DAC recommendation for HD650 and Bottlehead Crack

[pboser]

MB=Multibit, right?
DS=?

[grufti]

Delta Sigma = DS

[IdiotoftheYear]

From what I have read, just done some searching, the MB dacs tend to be more smooth and warm and perhaps more analog like than the DS ones. However, when combined with a valve amp which you might also consider smooth and warm. the combination may go a bit too far in the mellow direction. These are just thoughts and not based on listening to any stand alone dacs. I think that the Schiit Modius DS model would be fine for me.

I tend to agree with this and it has been my experience with the ModiMB. Just adding my voice so that you're not singing solo.

[pboser]

Delta Sigma = DS

Thanks

[grufti]

You can read about the challenges with multibit DAC's in a realtively short thread on diyaudio. The thread was started by one of TI's application engineers when TI released the new DAC11001A R-2R DAC. It is a single-channel, unbuffered DAC. Mouser has it for about $55.00. The thread has only 47 posts as of right now, but it still gets to most of the complications with R-2R multibit DAC's. Take a look for example at the THD vs. frequency plots that Paul posted on page 2.

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendor-s-bazaar/349809-dac11001-20-bit-2r-precision-dac.html

This is not for the faint of heart.

[larcenasb]

Another vote for the Khadas Tone Board. It's just $99 and measures better than many more expensive DACs (check out audiosciencereview if you haven't already). For me, it's more fitting with the Crack than the $699 Schiit Bifrost. Rather than spend $300-400 for the Crack and $699 for the Bifrost, I'd rather spend $699 for a Crackatwoa and $300 for a JDS Labs EL DAC 2 or something similar.

[Natural Sound]

Another vote for the Khadas Tone Board. It's just $99 and measures better than many more expensive DACs (check out audiosciencereview if you haven't already). For me, it's more fitting with the Crack than the $699 Schiit Bifrost. Rather than spend $300-400 for the Crack and $699 for the Bifrost, I'd rather spend $699 for a Crackatwoa and $300 for a JDS Labs EL DAC 2 or something similar.

I like the way you think. I've never heard of the Khadas Tone Board before. You have my attention though. I'm currently working on a project that could make use of this. I'm going to do a little digging.

[David Joiner]

I'm running a Bluesound Node 2i, you get a network streamer and a DAC for $550. The phone app that controls the Node includes Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD to name a few. I think it sounds great, connects via WiFi or direct via LAN. Plus, with a USB, you can connect a hard drive and play music direct from the drive. It has optical and coax digital out if you ever want to upgrade to an external DAC.

David

[Joe Garfield]

No love for Schiit Modi Multibit?