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Author Topic: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)  (Read 701 times)

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lm4der

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Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« on: September 24, 2015, 06:56:46 PM »
Hi all,

I'm looking at upgrading my Modi 2 for some next level goodness.  This is the non-uber, and I use this with the Wyrd.  So, my current rig is Wyrd -> Modi 2 -> Valhalla 2 -> hd650.

1) Am I correct in assuming that the DAC is the weakest link in this chain?

2) My budget is such that I would like to stay ~$500.  Does it make sense to upgrade from a Modi 2 to a $500 DAC? ie. is there a DAC at this price range that makes a marked improvement? 

3) I have my sights set on the Bifrost Uber with gen 2 usb.  I would use this with the Wyrd.  Is this a sensible choice, or do I need to save my pennies and bite the bullet for a Gungnir? 

4) Finally, according to Marv's DAC chart, the GO v2 is rated better than the Bifrost.  I don't like the aesthetics of the GO v2, and have concerns about LH Labs in general, so I am trying to avoid this unit.  But perhaps I should reconsider?

Any thoughts on this is very appreciated. I realize that the answers to these questions are very subjective.  Still, any guidance or impressions mean a lot.
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Marvey

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2015, 06:59:41 PM »
If you can wait... I can put the GoV2 on the loaner program. I am not done with it yet. Need to take amp measurements and try the balanced out. I have the cables and plugs, just need to wire up the adapter. Ravi and others tell me the balanced is truly awesome sauce, so I will definitely need to try it. PM me in 2-3 weeks to remind me.
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Judeus

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2015, 07:02:35 PM »
Wait for the bumby imo

Multibitbifrost
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velvetx

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2015, 07:05:06 PM »
Quote from: Judeus on September 24, 2015, 07:02:35 PM
Wait for the bumby imo

Multibitbifrost

I thought there was a rule about the bimby and it was not to talk abotu the bimby?  Is it bimby or bumby now? 
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Judeus

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2015, 07:30:29 PM »
Oops yes,  meant bimby

Also,  I'd recommend staying away from lubgridious heartbroken labs until they get their schiit together(lol as if)

Although I saw a used geek 450 going for around 100 on Headfi,  that's a steal.

Also I saw it mentioned that people accuse changstar and its members of being schiit fan boys,  not the case,  there first gen products were pretty awful (excluding modi and mag and vali and gungnir ) 

Assgard 1 just terrible think v200 but worse
Valhalla 1 mushy tubey sound
Lyr 1 not bad I guess
Mjolnir 1 not bad I guess but bright
Nonubers bifrost pretty meh for price
Gen1 usb again nothing special
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lm4der

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2015, 07:55:03 PM »
Quote from: Marvey on September 24, 2015, 06:59:41 PM
If you can wait... I can put the GoV2 on the loaner program

Thanks Marv, if I'm still on the ropes I'll PM you in few weeks.  I do get the impression that the GO v2 is a rippin' good deal in terms of technicalities (SQ).  Not sure I want to deal with LH, and hate the aesthetics though, lol.

Quote from: Judeus on September 24, 2015, 07:02:35 PM
Wait for the bimby imo

Well, Bimby would probably be ideal, though almost certainly above the $500 mark.  Still, I would probably spring for that.  The problem is that it may not be available this year, and I am definitely going to pull the trigger on something in the next couple months if not sooner. Maybe Bifrost will be upgradable...

As for my list of stupid questions in my first post, I suppose the most important one to me is whether a $500 DAC is enough of a bump over Modi 2... Thoughts?

Also, thanks so far for all the thoughts posted, keep 'em coming.
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Judeus

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2015, 08:00:40 PM »
Tbh probably not,  your more side grading then upgrading,   I'd wait for bimby or spring for a gumby (sell a kidney, etc)
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bixby

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2015, 11:01:00 PM »
Based on what you have, I would look to get something like a newer version of your dac, shh, that's all I will say.  Yes, the Bimby may sound really nice (proto did) in its final version, but likely to be $750 or thereabouts.  If you are using the Senn 650s I would look at pairing it with a Lyr2 and the aforementioned dac.

Personally, I have not found a $500 dac that does most things right or much better than some much lower priced dacs.
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thegunner100

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Re: Upgrading from the Modi 2 (non-uber)
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2015, 03:40:15 AM »
Yes, the dac is the weakest chain. I'd wait if I were you. Or save up for the gumby.
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