The Schiit Modi 3 DAC is a $99 bargain
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- čas přidán 28. 11. 2018
- What is that thing on top of your DAC? It's a doorstop!
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A $99 D/A converter from Californian hi-fi manufacturer Schiit Audio that offers USB, TOSLINK and coaxial inputs for up to 24bit/192kHz file decoding from an AKM4490 chip and DC-coupled output stage.
Preview here: darko.audio/2018/09/schiit-in...
Written review here: darko.audio/2018/11/schiit-mo...
Schiit interview 2018: • Talking Schiit Aegir, ...
Schiit factory tour 2016: • Schiit Audio factory t...
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Also featured in this video:
AudioQuest DragonFly Red/Black: www.audioquest.com/dacs/drago...
Shanling M0: www.shanling.com/Product/Detai...
Chord Mojo: chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
DENSOTen Eclipse 510Z MKII loudspeakers: darko.audio/2018/06/into-the-...
Rotel RA-10 integrated amplifier: darko.audio/2017/07/happy-acc...
Schiit Saga preamplifier and Vidar power amplifier: darko.audio/2017/11/schiit-vi...
ALLO DigiOne streamer: darko.audio/2017/08/allos-dig...
Rancilio SILVIA espresso machine: www.ranciliogroup.com/1-Ranci...
Graef CM 800 coffee grinder: www.coffeecircle.com/de/p/gra...
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Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world. We aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
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Facebook: / darkodotaudio - Zábava
I'm surprised no one has said it yet... but this company and Pyle should do a collaboration on a DAC/Amp. Or maybe they shouldn't... thing would be a real Pyle o' Shiit.
This is really funny xD
100% for effort on trying to be funny.
Pyle o' shit is already common in the audio/HiFi vernacular
pair the pyle with the schiit!
Shit Audio featuring Pile
My favorite video of yours yet! I really appreciate the lower prices on these items combined with specific suggestions of devices you thought sounded good together, along with descriptions of the sound, and even specific cables and input methods. Love it.
Great review! I really like the comparison to the alternatives. As someone who's just looking/dabbling in the space it's great to hear about what other options I can consider for the same price point.
Your videos are the BEST audio related videos I've seen here. Keep it up, man! Going to buy this Shiit right now
I really liked this video. Good presentation and great job on making a video about a DAC fun to watch.
Just got my Modi 3 today and am very pleased.
I bought the Schiit Modi 3+ and Echo Link based on your reviews. Holy crap, I love that setup. I’ve lost a few nights of sleep listening to music all night, after the pair helped resurrect my old 15yo Onkyo system.
The change was very subtle at first, but when big complex (apex type?) sounds would hit, the sound is much fuller and richer. Definitely, like switching from standard quality to HD to the ears. Also, musical highs/lows are more transparent, especially when they are extended out in duration. Thanks for the reviews!
Mike Moffat, Schiit's Co-Founder, and head of digital development, said. "It's a Modi 3...with Unison USB, our own USB interface that took two person-years of development to complete. But it also has a few more tricks that improve performance even more than Modi 3-so it's our highest performing Modi, ever."
Love your style of delivery of all relevant information with just the right amount of “in my opinion “ and that too is important as you have the product in your home environment..
Please keep up the good work..
I would love to see Schiit produce a nice solid 50w/channel stereo amp. Price it around 200-250 dollars and i think they'll have a real winner.
John, that would sound like ass. You are an idiot.
Love this Schiit video! Thinking about buying the Modi 3 or the Multibit. Love your video's!
I m thinking the 99$ version would be perfect now! All I have is a Fulla 1!
Great review......the best I have seen on this unit. I have been on the fence about which inexpensive DAC to get and this review convinced me to buy some Schiit! I loved the Schiit counter.....made me laugh so hard!
Funny, I stopped listening because of the counter. But reading a review of the review like yours means I won't reject the product, just look for more reviews.
sub’d as soon as I saw B12’s Time Tourist in the background. Finally an audio enthusiasts who actually has some taste in music and doesn’t go on and on about Steely Dan
Not sure what you're blathering on about, if I bought one of these, the first thing I might play is Steely Dan.
*puts cover on and screws it back up*
Me: *waiting for the line*
"Now I've got my Schiit together"... damn, no luck :(
Me too I was expecting it...
In regards to budget dacs that (allegedly) sounds good. I think you should review the SMSL SU-8
The feature set, sound quality and performance is supposed to be really good at its price point. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Nice cinematography, beautiful set of eclipse and equipment, great video and very informative with a splash of humour! Subscribed!
You 100% get where I am coming from, which means you are *precisely* the kind of person I am talking to with these videos -- so welcome.
Finally, a good comparison video with practical advice that focuses on the pros/cons in the different nuances of sound.
If that digital cable you have is what I believe, with crimped Canare plugs, it’s probably miles better than loads of other “hi-fi high-end” stuff that populates this world.
I just lucked out at a thrift shop on this Schiit 😆👌 $5 bucks with original box! So hyped! Thank you for the review.
$5 for schiit modi 3? 😮
You LUCKY SOB!
Holy schitt!
That’s some bull Schitt. Didn’t happen.
When cheap Shiit becomes dirt-cheap Shiit, well… you got a good deal on some Shiit.
Your videos transcend reviews. This is pure art! thanks
You know... opening the gear really makes a big difference for a guy like me. Your reviews are incredibly comprehensive and engaging, it's no wonder this channel has grown so quickly. Keep up the amazing work, and keep showing us the internals😁
Another great review John.. and love your “sh*t counter” 😁
Oh shit you mentioned blue jean cable! I first found them in 2005-2006 I think it was. Some great quality cables for the money without really obsessing on cables.
@@omi_god It's called build quality. They even tell you on the website that it's the same as any standard 75 ohm video cable.
I already have a focusrite 2i4 which im using as my dac.
I just ordered a pair of HD6xx and plan to drive those with a Liquid Spark amp connected to the Focusrite output.
Is buying a separate DAC eg the Modi gonna be worth it?
I so appreciate this suggestion, this improved sound from my HK3770 a lot!
With my JBL studio 230 it sounds great, love it. Thank you!
When John says the phrase at 5:01 "player outlines" what does that phrase mean?
My interpretation would be hearing multiple instruments that might be playing similar frequencies as it's own track much like in a studio environment when the engineer is mixing the individual tacks/instruments together. Some DACs might just mush two instruments that are playing the same frequency at the same time as a single xxxHz sine wave as opposed to being two completely separate tracks within the file/song. That's my take on it anyway.
This is a nice video, fun to watch, congrats.
Khadas Tone Board, $99 DAC.
Yes, always very well put together.
Love that you made coffee during the review. Class!
Awesome video... appreciate how you compare and contrast different devices at different prices and usage categories (really helpful!!!).. we are complex being often making easy and sometimes complex decisions about our hobby - sometimes its about quality, other times about price, aesthetic, or even peer reviews .. all things being equal, who wouldn't mind getting a Ferrari at the cost of a Toyota. I love your perspective because you've seen/heard $3K plus Dacs of all shapes and forms... of course we would all love it if you had a closet with 50 other DACs we'd like you to compare during your videos. all good... enjoyed sipping my coffee this morning to your video with good looking brews!
Help, I need to figure out the best low-cost scenario for CD playback on my home stereo using my current components.
I have a Sony CDP-CE500 for my CD playback and since I can't find the specs of its internal DAC anywhere online I'm using the optical output into my Onkyo TX-8270 to let it do the audio conversion. The Onkyo TX-8270 receiver has an AK4438 DAC that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz. It also has something called Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC), which claims to filter the audio output to “remove pulse noise generated in D/A conversion” and “reassemble the audio signal to its original form following processing.”
My question is would be adding a $100 -$300 DAC be worthwhile or should I stick with my Onkyo receiver doing the audio converting?
Well, it seems like you Onkyo's internal DAC is pretty decent, but adding a external DAC like the Schiit would make you no harm at all. Dedicated external DACs tend to be better than most devices' internal DACs, so I'd buy one if I were you. It's all a matter of preference and budget.
I have a nice DAC in my Yamaha R-N602 receiver (Burr Brown) and it serves me well to hear my CDs, but having a Schiit (or other external DAC) would be a huge pleasure for me.
What is that 2 stack metal tubes on the Modi3 when hooked to Pi ?
Yeah, he explained that in another video. It's just for the vibrations and dunno-what-is-the-name waves and shit.
Really great video. If you are using the USB in as a data source and then use the ifi power supply, does the added supply take precedence over the USB power? Or would you just disconnect the additional power if it mixes them? I understand with the ifi zen usb dac, adding the 5volt barrel adapter , the dac seperates the two. Thanks
John Darko's Podcasts have been very helpful to me learning how to get into building my own Raspberry Pi Streamer. If I may ask a question.... how do I cable up the Allo Relay Attentuator to the Allo DigiOne ? This will be my first build and I hope to make it a great one... thank you John Darko for your expertise... without people like you, we'd still be in the dark ages...
Perfect timing! My Schitt stack comes today.
This review sold me on the Schiit Modi and I couldn't be happier. My next dac upgrade (when I upgrade my amp) will be the Denefrips Ares. Love the bit about the term "musical" being bullshit. Darko us keeping it real.
Hey John, i have a old hk 3490 with a broken optical input. All
l I want to do is listen to my TV through my mains and sub. Would this allow me to do that ?
Word on the street is there's so much good Schiit to be heard that positive reviews are piling up beyond the point of shoveling out the negative ones.
Cool review: no snake oil, no bs, just straight up info and opinion on the gear at hand. Awesome editing too.
Ho hum... "acoustic mass", "more punch", "treble refinement"... that may be informative to you. To me it sounds like the same way some people discuss wine.
I'd be better served with the same audio played through the different DACS, resampled, and played back. That way I could form my own opinion about his opinion :)
The Audiophile forgets about the law of diminishing returns. One can spend thousands and expect more but total satisfaction will never be obtained.
Ive been thinking alot abot this. Music is a funny thing. Even being in a good mood can effect music. I know when im down music can sound awful. The other thing is it can be subjective. One man could say the treble is to high and another could say its got insightful clarity or something. But i think if you put a blind fold on someone and take them in a room where there is say a 2 grand setup and a 10 or 15 grand set up and say all i want you to do is listen to the track, dont over think it or listen out for anything just enjoy both tracks. Dont tell them the price. Then afterwards say which one sound better. I have to think some wont be able to tell you or some will just prefer the sound signature of the cheaper one. I bet that chord sound amazing on some systems even better than the shit but on some it wont. Pairing is also so important. But i think say a 10 grand set up wont sound ten times as good as a two grand setup.
a lot of them seem to take it too far. Music is art, not science!
Excellent review, John. I really like your reviewing style, comments and insights. I was just listening to your interview with Jason and Mike at RMAF 2018 over the weekend and this makes for a very nice follow-up. From what I've heard and read, for a delta-sigma DAC, the Modi 3 sounds really very good. I have a Gumby for my main DAC and also Schiit's $149 DSD-only DAC, Loki (remember that?), which sounded truly amazing. Just subscribed. Look forward to watching more of your review videos. Thanks!
So you only used Dac for computer music. I used my phone WiFi to my recivier useing perinatal music station. Can they be used for the CD player and also the recovers?
I have a Schitt modi paired with an Apple TV 4K running thru a hdmi audio splitter. I use this as a headless streamer. I’m a newbie to this audio world but really love the output the modi provides for the money. You nailed it with terms like rich and meaty. Thank you for a good review.
@scrambling blambles Yes, a TOSLINK will transmit a digital audio signal from a PC or TV effectively the same. You can directly connect the DAC to your TV; there's no need for a PC connection.
Mmmm this knob... So turnable.
You made my day!
By the way, review the Modi and Magni Schiit stack!
Did you hear an audio difference but upgrading to the ifi i power adaptor over the stock walwart
Silly question, left and right analog out going into home theater receiver cd in, will the sub out on the receiver still pump out signal to subs? I would assume so, just want to make sure.
Deadmau5 told me to get this dac cause of the value lol
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the whole DAC thing. I have most of my CD collection and some 24/96 music on an external drive connected to my Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray. I know it's subjective, but will the $99 Modi 3 outperform the DAC in the Oppo? Also, what about the base model vs the multi-bit version? Thanks.
Yes it will trust me on this.
After watching this I ordered a modi 3 to solve a problem of needing one more toslink input for streaming CD rips from my Airport Express to my amp. I ran an optical cable from the AE to the modi, then analog from the modi to amp. It sounds great and I’m very happy with this setup. Thanks Darko!
I've gotta say, excellent review and video overall. I'm getting a Modi 3 for Christmas to pair with my Magni 3, and I love that you compared the Modi to the Dragonfly Black, since that's what I have right now. Can't wait to listen to the pair through my Fostex T60RP's! This is the first video I've seen from you, and I think its already enough to get me to hit that subscribe button. Keep up the good work!
with coffee.. really it got into my mind.
Kvr .... why would you need a remote?
Love this review! You're so watchable. Thanks. Very interesting.
Awesome review. Can't believe it's taken so long for me to find your video's.
hey, can i plug this right into an amplifier? or do i need a preamp between them? thanks!
I have a original Schiit Modi, and it still sounds great !
Of course it sounds great, it's the Schiit
I own the Schiit Mani phono pre. And i have bought 4 other preamps, (sub $500) that are pretty good. But the Schiit Audio Mani is spectacular with the Swagman labs psu. I am very, very impressed with these guys, and will be getting the modi 3, and probably other gear as well.
Great vid! Thank you! - I'm deciding between the piece of schiit or dacmagic 100...any opinion? I hate returning stuff so trying to decide on one :)
Would the dac make a noticeable improvement when used with the node2 or would it be negligible to not be worth it.?
I find it amazing this guy can listen to music and make espresso at the same time!
Insane!!!
I hope when I get a Modi, I can do that too!
"more acoustic mass" you're so cool.
I've been trying to find a decent DAC that i can connect between my TV and active speakers cos the headphone output is...as bad as it can be.
Tried usb dacs / sound cards not working so need toslink or hdmi that doesn't cost more than the tv...
Would be nice if it turn on automatically when tv comes on.
Help would be appreciated.
You already watched a video with a dac that uses toslink and isn't expensive. Don't use the usb for input, just power. Then get rca to headphone jack and good 2 go.
For my office setup, I picked up the black version (Very nice design) to pass over DAC duties from my Monoprice Headphone Amp. I followed your suggestion and grabbed that IFI PSU from B&H in NYC. This really stepped up my sound.
This is feeding out via USB/Tidal Hifi to Preamp and a pair of JBL 306P MkII, the attack and just heft of the sound is brilliant and very well rounded. Even at low volumes.
I got a schiit modi and magni
But it's the first version
I hope it's still a good dac amp
nope,it's "Schiit" lmao
If you get an Schiit Eitr and a multibit modi, I think it would rival most dacs above around $500.... Its amazing.... Magni is an amazing piece of hardware even compared to a Lyr 3... I can't hear the difference... For what its worth, I think you probably need to go to a Chord Qutest to beat the Eitr + Multibit Modi.....
Funfact:
Actually the son of Thor (Actually it's really Tor without the H) is Mode not Modi. But english transelation changes the name🙈
Always liked the Schiit name since I first heard it😝
Hi
Could You help me, please.
I have got interface focusrite scarlett 4i4 3rd gen.
What I need to power up my headphones Dt 990pro 250ohms.
Its enough to buy some headphones amp.
Can you also make a review for the "khadas tone board" dac? Thanks
Personally, I'm awaiting the release of the brown node.
I don"t just prefer, I love the DAC!
Just ordered my little schiit today. Stoked to get it in to pair with my echo link into my marantz 2015. Question what is that metal cylinder sitting on top of the modi?
I was wondering it’s possible connect that DAC to my BOSE Cinemate GS series 2 speaker system. I’m wondering if the sound would improve. Newbie here.
Probably not as bose typically has built in circuitry that amps and tunes the speakers. Thats why you spent so much on paper drivers.
What an incredible record Morphology - Traveller is !
I came here for the schiits and giggles :)
I laughed way more than I should've watching this and am definitely mentally stunted.
I'm now craving more Schiit than ever !
No Schiit ?
Kia Ora from New Zealand. Love the channel. Subbed. Keep them coming!
Any benefit using the Modi 3 with my Yamaha CD S300 CD player? It contains a Burr Brown DAC, so newbie question is, would I then be using Optical out of Yamaha, using it as a transport to Modi 3 then analog RCA to receiver? Any improvement in sound quality using an outboard DAC, rather than the Burr Brown DAC contained in my Yamaha CD S300?
I used my Modi connected via toslink to my digital output on my TV and play lossless audio from the appletv. Sounds amazing.
Next step is to get the lightening camera adapter to play from my phone directly.
It was totally Schiit video, but still very watchable.
can this work with the nintendo switch via usb audio out?
How easy is it to switch sources? i.e. does the switch go from optical to us? And... more importantly for me, when you power it off at a switch, does it then power back on to the last input choice? (mine is on a smartplug). Also... what about SENUCN-Audio Q5 DAC and Dilvpoetry X6 Pro, both at similar prices on Amazon. (And thanks Tim below for recommendation to check on Aliexpress for the pcm1794)
If someone makes fun of it just say " I don't give a Schiit!!". 😆
You're my favorite youtuber nowadays, I've been into hifi only for a year or so - but I'm still learning, also thanks to your videos. Keep up the great work. Maybe a video on digital-digital converters (Gustard U16, Singxer SU 1 or 6...)?
Could you review the other half of the entry level schiit stack? There magni 3
can i use that with their magni amp on a turntable and are they worth it or i can get something better at this price point?
I have this as well as the multibit version. Although I can hear a difference, I cannot say which is better only which one I like more.
@Joe Al The Multibit.
I knew I liked you when you paused to brew a good cup of coffee plus you got a good sense of humor & that is some really good Schiit. You have a new subscriber from across the pond my friend, thanks.
I still use the m-audio superdac 2496, great dac for the money back then. So I wonder how this old dac perform against that Schiit dac or the Audioquest Dragonfly Red.
Do I need dac, if I have optical audio out on pc connected to optical in on reciever?
You already have a DAC inside your receiver and are feeding it over optical from a PC.
I like the Audioengine D1 dac for an entry-level for the money because it also serves as a preamp.
That is some good Schiit right there.
Great highly detailed review, John... You really have your Schiit together... :)
So i need amplifier magni 2 + this Dac modi to actually have a decent sound? I'm connecting to a laptop for music production! Can someone explain me what i need?
Wow. Thats some good Schiit.
"What can you buy for a hundred bucks?" Schiit.
Will a coaxal to 3.5mm cable work as an input for the modi?
Can I use the MODI DAC to connect to my TV via optical and stream music from my phone with AirPlay2 to my TV into this DAC to my pre amp? What would the quality be like? Or would a separate streamer device be suggested?
Cracked up every time the poop counter increased. :)
Great vid John. I appreciate your continued willingness to focus some of your time on the mid and low end of the audio spectrum. I have the Modi 2 now and I'm going "Hmmm my oldest son uses the built-in DAC on his Emotiva pre-amp, I could grab the Modi 3 for me and upgrade him to the Modi 2 in one swoop". I found your comment about the potential power upgrades for the Modi 3 especially interesting. I'm contrasting the 3's USB power supply to the 16vac power utilized by it's predecessor and wondering why Schiit made the change? Unfortunately I don't have a great grasp on the minutia of consumer electronics power requirements.
The change in power supply allows the Modi to be used with a computer without necessarily needing to find a wall socket for power. It can use the computer's 5v power to do the job. I can see someone making a small battery unit for this.
@@CubanB1978 Ahhh makes sense. I wasn't a big fan of the wall wart anyway. The one for the Magni 3 is even bigger/heavier and mine went bad but Schiit took care of me and is sending a replacement.
i have the magni 3...they are the exact size and made to stack on eachother....do they make tiny little RCA cables just long enough to combine the units and clear the clutter?
Why I haven't heard about this channel before? Thank you for sharing these interesting tips
I really like the the way you deal with this Shiit 😂👍🏻
I regret purchasing the modi 2 on discount, the connectivity of model 3 is much better... however for europeans this isnt a 100$ anymore :( Anyhow the Modi 2 is a good improvement to sound, even on top of the integrated DAC found in my amp Onkyo 9010 ( just posted a comparison video ) thanks for this video. love the editing too, great style
ONKYO...Oh No!
Marantz and Onkyo both have been blowing up
and burning their customers.
But, when a consumer' buys a 9 channel Onkyo ATMOS AVR for $599
they should've known better.
LoL.
Jēkabs Drēska interesting. I own the Onkyo 9010 and i find the Dac a little bit flat/thin altough very detailed and with great placement. I actually find the DAC on the Ipad Pro better. I’ll watch your comparison.
is the modi 3 worth the upgrade from the 2? don't need the connectors.
Hey John, I enjoyed your Schiit review 😆
What is the best cheap solution for my MacbookPro 16"? I have the DT 990PRO and it feels I don't have enough juice to power my headphones.
I'm in Schiit and want to buy the Schiit product, what can you say about it?
Thanks
Awesome review! Would you happen to know if using a device with a 3.5mm output and connecting a S/PDIF to 3.5mm cable will work with the Modi 3? Using one device with USB input and hopefully another with the S/PDIF