SLT Tech 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2012 Schiit Bifrost DAC FULLY UPGRADABBLE DAC | 24/192 BITPERFECT USB 2.0 & SPDIF | 32-BIT WITH DISCRETE ANALOG Reviews & Awards Bifrost Reviews Bifrost is the world's most affordable fully upgradable DAC, featuring 32-bit D/A conversion, a fully discrete analog section, and a sophisticated bit-perfect clock management system, together with one of the most advanced asynchronous USB 2.0 input sections available, as well as SPDIF coaxial and optical inputs, all with 24/192 capability. Now, if you're new to this whole DAC game, the only thing you might have gotten out of that sentence was "affordable" and "upgradable." That's fine. We want Bifrost to be affordable, because you shouldn't have to take out a second mortgage to get fantastic sound, and it's upgradable, because, well...times change. Fully Upgradable: The Future-Proof DAC Worried about rapidly-changing USB input technology? Concerned about future advances in D/A conversion? Bifrost's modular design uses separate, USB Input and DAC/Analog cards. When USB technology changes, we can simply drop in a new, better USB Input Card. When meaningful upgrades to D/A converters come out, we can drop in a new DAC/Analog Card. The result? A virtually future-proof DAC that won't end up in the dumpster. AKM4399 D/A Converter and Discrete Analog Section Even without considering upgradability, Bifrost offers incredible value. Consider its AKM4399 32 bit D/A converter, used in DACs costing many times more than Bifrost. Also consider that our analog section is a fully discrete, low noise JFET design—just like multi-thousand-dollar "statement" DACs. Advanced Bitperfect Clock Management The ugly truth about most DACs in this price range is that they sacrifice every single one of your original music samples to get their magic "192kHz" spec. Every input is routed through a sample rate converter and upsampled to 24/192. Bifrost dispenses with the sample rate converter and uses a sophisticated master clock management system to deliver bit-perfect data to the DAC, preserving all the original music samples--whether it's 16/44.1 or 24/192. USB 2.0, 24/192, Async, Completely Buzzword Compliant Have high-res music? No problem. Bifrost offers a full range of inputs: Coaxial and optical SPDIF, as well as USB. Bifrost's USB is one of the most advanced implementations available today, featuring a high-speed USB 2.0 interface (not 1.1) and asynchronous data transfer to 24/192, based on the C-Media CM6631 USB receiver. No drivers are required for Macs, and Windows drivers are downloadable for Windows 7, Vista, and XP. Want to read more about Bifrost? Check out the FAQ. 5-Year Warranty Bifrost is covered by a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for five years. That’s 5 years. Yes. FIVE. Compare that to the competition. Please note this doesn't mean free upgrades for five years! Specifications Inputs: Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, USB (optional) Input Capability: up to 24/192 for all inputs Input Receiver, SPDIF: Crystal Semiconductor CS8416 Input Receiver, USB: C-Media CM6631 D/A Conversion IC: AKM4399 Analog Summing, Filtering: Fully Discrete, JFET differential topology Output: Dual RCA (single-ended) Output Impedance: 10 ohms Frequency Response, Analog Summing Stage: 2Hz-100KHz, -1dB (actual frequency response limited by sample rate) Maximum Output: 2.0VRMS THD: Less than 0.008%, 20Hz-20KHz S/N: Greater than 105dB Power supply: 5 stages of regulation, including separate supplies for critical digital and analog sections. Upgradability: Separate, modular USB Input Card and DAC/Analog Card are snap-in replaceable. Power Consumption: 12W Size: 9 x 6.75 x 2.25” Weight: 5 lbs Stock available NOW at AUDIO ICONIC, #B1-15 The Adelphi (Tel: 63362362) @ special promo/bundle price. And do bring along your favourite pair of headphones to audition - you aren't gonna believe how good this Schiit sounds! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites