Honest Audiophile Impressions of the Schiit Audio BiFrost 2 multibit DAC

Purchase: www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
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The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Recommended Gear:
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
Meze 99 Classic: mezeaudio.com/collections/all...
MrSpeakers Ether C (non flow version) danclarkaudio.com/
(similar to:) drop.com/buy/drop-mrspeakers-...
Meze Rai Penta: mezeaudio.com/collections/all...
Meze Rai Solo: mezeaudio.com/products/rai-solo
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
Empire Ears ESR: empireears.com/products/esr-b...
Tin Hifi T3: www.linsoul.com/collections/t...
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Tin Hfi T5: www.linsoul.com/products/tin-...
Moondrop SSR: www.moondroplab.com/ssr
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 788: www.monoprice.com/product?p_i...
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty: mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Soekris DAC1421: soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soe...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Auido BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Grace Design SDAC-B: drop.com/buy/drop-grace-desig...
Geshelli Labs Enog 2 Pro: geshelli.com/shop/ols/product...
Geshelli Labs J2: geshelli.com/jnog
Geshelli Labs Archel 2: geshelli.com/shop/ols/product...
Geshelli Labs Erish: geshelli.com/shop/ols/product...
Music recommendations:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/5bb... (in order of playlist)
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging and separation
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
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Gestalt Audio: gestalt.audio promo code: DBS
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[@tedthomas9809]

Glad to see your reviews, thank you.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@ginom407]

Thanks Dave! I really enjoy ypur reviews.👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy the reviews.

[@dungysphincter7974]

Nice review. TY!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching! Thanks for the kind words, greatly appreciated 💓

[@davorrakita7555]

Hi, I just do agree with every word you said, Dave. What impressed me.. Bifrost 2 recognize different files (like dsd, flac 24 or 16) so well and significant... Very objective review... thanks

[@akeluify]

Fyi - Bifrost 2 does not support DSD. Your source must have been converting it to PCM first rather then passing it straight to the Bifrost 2 untouched.

[@konna200]

We have so same taste of hp:s and gears like a 90% its so rare i havent see this review. Just now! You are really a gem! Aah you dont have Patreon anymore but i send some more when i got more :D Just a little bit of "Coffee money" for sake of your hard work!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, greatly appreciated. ☕ is always appreciated ❤️

[@konna200]

@@TheHonestAudiophile

[@farhanakhtar8252]

Hey Dave, could you review the Denafrips Ares 2? Since schiit products aren’t available worldwide. Love the videos! Keep up the good work!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If a Denafrips Ares 2 is provided for review; I will gladly give it a listen and a review. Would love to hear one, for sure is on my "want to hear" list. Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@knobber420]

I like the review, no BS just to the point.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness, glad you liked the review ❤️

[@amb3cog]

Great video. You've got a new subscriber sir. If you like this type of sound. Check out the Topping D70s MQA, and the Sabaj D5 if you ever have the chance. I feel that the Schiit is actually the brightest, most detailed, and most revealing of the bunch. However, that's only in comparison to these two, and only by a subtle little bit. They're pretty close overall IMO. I really appreciate your affection for honesty also BTW. Honesty is most definitely the best policy IMHO also. ✌️

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words and subscription, greatly appreciated ❤️👍 Thanks for the suggestions.

[@JeradBenge]

Two thumbs up for anything that can mellow out a Kennerton Gjallahorn.

[@godspeed44]

Thanks for the great review. Would love for you to share your playlist to Qobuz.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here is a link to my reference tracks. Inside the document there is a link to each song from songwhip.com and if it's available in Quobuz it will have a link. www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions

[@gabrieljung6763]

Thank you for the excellent review! Do you recommend Jotunheim 2 as a matching amp or do you have better recommendation? Thank you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, greatly appreciated. Sorry I haven't heard the Jotunheim 2. With the BiFrost 2 I recommend an amp that is neutral and natural like the HeadAmp GS-X Mini. If you are looking for a lower budget amp the Drop THX AAA 789 or One Linear.

[@raygarza6231]

I can recommend the jot2 pairing with a bf2. Along with my hd800s, I'm at endgame.

[@phreak1118]

@@raygarza6231 I just ordered a bf2 to go with my jot1. Cant wait. Im using Sony Z7s with balanced cables. Also have HD600s. I had Audeze LCD-X but found them too heavy.

[@raygarza6231]

@@phreak1118 I have since upgraded with the bf2/64 card. It gives you a little more detail over the bf2

[@scottlowell493]

With the advent of the BF2/64, I am really considering one.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Would love opportunity to hear and review a BF2/64.

[@jonkeener50]

Those descriptive words :)

[@akoskolok]

Great review! I would like to ask you if bifrost 2 dac is a good combo with a warmer, musical amp (mklll marly) and with meze empy headphone. I use a streamer node2i. Thanks!🙂🙏🏻

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the mk III Marly. I think the BiFrost 2 pair well with most amps but a warmer amp may sound too thick and mellow. The Empyrean is a warmer sound so adding in a bunch of warm to it may make it sound extremely warm, thick and mellow. BUT I haven't heard that pairing. I do prefer the Empyrean on a more natural, neutral setup. But synergy is possible with many a different setup and we all hear differently.

[@akoskolok]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks a lot!🤗

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@xavisardar]

Hello Sir, great review. so im running Schiit modi/Heresy stack. im planning to get Valhalla2 (for my 6XX) and also planning to go balanced, since i dont plan to use tube all day, only when i wanna listen to music. so i can RCA to Val2 and XLR to another balanced amp. what DAC and amp would you recommend? under $1000. can go higher. I was looking at smsl SU9 with SH9 or A90 or THX789 or jotunheim. I mainly use 6XX, Ananda and Clear.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Schiit BiFrost 2 and THX 789 would be an amazing pairing. Or you can get a Mytek Liberty DAC and a THX 789. A tube amp and slightly warmer DAC is recommended for the Clear. The 6xx will play on most anything but excels on tubes. The Ananda is just glorious on all. I have used the Mytek Liberty DAC as my benchmark for a couple of years and it has yet to be unseated, the Schiit BiFrost 2 is the only DAC that made me consider swapping.

[@xavisardar]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you so much!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome ❤️

[@jdavis234]

Dave, Did you try this with the Ananda? Curious what your thoughts were, if so.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I used every headphone that I have in the office and that includes the Ananda. I really enjoyed the pairing with the Ananda, BF2 and GS-X Mini.

[@jamestartaglia7686]

Wow bitfrost 2 is in denifrips is out😮 wow this dac is great!!!!!! Small room schitt system ..2 agers, Freya plus ,loki bitfrost and urd trans port buchart silver wired fauna S400m2 and 2 micro system 1000 s😊 three system house about 10 grand but this sounds so good.....40 grand in living room but I like this system better....

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 👍 Glad you enjoy the Schiit Bifrost 2. Thanks for sharing.

[@R3s1d3ntAl13n]

Hey Dave. Any experience on the Pro-Ject Audio DAC box RS and how it compares to the Bifrost 2? Thank you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry. I haven't heard the Pro-Ject DAC box RS. Thank you for the suggestion, I will see if one is available for review.

[@R3s1d3ntAl13n]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks Dave. Hardly anything online about it :(

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yeah it has been under reviewed for sure.

[@R3s1d3ntAl13n]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thought f**k it and just ordered one. I’ll see how it is soon enough :)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions

[@marekkouril7134]

Hi! How good is the synergy between GSX Mini + Bifrost 2 and Empyrean? Thanks.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Very lovely, sounded very pleasant and smooth.

[@ChicagoRob2]

The BF2’s little brother, the Modi Multibit, is a giant killer. It slaughters every delta-sigma DAC I’ve had in my system, including units costing more than twice it’s price. Its sound is big, bold, immersive, and enveloping. It never sounds forward, dry, or analytical, like many delta-sigma DACs I’ve heard.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions. I'll see if I can get one in for review. Thanks

[@amb3cog]

Try a Sabaj D5. That will beat it. And not cost too much. The Topping D70s MQA will make you want to sell it. But that's still $650. That may change though. Keep an eye on both of these if you want an upgrade. And of course the BF2. I'm listening to that one right now. Definitely my favorite of the bunch. But also the most expensive too unfortunately. Who says you don't get what you pay for with stuff nowadays? Not me! Lol 😁 ✌️

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestions. BF2 ❤️

[@amb3cog]

@@TheHonestAudiophile You're welcome. I was mainly aiming my statement at Robert, the OP, but I definitely recommend these two DACS to anyone looking for this type of sound, but at a lower price. They're definitely more similar then different. That is for sure

[@jamesbittle469]

The Modi Multibit is perhaps 85-90% (it's difficult to quantify) of the Bifrost. It's fantastic for the money.

[@-ANJ.]

Looking for my first balanced stack to play around with. What would you recommend?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Depends on budget. The BiFrost 2 and HeadAmp GS-X Mini is an excellent pairing. The Mytek Liberty DAC and GS-X Mini is another solid option. A more budget friendly is the Geshelli Labs J2 and Erish is a solid option.

[@-ANJ.]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Ya I’m leaning the Geshelli route. It’s definitely more in my price range. Was considering the Ifi Zen Dac also. Do you think it’s worth the upgrade for the price?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

J2 is more technical and more leaning to analytical side and the Zen DAC leans more toward fun with good technical chops. Zen DAC has 4.4mm out not xlr so it requires cables that aren't as easily obtainable.

[@PKAPE004]

@@-ANJ. , I’m saving for Jot2-Bifrost2 stack. At the meantime I just got Raptgo Hook X iem to pair with my Zen Dac (1st Version) that I bought 3 years ago. It was meant for temporary until I’m able to get my stack. But the pairing of the Hook and Zen Dac sound so good that I’m no longer in the hurry to get the stack.

[@gianlucacalamia2404]

Hi, have you compared BF2 with Chord Qutest? Which sound better?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the Chord Qutest

[@keithjones1924]

I always wondered what happened to the guys who dropped out of college first day ohms law.

[@jasonbhatnagar7134]

Can you please review the IEMagni?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'll gladly review the IE Magni if one is sent to channel. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@charliegouy]

Did you get a chance to compare this with the Soekris DAC1421?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I no longer owned the Soekris DAC1421 when I reviewed the BiFrost 2. It had been quite a while since I had heard it. If memory serves me correctly, the BiFrost 2 is a slightly better DAC in detail retrieval and resolution, tone and timbre very similar, stage very similar and of course you get the headphone out on the Soekris. Overall both very good but I prefer the Mytek.

[@AgtX999]

Its the schiit

[@anandaroy78]

Between this and d90 which one you prefer?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Good question. It has been a long time since I heard the D90. If memory serves me correctly the D90 is more clinical and sterile then the BF2. In my opinion the BF2 is more musical and enjoyable.

[@2serve4Christ]

1:49 How's it sound?

[@obscurazone]

Include a streamer Schiit dammit! Who on earth is just buying a DAC in this day n age?!? SMH.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Ummm a lot of people do not stream, including myself. There are plenty of streamer choices to choose from. But it would be interesting if Schiit did make one at some point. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.