Digital Processor Reviews

Schiit Audio Bifrost D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Solid-state D/A processor. Inputs: coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, USB (optional, included with review samples). Input capability: up to 24-bit/192kHz, all inputs. Input receiver, S/PDIF: Crystal Semiconductor CS8416. Input receiver, USB: C-Media CM6631A. D/A conversion IC: AKM4399. Output: RCA (single-ended). Output impedance: 75 ohms. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.1dB; 2Hz–100kHz, –1dB. Maximum output: 2.0V RMS. Upgradability: separate, modular USB input card and DAC/analog card (both snap-in, replaceable). Power consumption: 12W.
Without Uber Upgrade: THD: <0.005%, 20Hz–20kHz at max output. IMD: <0.007%, CCIR. Signal/noise: >106dB, ref. 2V RMS.
With Uber Upgrade: THD: <0.002%, 20Hz–20kHz at max output. IMD: <0.002%, CCIR. Signal/noise: >110dB, ref. 2V RMS.
Dimensions: 9" (230mm) W by 2.25" (55mm) H by 6.75" (170mm) D. Weight: 5 lbs (2.3kg).
Serial numbers of units reviewed: A042654 (with Uber Analog upgrade), A041462 (without Uber Analog upgrade).
Price: $349; Uber Analog stage, $70; Gen 2 USB input, $100. Approximate number of dealers: sold factory direct.
Manufacturer: Schiit Audio, 22504 Sixth Street, Newhall, CA 91321. Tel: (323) 230-0079. Web: www.schiit.com.

COMPANY INFO
Schiit Audio
22504 Sixth Street
Newhall, CA 91321
(323) 230-0079
www.schiit.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Utopianemo's picture
Submitted by Utopianemo on August 2, 2013 - 3:17pm

So are you saying that compared to the MSB Diamond, the Bifrost sounds pretty Schiitty? 

Et Quelle's picture
Submitted by Et Quelle on August 2, 2013 - 5:44pm

Gosh, had an opportunity to hear Schiit at the Newport Show and missed it. Too busy sifting through the wall of vinyl nearby. A big Voodoo powercord would look pretty cool attached to that Schiit. I plan to pass my system down to my sister's kid also.

dalethorn's picture
Submitted by dalethorn on August 3, 2013 - 3:20am

A good review gives me the facts I need - how does it sound, how does it work, any caveats etc. But a great review does that and also teaches me things - not just what but why and how. The kind of look-inside and comparisons to other DACs this article does is a good teach and learn. Add to that the extra effort in getting the improved version and reporting on it - makes it all worthwhile. Thanks.

komo's picture
Submitted by komo on August 3, 2013 - 11:53pm

nice to see bifrost can compete with DACs twice its price. and from the measurements above looks like usb input has better (lower) noise floor than spdif. this makes me interested in its "bigger brother", schiit gungnir. any chance you guys will review gungnir ?

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