage that the Mutec offered.

Long story short, if you are looking for a good digital source tweak to nicely round out your sound, the Mutec 1.2 is awesome for about $450. The Transient is $700, and $300ish more with LPSU, but I got my unit for much, much less used. That's a tough used product to find, so, really, I can't recommend the Mutec 1.2 enough. Seems most found it alone to offer more gains than a Regen + LPSU into direct USB, even Yggdrasil gen 3, so if you're considering the Regen route, you may want to reconsider. I hate to say it, but I really wouldn't bother unless you can go with at least the Mutec 1.2. I think there MIGHT be some DIY or cheap Chinese offerings that are pretty good, but most cheap USB->SPDIF converters are going to give you something "different" at best, if not worse than direct USB overall. If you cannot afford the Mutec 1.2 but want to tweak your digital input side, consider a Regen with the stock PSU, or maybe a Wyrd.

 

All depends on the quality of the SPDIF output. Most PCs are going to have crappy SPDIF outputs, so better to use USB input. On the other hand, if you have a really good SPDIF source, that can be better than anything with USB in the chain (i.e. I find my Theta Data III better than any USB->SPDIF source so far). I'm just generalizing here. My guess is if you built a computer around audio and put in a high quality, pro-grade card with SPDIF output, it will probably sound pretty good.

 

I'll take on that challenge with my Yggdrasil, by borrowing my pal's MC 1.2 and you sending me the MC3+USB or cash.

 

Ah, good find. XMOS seems like it is solid with the right implementation. I have found it to be very stable across all OSes as well.

Linear PSU mod is interesting. I did read on the Mutec site that they use switching PSUs, unfortunately.

 

Nice. I wonder what jitter levels are like from the R. Pi SPDIF solution. I'm also pretty much stuck on the idea of using only 75 ohm guaranteed, BNC outputs for matching impedance reasons. AES is also good or better. Coax over RCA just can't guarantee the 75 ohm match, so even if it still sounds good or even the same as BNC, I still get that itch in the back of the obsessive part of my brain.

 

here we go again.....

Digital is digital.
Doesn't mean all transport methods have the same signal integrity.
Nor does it mean that every DAC processes every digital input with the exact same amount of audible "quality".

Isn't ice cream ice cream?