Thread: Question for Bifrost Owners and others

The converter isn't magic. It minimizes jitter because it's got an async USB input, just like the Bifrost. So the converter is $150 wasted. If you want to try another input, it's a rare computer/sound card that doesn't have a Toslink and/or coax output, so all you would need is a cable. I tried Toslink with mine, and much preferred USB. If you do decide to get a Bifrost (you know they've got a balanced unit coming soon, right?), see for yourself which input you like best.

My Dell laptop does not have a spdif output, just usb or the analog outs. I saw your post in another thread about liking the Bifrost usb input. That's really the way I'm leaning, trying to keep it as simple as I can. I just wanted to solicit opinions to see if I was making a sound sacrifice.

Kahuna - I am going to respectfully disagree a little with Jud on this one. In my experience there are different implementations of USB interfaces with varying audio quality. I had a bifrost for a couple of months for my near-field setup and loved everything about it - made in CA, the attitude of the company and founders, and the price/performance. I also bought an audiophillio2 to try (it is refundable after tryout). The audiophillio2 USB to bifrost SPDIF sounded 25-50% better than the bifrost native USB in my setup (quieter backgrounds, more detail, better staging, better sounding on poor recordings) - and that was at low to moderate volume (near field) with a variety of rock/pop/jazz. I do admit that I am a outboard converter kool-aid drinker as I use an Off Ramp in my main system. I did eventually sell on the bifrost as I had to many DACs - I kept an EE minimax plus and, in hindsight, wish I had kept the bifrost/A2 combo.
Bob

Even using the audiophileo 2 more than doubles the cost of the Bifrost and puts it into near $1K territory. That would then expose the other "weak links" in my system, i.e. my speakers and amp. If I were to spend that kind of money now, I'd probably go for Zu Omen or Salk Songtowers(a little more $$, I know) and wait a year for the $179 192/24 or 386/24 HRT Streammer ++ that will surely come.
You know, I not unhappy with how my system sounds now, but....upgraditis is a strong drug and I'm a junkie.

I use the Schiit Bifrost USB DAC and am completely satisfied with its performance. The difference between it and an HRT Streamer will be dramatic.

Went ahead and ordered a Bifrost with the usb input. Will use it on my computer set up, but I'm interested in trying it out with my SB Touch downstairs and see how I like it compared to my Emotiva XDA-1. I like the forwardness of the XDA-1. It matches up nicely with my kinda-laid-back Rockets. I want to see how the Bifrost fits in. I'm thinking it will soften my Kilpschs speakers in the computer room. I do want to see if it takes the edge of my kg3.5's to allow me to eliminate my tube buffer. Eventually I'd like that set up to evolve into laptop -> Bifrost -> integrated tube amp -> speakers, nice and simple.

I hope you'll be happy with your new Bifrost. I think it's a steal with the USB option at its price point and must say I'm very happy with mine. My initial impression gave the edge to Toslink but in time I found the USB input to be superior, so give it ample break in time. As far as it being warm .. perhaps a bit warmer than neutral but not much. I find it has a very natural, non-fatiguing sound. Good luck with it.

Originally Posted by maximum kahuna

Went ahead and ordered a Bifrost with the usb input.... I want to see how the Bifrost fits in. I'm thinking it will soften my Kilpschs speakers in the computer room. I do want to see if it takes the edge of my kg3.5's to allow me to eliminate my tube buffer.

Hope you're not disappointed if the Bifrost doesn't especially soften the sound of your other components. During 100 hours or so of burn-in my Bifrost went from thin to clear, accurate and musical, but I would not describe its sound as soft.

I'm not looking for a big change in sound. Actually my tube buffer does a pretty good job of taking the edge off the sound. The room is small and fairly bright, wood floor, not a lot of furniture; an area rug would help. I'm not really buying the Bifrost to soften the sound. I want the music to be accurate and open, but a little warmth wouldn't hurt. Thanks to everyone for their opinions, it helped reinforce my thought to go to usb instead of the converter.

Hey jackfish,

Could you kindly elaborate on your thoughts about the relative performances of the Bifrost vs the HRT MS II +? I own the latter one, and even though I'm not completely satisfied (I never do), I consider it to be a very good USB DAC. I'm curious about the Bifrost, though, after all that has been said and written about it. I'm assuming you've had experience with both, so would you care to provide more details on your views? Thanks for your insights.

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Originally Posted by Fireblade

Hey jackfish, Could you kindly elaborate on your thoughts about the relative performances of the Bifrost vs the HRT MS II +? I own the latter one, and even though I'm not completely satisfied (I never do), I consider it to be a very good USB DAC. I'm curious about the Bifrost, though, after all that has been said and written about it. I'm assuming you've had experience with both, so would you care to provide more details on your views? Thanks for your insights.

I was referring to the HRT Music Streamer which is what I think the OP has. The HRT Music Streamer has the PCM1744 D/A chip, the PCM2706 for USB (non-asynchronous) input, and less than elegant I/V conversion and analog output stage. The HRT Music Steamer II+ is a significant improvement from the original model with its PCM1794 D/A chip and TAS1020b asynchronous USB input. However, if you look at the circuitry components of the Bifrost and consider their implementation it seems clear that there should be a big difference in sound quality between it and even the HRT Music Streamer II+. I know to my ears there is a big difference between the original HRT Music Streamer and the Schiit Bifrost, I can't comment on the HRT Music Streamer II+ as I have not heard it.

"I know to my ears there is a big difference between the original HRT Music Streamer and the Schiit Bifrost,"

That comment has gotten me stoked to receive my Bifrost. I am not unhappy with the original HRT Streamer just looking for a step up; and a noticeable improvement will really make me smile.

Originally Posted by jackfish

However, if you look at the circuitry components of the Bifrost and consider their implementation it seems clear that there should be a big difference in sound quality between it and even the HRT Music Streamer II+.

I'm still wondering how can you 'clearly' tell, just by looking at the components and topology (you cannot see how these were implemented, do you?), that there's still a big difference in QS between the two? I'm not saying this is wrong, just curious. I know SQ determinants are such deceiving propositions even experts can't agree on many things.

In any event, I do agree both have raving reviews for the price level, and I'm probably looking for something I can afford, that will definitely improve on the HRT MSII + (not an easy task), as this is currently my setup's weakest link.

Thanks for your inputs.

Originally Posted by maximum kahuna

"I know to my ears there is a big difference between the original HRT Music Streamer and the Schiit Bifrost,"

That comment has gotten me stoked to receive my Bifrost. I am not unhappy with the original HRT Streamer just looking for a step up; and a noticeable improvement will really make me smile.

I have the original HRT Streamer+ also and can tell you in my system the Bifrost is in another league altogether.

I follow that the Bifrost is definitely superior to both the original and the MS II series, I'm just wondering if and how much it improves over the further developed MS II + that I have. In my case, I need to look for something with tangible improvements over it. Have considered the Dac.iT and Havana, in addition to the Bifrost, all within the same price ballpark. Yet, so far I have no conclusions. Someone having replaced the MS II + with any of the mentioned choices care to give us some feedback? Thanks for your inputs.

Well my Bifrost showed up the other day and all I can say is WOW! Easy to hook up, no problem downloading the USB drivers, my Dell recognized it rightaway. Right out of the box, it sounds head and shoulders better than my HRT Streamer. I liked the sound of my Streamer (original model) but there's no comparison. The soundstage is bigger, the detail is exponentially better. I can't believe how much better the Bifrost makes my system sound. Instrument localization and vocals are much more crisp and detailed. The pluck of guitar strings and decay of a piano is amazing. It's making rethink whether I want to redo my system or leave it the way it is. I know if I decide to redo the system, tube amp and high efficiency speakers, the Bifrost is staying. I can't wait to get it burned in and try it on my family room rig with my SB Touch. If it sounds as good downstairs as it does on my computer system, I may buy another one and sell my Emotiva XDA-1 (which I also like a lot.)

The Schiit Gungnir is on its way also.

Glad to see your initial impression is so positive & it should only get better. Let us know what you think down the road. Happy listening.