Inside Schiit Audio's Modi Multibit DAC

Why would people buy the $250 for the Modi Multibit, when they can get the regular Modi for $99? I take a look.
-------
Become a supporter and see my videos in advance, ad free, get my advice any time, and other benefits:
www.hear.audio...
-------

[@jikenj]

The modi multi-bit was my first piece of gear from schiit audio since then I've added the SYS and mani. I'm very happy with it paired with my CTH from massdrop & The Basx A-100.I don't know if I would even hear the benefits from a USB filter but I may try the jitterbug from IFI just to see if I can hear something of a difference great video keep up the good work!

[@m.9243]

Excellent video, thanks! Your last lines sum it up nicely. We don't listen to figures and individual tones. Music and how it engages with us is the goal and so, go back to square one and just trust our ears.

[@andrewdoan1293]

Schitt Magni 3 is on sales for $59.00 plus shipping. Now, that's a deal of century,

[@mikejackson4848]

andrew doan where?

[@jacobsteele7138]

Just not for $59.00 is this century.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

seriously? where?

[@benkrake3678]

When you did the shot of all the old skool CD players, I saw 2 Technics CD players that I once owned, the SL-PG100 and the 5 disc changer. The SL-PG 100 was a great CD Player, it my fathers first, then he handed it down to me, when I got into HiFi equipment. Really do miss that sound!

[@Currawong]

There's a Luxman cassette player in that shot that was mine (or rather, my father's) many years ago. He used to record FM radio classical broadcasts on a reel-to-reel deck until it stopped working, so he switched to cassette.

[@benkrake3678]

Currawong I have 2 tape decks sitting out in the shed, one is a Technics double tape deck from the mid 90’s, which is quite basic in terms of features. It has only one set of function buttons for both decks, play, stop, fast fwd, rewind ect. It doesn’t even have a record level knob on it. It’s like no HiFi cassette deck I have ever seen. The other is a Yamaha late 90’s- early 2000’s double deck, which has a lot more features than the Technics deck and is much better. Would like to get back into tapes just for the nostalgia. Only problem is that good TDK, Maxell and Sony chrome and metal tapes are hard to come by and are very expensive now.

[@muttineni03]

Hi very I formative video, am looking to buy Asgard 3 for my HD6XX, would you still recommend buying Modi multibit over Modi 3? I can't afford Bifrost

[@llr3zall151]

I have been searching a lot and I cannot find any information regarding the Modi Multibit vs the True Multibit card that is available for the Asgard/Jotunheim. Is there a benefit to buying the dac as a separate unit? My main issue as you have stated with the Modi is the power supply. Could the card version in the Asgard/Jotenheim have less noise from the source due to being powered by the amp, or is it powered by the amp? Also, are there any sonic differences between the separate dac and the card version that would justify buying a dac separately!? I would really prefer the convenience of an all in one system. Cheers

[@DistroUser]

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

Einstein didn't say that, William Bruce Cameron did.

[@juanp756]

I think it also depends on the headphones. I don't like how it sounds in my focal clear as I liked it on my he4xx.

[@alessandrosuppini943]

If the USB input gets noisy because it draws power from the computer rather than the Modi MB power supply, would you recommend using it with an optical digital input instead?

[@Currawong]

It's more so that noise from computer USB power degrades the sound. Optical would definitely be worth a try. I am not sure why I didn't try that myself.

[@SirBoden]

I will say, if you think the Magni 3+ does not have enough puff, you’ve got the wrong load hooked to the amp. Hooked to the Fidelio X2HR (~30ohm 100db) it sits at 50% gain 80dba in the cans with enough headroom for transient peaks. Look at it from the equipments point of view, what does it want to pair up with.

[@frederf69]

Not a 3+ in the vid

[@sphaera3809]

I’m also using the Wyrd I’m with my regular Modi feeding a Magni Heresy. The Wyrd was a huge step up. It remover a lot of “grunge” from the sound. Everything flows better and sounds more natural.

[@kyle1538]

Schiit doesn't sell the wyrd anymore, I wonder why

[@sphaera3809]

Kyle I’m not sure, my guess is that with the latest Unison USB input (and USB 5 before) they feel it is not necessary anymore. I still use mine between iOS devices and Raspberry Pi to feed my Jotunheim with the AK4490. I feel it helps a small bit. I now use an Eitr instead with my Modi. But I need to spend some time comparing both pre-DAC solutions. I like them both.

[@tlathrop7753]

Can you compare Mimby to bifrost 2? I upgraded from topping E30 to Mimby and love the musicality on my HiFi. What will bifrost 2 add?

[@astolatpere11]

You probably figured this out, i asked Schiit that question. The dac parts are more or less the same, the Bifrost has more features.

[@oscarmarfori613]

Nice review, although i wanted it so much because of its high review ratings i cant acquire it because i am in Saudi Arabia, Schiit doesn’t deliver in my location

[@pancho1684]

The wall warts output is AC, meaning its just a transformer. The power supply section is just rectification and linear regulation.

[@jeremyjordan4508]

Does your Mac Mini have Thunderbolt? I had a lot of noise plugging up to the USB A connection but switched to a Thunderbolt to USB adapter and it cleared up quite a bit.

[@scottlowell493]

I have the modi, and a musical fidelity v90. The V90 is significantly more vivid, where the modi is softer and more analog-like. I prefer the v90.

[@astolatpere11]

I find translating what I hear in my system into words futile. 👍👍👍

[@dystasia]

Wait, so the Multibit has a wall-wart but that power is not used for the USB? USB input is powered with USB power?

[@Currawong]

Yes.

[@aa5az423]

So, help me understand, are you saying that a R2R DAC doesn't take advantage of music that is more than 16 bit? For example a 192/24 FLAC?

[@Currawong]

You'd need 1/65535 accurate resistors to reproduce 16-bit audio. 1/1000 is the most accurate you can get. So, designers use multiple ladders (they used to multiple chips in parallel) to increase the accuracy, but even then, the switches basically ruin things. So, really, they aren't that accurate. But then, better than about 21-bit audio is physically impossible with anything, and you don't get even half of the 96 dB of dynamic range in recordings that 16 bit audio has anyway, so it's not really a problem.

[@chadgifford499]

I love the hidden thank you message on the board!

[@CRAZCHEVBOY]

can you do inside sennheiser gsx 1200 pro?

[@mlagathomason2555]

taking this schiit to the next level

[@ralex3697]

I think their products are appealing, however I’d rather not have to use anything that interferes with the signal chain That is just me. I’d rather buy a component with better specs instead of adding more components to a component Gets clunky

[@64fairlane305]

The keyword is oversampling, distortion vs oversampling aka filtering

[@charmainesintos3669]

I have at home a Adcom 555 II amp GTP400 pre amp with heresy ll speakers. I play off music files off my phone. What would be more suitable the modi 3 or the multibit for my system ?

[@paulyllow]

This review is a bit confusing. You should just focus on comparing Modi Multibit vs Modi 3+ or another similar price DAC but then you start talking about stack with different headphone amps like Mani, Vali or Lyr instead . Modi Multibit is $249 and Bitfrost 2 is $699, big price difference! I would be keen to see a comparison between Modius vs Modi Multibit performance using only SE outputs.

[@ralex3697]

Some of the older CD players with good transports sound better than the newer players Less clinical and more musical, if that is achievable in digital audio I prefer vinyl, but it is flawed and inconvenient I will continue to buy music in both formats CD and Vinyl I will only stream for sampling music, but I like physical product.

[@Currawong]

I had a Marantz Project D-1 here and I have to agree. If you haven't already, check out my video of it. I know someone who runs an old Stax DAC and transport for the same reasons you mentioned. .

[@freesaxon6835]

Convenience & storage .... Yes .... Have we advanced from a top quality high end reel to reel? Beginning to think....... Well no

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

What are your thoughts on the Schiit Loki? I have a short vid overviewing my Schiit Stack, that perhaps you can give a quick look at to let me know if adding a Loki would be good or not. I'm thinking at its 149.99 price point I might as well try it and see how it might benefit my less than ideal set-up

[@Currawong]

I haven't ever tried it. It's something I've considered though, as I don't like digital EQ.

[@ralex3697]

Thank you Very informative Great video

[@גדאור-ג7ע]

hi sir i have the modi multibit I am connected to the the multibit dac via usb I have windows 10 and im using the Tidal streaming services i.e the best q. not mp3 I would like to know what would be the best way on my control panel of sampling and bit depth to get the best out of my modi multibit 16…44.1 or 24..192 or something else? Thx very much Great video Gadi

[@Currawong]

I should match the music being played back. Set TIDAL to "HiFi" and your control panel to 16 bit 44.1.

[@גדאור-ג7ע]

@@Currawong thx man

[@muttineni03]

@@Currawong Why 16 bit, modi can handle 24bit too right?

[@tonyscully3938]

Multibit vs Modius?

[@charliebrown3082]

I'd love to hear what you think of the Jds labs eldac and atom amp (my current set up). They are considered by knowledgeable people to measure extraordinarily well for their price point. Eldac $250 Atom $100.

[@econautx]

What do YOU think about it? It's your ears, not his.

[@teukuaziz]

We know that Amos not the best buddy with that knowledgeable person..

[@charliebrown3082]

Currawong has heard tons of high end gear I have not. Am I allowed to be curious about his opinion?

[@econautx]

@@teukuaziz Who is "that knowledgeable person"?

[@bani_niba]

Since USB is a digital interface, what is USB "noise" ?

[@mrmazlan]

True enough, it's just 1 and 0 I don't think you can hear any difference

[@simpsonbergman2185]

@@mrmazlan It is counter intuitive, but the 1s and 0s are carried by analog voltages the noise of which gets can ultimately get into the analog electronics part that produce the analog signal. There is a very interesting podcast where this is explained. See Darko.Audio podcast interview with Bruno Putzey (~58 mins in). Also some other episodes of the same podcast.

[@xaxx1st]

I am using a tuner so have "direct" AM/FM reception. If my output has to be digital, am I not losing value by A->D conversion, followed by D-A conversion by DAC? Is there a pre-amp that takes the tuner output and handles it without conversion?

[@kickazz8987]

how its sound in coax imput versus usb ?

[@Currawong]

I'll have a review of the new one soon. That has the better Unison USB input.

[@xophere]

I did listen to the MB and the vali at the Schiitr and it was lovely. I went with an Asgard 3 instead. I hope I am not gonna get pulled into a Bifrost.....

[@econautx]

Are you still reading numbers or are you listening to music? ;)

[@ralex3697]

Eco Naut On point. Getting caught up in numbers

[@angelluisguzmandeleon4903]

hi, thanks for this video is very solid info..one question? I have marantz AV 7705 (pre amp)+Monolith 11X (amp) +Klipsch RP280F for music hi res using streaming amazon music HD awesome.. !! I am looking streaming device DAC , what do you recommend ? Do I need external DAc for this new device? and if was like this..DAC Marantz av 7705 inside is better than Schiit ? thanks

[@malinyamato2291]

I dont understand why multi-bit is more multi-bit than PCM. Anyway, are you the very same guy EEVblog who use to review scopes and whom made me buy an expensive oscilloscope. LOL, You sound so alike. I have been in the market for a DAC but today I stepped into Schiit store and got stuck with this multi bit thing.

[@Currawong]

I've never reviewed scopes, so no.

[@knorki5268]

How would you say does the JDS Labs El Dac II do compared to the Modi Multibit? I am looking for an upgrade to pair with a S.M.S.L SP200 and am currently using the Magni 3, not sure what to get tho...

[@ranhat2]

Helpful if you wrote what your found in English for those who do not speak your language. Video is of less or little use otherwise. We want to know the sonic differences.

[@willmac5642]

Modi 2 multibit shd be back in stock in weeks

[@StCreed]

I'm thinking about testing this sort of equipment with a number of pulse waves, triangle waves and sine waves. A good DAC should turn this into a very good approximation of a sine on the power end, and if you have a really good tester you can see the result. That should give you a really good idea how exact the DAC is. Unfortunately I rarely see this type of test.

[@Currawong]

I don't agree. Pulses and triangle waves are not naturally occurring in music. So, any judgement on a DAC's inability to re-create any form of out-of-band signal will only show how the digital filter reacts to that, and wouldn't be any gauge of its accuracy. As for sine waves, we already know how different types of filters distort music, though almost nobody mentions this.

[@m4nc1n1]

multibit is just what Schiit calls their R2R DAC

[@DaveTheBird]

Interesting as ever. Have you heard the Denafrips Ares R2R Dac, bit harder and dearer to get, but has had some very positive reviews.

[@Currawong]

No, I haven't. Would be interesting to do so if possible. The next R2R DAC on my list is from XIAUDIO.

[@NormanZealandMalana]

Would this be a relevant upgrade from an SMSL Sanskrit 6th? Or should I just save up for a Bifrost 2? Thanks!

[@scubaman2546]

Finally! Someone (you, Currawong) showed the different parts of the Modi Multibit board (btw, you voided the warranty by tearing it apart [thanks, eh]). I love my Schiit gear; however, this is where I feel the maker failed me. Excellent, excellent episode.

[@JohnWilmerding]

Seems like much ado about Schiit.

[@s.daniel9224]

Great explanation. Thx.

[@annihilatorg]

The real weirdos use old pcm63 dacs with 8x multisamplers. Don't ask me or my Adcom gda600s how I know.

[@Currawong]

I miss my Parasound DAC1600HD. That sounded freaking glorious.

[@tacit557]

It took my Modi Multibit 48 hours warm up to get to a quality sound, initially it sounded totally disappointing. May I ask you why it the world Modi Multibit requires so long warm up? People on different forums say that all MB DACs are like this. However no one was able to explain it or direct to any sources with explanation. Just for a clarification - I did not listen to it for 48 hours, it just sit there turned on.

[@EclecticApotheosis]

I don't have an explanation. I have a preamp that takes 7 days of power on in order to reach its greatest sonic potential. I wish reviewers would talk about warm up time in their reviews. But I think they are mostly just too busy -- switching between this component and that, they haven't the time to listen for changes during warmup.

[@simonshurville612]

Nice 🐬 🦋 🐬 !!!

[@friedmule5403]

Great video, thanks for sharing! :-) 7:40 I normally say that one do play the notes, one by one while the other plays the music. :-)

[@themrtomward]

May be hard to understand but I. have the mod1 and not a clue what to use it for? music from laptop >schitt>pre amp>amp? So any good?

[@Currawong]

Pretty much. Computer > Modi 1 > Amplifier with volume control.

[@ApesGarage]

2:16 Can you whistle quickly???

[@scotto541]

What is the 'slightly better' JD DAC that's referred to?

[@jacksonpowell4294]

Great and practical review. With the Wyrd being discontinued, what other device would you recommend to address the USB noise issue?

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

i run the Wyrd, iFi iPurifier3 USB, and AudioQuest JitterBug. this combination seems to work reasonably well considering my source is a 2018 MacBook Air. additionally, and even better offering is the IFI Micro iUSB3.0 USB Power Supply. those run anywhere from $400 - $500.

[@doclogic]

No mention of the jotunheim multibit dac card? I believe the multibit card is a modi multibit? Yes it's $599 for it, but I'd like to know how that combo sounds together.

[@Currawong]

I'd have to get a Jotunheim here. It's something I'll certainly scratch my head about asking if I can review one. The multibit card plugs into either the Jot or the Lyr 3 and is, as far as I know, essentially the same as the Modi Multibit.

[@neilcreamer8207]

I have just ordered a Jotunheim and Modi Multibit as the card only offers USB input while the MMB also offers a digital coaxial or optical input for my CD and Bluray players. I would have loved a card with more input options but it's not available and I think it's for this reason that the MMB has a role to play with the larger amps.

[@hotam138]

I used Schiit stack for a few years. The stack sounded solid, powerful (in the bass) and quite analog-ish. The cons are: despite of its detailed sound, the sound was very compressed and lacked of airy feeling. But the main reason I sold the stack was they sounded very one-noted. I meant the volume of every notes, every instruments and voices had the same magnitude. You would never known when the guitarlist or drummer play a particular note harder/stronger with that type of sound. It was lifeless to my ear. With many headphones and iems. And I was lazy to find if it was the fault of my Schiit amp or my Schiit multibit dac back then. I just sold them.

[@Currawong]

The smaller amps have smaller power supplies, and that is the reason. That's why bigger amps tend to sound better -- you're paying for a better power supply.

[@hotam138]

@@Currawong Hi, tk for your reply. I don't think the small power supplies caused that problem. Because it didn't happened even to my Apple dongle (which is my fav cheap "dac/amp combo" now haha). I will try more expensive Schiit stuffs in the future though I liked their origin class A Asgard amp

[@wedgoku]

I'm still using a "Schiit Jotunheim + Balanced USB Dac [built in additional add-on card]" & Audeze lcd2c headphones + 4-pin balanced cable, @ $1200USD for everything it has been an amazing setup, I would love to try a multibit Dac but i'm disappointed that the "Schiit Modi Multibit DAC" is NOT balanced....

[@Currawong]

At this level, it makes no useful difference.

[@scottdavis0801]

When you say it just sounds more musical. Thats what these guys are great at. I own the Mani preamp with a swagman labs psu, and i havent been able to find another phono pre that sounds this good. Thats why next i will go ahead and buy the Schitt modi multibit. I got the SMSL SU 8 the other day. And i don't like it at all.

[@HungryCheff]

I am interested in buying a new dac/amp combo in the 1000 dollar range, because my old one is having problems. I use both active speakers and headphones. Is there something you would recommend in this price range or would you reckon spending a bit more would get me a considerable upgrade?

[@Currawong]

The last $1k DAC amp I reviewed was the Audio-gd R28. Their R2R gear tends to be more on the "warm and musical" side of things, but they also do Sabre-based DACs and DAC amps. Other than that, a Schiit stack of something like the Jot and Bifrost or better might be the go if you don't mind using two boxes. Some people mix and match using products from both, or other companies too.

[@theprince08853]

It's better just to avoid USB all together IMO.

[@m.morininvestor9920]

Spdif coax

[@wim1983]

Fostex HP-A3 roughly the same price, still my favorite audio gear, except it lack a remote control.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

I was not impressed with your conjecture of what the designer listens to on the daily, and especially your conjecture on the 16 bit performance.

[@Currawong]

If you search, you'll find that Jason and Mike have both posted what gear they use for daily listening. Other than that, information and measurements on the technical performance is available online.