You said OG and MIB basically are identical except for the dacs and simplified chassis, but there’s actually another difference: MIB uses opamps and OG is discrete. I’m going to quote Jason from Schiit on why: A multiplying DAC needs two really really good, super highly linear, ultra-low-settling time gain stages, per channel. In a hardware-balanced configuration, like Yggdrasil, 8 discrete gain stages is a biiiiiig and power-hungry load, and eclipses the limits of the Yggdrasil's shunt-regulated power supply. So, yeah, op-amps. Until I figure out something better. Maybe in a couple of years.
@piotrkozak3907 I don't have the TT2 here to compare anymore, but the TT2 would still stage better (i.e. soundstage size, image focus, etc.) and I suspect their tonalities would be quite similar.
Thank you for another honest and detail review. We appreciate your expertise, I have experimented with several DACs. I think what’s important people need to really understand the sound that they’re looking for and Lock in and enjoy the music. This is not breaking news, but I’m not a millionaire. I would like to be able to try different equipment but of course it’s just not feasible and I never want the music to get lost in my quest for the next best thing !
Great review Lachlan. I posted a review of the MIB myself and I have an OG, LIM and MIB on hand here. The MIB is the clear winner for me. Lower noise floor, more detail, better tone and timbre and more articulate and detailed bass.
Thanks for this - really interesting and has me intrigued (as I value your judgment and am impressed that you rate it so highly compared to something like the DAVE. Quick question - why didn’t you compare it to the DAVE by also using the USB input, and do you think that would have made a difference? Cheers 👍
Good question. Comparing via USB requires having two identical USB outputs/inputs which I didn't at the time. Because I know the digital inputs on both devices are essentially interchangeable without any significant shift in performance, I was comfortable comparing these as I have. Hopefully that makes sense. 🙂
Updating capability is theoretically a very interesting feature and I have seen it in different equipment, but it has several intrinsic problems. One is that the manufacturer must continue making boards for the product because if they decide to stop, no more updates will be available. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, we as audiophiles and how we think... usually, it’s not about changing and updating the same product, but about buying a completely different one ;)
Schiit have a very strong track record of supporting their older products - even the ones that weren't designed specifically to be upgradable. I think they'll be making boards for the Yggy for years to come if history is any guide.
@@PassionforSound Yes it’s true, and I also think the same. And I spect it will be in that way to the owners benefit. But I try to generalize in my comment an be realistic because not all teh companies do that and quite all the customers finally prefer to change despite than update
I gotta find some LIM and MIB boards to toss in my Yggy+, I much preferred the original A1 DAC boards vs. the more recent A2 boards when I had both sets in for testing.
great video - you are certainly in the process of stepping it up a notch. Later this year I will replace my PC - you mentioned the card you slotted in yours - one thing that could be certainly interesting for many of us is for you to talk about that.
Great review! Your new format is spot on. The use of B-roll, comedic interludes and on screen writings are spot on. Kept me entertained and engaged. Good job!
Got mine a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to do serious listening on it but first impressions are it's damn impressive for the price. I'll be comparing it to my Ares 2/Topping A90 stack I've been using for several years.
Is R2R actually better? Doesn’t it depend on the particulars of the implementation and the parts they use and all that? Things like resistors are susceptible to heat distortion for example
I am going to throw this out here... And I would love to see a review on this unit I am about to mention... I had a Gumby multibit and was not impressed, actually disappointed. I have had a slew of DACs through here, from $79 up to $6000, and have settled on a little known Chinese manufacturer's Preamp/DAC running the ESS9038 chip. My buddy bought one too, he is of the same opinion as I am, this DAC is simply incredible. This friend of mine has gear that I will probably never be able to afford, he is retired and been in the audio game for 50+ years, and he has broadened my audio horizon to say the least. He compares this DAC to the DAC in a $12,000 Mark Levinson integrated amp, that is his world, and I will take his word for it. I am listening to mine right now, via a Roon Nucleus One streaming WRCJ out of Detroit via Chromecast. Chromecast has never sounded this good. I am using a Volumio Rivo network bridge streamer with the Farad Super3 LPS. The Roon Nucleus One is powered with the 19v Sbooster LPS from Upscale audio. Speakers are Zu DW6 Supremes and a pair of Maggie LRS+, both speakers playing simultaneously. Yes, I am cheating, but my amp can safely do that at the levels I listen. Oh, the Preamp/Dac, it is the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+. The amp is the ToneWinner AD-2PRO+ integrated, my friend owns that too, which has the same DAC and equal sound quality as the AD-1PRE+... We bought both of these units through Aamir at Summit HiFi... Check out this ToneWinner gear. I would love to see a review. ;-)
I'm a little disappointed that the only comparisons we got were to $2500-ish DACs. Given the incremental differences in DAC chips, output stages and over-sampling between Bifrost 2/64, I feel like we should know why it's worth upping our spend by nearly $2000 after tax from the Bf. Would like to hear something in that regard. This was almost over-the-top in the future-proofing value proposition as justification.
Please see my other videos such as the Yggdrasil OG review and my R2R and Multibit DAC comparison: ua-cam.com/video/weTHhG0X0pY/v-deo.htmlsi=moN95L3VDylTV0C6 I've covered that ground already and it wasn't worth revisiting when the Yggy OG had already proved itself (as I said at the beginning of this video)
Schiit talk about the fully modular architecture of the Yggdrasil+ and the upgradability of the design. However, this requires Schiit to support the development of compatible circuit boards for future upgrades to their design. This approach will undermine Schiit’s revenue stream from new DAC products and it is questionable if the concept is truly sustainable. The modular architecture does however mitigate the regulatory requirement of the Right-to-Repair Act. So, congratulations to Schiit for this forward thinking.
Schiit have demonstrated excellent long term upgradability even for the DACs they made that weren't specifically designed for it. You could upgrade the older Gungnir (and Yggy perhaps) with both improved analog boards and USB boards. This takes the same concept and makes it completely achievable without sending the device back to base
@@PassionforSound Isn’t it refreshing to hear about a company that cares about their customers. This should be a priority to anyone considering making a purchase.
When I had the Gumby, it was beaten by the Chord Qutest. Subsequently, I think the Yggy OG matched or beat the Qutest so the Yggy+ MIB will be a significant step up from the Gumby.
I own bifrost uber. they indeed did couple of updates to it and then.... nope.... you need to buy 2/64 if you want to upgrade. so 5 years yes, maybe more... but 10 is a stretch.
To be fair, the Bifrost Uber wasn't modular in the way the BF2 is. BF2 is five years old this year and only had the one upgrade (2/64) in that time with continued support, so I think the newer products are built for better longevity.
That's correct. Modularity and upgradability wasn't the plan when the older models were made. Even Bifrost 2 doesn't have the same flexibility as the Yggy+ which is designed specifically for upgradability first and foremost.
I think there have been eight versions of the Yggdrasil: Yggdrasil (OG) Yggdrasil Garage Sale (GS) Yggdrasil OG A2 Yggdrasil+ OG A2 Yggdrasil+ LIM Yggdrasil+ MIL Yggdrasil+ MIB Yggdrasil+ GS2
And just to be clear: have Schitt committed themselves to providing modular replacement boards for this model for the next 10 years, or might they just deploy any new technology in a new DAC and advise that you should buy the upgraded model? I appreciate insurance was a metaphor but how seriously can we take it?
I took the 10 year time period out of thin air so that's not coming from Schiit, but as Kaneda said, they've shown a long term commitment to upgradability
Hi I have a Schiit Gumbi multi bit dac, I understand it is discontinued, and Schiit Europe did not even respond to my question if there still were any upgrades, not future proof at all.
According to the archived Gumby page, "you can upgrade an original Gungnir with the Multibit card and Unison USB." So if yours doesn't have Unison, you can add it.
In relation to the future upgradability, that's a specific feature of the new Yggy+ chassis and casing. It's precisely to fix the challenges with trying to upgrade older Schiit DACs.
Except if you've paid attention to Schiit over the years. They have a history of releasing new and backwards compatible upgrades for gear that wasn't even intended to have the modularity of the Yggy+.
Lost me at the new one is leaner and more neutral. Schiit needs to get back to its signature multibit roots--typified by thick, rich, smooth, analogue, warm R2R sound. I imagine the Yggy+ OG is still more in line with my preferences. But ultimately out of my budget even if I was able to find one on the used market. My OG Bifrost 2 is likely my endgame DAC.
They are taking measurements into consideration when designing products now. Most of their current releases have been more neutral sounding due to that. Low distortion means less warm.
Yep I am thinking I have to send in my original Yggy to update the Chassis and DAC to MIB (for greater separation and depth) , the Unison card that I updated a couple years ago was a large improvement to the USB.
@bryanherr1093 Ah ok. I saw the up and down buttons on the remote and thought it was volume, must be input selection then. Maybe I won't get the chassis upgrade then.
Topo47. Listening to physical media via Urd or ML31 to MIB to MJ3. Interested to try LIM. Schiit is endgame for me. I have a +GS2 in other room, but did listen side by side for a month. Different, but both enjoyable to the point that choosing one over the other is not an issue for me. And yet, I may try the LIM.
The LAiV Harmony and Yggdrasil MIB are both upgradable. The LAiV has a few more features and can read higher sampling rates. Both are the same price basically. Schiit will be releasing a Gungnir 2 soon. I will wait to make a decision between the Schiit and LAiV til then. Good review.
I'll be interested to see what LAiV have in store for upgradability in the future. Schiit have proven to deliver meaningful upgrades over time. Hopefully LAiV can do the same.
@@PassionforSound they have and that has only gone so far with certain products. Gungnir for example, of wich I have two can no longer be upgraded. Might be said of most devices. A Gungnir 2 is coming out soon. I am still leaning towards the LAiV for my next purchase. We shall see. Another review came out on the LAiV and it was not overwelmingly positive lol. I have noticed that the viewers seem to think reviewers are paid and this seems to affect their view of reviewers. I look at all reviews for opinions not an absolute. I respect your opinion and others and this does not mean I follow them blindly. We all need to listen and judge for ourselves. Another thing is you are mostly headphones where I am strictly two channel listening. Either way I appreciate your reviews even if we do not always seem eye to eye. Different perspectivas are good for learning and for that I appreciate you kind sir.
I am from Europe i am also thinking on buying the laiv, but i can find in audiophonics page if you can return a product you are not happy with. So many dacs out there 😊
@@Pete.across.the.street they are a well prepared company with a lot of very knowledgeable designers and engineers from the audio field. I truly think they will be around.
like ingredients, the most weighted is listed first. I'll add, from my perspective (63 yrs. young) 10 years is long enough to change up most everything (tech rises in month not years). To say it's 10 yrs. proof, in these times? You foster scepticizm. Your presentation is kind enough spot on polished though. For this I'll return without hesitation.
I was actually deliberate with the "10 years" Michael because that's the specific benefit of the Yggy+. Other than the outer chassis/case, EVERY component inside the Yggy+ could be swapped out for new tech over the next 10 years to make it absolutely current in 2034.
@@PassionforSound I stand corrected. It would seem, I could buy the Yggy+ and just upgrade immediately with their better components if desire inclined me to do so. Thank you, I appreciate the reply.
The Conductor is a DAC and headphone amp so very different, but would be interesting from a pure DAC sonics perspective. Unfortunately, I don't own one of those or the Wandla to test and compare.
@@PassionforSound You are right. I meant a comparisson as DACs. I am interested, because both are in the same price bracket. For me the WANDLA sound more interesting, because it has an HDMI ARC input and I don't have to pay customs duty. Maybe you can ask Ferrum Audio, for a review unit of the WANDLA.
Lots of impressions on SBAF. The main thing for me was that many said LiM is better on lesser recordings since there is less perceivable treble. Not as detailed as MiB
Does the RCA and XLR outputs have the same sound quality? I know some DACs at various prices are built around xlr and rca have lower sound quality, aside the obvious lower power.
It seems the OG might have used a discrete analog board while the Yggy+ uses an op-amp based board. I was unaware of this until a viewer mentioned it here in the comments.
This comment is related (sort of) to this video, but also goes way beyond it. I am seeing, in general, more integration of functions in audio equipment, but fewer offerings. Let’s take DACs for example. I totally see the idea of combining a DAC with preamp functions and many higher end DACs do offer multiple connections. However, there are relatively few streamers that lack a DAC and relatively few CD transports as well. Why is that? Why would I want to keep paying for DACs in all my separates??? And yes, the DAC portion can often be by-passed, but why would I want to pay for it at all??? And, in general, the streamers without DACs and CD transports tend to be expensive as well as relatively few. This makes no sense to me.
Would you buy the Yggdrasil MIB or a used Chord TT2? My next DAC for the home office was going to be the TT2 (as I have a Qutest now) I've only owned the cheaper end of Schiit products
Accurate timing ? What the f**k How does anyone know this ? Based on what ? Unless you know the timing is not accurate ?? The room The space A bubble of spunk Skimming somewhere ? You mean it seems to sound better ? All the sophisticated audio patter chat is great - love it I think you are doing more stylish videos I think you should go modular XX
Nice review. Thank you! It’s great to be able to watch content like this for free! It surprises me how some who I am sure are not patreons complain and pick at things like the music etc. I went through quite a few dacs before I settled on the holo spring 3 which I picked up near new in the second hand market significantly reduced from its retail price. I am quite content but when the time eventually comes the Yiggy sounds like a great long term proposition. The modular design is indeed very appealing.
Thanks for watching and commenting! The Spring 3 is lovely, but I suspect you'll enjoy the Yggy even more. Although, stay tuned for a surprising update! 😉🙂
The music is sticking around, but I've been tweaking my ducking setup (how I raise and lower the volume). IIRC, I landed on my ideal setup one or two videos after this one.
Shit Audio will never see my money, for the name alone. Also for the random use of old Germanic mythical names by an American company. So easily can you lose sales by weird branding alone, regardless of the quality of your products! 😂
You said OG and MIB basically are identical except for the dacs and simplified chassis, but there’s actually another difference: MIB uses opamps and OG is discrete. I’m going to quote Jason from Schiit on why:
A multiplying DAC needs two really really good, super highly linear, ultra-low-settling time gain stages, per channel. In a hardware-balanced configuration, like Yggdrasil, 8 discrete gain stages is a biiiiiig and power-hungry load, and eclipses the limits of the Yggdrasil's shunt-regulated power supply.
So, yeah, op-amps. Until I figure out something better. Maybe in a couple of years.
Otherwise, love your review
Op amps in the output stage, I don’t mean every part. Just to be specific
Thanks for the clarification!
How the MIB stacks up to Hugo tt2 whithout M scaler please ?
@piotrkozak3907 I don't have the TT2 here to compare anymore, but the TT2 would still stage better (i.e. soundstage size, image focus, etc.) and I suspect their tonalities would be quite similar.
Fantastic video. I’m a Schiit fan but have yet to get this dac. Mostly because I didn’t fully understand the versions. Now, I get it. Thanx!
So glad I could help!
Thank you for another honest and detail review. We appreciate your expertise, I have experimented with several DACs. I think what’s important people need to really understand the sound that they’re looking for and Lock in and enjoy the music. This is not breaking news, but I’m not a millionaire. I would like to be able to try different equipment but of course it’s just not feasible and I never want the music to get lost in my quest for the next best thing !
I completely agree with finding what you like and then focussing on the music - great advice!
Thanks for another fine impartial, balanced & info-packed review. Cheers, Lachlan. All the best from Japan, P.
🙏♥️
Thanks for the review with the MiB! You hit the sound signature spot on! Love pairing it with toobs to maximize synergy
So glad you liked it
Man I’ve got to save up for the “funny little wafer straw thing”. Excellent.
😂
Great review Lachlan. I posted a review of the MIB myself and I have an OG, LIM and MIB on hand here. The MIB is the clear winner for me. Lower noise floor, more detail, better tone and timbre and more articulate and detailed bass.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Joe!
10 years...will start saving now.
😂
Dac to the future .. Fun, catchy and not click baity. Video's can be fun ! 🙂And it's informative/make you think. Thanks for the video Lachlan !
My pleasure!
When you can clearly hear the recording space, you know that you have Arrived.
And then you try the next tier up again... 😂
@@PassionforSound
Of course! 😂
@@HareDeLunelolll
@@PassionforSoundyep
Thanks for this - really interesting and has me intrigued (as I value your judgment and am impressed that you rate it so highly compared to something like the DAVE. Quick question - why didn’t you compare it to the DAVE by also using the USB input, and do you think that would have made a difference? Cheers 👍
Good question. Comparing via USB requires having two identical USB outputs/inputs which I didn't at the time. Because I know the digital inputs on both devices are essentially interchangeable without any significant shift in performance, I was comfortable comparing these as I have. Hopefully that makes sense. 🙂
Updating capability is theoretically a very interesting feature and I have seen it in different equipment, but it has several intrinsic problems.
One is that the manufacturer must continue making boards for the product because if they decide to stop, no more updates will be available.
On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, we as audiophiles and how we think... usually, it’s not about changing and updating the same product, but about buying a completely different one ;)
Schiit have a very strong track record of supporting their older products - even the ones that weren't designed specifically to be upgradable. I think they'll be making boards for the Yggy for years to come if history is any guide.
@@PassionforSound Yes it’s true, and I also think the same. And I spect it will be in that way to the owners benefit. But I try to generalize in my comment an be realistic because not all teh companies do that and quite all the customers finally prefer to change despite than update
I’d love to hear you contrast this approach with the approach of a Geshelli Labs with replaceable op-amps
That's coming very soon and it's an interesting one!
I gotta find some LIM and MIB boards to toss in my Yggy+, I much preferred the original A1 DAC boards vs. the more recent A2 boards when I had both sets in for testing.
great video - you are certainly in the process of stepping it up a notch.
Later this year I will replace my PC - you mentioned the card you slotted in yours - one thing that could be certainly interesting for many of us is for you to talk about that.
I've got a whole video here: ua-cam.com/video/HybaRn4sOx4/v-deo.htmlsi=Bc-r_zZIKIqxZ-XO 🙂
Thanks - I will watch that one tonight 😊
DAC to the future. Lmao 10/10 😂
😂😉
Hell yeah. I know what I'm getting for Christmas!
🎄🎉🎶
Great review, thanks!
Great review! Your new format is spot on. The use of B-roll, comedic interludes and on screen writings are spot on. Kept me entertained and engaged. Good job!
Yay! So pleased to hear that. I'm still adjusting with each edit, but sounds like I'm reaching the sweet spot. Thanks again for the feedback!
Thanks for the great review!!
My pleasure!
My fiio K11 R2R was delivered this morning. Brilliant sound! R2R DAC for 159€ delivered free of charge, unbelievable but true!!
Can’t wait, just place the order.
Got mine a few days ago. Haven't had a chance to do serious listening on it but first impressions are it's damn impressive for the price. I'll be comparing it to my Ares 2/Topping A90 stack I've been using for several years.
@@Camridebe sure to give an update bro... got my eyes on your post👌
Is R2R actually better? Doesn’t it depend on the particulars of the implementation and the parts they use and all that? Things like resistors are susceptible to heat distortion for example
All DAC designs have pros and cons so which is better will still always be personal taste and system synergy.
Thanks for posting this video
I actually want that DAC ten days from now...
There will be two more on the market by then. And another UA-camr pushing them.
I am going to throw this out here... And I would love to see a review on this unit I am about to mention... I had a Gumby multibit and was not impressed, actually disappointed. I have had a slew of DACs through here, from $79 up to $6000, and have settled on a little known Chinese manufacturer's Preamp/DAC running the ESS9038 chip. My buddy bought one too, he is of the same opinion as I am, this DAC is simply incredible. This friend of mine has gear that I will probably never be able to afford, he is retired and been in the audio game for 50+ years, and he has broadened my audio horizon to say the least.
He compares this DAC to the DAC in a $12,000 Mark Levinson integrated amp, that is his world, and I will take his word for it. I am listening to mine right now, via a Roon Nucleus One streaming WRCJ out of Detroit via Chromecast. Chromecast has never sounded this good. I am using a Volumio Rivo network bridge streamer with the Farad Super3 LPS. The Roon Nucleus One is powered with the 19v Sbooster LPS from Upscale audio. Speakers are Zu DW6 Supremes and a pair of Maggie LRS+, both speakers playing simultaneously. Yes, I am cheating, but my amp can safely do that at the levels I listen.
Oh, the Preamp/Dac, it is the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+. The amp is the ToneWinner AD-2PRO+ integrated, my friend owns that too, which has the same DAC and equal sound quality as the AD-1PRE+... We bought both of these units through Aamir at Summit HiFi... Check out this ToneWinner gear. I would love to see a review. ;-)
Thanks for telling me about it. I'll be interested to learn more...
Can't take the lethal DAC explosion. Back to cassettes.
I'm a little disappointed that the only comparisons we got were to $2500-ish DACs. Given the incremental differences in DAC chips, output stages and over-sampling between Bifrost 2/64, I feel like we should know why it's worth upping our spend by nearly $2000 after tax from the Bf. Would like to hear something in that regard. This was almost over-the-top in the future-proofing value proposition as justification.
Please see my other videos such as the Yggdrasil OG review and my R2R and Multibit DAC comparison: ua-cam.com/video/weTHhG0X0pY/v-deo.htmlsi=moN95L3VDylTV0C6
I've covered that ground already and it wasn't worth revisiting when the Yggy OG had already proved itself (as I said at the beginning of this video)
Schiit talk about the fully modular architecture of the Yggdrasil+ and the upgradability of the design. However, this requires Schiit to support the development of compatible circuit boards for future upgrades to their design. This approach will undermine Schiit’s revenue stream from new DAC products and it is questionable if the concept is truly sustainable. The modular architecture does however mitigate the regulatory requirement of the Right-to-Repair Act. So, congratulations to Schiit for this forward thinking.
Schiit have demonstrated excellent long term upgradability even for the DACs they made that weren't specifically designed for it. You could upgrade the older Gungnir (and Yggy perhaps) with both improved analog boards and USB boards. This takes the same concept and makes it completely achievable without sending the device back to base
@@PassionforSound Isn’t it refreshing to hear about a company that cares about their customers. This should be a priority to anyone considering making a purchase.
I definitely agree
Another excellent video.
I'd be interested to know how you think the Gumby compares to the Yggy MIB.
When I had the Gumby, it was beaten by the Chord Qutest. Subsequently, I think the Yggy OG matched or beat the Qutest so the Yggy+ MIB will be a significant step up from the Gumby.
@@PassionforSound thanks.
I got the A1 Iggy a few months ago and upgraded it with the Unison USB module. Wow what a DAC! Puts my Topping D90 to shame 😅
Yep. Pretty special, aren't they?
Topping D90 is a poor dac.
@PassionforSound yep but the warm up time is real! It needs a week to warm up lol
I own bifrost uber. they indeed did couple of updates to it and then.... nope.... you need to buy 2/64 if you want to upgrade. so 5 years yes, maybe more... but 10 is a stretch.
To be fair, the Bifrost Uber wasn't modular in the way the BF2 is. BF2 is five years old this year and only had the one upgrade (2/64) in that time with continued support, so I think the newer products are built for better longevity.
That's correct. Modularity and upgradability wasn't the plan when the older models were made. Even Bifrost 2 doesn't have the same flexibility as the Yggy+ which is designed specifically for upgradability first and foremost.
I think there have been eight versions of the Yggdrasil:
Yggdrasil (OG)
Yggdrasil Garage Sale (GS)
Yggdrasil OG A2
Yggdrasil+ OG A2
Yggdrasil+ LIM
Yggdrasil+ MIL
Yggdrasil+ MIB
Yggdrasil+ GS2
Anyone's head spinning? 😁
And just to be clear: have Schitt committed themselves to providing modular replacement boards for this model for the next 10 years, or might they just deploy any new technology in a new DAC and advise that you should buy the upgraded model? I appreciate insurance was a metaphor but how seriously can we take it?
The original came out in 2014 and is still interchangeable with the newest cards…
I took the 10 year time period out of thin air so that's not coming from Schiit, but as Kaneda said, they've shown a long term commitment to upgradability
Hi I have a Schiit Gumbi multi bit dac, I understand it is discontinued, and Schiit Europe did not even respond to my question if there still were any upgrades, not future proof at all.
According to the archived Gumby page, "you can upgrade an original Gungnir with the Multibit card and Unison USB." So if yours doesn't have Unison, you can add it.
@@zounds13From my understanding, to upgrade the Gungnir you must send it to Schiit for an upgrade as it is not diy modular.
In relation to the future upgradability, that's a specific feature of the new Yggy+ chassis and casing. It's precisely to fix the challenges with trying to upgrade older Schiit DACs.
Same old schitt in my opinion. Choose another brand.
@@tarquineousis that opinion based on a listening experience with that product or is it just a baseless opinion?
Unfortunately companies usually don't release new upgrade cards for long, so the modularity becomes just a marketing way.
Except if you've paid attention to Schiit over the years. They have a history of releasing new and backwards compatible upgrades for gear that wasn't even intended to have the modularity of the Yggy+.
At that price, I prefer to get different headphones or speakers for a different sound.
That's fair enough. This is more about helping people looking for a new DAC rather than suggesting everyone needs to change their current DAC.
Keep in mind that a better dac can help all of your amps and headphones sound better. It's a multiplicative benefit
@jaybrodnax great point!
Lost me at the new one is leaner and more neutral. Schiit needs to get back to its signature multibit roots--typified by thick, rich, smooth, analogue, warm R2R sound. I imagine the Yggy+ OG is still more in line with my preferences. But ultimately out of my budget even if I was able to find one on the used market. My OG Bifrost 2 is likely my endgame DAC.
They are taking measurements into consideration when designing products now. Most of their current releases have been more neutral sounding due to that. Low distortion means less warm.
I hear ya. This is why I will never sell my OG MMB v.2. The audio quality is insane for a $249 DAC.
The good news is that a different (excellent) DAC is bringing the sound profile that Schiit was known for. More on that coming soon...
Regardless of the version, the Yiggy is worth every freaking penny, and then some.
I agree, but it won't be for everyone. 🙂
Yep I am thinking I have to send in my original Yggy to update the Chassis and DAC to MIB (for greater separation and depth) , the Unison card that I updated a couple years ago was a large improvement to the USB.
Yggdrasil doesn’t have volume control.
@bryanherr1093 Ah ok. I saw the up and down buttons on the remote and thought it was volume, must be input selection then. Maybe I won't get the chassis upgrade then.
Yep, still no volume control 🙂
Topo47. Listening to physical media via Urd or ML31 to MIB to MJ3. Interested to try LIM. Schiit is endgame for me. I have a +GS2 in other room, but did listen side by side for a month. Different, but both enjoyable to the point that choosing one over the other is not an issue for me. And yet, I may try the LIM.
The LAiV Harmony and Yggdrasil MIB are both upgradable. The LAiV has a few more features and can read higher sampling rates. Both are the same price basically. Schiit will be releasing a Gungnir 2 soon. I will wait to make a decision between the Schiit and LAiV til then. Good review.
I'll be interested to see what LAiV have in store for upgradability in the future. Schiit have proven to deliver meaningful upgrades over time. Hopefully LAiV can do the same.
@@PassionforSound they have and that has only gone so far with certain products. Gungnir for example, of wich I have two can no longer be upgraded. Might be said of most devices. A Gungnir 2 is coming out soon. I am still leaning towards the LAiV for my next purchase. We shall see. Another review came out on the LAiV and it was not overwelmingly positive lol. I have noticed that the viewers seem to think reviewers are paid and this seems to affect their view of reviewers. I look at all reviews for opinions not an absolute. I respect your opinion and others and this does not mean I follow them blindly. We all need to listen and judge for ourselves. Another thing is you are mostly headphones where I am strictly two channel listening. Either way I appreciate your reviews even if we do not always seem eye to eye. Different perspectivas are good for learning and for that I appreciate you kind sir.
I am from Europe i am also thinking on buying the laiv, but i can find in audiophonics page if you can return a product you are not happy with. So many dacs out there 😊
Lavi is a startup. I just worry that they might not be around to offer upgrades
@@Pete.across.the.street they are a well prepared company with a lot of very knowledgeable designers and engineers from the audio field. I truly think they will be around.
like ingredients, the most weighted is listed first. I'll add, from my perspective (63 yrs. young) 10 years is long enough to change up most everything (tech rises in month not years). To say it's 10 yrs. proof, in these times? You foster scepticizm. Your presentation is kind enough spot on polished though. For this I'll return without hesitation.
I was actually deliberate with the "10 years" Michael because that's the specific benefit of the Yggy+. Other than the outer chassis/case, EVERY component inside the Yggy+ could be swapped out for new tech over the next 10 years to make it absolutely current in 2034.
@@PassionforSound I stand corrected. It would seem, I could buy the Yggy+ and just upgrade immediately with their better components if desire inclined me to do so. Thank you, I appreciate the reply.
Curious to hear your thoughts on the new Gustard X30 if you get a chance
I'll see if the opportunity arises to try it
I second
I would like to see a comparisson with the Burson Conductor GT4 AND Ferrum WANDLA. That would probably be an very interesting comparisson.
The Conductor is a DAC and headphone amp so very different, but would be interesting from a pure DAC sonics perspective. Unfortunately, I don't own one of those or the Wandla to test and compare.
@@PassionforSound You are right. I meant a comparisson as DACs. I am interested, because both are in the same price bracket. For me the WANDLA sound more interesting, because it has an HDMI ARC input and I don't have to pay customs duty.
Maybe you can ask Ferrum Audio, for a review unit of the WANDLA.
I've contacted Ferrum in the past with no reply. I might try again, but have so much to get through in the schedule already...
@@PassionforSound That is sad to hear, that they don't reply. Thanks for your replies.
I've been waiting forever for Schiit to make it usb C, I guess I will have to wait longer.
Yep. Not doing that as yet. Maybe a future USB card upgrade
@@PassionforSound Ty! Yeah, I have been reaching same idea, that perhaps they would just make a USB C card upgrade.
I hope you are doing great!
@lastcall9998 🙏♥️
Definitely top of my list, but not sure if I should go with the less is more or this one or the gs2 version 🤷♂️
Lots of impressions on SBAF. The main thing for me was that many said LiM is better on lesser recordings since there is less perceivable treble. Not as detailed as MiB
If you're not in a hurry, I might have another option to consider shortly too...
@@PassionforSound I’m not in a rush, what do you have in mind my friend?
The Geshelli Labs Dayzee review is on the way...
@@PassionforSoundfunny you mention it as I messaged them about it, looking forward to your review and comparison to the great yggy
Does the RCA and XLR outputs have the same sound quality? I know some DACs at various prices are built around xlr and rca have lower sound quality, aside the obvious lower power.
Good point - I didn't mention that in this review because yes, they do both sound equally as great
Discrete output stage probably would have increased sound stage depth
I agree, but that should be favouring the OG and yet the MIB came out on top for me.
U'd called it timings but i'd called it clockings..the best yet is frm DCS..Peace!
I tried the Yiggy, I didn't hear anything "magic in the multibit". I greatly prefer my RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Talking about a DAC or any component out of context of the rest of the system is difficult.
@@erics.4113 my main setup is RME -> KGSSHV Carbon -> Stax SR-X9000
If you're happy, that's all that matters
@@PassionforSound how do we tell if we're happy?
Does the music make you feel good or move you? Do you tap your foot, bob your head or feel like singing along?
actually afaik they dont upgrade the old yggy to the new audioboard. last time i checked
It seems the OG might have used a discrete analog board while the Yggy+ uses an op-amp based board. I was unaware of this until a viewer mentioned it here in the comments.
Im waiting on the gumby 2
Me too! 😁
This comment is related (sort of) to this video, but also goes way beyond it. I am seeing, in general, more integration of functions in audio equipment, but fewer offerings. Let’s take DACs for example. I totally see the idea of combining a DAC with preamp functions and many higher end DACs do offer multiple connections. However, there are relatively few streamers that lack a DAC and relatively few CD transports as well. Why is that? Why would I want to keep paying for DACs in all my separates??? And yes, the DAC portion can often be by-passed, but why would I want to pay for it at all??? And, in general, the streamers without DACs and CD transports tend to be expensive as well as relatively few. This makes no sense to me.
It's an interesting question and I don't have the answer for that one.
Let me not be the first person to commend you on your thumbnail title sir. 👏👏🤝
🙏
Combined with my Urd I’m in heaven.
Laiv harmony is modular too
Yes, but I'm not sure if it's user serviceable like the Yggy+
Would you buy the Yggdrasil MIB or a used Chord TT2? My next DAC for the home office was going to be the TT2 (as I have a Qutest now) I've only owned the cheaper end of Schiit products
I'd probably still take a TT2 🙂
@@PassionforSound Yes, I think that'll be my next purchase 😃
Don't shoot me, but I'd take the Yggdrasil. I don't like Chord DACs and I've heard them all. I honestly don't understand the hype.
The Yiggy is expensive but the TT2 is just too much for me. Shame Schiit UK doesn't sell them.
Just be aware that the Chord Stuff is very Sterile and Neutral sounding. The TT2 wasn't my cup of tea. Too harsh
Accurate timing ?
What the f**k
How does anyone know this ?
Based on what ?
Unless you know the timing is not accurate ??
The room
The space
A bubble of spunk
Skimming somewhere ?
You mean it seems to sound better ?
All the sophisticated audio patter chat is great - love it
I think you are doing more stylish videos
I think you should go modular
XX
Please review the Yggdrasil Less is More.
If I can, I will, but it's expensive to have items shipped from the US to Australia so I have to be selective in what I get from Schiit.
@@PassionforSound Thanks, I love your channel! Your channel provides great information!!
@troy5220 I'm glad you like it! 🙂🙂
When I want a different sound experience, I buy other headphones, the difference between DAC's is barely audible imo.
There is a tremendous difference between DACS in sound quality, imaging, staging, resolution, et. al. Perhaps you have not yet heard better dacs.
@@neilsnyder7915 I have
@@neilsnyder7915 I have, but different headphones makes a much bigger audible difference.
Nice review. Thank you! It’s great to be able to watch content like this for free! It surprises me how some who I am sure are not patreons complain and pick at things like the music etc. I went through quite a few dacs before I settled on the holo spring 3 which I picked up near new in the second hand market significantly reduced from its retail price. I am quite content but when the time eventually comes the Yiggy sounds like a great long term proposition. The modular design is indeed very appealing.
Thanks for watching and commenting! The Spring 3 is lovely, but I suspect you'll enjoy the Yggy even more. Although, stay tuned for a surprising update! 😉🙂
if Schiit can decode 384khz then i'll definitely shortlist it.....
Yes, that would be a nice addition for the sake of HQ Player, etc
Discrete class A output stages? 😮
Discrete, yes. Class A? Not sure, but if that's what it says on the website...
$2,300......yikes! I'm sure its a fine piece of equipment.
It's all relative. It's an excellent piece of equipment and also 10% of the cost of a number of other DACs (that I haven't tried)
What about the more bullshite version? That has to be better, right?
🤣
Holo Cyan 2 > Iggy :O
Had a horrendous experience with Schitt so will never buy from them. However Iggy MIB sounds like a great product.
OWW I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE...
Changed the lighting.
🤷
It's about that time for another Visa credit limit increase.
Haha. Don't go too far! 🙂
Good review, but please stop using music. Way too distracting
The music is sticking around, but I've been tweaking my ducking setup (how I raise and lower the volume). IIRC, I landed on my ideal setup one or two videos after this one.
10 years from now there will be cheaper options
I'll be dead in ten years 🤦♂️
There already is a cheaper option depending on who you ask :)
There will always be cheaper options. Just depends on what you prioritise...
Too bad they chose a shitty name. Who would want to tell their family and friends what brand they own ?
A lot of people enjoy the humour of it
@@PassionforSound I know. I would rather not have a bad joke in my house. Or talk about it around my nephews and grandkids.
Shit Audio will never see my money, for the name alone. Also for the random use of old Germanic mythical names by an American company.
So easily can you lose sales by weird branding alone, regardless of the quality of your products! 😂