Schiit Multibit DAC inputs and SQ

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by rott, Dec 30, 2015.

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What is your preferred connection to your Schiit Multibit DAC?

Poll closed Dec 30, 2017.
  1. USB

    22.4%
  2. USB + decrappifier

    29.9%
  3. Coaxial RCA SPDIF

    22.4%
  4. Toslink SPDIF

    16.8%
  5. BNC SPDIF

    11.2%
  6. AES/EBU XLR

    20.6%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    Sorry I did not respond sooner and that I was not more specific. Using the PUC2 Lite, two complementary characteristics stood out. First a greater tonality across the board. This was most apparent in the bass as it was deeper and richer (I think bass improvement is the easiest to detect), but all the frequencies improved. The other improvement was everything became more clear. I now have a superior separation of instruments and voices. The clarity enhances the richer tonality. The result of all of this is you are closer to the performance, which is the goal of our audio obsession. This is evident regardless of the recording. Of course, the better the recording, the more this is apparent. To sum it up, increased realism. How many times have we read about a veil was lifted with a new component in the system? But the cliche is true with the PUC2 Lite.

    My system: C.A.P.S. 2 PC (without USB card), Fidelizer Pro & MusicBee > Schitt USB Cable > USB Disruptor > Schitt USB Cable > Yellowtec PUC2 Lite > Signal Cable AES > Schitt Yggdrasil > Signal Cables Silver Resolution XLR > Jaton R2000 > Signal Cables Silver Resolution XLR > Class D Audio SDS-470 > Signal Cable Ultra > Spatial M3 Turbo S. The Yggdrasil is powered by a APC BR1000G UPS. The Yggdrasil has not been turned off since I received it November 2015. All my music is FLAC from 16/44 to 24/192.

    The PUC2 was the last component I added in May. The Yggdrasil was added in November and the Spatial speakers in March .

    One factor to consider is Mike Moffat has said that he thinks the AES input is the best on the Yggdrasil, so some small credit should probably go to using the AES input.

    I hope this was specific enough, but please let me know if you want more info.
     
  2. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    That's... quite the chain you have there. That being said, I do agree with your findings with using AES on the Yggdrasil over USB.
     
  3. Azteca

    Azteca Friend

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    I gotta be real, I gave up halfway through. I'm getting tired just thinking about it.
     
  4. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    You have too much audiophile nervosa. Get off of computer audiophile and talk to more people who know how computers work.
     
  5. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    You just need a couple more >
     
  6. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    But, I do know how computers work. Since 1985, my career has been the sales and engineering of industrial and medical automation systems. My first tweak in 1985 was replacing the Intel 8088 in an Industrial IBM PC and replacing it with a NEC V20 for a 15% increase in performance.

    I was asked to provide detail, so along with hopefully a better description of the PUC2 sound I also listed my system. Results are often system based. II have been having fun getting my PC based system to where it is.

    I read an article in The Absolute Sound, reviewing PC sound cards, that stated it was possible for a well implemented PC system to surpass a high end CD player. That prompted me to build the PC I still use. I originally used the analog out of the Juli@ card into my Sony ES receiver. It did surpass my Sony ES (SACD) player. All I can truly go on is the results I have achieved with my system. Every upgrade has put a smile on my face. I get a kick out of cranking it every day. It's just a hobby. No nervosa. I love music, so I just want it to sound as good as it can. You probably have the same end goal or you wouldn't be on this site.

    P.S. I spend little time on Computer Audiophile. I like this site and Head-Fi more as people seem to be more open.
     
  7. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Let me try...

    PC > Foobar 2k > Lynx AES16 > Lynx CBL-AES1604 > Comprehensive EXF Series Canare AES digital XLR > Schiit Yggdrasil > ProAudioLA Mogami XLR > Schiit Jotun > Virtue Nirvana RCAs > Virtue ONE.3

    Doesn't come close enough :(. (@J Seymour I'm just playing around). All the cables are pro audio stuff, except for the Nirvana RCAs which came free with my amp.
     
  8. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    Ranking the improvements from top to bottom is no problem. Putting a % improvement would be tough, since I started in 2007. Here goes.

    Speakers: Spatial M3 Turbo S replaced Polk LS70
    DAC: Yggdrasil replaced Emotiva DC-2. (Present to myself for paying off the last college loans for 3 sons)
    Yellowtec PUC2 with USB Disruptor
    Specialized PC replacing CD player.
    Class D Autio SDS-470 replacing Sony ES 80XX or 90XX receiver (amp section only) basically tripled the power into 8 ohms. You could feel there was no power limit.
    Jaton R2000 replacing preamp section of Sony ES receiver
    Emotiva DC-2 required flipping the Julia@ daughter board to switch from analog to S/PDIF out.

    Chronological order: PC, Emotiva DAC, Preamp, Amp, Yggdrasil DAC, Speakers, PUC2.

    Since the PUC2 was the last item added, it's probable that its improvement would not have been as immediate if I still had my old speakers and DAC. In that case, put the PC above the PUC2. But each addition/replacement made an improvement.

    I would say the most important components in my system today are the speakers and the source (PC & DAC). I hope that helps. Happy to provide any other info.
     
  9. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Your USB to SPDIF converter made a bigger difference to you than your power amp AND pre-amp? :eek:
     
  10. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    Yes. First my amp and then my preamp were replacing a Sony ES receiver. When I bought the receiver it in the mid 90's it was either the top of the line ES receiver or one below it, so it wasn't a shabby receiver. I wanted to replace it for more power and I wanted to use XLR cables. Secondly, the Yggdrasil with the PUC2 is an amazing combo. I would be surprised if there was anything else close to their performance at their price. I was originally using the S/PDIF of my sound card and compared it to straight USB and detected no real difference. The PUC2 into the AES input was a revelation.
     
  11. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I can program 6502 and 8088 machine code. Yes, that's machine code, not assembly. I used to have bets with other computer science students on how fast I could whip up machine code. Yes. I know how computers work.

    My recommendation is to screw digital and buy a nice used TT setup for $5k, everything (phonostage, carts, cables, tweaks, tools, etc.) included, or better yet take a nice vacation in Europe with someone you can have sex with.
     
  12. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    I sold my HD800s and all other ancillary gear over the last couple years to do just this, but in Japan.
     
  13. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    That's Therapist and Life Advisor, not travel agent.
     
  14. Gravity

    Gravity Friend

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    You really should change your status to "Therapist" instead of "Loves sex and records" ;)
     
  15. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    At least my system won't skip while I am having sex!
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'm sorry that your system sounds so un-involving that you feel the need to have sex while trying to listen to it.

    P.S. Get rid of your USB stuff. If you care enough, move on to PCI or Ethernet to SPDIF / AES3 solutions like what people are doing here. USB is so 2015.
     
  17. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    I have already done the PCI sound card with S/PDIF and am now using a USB to AES converter, which I find much better as previously described. If you find a digital system so horrible, why would you even suggest other digital means of feeding my DAC?

    And thank you for diagnosing my audio nervosa as I am keeping up on feedback regarding Rednet. I may also try PS Audios LANRover. My digital madness may never be cured.

    I am curious, why the snarky comments in a thread regarding which input people are using and recommending for Schitt multibit DACs. I wouldn't crap on a vinyl discussion. I don't like vinyl primarily for its never quiet background. But to each their own. Since you have Staff Member status, possibly I am not in on an inside joke.
     
  18. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Did you try a PCI card with an AES output? That might drastically simplify your setup.
     
  19. J Seymour

    J Seymour Acquaintance

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    AES is just the balanced version of S/PDIF. My experience with the juli@ S/PDIF was OK, but inferior to the PUC2.

    cizx, thanks for the clarification. Marv, it's your house. I am just a guest.
     
  20. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Gotcha, if you're happy with what you've got then enjoy it!
     

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