Need to get a DAC. Should I upgrade amplifier as well?

[molson3530]

As the title says, I need to get a DAC. I recently upgraded my main rig and my old sound card/DAC (ESI Juli@) is no longer compatible. The rest of my gear includes a set of Sennheiser HD-600s powered by a custom PPA amp with an external STEPS power supply. The PPA and STEPS were built by former moderator MisterX 10-12 years ago.

I am thinking about getting a Schitt Bifrost for a DAC and using my existing amp. Any other suggestions for a DAC or should I look at upgrading my amp as well? I have been out of the loop for quite a while and any input is appreciated.

 

[IdiotInCharge]

Any reason you need more than basic DAC functions, i.e. multiple inputs and/or multi-bit support that would necessitate more than a Modi 2 or an Objective2 (ODAC)?

 

[RogueTadhg]

The O2 Dac/Amp definitely is really wonderful.

Although I'm looking into Creative's solution "Sound Blaster Zx" instead. The desktop and mic extension would be helpful.

 

[illram]

Don't waste your money on a bifrost, IMHO. If you just want a neutral accurate conversion get the ODAC.

 

[molson3530]

Thanks for the suggestions. After looking at some of the reviews I went ahead and ordered a Modi 2 Uber. If I don't like it I will just use the 15 day return window and try the ODAC.

 

[IdiotInCharge]

Thanks for the suggestions. After looking at some of the reviews I went ahead and ordered a Modi 2 Uber. If I don't like it I will just use the 15 day return window and try the ODAC.

Main advantage for the Modi 2 Uber over the Objective2 is the optical input, something I wish my O2/ODAC had. This lets you create an electrical gap in the audio chain, and also lets you use a soundcard (likely Creative) for audio processing while still keeping the DAC and Amp stages electrically separate from Creative's hardware.

 

[termite]

Main advantage for the Modi 2 Uber over the Objective2 is the optical input, something I wish my O2/ODAC had. This lets you create an electrical gap in the audio chain, and also lets you use a soundcard (likely Creative) for audio processing while still keeping the DAC and Amp stages electrically separate from Creative's hardware.

This is how mine is setup.

Optical out from a Sound Blaster Z to a Modi 2U. Then out to a headphone amp. I have a Magi 2u, but found the Modi puts out a very clinical sound and have been using a Little Dot I+ for a couple of months.

The Modi 2U also has an external power source, and is not reliant on USB power.

 

[molson3530]

I finally got my Modi 2 Uber hooked up and I am quite pleased. I definitely agree that it is very "clinical" sounding, especially paired with my HD600s. I can notice every flaw in my lower resolution or lesser music files even more so than my previous setup. Now I need to find the time to re-rip some of my favorite albums onto my new computer.