Schiit Modi 2 Uber AK4490

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by lm4der, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    It is possible, but realistically I don't think people would really buy the boards. First you would only be limiting yourself to people with un-upgraded Bifrost DACs. At least with a complete DAC you can sell it to anyone. The other thing is that even if you find someone like that, they would need the technical know-how to do the upgrade themselves. It seems like someone like that would just rather have it serviced by Schiit in that case.

    Basically if your endgame is the 4490 then go for that. Otherwise just save until you can buy the MB because the pre-4490 uber is pretty good.
     
  2. Pyruvate

    Pyruvate Friend

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    Are you from the US? Because a used Bifrost4490 hovers around $300 now. But yeah, wait a bit to see what's coming up this week.
     
  3. MrTie

    MrTie Friend

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    The board replacement is a 10 min job with a screw driver, it's plug and play. zero technical know-how needed, if you can install a video card in the correct direction, you can change a bifrost board.
     
  4. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    For people that regularly open computers this is nothing. For people that just plug-and-play stuff you can easily find people intimidated by this. There is a reason why geek squad is successful.
     
  5. MrTie

    MrTie Friend

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    Fair points.
     
  6. bruck

    bruck New

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    Thanks I might be looking in the wrong place - but I'm seeing the used market for pre-4490 Uber USB = to about $300. I'm finding this on Hi-fi and ebay at the moment. I think I'm going to set the asgard 2 that just shipped my way up with a NuForce UDAC3 - for a while, and keep an eye out for a reasonably priced pre-4490 Uber USB in the $200 range later on down the road.

    Best!
     
  7. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    You may want to check out the new Modi Multibit. Affectionately known, as MMMbit. Well, by only me, at this point.
     
  8. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Nice try at lobbying
     
  9. Vanheim

    Vanheim Acquaintance

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    So anyone knows how the 4490 modi stacks up to the modibit? I can't afford the modibit (maybe in the far future), the 4490modi is still great value for money for what it does at it's price right?
     
  10. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Modi 4490 is a fantastic little DAC. I felt it stood up nicely against my 4490 Bifrost, even though the Bifrost was still a little better to me.
     
  11. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

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    Yes.

    I own it and I really do want to try the modibit (which I'm sure is great,) but then I kinda just look over at my M2U and shrug. *eh* Pretty satisfied with it as-is. I dunno. Maybe just the bliss of ignorance talking. I'm just not convinced that the 4490 M2U suddenly becomes worse for the price simply because you can now have multibit for $100 more. I don't think Schiit is discontinuing the M2U... ...they updated to the 4490 for availability.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2016
  12. Vanheim

    Vanheim Acquaintance

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    Thanks for the responses!
     
  13. wonderbrah

    wonderbrah New

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    I have the 4490 now. I'll let you know how they compare when my modibit arrives presumably early next week. Though be warned, I am relatively new to the audiophile word so any comparison will be from the point of view of a...err newb.
     
  14. wonderbrah

    wonderbrah New

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    So about 19 hours of warm up on the Moby. I've had the MU 4490 for about a month now and it hasn't been shut off since for comparison.

    Sound stage is about the same. No noticeable difference.

    Clarity maybe a bit more refined on the Moby.

    Bass on the 4490 is better IMO

    I hate going against the grain but overall I like the 4490 more which is very surprising to me. The sound is thicker, more impactful and more musical to my ears.

    My setup is Tidal Hifi on Windows 10 using exclusive mode/forced volume>Modi 2 Uber/Moby via USB>Valhalla 2>Grado SR80e with L cups.

    I'll report back if I notice any difference with more warm up time.
     
  15. Vanheim

    Vanheim Acquaintance

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    Thanks for the impressions!
     
  16. wonderbrah

    wonderbrah New

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    Yep, the difference is subtle at best and I'll admit my preference may be down to just bias due to owning and growing accustomed to the 4490 for the past month.
     
  17. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    Do you have any headphones other than Grados to try them with? Grados don't really scale well or ever get good soundstage; they're always in your face.
     
  18. wonderbrah

    wonderbrah New

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    This did occur to me. Unfortunately no. Next can is either Sennheiser HD 600 or 650.
     
  19. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Exit stage left....
    FWIW, maybe I'm the only one- but I disregard any source/dac/amp reviewed with Grados only.

    just explaining, trying to be polite. instead of simply typing the word
    barf.
    :oops:
     
  20. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Can't go wrong with either of those. Both should reveal much more about any dacs/amps you use with them.
     

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