[jackman]

This might be the wrong circle for this question but I'm looking at the Bifrost DAC.  This little DAC is getting some positive reviews and the price, $349 for non USB version, is attractive.  Also, it's fully upgradeable and you can add a USB card later if you wish.  For the money, is there a better DAC?

I'm also looking at the CEntrance DACmini.  It's a really nice looking DAC from a Chicago company.  Price is about double the price of the Schitt but it looks like it's a bit more high tech. 

My current system is a SB Touch and I need to get a DAC.  I may wind up using the Touch in another system and get a Mini for my main system.  Either way, have any of you compared these DAC's or do you have an alternate suggestion that you would recommend?  It's early in the process but there are so many DACs to choose from at the moment, I want to make sure I don't forget one. 

The Tranquility looks cool and there are lots for sale lately.  Same with the EE Minimax DAC and the Ultra Fi.  Thanks for providing your opinions!

http://www.digitalaudionews.net.au/2011/07/01/schiit-announce-bifrost-upgradable-24192-dac/

[Sonny]

Jackman, i have the Bifrost with my SB Touch and love it!  I did write a quick review of the Bifrost against the Benchmark and MyTek Dacs...
For the money, I don't think you can beat it.  Mine is with USB, but I don't use USB at this moment.
T

[brother love]

jackman,

Check the Cheap & Cheerful Circle for info re: Bifrost:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96140.0

Another option to consider is the Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 for $325 which includes free shipping. 

TubeDAC-11 review here: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue58/tubedac11.htm

I ended up ordering this "swiss army knife" DAC, w/ the Bifrost a very close second (backorders factored into this). 

Also a Cheap & Cheerful thread on TubeDAC-11 which includes the Yulong D-18 DAC: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101094.0

Good point by roscoeiii about Head-Fi forum, there is a 145 pg. thread on the Schiit Bifrost (I've been following it for a while):

http://www.head-fi.org/t/545842/schiit-dacs-the-information-and-anticipation-thread

[roscoeiii]

I love that modularity and upgradeability of the BitFrost too. Since Schiit started out selling headphone amps, I think that there might be more impressions over on HeadFi. There has been a preview up at 6moons for a while now, so I'd guess that review will probably come out pretty soon.

And they do have a solid 15 or 30 day return policy. If you want to compare it head to head with the Tranquility, maybe we can time your order of  Bitfrost with a weekend I can bring the Tranquility over. I am sure some other folks here would like to hear a comparison.

[wilsynet]

The Tranquility looks cool and there are lots for sale lately.  Same with the EE Minimax DAC and the Ultra Fi.  Thanks for providing your opinions!

I have not heard the CEntrance or Bifrost.  But if the Ultra Fi is only incrementally better than the Tranquility, my preference right now is the EE DAC.  Pull the tube and swap opamps and it's fantastic.  Even without rolling opamps, it's pretty darn good.

[roscoeiii]

I have not heard the CEntrance or Bifrost.  But if the Ultra Fi is only incrementally better than the Tranquility, my preference right now is the EE DAC.  Pull the tube and swap opamps and it's fantastic.  Even without rolling opamps, it's pretty darn good.

Wilysnet,

Are you referring to the newer model EE DAC or the original?

[jrebman]

If you plan to use usb and have 24/176.4 resolution material you want to play in it's native format, the Bifrost currently will not work at this sample rate.  I was told that Centrance is working on the code, but no date for the fix was given.

If you're using spdif, no problem.

I ended up buying the DACMini CX myself -- mostly because I wanted the variable output mod and the analog input so I could use it as a preamp.

I just ordered it this weekend, so no idea when I'll havve it.

BTW, on both these dacs, the toslink is capable of 24/192 -- if you can findd a toslink source that works at that resolution.  I think the hiface Evo is the only one right now, but if anybody knows of others, please let me know.

-- Jim

[wilsynet]

Are you referring to the newer model EE DAC or the original?

I have only heard the EE DAC Plus, although reportedly the previous model EE DAC is not all that much different.  As I understand, pull the tube and good things happen with both models.

The board layout on both models are remarkably similar, although the DAC Plus eschews the volume pot, but I imagine it would not be hard to bypass the volume control on the original EE DAC.

[jackman]

Thanks guys, there are so many dacs on the market.  I'm tempted by the CEntrance because it looks very cool on paper.  The EE Minimax is also very highly regarded. I think Morningstar is not far from my home. I may call Bill O'Connel to see if I can demo one.  The price of the Schitt is attractive and I like that it's US made and upgradeable.

Roscoe, will keep you posted and have you over to have a DAC Shootout.  I also can't wait for you to hear the new tubes in my system.

[firedog]

http://signalpathint.com/index.php/DAC-iT/dacit.html

Peachtree Dac-iT, which has gotten very good reviews. I believe it goes for $449

[roscoeiii]

6moons review of the BitFrost is up now:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/schiit2/1.html

Srajan had reviewed a ton of DACs up and down the price chain.

[brother love]

http://signalpathint.com/index.php/DAC-iT/dacit.html

Peachtree Dac-iT, which has gotten very good reviews. I believe it goes for $449

Another good review of the DAC-It. It's the least expensive DAC ever to make computer audiophile recommended C.A.S.H. list.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Peachtree-Audio-DAC-iT-Review-AKA-DACiT

AC's wushuliu has/had this DAC & reported favorably about it on here somewhere (probably Cheap & Cheerful).

[Bill O'Connell]

Thanks guys, there are so many dacs on the market.  I'm tempted by the CEntrance because it looks very cool on paper.  The EE Minimax is also very highly regarded. I think Morningstar is not far from my home. I may call Bill O'Connel to see if I can demo one.  The price of the Schitt is attractive and I like that it's US made and upgradeable.

Roscoe, will keep you posted and have you over to have a DAC Shootout.  I also can't wait for you to hear the new tubes in my system.

Give me a call, your more than welcome to come over give a listen and take one home to try in your own system.
 Later,
 Bill
847-255-1150

[jackman]

Thanks Bill, will do!  You are a good guy with an excellent reputation.  I hear very good things about your DAC (and your other products) from people I respect and trust.  I'll call you and set something up.  Would like to do it when I have a couple other DAC's in house and when I can invite a couple friends over (including Roscoe and some other folks from AC if they are interested). 

I look forward to speaking with you.

[Atlplasma]

Hi Jackman.

I've had the Bifrost s/pdif version for a few months and have been very happy with the sound. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Steve

[mnilan]

Got my Bifrost in early December and I am VERY pleased with it.  I also really like their customer service - fast, friendly and helpful.  I like it better than my V-DAC + V-LINK - soundstage is more believable.  Much better looking, too.  8^)   Don't misunderstand, the V-DAC + V-LINK is in service with my MacBook Air and I don't plan to replace them but the Bifrost is very sweet.

[jackman]

Got my Bifrost in early December and I am VERY pleased with it.  I also really like their customer service - fast, friendly and helpful.  I like it better than my V-DAC + V-LINK - soundstage is more believable.  Much better looking, too.  8^)   Don't misunderstand, the V-DAC + V-LINK is in service with my MacBook Air and I don't plan to replace them but the Bifrost is very sweet.

Interesting, if you like the Bifrost more than the VDAC, why are you using the VDAC in your computer based system?   The VDAC looks pretty cool as well and is on my list. 

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations and advice.  I'm thinking about getting Wayne's analog SBT mods.  This would simplify things and be the cheapest option.  We'll see...

[mnilan]

Interesting, if you like the Bifrost more than the VDAC, why are you using the VDAC in your computer based system?   The VDAC looks pretty cool as well and is on my list. 

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations and advice.  I'm thinking about getting Wayne's analog SBT mods.  This would simplify things and be the cheapest option.  We'll see...

jackman:
I  have two computer-based systems.  I am using the Bifrost in my home office system with an iMac TOSLINK out to the Bifrost to Audioengine 5s and REL T3.  As I said, very sweet.