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…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital Sources: Apple MacBook Pro computer (2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD) running OS 10.6.7, iTunes 10.6, Sonic Studio Amarra Computer Music Player 2.5, Songbird 1.9.3, XLD; Western Digital NAS Device 2TB; Oppo BDP-103 universal Blu-ray player; Meridian (formerly Sooloos) Digital Media System (Control 15, TwinStore x3); Apple iPad 2, 3 (or "New iPad" or latest or HD or Retina or whatever); Apple iPod Touch 1G, Apple iPhone 4S.
D/A Converters: Benchmark DAC1 USB, M2Tech Young with Palmer power supply, AudioQuest DragonFly, Wadia 121.…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I examined the Schiit Bifrost's electrical performance with Stereophile's loan sample of the top-of-the-line Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and the January 2008 "As We See It"). To test the USB input, I played files with Bias Peak Pro running on my MacBook Pro, using the AudioMIDI utility to make sure that the data output from the USB port had the correct sample rate and bit depth. I performed a complete set of measurements on both samples and have noted in the text where these differed.
The coaxial input of both samples locked to…
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