Bifrost Uber Digital Analog Convertor

Price:


Product Feature
- Bifrost is the world's most affordable fully upgradable DAC, featuring 32-bit D/A conversion, a fully discrete analog section, and a sophisticated bit-perfect clock management system, as well as SPDIF coaxial and optical inputs, all with 24/192 capability.
- Bifrost Uber: Even More Impressive Performance with the Bifrost Uber option, you get a discrete analog stage based on the more advanced Gungnir DAC, with a sophisticated topology that improves sonic and measured performance, and a DC servo to eliminate capacitors in the signal path. Not that the base Bifrost is any slouch-it's frequently been compared to DACs that cost 3-8x as much.
- Fully Upgradable: The Future-Proof DAC Worried about rapidly-changing USB input technology? Concerned about future advances in D/A conversion? Bifrost's modular design uses separate, USB Input and DAC/Analog cards. The result? A virtually future-proof DAC that won't end up in the dumpster.
- AKM4399 D/A Converter and Discrete Analog Section� � Even without considering upgradability, Bifrost offers incredible value. Consider its AKM4399 32 bit D/A converter, one of the highest performance DACs in the world. Also consider that our both Bifrost and Bifrost Uber use a fully discrete, low noise JFET analog section-just like multi-thousand-dollar DACs.
- Advanced Bitperfect Clock Management Most DACs in this price range is sacrifice every single one of your original music samples to get their192kHz spec. Every input is routed through a sample rate converter and upsampled to 24/192. Bifrost dispenses with the sample rate converter and uses a sophisticated master clock management system to deliver bit-perfect data to the DAC, preserving all the original samples--whether it's 16/44.1 or 24/192.
Product Description
Bifrost is the world's most affordable fully upgradable DAC, featuring 32-bit D/A conversion, a fully discrete analog section, and a sophisticated bit-perfect clock management system, together with one of the most advanced asynchronous USB 2.0 inputs available (optional), as well as SPDIF coaxial and optical inputs, all with 24/192 capability. Fully Upgradable: The Future-Proof DAC Worried about rapidly-changing USB input technology? Concerned about future advances in D/A conversion? Bifrost's modular design uses separate, USB Input and DAC/Analog cards. The result? A virtually future-proof DAC that won't end up in the dumpster. AKM4399 D/A Converter and Discrete Analog Section Even without considering upgradability, Bifrost offers incredible value. Consider its AKM4399 32 bit D/A converter, one of the highest performance DACs in the world. Also consider that Bifrost uses a fully discrete, low noise JFET analog section-just like multi-thousand-dollar DACs. Advanced Bitperfect Clock Management �� Most DACs in this price range is sacrifice every single one of your original music samples to get their 192kHz spec. Every input is routed through a sample rate converter and upsampled to 24/192. Bifrost dispenses with the sample rate converter and uses a sophisticated master clock management system to deliver bit-perfect data to the DAC, preserving all the original samples--whether it's 16/44.1 or 24/192. Specifications* Inputs: Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, USB (optional) � Input Capability: up to 24/192 for all inputs Input Receiver, SPDIF: Crystal Semiconductor CS8416 �� Input Receiver, USB: C-Media CM6631A D/A Conversion IC: AKM4399 Analog Summing, Filtering: Fully Discrete, JFET differential topology Output: RCA (single-ended) ��Output Impedance: 75 ohmsBifrost Uber Digital Analog Convertor Review
I had already purchased a Schiit Valhalla to go with my HD 650s (a decent combination) and decided to get the matching Bifrost.Build quality wise Schiit products feel solid. They are decently well packaged and the uberfrost worked right away. I used toshlink connection straight from my mobo (ASrock z77 extreme4 (Realtek ALC898)) to the bifrost then into the valhalla and HD650s.
The stacked setup is very visually appealing. However I found that stacking the valhalla ontop of the bifrost causes the valhalla's high heat to permeate into the bifrost. I doubt this to be a problem but in my paranoia I now have them both sitting side by side.
The sound quality with the uber upgrade was surprisingly good. I honestly was not expecting it. IMO the quality of the uberfrost per $ is well worth it and I honestly thought the valhalla might be holding it back a bit.
Incidentally, the bifrost clicked, a lot. I've narrowed it down to the way my motherboard sends the optical signal: it turns the signal on and off, thus triggering the muting relay. The clicking made everyday pc use a nightmare. It is supposed to be completely harmless but the next day my bifrost was dead. I was surprised that after only one day it kicked the bucket but schiit support was excellent, I sent the bifrost back and in less than a week I had a replacement. Top marks there.
Unfortunately the new bifrost continues to click, however I found that if you have a constant signal (i.e. play a song at 0 volume) it will prevent the constant clicking (I use WMP set to 0 and foobar2000). This is a horrible fix, and while I feel my motherboard is partly to blame, I also believe the uberfrost should have some solution to this problem as I suspect I am not alone. I have the replacement working for a few weeks now.
Overall I would say 4.5/5, its only real problem would be the clicking which can be minimized.
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