AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: Letitroll98 on 22 Jul 2011, 10:03 pm
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Ok gentlemen, and ladies, post here if you're interested in auditioning the Schiit Bifrost DAC and PM me with contact info, including address, email, and phone number(s). From the manufacturer, they will be shipping sometime before the end of August. Your obligations are to ship it in good order, insured, to the next participant. This should be pretty simple and inexpensive as it's a wee little DAC for goodness sake. I'd also request that you write up something of a review of the product, anything from brief impressions to gonzo comparison. Depending on interest we'll talk about evaluation time periods.
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I would like to try the Bifrost DAC when it is available. Will send a PM shortly.
I still have a Theta Cobalt 307 and DSPre Gen1 around here. This should be interesting!
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PM sent for the Schiit list.
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Just for reference, will the Bifrost have the USB interface?
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PM on the way.
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Just sent you a PM. Please sign me up for this Schiit! :thumb:
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Yup, sign me up. PM has been sent.
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I'm interested too. Will PM my info.
PM has been sent.
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PM sent for the Western half of the tour.
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I'm in. :thumb:
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I'm in for a spin. Sounds great.
NB
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Would love to give it a go. Count me in.
Thanks for setting this up.
-dB
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I am interested in kicking some tires and a test drive.
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I would love the opportunity to get my ears on the DAC. Thanks for the DAC tour!
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pm'ed! :icon_lol:
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Overseas, so can't do the tour, but am very interested in your impressions.
Personally, I'm intereted in 3 areas:
a) overall impression of sound
b) comparison to other inexpensive DACs
c) comparison to DACs selling for $1000 and up, especially some of the more ubiquitous ones like WFS, Benchmark, etc. Even really hi-end DACs. Schiit seems to claim SQ well above it's price point, so I'd be interested in hearing how true this is.
If any of you can do specific comaprisons to other DACs, I'd appreciate it.
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Great response guys, we have 17 members who have PM'd me and have been placed on the spreadsheet so far. Now although it's great that everyone is so passionate about hearing this new product, sometimes in all the excitement we forget to read the instructions completely. So although we won't call out any members publicly, some have neglected to include phone numbers, emails, or in one case, their zip code and will be getting a reply, please don't resend info unless you get a reply requesting something. Of course I included everyone that PM'd in the list, but before we start the tour you will have to supply complete contact info. Additionally, I've sorted the list by zip code, therefore you don't have to worry about signing up late or be too thrilled about being the first to sign up, we'll try to set up the shipping logically. Lastly, with this many people interested, and I assume more will straggle on, I'll try to get Jason to release more than one unit to us. Can't wait gentlemen, should be a blast.
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Thats like the highest number of participants I've seen since being here. That's some Schiit!!!! :thumb:
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Thats like the highest number of participants I've seen since being here. That's some Schiit!!!! :thumb:
And don't forget that the number would be higher if 5 or 6 of us hadn't already done the pre-buy.
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PM sent for the Schiit list.
:lol:
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And don't forget that the number would be higher if 5 or 6 of us hadn't already done the pre-buy
+1 :thumb:
Randy
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I'll start a thread for buyers so we can see how many.
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Thanks for putting this together. PM sent.
Edit, just noticed that this DAC may not have a USB input, if that is the case then remove me from the list. Will PM with clarification, sorry for my confusion.
Best,
Ed
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Pm sent
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I would need the USB interface as well.
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I think any self respecting DAC these days would include a USB interface. I don't do Hi Rez or interface my audio system with my computer yet and wouldn't need the USB input, but I'm working on options to get into it soon as it's certainly the wave of the future. Having the option to add the USB module later with no penalty makes the Bifrost very attractive to me and other Neanderthals. Additionally the option of lowering the price $100 by not ordering with USB makes it more attractive as a Cheap and Cheerful component. However I would anticipate requesting the USB option if available at the early shipping date.
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+1 pm sent :)
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I'd love to hear a Schiitty DAC!
:lol:
I can post comparisons to my Devilsound and Pico :)
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I'm in...John
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What is the date of this tour to start?
After release Aug 31??
See my point, if you have one on order? The list is getting long.
May as well wait for your own to come in?
I would also presume they are gearing up for the initial large push out the door.
D
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What is the date of this tour to start?
After release Aug 31??
See my point, if you have one on order? The list is getting long.
May as well wait for your own to come in?
I would also presume they are gearing up for the initial large push out the door.
D
Two answers for the tour date, not much sooner, if at all, than when shipping starts for normal orders, it's not a preview tour. 2nd answer, Jason says they hope to ship before the official 8/31/11 date. One never knows if they have been very conservative or very hopeful with the release date. Jason asked me to contact him when they get closer for an update. In any case, you are correct, if you have ordered one already it will be useless to be on the tour, so if anyone has doubledipped, please let me know so we can make room for others.
Post Script, we're up to 28 members requesting to be on the tour. Fantastic response gentlemen (no ladies have responded).
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I for one am hoping it comes out early and I actually think it will.... :thumb:
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I'd like to get on the list if possible. I haven't posted in ages and want to get back into audio. I miss tweaking my system and trying gear. I have an SB 2 with analog mods by Anthony Padilla and his power supply. Sounds pretty good, but would like to elevate the performance. If I try this ..Schiit...I presume I'll need to have the digital out modded and , also, what about this SPDIF thing? What does the digital mod entail? My SB 2 has an RCA connector. Will I need a new cable or an adapter? Any comments are appreciated. Thx
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Does the tour DAC have USB?
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We sent our desire to test the Schiit..I have a HRT Music Streamer ii that I will compare to..
A Lyr amp and a set of LCD2's to do some critical listening to..
Should be fun, I hope it has the USB option...if not no, just try Coax and Optical.
Alex
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PM sent
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Here's an update from Jason at Schiit, I'll just quote the email:
We're still shooting for the end of the month, but we'll know on Friday if we have any difficulties with the chassis (which could knock us off track.) I'll let everyone know by Monday the 15th if we're looking at shipping at the end of the month, or if we slip.
Fingers crossed . . .
Jason Stoddard
Co-Founder
I like that he's open about any issues, gives a time frame when answers will be posted, and replies to emails in a timely fashion. Reminds me of the people at Zu Audio, makes you believe you're dealing with humans.
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Just to confirm. It doesn't have USB right?
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Sent a PM but just in case ..
+1 on the tour if still available.
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Just to confirm. It doesn't have USB right?
Actually, he didn't answer that question Jason. I can only speculate having some experience in manufacturing and new product launches. The unit being modular, if the USB boards are in stock I imagine it's not a difficulty adding them in and still meeting production schedules. However if USB availability has been put on the back burner in order to put out other fires, it may not be available at the launch date.
I don't really see this as a problem because we have now 34 members requesting to be on the tour, so those needing a USB port will certainly have enough time for that to be fulfilled. Which leads to the second unanswered question, how many units can they spare for the tour. Again, an issue that will clear up with time, namely Monday when they see if production will be on time.
I've decided not to be anxious or anal about holding a new company to projected launch dates. I'd rather have them do it right rather than ship a not ready for prime time product out, as just experienced on another thread in our circle (which will remain un-named for politeness sake).
P.S. Breaking news indicates the launch date has been moved back to September 30.
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Note the web site says shipping date is now Sept 30!
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pm sent. Would love to compare with my current dac.
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PM sent.
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I sent my info in and never got an acknowledgment. What gives?
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I sent my info in and never got an acknowledgment. What gives?
Me too! Hey, what's up with this Schiit?
God, I can't stop. :lol: Schiit gets me ever time. :rotflmao:
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Not to worry, I've not deleted anyone's info, your PM's are all saved. I have a spreadsheet with the info members have forwarded, but I must admit I've stopped updating it after about 35 members sent requests. Jason at Schiit tells me they will be shipping at the end of the week, and we can expect our review unit, with USB, a week or so after that, depending on how they are with order fulfillment of course. I've pleaded with him about our long list of members desiring to audition a unit, and he says he'll try to add a second unit, no promises. I thanked him for his graciousness and timely communication.
However, even if we get two units, hard choices will have to be made regarding the order of review participants. Initially I was just going to divide it up by zip code to make shipping most efficient. Now we will probably have to combine that with first come considerations. I'll come up with something that I think is fair and will post it for comments, prolly over the weekend.
Note that the first reviews are likely to come from those AC'ers who pre-ordered a BiFrost for themselves. Anyone wishing to drop out of the tour and join them by ordering there own is most welcome, either before or after the shipping order is posted, please just notify me. And the first member to post a review gets his or her thread stickied until we're all tired of the thing. Now I'm starting to get stoked, this is gonna be fun.
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If it heads up to Canada I would like to try it out.
Rocket_Ronny
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Ok Guys, here's the order of the tour. We have two flights on top, if we get two units, both will start simultaneously. If we only get one, it'll be Flight 1 then Flight 2 because the first flight scored significantly higher overall in order of request. The order was determined by a combination of first come and location. tonyptony and pearsall000 are on top 'cause they live next door to me in S. Jersey, then a quick run to E. PA and DE, VT was first to respond but somewhat out of the way, then down thru NY, VA, NC, SC, back up to IN, MI, then shadowlight wanted to be last and is in Jersey to facilitate an easy return to the factory.
For the second flight, three members in CA, AZ and HI were early responders so get to be on top, then a run thru the Southeast, up thru the Midwest, out to UT, WA, back thru the Bay Area, SoCal, then back home. The route is more circuitous than Flight 1 because order of request played a larger role in the scoring.
The 3rd Flight are all very late responders and two haven't supplied contact info. Naun, I'm sorry but you have only 7 posts to date. So you guys are on the practice squad, which means you may be thrown in at any time at the option of the tour for cancellations or members who haven't supplied the required info, or you may not get to play at all, or you may be added on at the end of the tour. This could end up being advantageous as you may leapfrog over others as needs require. At the end is bobg. I didn't want to be a jerk and summarily delete him, but it appears he's no longer posting on AC.
Notes: If you have a note next to your nic, it means you need to supply additional contact info to stay on the tour list, or there is a special consideration. I'll send a PM to all noted parties and update as needed.
Shipping: All forwarded shipments are to be well packed and insured for $500 minimum. This would seem to be common sense, but if you have any questions about this please PM me. I don't care what shipping service you use, but would note that USPS offers free Priority Mail shipping boxes and is very economical and fast. I'll PM all parties when they are next in line and where they're to ship the unit to next, so please keep me apprised of when you receive and ship the unit.
Review time: We have a lot of members on the list so I would request a more limited time period than usual in these things. Please limit your time to a week or less, if you have any special considerations please PM me and we'll figure out a workaround. For example I know gstraley wants to fit his time in for a Chicago Audio Society meeting. There's nothing saying we can't adjust the order a bit to help a member out, I'm sure everyone agrees.
Purchases: We'll leave this open a bit here, after all the thing may just be schiit. But if everyone is positive perhaps we'll start a group buy thread. This would have two benefits, not only a possible volume discount, but it could also shorten the enormous time period we're looking at with this tour. Lets see where it goes and talk later.
Finally, let's all have a ball!
First Flight Notes
tonyptony
pearsall000
nature boy
2wo Need Email
etcarroll
Chris Adams
rpf
goldlizsts
praedet
adydula
dflee
Cheerwino
ebag3
MaxCast
shadowlight Wants to be last
Second Flight
wilsynet
WGH
jhm730
srclose
kgturner
mcoaggie
TurboFC3S
krikor
gstraley
dburna
TJHUB
Nick B
rajacat
morganc
kmmd
kwl
adhesiv
Third Flight
Naun 7 POSTS
jtwrace
Rclark
WC
Special
bobg 3 POSTS
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Hmm, will you be going first before me? I ask only because I was first for the Black Cat Veloce tour. While some may disagree with burn in being needed on a cable (digital at that!), I used up some extra time doing so just in case others in the line were concerned about that. I'll be honest and say I'd rather get a burned in unit. Phil, do you want to take it first and cook it a bit? I don't want to be they guy that holds on to it for burn in this time.
But if I am first, would the tour team allow the extra time needed for burn in? I want to feel as though I'm reviewing the product after it's had a chance to come into its own.
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Letitroll98,
Thanks for all your efforts in setting up the tour.
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Tony it will be shipped here first, already thought about the break in issue and I can run it 24/7 here. Besides, it's the perfect excuse to hear it first, a service to the members, yeah, that's the ticket, all with you guy's well being in the forefront of my mind.
Seriously though, I figure a couple days burn in should give it a good start, I don't want to delay the tour very much. Then I can meet either you or Phil somewhere to drop it off. We're all within a couple minutes of each other so it doesn't matter for the order of who's first between you. This is all hoping we actually get a unit or two in October, schiit there's been a lot of delays.
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Well then, if you're going to give it a good cooking and a listen I'll (cough cough) maybe suffer through being the first one on the list (cough). :green: :green: :green:
Just to confirm, as I understand it this version of the DAC does not have balanced out? If so I'll have to get some single ended cables ready.
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Letitroll98
Looking forward to hearing the dac and appreciate your time on this project.
Later
Don
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super excited for this tour as well...been putting off my DAC purchase for this tour alone...none of the other "giant killers" have raised enough attention for me to bite yet (Burson DA160, Metrum Octave, etc.)...let's hope the BiFrost changes that =)
Letitroll,
i just PM'd you my email and phone #...you can probably disregard that part about me being out of town for almost the whole month of October...i think i'm far enough down on the list it should be fine but if there's any question feel free to shuffle me around.
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If this DAC sounds like Schiit a lot of folks, including myself, will be seriously bummed!!!!!! :thumb:
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If this DAC sounds like Schiit a lot of folks, including myself, will be seriously bummed!!!!!! :thumb:
Especially since you already paid for it and we get to audition for free. 8)
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Nice!!! LoL.....I'm sure I'll be a happy camper..well 95% sure..LOL.....tick, tock, tick, tock......
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Okay, since I got my present DAC (24/96k 10 y/o chip) for $120 and absolutely love it, it was compared very favorable against the Dacmagic and Benchmark, the BiFrost only has to be 3 times as good to make it a bargain. Or to put it another way, a perceived added value of $230, i.e. sounds good enough that I would spend another $230 for it. (The USB is inconsequential as the extra $100 is for a feature not offered on my present DAC, even if I do decide to dive into Hi Rez later) So you could use a similar formula. Even if your present DAC is more expensive, would the BiFrost sound good enough to replace it for a lower cost. Although I must say few want to go downmarket, most of us here are looking at this as an economical upgrade. Anyway, I hope you get my drift, although subject, you can stick your experience template over it to measure. Then again, if it blows away a DiVinci all bets are off.
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Not sure if I had missed reading it, how much time does each person have? Total 2 weeks? :|
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Not sure if I had missed reading it, how much time does each person have? Total 2 weeks? :|
Yes, you did miss it:
Review time: We have a lot of members on the list so I would request a more limited time period than usual in these things. Please limit your time to a week or less, if you have any special considerations please PM me and we'll figure out a workaround. For example I know gstraley wants to fit his time in for a Chicago Audio Society meeting. There's nothing saying we can't adjust the order a bit to help a member out, I'm sure everyone agrees.
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Any update on when we think this is going to start?
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Yes, you did miss it:
Review time: ............. There's nothing saying we can't adjust the order a bit to help a member out, I'm sure everyone agrees.
In anticipation of the tour going around, just want to note that I will be out of the country from Dec. 15 through Dec. 29. So, should the order be rearranged, I can go before or after my absence period. Thanks for your consideration, gang. Anyhow, let's gauge it when the tour does start. :thumb:
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Cool. So the Schitt is about to hit the fans?
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Any update on when we think this is going to start?
Nothing yet. I would expect delays to continue and for us to be last on the list behind filling orders for USB units. Rather than speculate, I think the best barometer will be shortly after eclien receives his unit, as his has been ordered with the USB option and he's sure to holler loudly when he gets it. :lol:
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Letitroll98,
I did get to hear the Bifrost for a few songs at RMAF via the Schiit Lyr headphone amp and Audez LCD-2 phones. It sounded good with their music server laptop.
Since I have heard it, go ahead and remove me from the tour list and let someone else have my place.
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HAL, you're going to leave it at that?! What did you think?
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It was a nice sounding DAC with the CANJAM headphone setup.
I am happy with my DAC setup.
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Letitroll98,
I did get to hear the Bifrost for a few songs at RMAF via the Schiit Lyr headphone amp and Audez LCD-2 phones. It sounded good with their music server laptop.
Since I have heard it, go ahead and remove me from the tour list and let someone else have my place.
Done, replaced with etcarroll.
Tony, I think he's politely saying he wasn't impressed. The "if you can't say something nice" mantra.
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I am hearing alot of great bang for the buck comments but no one is raving at how good they are so if its a solid product I'm fine with it when ever mine arrives. I'll let you guys know what I hear when mine comes in so the tour guys have a feeling for them.
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Looks like the shootout will be between the PeachTree DACiT with its Sabre chip and the BiFrost with its AKM4399 chip, both at $449 with usb.
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The DACIT doesn't use the good Sabre Chip though if I'm not mistaken. That was the reason I didn't go with the DACIT.
It will be a lot of fun real soon here with these DAC's!!!!! :thumb:
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The DACIT doesn't use the good Sabre Chip though if I'm not mistaken. That was the reason I didn't go with the DACIT.
It will be a lot of fun real soon here with these DAC's!!!!! :thumb:
Does anyone have a Metrum? It's NOS. I'd be interested in knowing the comparison between Sabre and NOS.
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The DACIT doesn't use the good Sabre Chip though if I'm not mistaken. That was the reason I didn't go with the DACIT.
It will be a lot of fun real soon here with these DAC's!!!!! :thumb:
It's not the most expensive Sabre chip, but perhaps it's the best Sabre chip for that application. Also note that for those with a need for usb, the BiFrost appears to have a much improved usb board vs the DACiT. I think a shoot out discussion is best for the other Schiit thread, I'll post something there.
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Good to hear this shoot out is coming! I've been very near buying one of the peachtree products but nothing to compare against. When I get the tour Bifrost I intend to take it to a local dealer and compare it against the DAC*IT and nova. I'm pretty green to all of this so not sure my opinions are going to rate as any sort of review. I can post my impressions whenever it happens.
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mcoaggie-on the contrary fresh ears and whatever your thoughts are is always a good thing. Go for it, just don't let that local dealer say "hear that, thats bad, hear that thats good" and believe him, trust your ears!!!! We do... :thumb:
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Ya'll -
I have been scouring the Internet to see when someone is going to do a comprehensive review of the Bifrost DAC; I know they are shipping as I received mine last Friday! I pre-ordered the DAC with the USB card, as it is the only implementation from my Dell music server that I have, and I have spent the weekend burning it in and listening to my modest but well ripped .flac collection of jazz and classical selections. I Really want to hear what some seasoned D/A people think of this little box - I can hear some difference, but I don't know if it is just may rationalization for the purchase, albeit relatively inexpensive - it is still another bell that I have to slip by SWMBO...
I started to write my impressions here, but thought better of it until someone breaks the ice who knows more than I do... Any way, someone weigh in here please? What do you think the proper burn in time will need to be on this thing, any? I have had it on and doing its thing for probably 30 hours so far this weekend...
K
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No one need be shy about posting impressions. You can start a thread of your own about it, I had promised the first review their own stickied thread and the offer still stands, so type away.
As far as this thread goes I'll just paste the latest email from Jason at Schiit:
"It looks like we're going to have to delay shipping review Bifrosts until the next run--we're sold out of the first run, beyond slammed with orders, and we haven't even been able to ship any distributor units yet. I'd expect we can start shipping from the next run, which begins hitting at the end of the month."
So those itching to hear this DAC now should just order one. The tour stays hopefully active.
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So, they are sending them off to paying customers. Rather than us? The nerve of those people :lol:...John
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So, they are sending them off to paying customers. Rather than us? The nerve of those people :lol:...John
Of course, that's what the Schiit makers are telling us :green: :evil:.
IMHO, if I were running the company, knowing that I'm a small one, say compared to Cambridge..... I'd push the products as much as I can. One approach is granting a tour on A/C (ASAP :icon_lol:). What's better than advertising this way (assuming it's a worthy product). This way, it'll get at least lots of write-ups. Chances are that I'd sell more units because most of these individuals are likely the people more in the know, if not just fanatics. It's even more effective than :roll: if I were to place it in the showroom at say Macy's on 34th St., New York..... :lol: The average Joe wouldn't know what Schiit he's looking at. All he cares is to walk around, show off his MP3 player (these days, which is why hi-fi is a tougher business to make it now,again IMHO). :bawl:
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A couple thing about small business. The first and foremost driver is cash flow, they've likely reached a saturation point in the market with their headphone amps, spent a lot on development, and the fastest generator of cash is full price sales direct. Dealers are paying wholesale and getting at least 30 day terms. Pro bono review units will generate sales in the future for sure, no question, but zero money now. When you're trying to make a payroll this week you get pretty darn short sited. I'd make exactly the same decisions.
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Looks like the Bifrost DAC will be the Schiitless Wonder for me.
Was and still am looking forward to this tour should it materialize.
Schiitless cause no sample and wonder what it sounds like.
Later
Don
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Tell me about it. I had high hopes for the tour, but like all have been disappointed with the fulfillment from Schiit. I thought about buying a unit or two and send one around, but Jason was so cooperative it seemed a loaner was the way to go. Beggars can't be choosers, however I was thinking the begging was going to have faster results.
I still see no reason to cancel the tour out of hand, its not like we spent anything but my time, and purchasing doesn't seem to speed things anyway. Jason has been very prompt and responsive with all communications, so I can't blame them for unforeseen circumstances and demand. Since the downside to waiting is zero, I think that's what I'll do, but completely understand those who want to opt out at any time. It's all good.
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I'm still good. In fact, I don't mind this delay. It'll be at least 10 days before I get by amp back. It's in Frank's hands getting upgraded to a 600R. :green:
If for some reason we get our hands on one soon, I'll switch places with Phil.
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I should have read more than the first post. I have been interested in the Bifrost and when I saw this thread I quit lurking and signed up. Oh well. If some ever become available I'd like to audition one to see if it's better than my current one.
Chad
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No worries Chad we'll put you on the third tier bench and if something opens up sooner you'll move up. And welcome aboard, there's more than just the Bifrost around here.
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Does "upgradeable" include battery power?
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No worries Chad we'll put you on the third tier bench and if something opens up sooner you'll move up. And welcome aboard, there's more than just the Bifrost around here.
Thanks. I mostly was lurking at the Apple Core but am making my way around.
Chad
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In anticipation of the tour going around, just want to note that I will be out of the country from Dec. 15 through Dec. 29. So, should the order be rearranged, I can go before or after my absence period. Thanks for your consideration, gang. Anyhow, let's gauge it when the tour does start. :thumb:
Guess it didn't matter now that I'm back on U.S. soil. We're still Schitless! :lol: I'll hold my position!? Is it reeeeeally that the Bitfrost is that hot they end up ignoring us (jokingly, mind you, please don't over-react please!). I remember the time I ordered an Audio Note DAC kit, paid a down payment, and the guy didn't come through for me because suddenly he had more commercial orders he could (?) handle.... So, the little guy didn't weigh! No harm done either, sort of, I got my refund.
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Update #47:
From Jason at Schiit in reply to my latest email:
We've already sold out the second run and are in backorder again. Sorry I wasn't able to get one out for you out of the last run--hell, we only got two out to reviewers so far!
I will certainly get one out for you out of the third run, which begins hitting mid-February, and should alleviate the backorder problem for the foreseeable future.
All the best,
Jason Stoddard
Therefore we're still keeping the tour open for those who still wish to participate. I'm not going to make any changes now, but if we actually do get a unit someday, we'll confirm before shipping and open up a round of voluntary drop-outs. So please don't send any PM's or emails until then.
On a second note, I was considering buying a couple of these and sending one around on a tour. But I have a DAC I like now and with the mixed reviews on the Bifrost, I'm holding off purchase for the time being. Note that when I say mixed, I haven't seen any bad opinions, but definitely some lukewarm ones. The consensus seems to be smooth and detailed, nothing to write home about, which is pretty decent for a $350-450 DAC, but I want a giant killer. However, it's still the only inexpensive standalone that meets my other needs and is doing asynchronous USB 24/192, which I think will be important for future DACs.
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I'm still in. I have my hopes up in part because of the modular, upgradable nature of this DAC. I hope that if it's received well there'll someday be an Ethernet input upgrade for it.
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I seriously considered this DAC and sent Jason an email to see if any iterations of it would have a volume control, like the CEntrance DAC. He said no. Ultimately, I ended up with a Grant Fidelity TubeDAC (it has volume control) and am happy with it so far, but would love to eventually take this Schiit out for a spin. Would gladly give my impressions of it against the GF Tube DAC. I know I'm a newbie and all, but could you put me on the list for a listen? If so, I will send you a PM with my details. Thanks.
-Mick
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Hi Mick, and welcome aboard. We have a third flight of participants sitting there with three or four folks, but honestly, it's so far in the future that it will prolly need redone by then anyway, so I'd hold off for a bit and we'll post something when that section gets closer to fruition. You'll keep your order from you posting date here.
I'm just behind you on picking a new DAC, maybe. Looking at TubeMagic D1 DAC, TubeMagic D2 DAC, Grant Fidelity TubeDac 11, Yulong Sabre 18, etc. If the Bifrost has the performance I'm looking for, it's in the front running. You can add a Warpspeed for the volume control. But I may like getting a little tubey with the Grant or Maverick, which then have passive volume pots built in. So I'd love to stick you in first just for my own benefit, but I have to act in the best interests of all the folks in front of you. You can however dispose of them in some nefarious manner and I ain't seen nottin'.
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Hah! No plans for nefarious action on my part. At least, nothing intentional. :icon_twisted: Yeah, that's the ticket. Seriously, though, I can wait. In the meantime will enjoy some tube rolling on the GF TubeDAC (never thought I'd be a tube guy except with my little 5 watt Marshall gee-tar amp).
Cheers!
-Mick
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What ever happened to this Schiit?
Never materialized?
I want to hear one.
Now Schiit is coming out with a newer one in May.
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Good question tomy. Actually I go so sick of emailing Jason and getting yet another excuse as to why we didn't get a unit shipped to us that I just quit doing it. They seem like nice guys and to be fair Jason has never ignored a single email, but I can't forget that we just got dissed. As such any Schitt product has dropped way down on my list of preferred products. However I'll try one more time and see if we get any positive results.
Now Schiit is coming out with a newer one in May.
Ha! Expect delivery sometime in 2013. Notice, to their credit, they're not taking any pre-orders.
The new DAC is the GUNGNIR (caps are Schitt's) $749/$849 with USB, so it's out of C&C price ranges. Balanced output, two DAC's, 32 bit, and a reclocking scheme to reduce jitter.
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Ha! Expect delivery sometime in 2013. Notice, to their credit, they're not taking any pre-orders.........................
All I can think of - Are they REEEEALLY selling that hot? Can't keep up. How long has the Schitt been around, they still haven't worked out a reasonable production routine? Hmmmmmm. May be they really take their time, 1 part at a time, hand-assembly...... Good news!?
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Well, in Schiit's defense, like any company, they need to serve paying customers first or get their loaners out to people who have the largest audience.
And with a great 15-day return policy, it isn't like any of us won't have a chance to try before we make a final decision.
Yes, too bad that the tour didn't work out (or hasn't worked out yet). But let's still give this innovative American company that is providing solid products at excellent price points a chance.
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Well, in Schiit's defense....
Nope. Too many unkept promises for me to be interested in their products. In addition, they appear to be just another dac.
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Fair enough. I am fine with giving a new and small company the benefit of the doubt, particularly one offering up some pretty innovative stuff in their pipeline (new DAC and amp just announced and then the promised "Statement" offerings). That is for each of us to choose.
And expecting a small audio company to be able to release their new offerings when they originally estimate they will ship seems to me like a bit of a fools errand. Yeah it sucks to wait, but, having followed a number of new companies and seeing multiple delays, I just start assuming that there will be a delay and wait patiently for the product to actually get here (hopefully with all the bugs worked out; I'd rather have a bombproof product than a buggy one rushed to market to meet an announced release date).
But again, to each their own and there are certainly many great options at most any price point these days.
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I'm very interested in the new Gungnir DAC. I've always liked most DACs using AKM chips (even the cheapie AudioEngine DAC), but no one's really done a higher end design with these chips (one chip per channel & balanced, etc.). The Gungnir seems unique in this respect. Plus the LED that lights up when jitter is too high seems like a nice feature for evaluating whether one's computer audio rig is any good.
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Ahh well, never mind.
I did have one ordered but cancelled at the beginning.
Most of this is to be understood. I was very surprised to see them selling on Amazon though and back orders were not really filled.
I have not found a DAC that beats my Raysonic 128 in NOS mode.
An Audio gd 2.0 did not do it although very good, just too laid back and never opened up.
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Fair enough. I am fine with giving a new and small company the benefit of the doubt, particularly one offering up some pretty innovative stuff in their pipeline (new DAC and amp just announced and then the promised "Statement" offerings). That is for each of us to choose.
And expecting a small audio company to be able to release their new offerings when they originally estimate they will ship seems to me like a bit of a fools errand. Yeah it sucks to wait, but, having followed a number of new companies and seeing multiple delays, I just start assuming that there will be a delay and wait patiently for the product to actually get here (hopefully with all the bugs worked out; I'd rather have a bombproof product than a buggy one rushed to market to meet an announced release date).
But again, to each their own and there are certainly many great options at most any price point these days.
I sent in my Visa # last July for a usb Bifrost. It's not that I expected the product to be on time, and actually would have been pleasantly surprised if it had been. The long string of excuses, some by email, some face to face, a few of which were of questionable veracity, eventually results in a loss of faith in the people running the place. In at least one instance, I was told something that they knew at the time to not be true. I'd have trouble ever believing Jason again, so it's better for me to take my business elsewhere.
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There is hope yet alive. The following is in response to the email I sent:
"Yes, we can get one out this week. Let me know the shipping address, and we'll give you a tracking number when it ships.
Jason Stoddard
Co-Founder"
If it actually shows up, I'll burn it in for a couple of days as requested by participant #1 and start the tour. The first two guys are a couple of miles from me and each other, so that should go pretty fast. Rather than go through a barrage of emails and PM's like when we set up the list, I'll PM and email a couple slots ahead in plenty of time to see if they're still interested.
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I'm still up for it. Hopefully it won't show up too soon; I'll be at the NYAS this weekend. But once it does show up I'll have two DACs to compare it too. More to follow if we get this thing off the ground.
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I'm still up for it. Hopefully it won't show up too soon; I'll be at the NYAS this weekend. But once it does show up I'll have two DACs to compare it too. More to follow if we get this thing off the ground.
Sweeeet. I had forgotten about the show, maybe I'll head up there.
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Okay, I've had enough. I'm not one to take slights and insults lightly. Members had a lot of expectations and I worked some number of hours on it, the one who dropped the ball here is Schiit, and Jason Stoddard at Schiit. Despite numerous emails and promises of "next week" or "next month", they have decided to ignore this forum and leave us high and dry without a Bifrost to put on tour. However I apologize to any member still waiting for this to come to fruition, I hope no one has suffered any loss waiting to hear this product and not purchasing a better one.
The Bifrost model itself has run it's course anyway, very lukewarm reviews in the press and on forums, lots of cancelled orders. I'm glad I waited and didn't buy one as it turned out to be mostly hype. I'm not sure how many members were still seriously interested in purchase. For myself, I wouldn't consider buying a Schiit product at this juncture, but I wish them the greatest success on all of their future endeavors. I'll keep the spreadsheet of members who signed up for the tour, hopefully I'll make it up to you with something better in the future.
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Sorry to say, I'm not surprised. Delivery issues are to be expected with any new product, but early on I saw that you couldn't trust this guys word. That was it for me.
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No big deal here either. I have read recently "whats all the fuss about?" inferring it is good for the $$ but nothing else.
Never mind and THANKS!
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Thanks for all your work on it, letitroll98, I wasn't on the tour but I was waiting to hear about it for sure.
I was gonna buy the Maverick but decided to look around more. Maybe I'll check out the Kingrex ud384.
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My thanks as well for hanging in and trying to get us a tour unit. I agree; it's too late for a tour of this DAC. Ironically, Bifrost has just announced their next venture up the line.
http://schiit.com/news/32912-schiit-announces-balanced-amp-dac/
It's too bad. It looks like they are trying to build up their game. Probably not worth looking for a tour of this newer one, though.
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Well, you stuck with it longer than I would have. Thanks for trying :thumb:
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Okay, I've had enough................
The Bifrost model itself has run it's course anyway, very lukewarm reviews..................
Well, we didn't lose anything but the anxiety :thumb:. May be all this time the company wasn't doing well in terms of selling the Schiit, so they put on a good show of "....we can't keep up with demand, so sorry Charlie.....".
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Shame, shame, shame on schiit. I bought one, like it lots, and was satisfied with email responses and prompt, as-promised delivery. It really is a great product, fit and finish was well above my expectations for a newish company, but when you try to set up a tour to promote a product and get backburnered, it can leave a schiity taste in your mouth (had to get that in there!)... Good luck on getting another manufacturer to participate. :green:
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Thanks, letitroll98, for all your time and effort! :thumb: At some point you gotta Schiit or get of the pot.
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If nothing else, your tenacity and fortitude deserve a round of applause. Frankly I found it rather entertaining reading concerning the possible tour. While I was on the list and would liked to have tried the unit out, can't say I'm real disappointed here at the end and glad I did not invest in the product.
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I signed up for the tour, but after reading the lukewarm reviews, I really couldn't give a Schiit. :D
Kevin T
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Sorry to hear that this did not work out. I have one of there headphone amps and the experience was the total opposite of what you have experienced. Good job on sticking through all the broken promises, etc.
I have heard the DAC and liked it.