StimpyWan
Addicted Member
The Mimir's resolution is worth it...!
List of DACs Under $450
- Thread starter Netdewt
- Start date
I got one when they were released
For $300 it is a good value
No galvanic isolation so I would stick a JDS Synapse in line and enjoy it
The more I isten to it the more I listen to it
Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
I also decided to order a Schiit Mimir to go between my Bluesound Vault 2i and my Eaton amps. The Dac chips are old Texas Instruments and I hear great things about the Mimir. I’m not sure which is the best way to connect the Mimir, Coaxial or RCA or Digital optical cable?
Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
The Synapse is only for USB though, right? Not for Coaxial or Optical cable?
Between coaxial and optical, opinions are divided. Both have upsides and downsides, and in most cases those up/downsides are more theoretical than practical. Usually both are perfectly fine. As long as they work correctly and you don't happen to have other issues in your audio chain (like, say, ground loops), you won't hear a difference.
Do not, however, use a regular RCA-terminated audio cable for a digital connection! The connector fits, but the cable is wrong. Digital signals are square waves, which have lots of high frequency content. Audio cables are not designed to transmit ultrasonic frequencies and will round off the signal, potentially causing decoding errors at the receiving end. You need a coaxial cable with an impedance of 75 Ohm.
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Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
I learn something new everyday. Thank you Vlad!
Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
Oh, and the Coaxial cable looks like a regular single RCA cable but has that plasticky module in the middle of the cable?
Basically, yes, but that's not a guarantee. You need to look at its description or specs. If it's described as a 'digital coaxial cable', or something like that, or if its impedance is specified at 75 Ohm, then it's OK.
Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
Got my Mimir Saturday and hooked it up today. The Mimir works superbly and tomorrow I will figure out using the Forkbeard (connecting it to my IPad) , by the way I had to use the optical connector as I was already using the coaxial connector to send music to another room - forgot about that!
I am waiting for this to arrive but at $350 to the door my expectations are at $350
Will see if it worth the price it certainly looks cool to me
Will see if the tubes cool off the high end that some complained about in the K13
Will see if it worth the price it certainly looks cool to me
Will see if the tubes cool off the high end that some complained about in the K13
Off topic but brings to mind the life of Ian Grant.
justin_r_23
Active Member
Schiit has updated the Magni so the Mesh DAC (USB only) can be added, bringing the price to $199.
They have also released the Modi 5, also using the Mesh DAC found in the Mimir. $150 to $171 depending on finish and if you add the wall wart.
ETA: the Modi 5 doesn't exactly have the same DAC as the Mimir. Likely same microprocessor that handles the filter and Unison USB, but the DAC an ESS9018 where the Mimir has an ESS9028.
They have also released the Modi 5, also using the Mesh DAC found in the Mimir. $150 to $171 depending on finish and if you add the wall wart.
ETA: the Modi 5 doesn't exactly have the same DAC as the Mimir. Likely same microprocessor that handles the filter and Unison USB, but the DAC an ESS9018 where the Mimir has an ESS9028.
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I will probably add a Modi 5 it looks like a sweet deal
fredgarvin
Super Member
That does look really interesting and something I would likely purchase when I have some disposable income. A tube R2R DAC is something I've wanted for a long time. When is that expected to be available?
Came here to also recommend the FiiO K11 R2R that is currently $175 on Amazon, making it an incredible deal and worthy of inclusion on the list. The ASR crowd will say that it has bad measurements, but what's "bad" about its measurements is below the threshold of human hearing. I only listen through speakers, not headphones, and I have A/B'd the K11 R2R back and forth against a Parasound D/AC-2000 Ultra Analog (their TOTL R2R DAC from the late 90s) through a Parasound P/LD-2000 pre (corresponding TOTL pre), and I cannot tell the two apart. I also briefly A/B'd using Sony MDR-7506 headphones and could not discern any difference. My hearing range tops out at 15kHz so that's the only caveat, but then again most AK members probably can't hear much above that range.
Lavane
Lunatic Member
I was looking at the SU-1 yesterday. I found a review where some testing was done using various test equipment and software. It seems to test very well.
Very soon I'll be kicking my current CDP to the curb and replace it with a separate transport and DAC. Looking through the various DAC's I realized I just don't want all the add on features I see in a lot of DAC's.
Basically I'm looking for a straight up DAC, no Bluetooth, etc.
The SU-1 seems to fit the bill.
I intend on connecting the transport to the DAC with a fiber optic cable.
I haven't ever messed with fiber optic connections before.
I kind of vot lost in the weeds looking into fiber optic cables.
Are there any decent cables that don't cost more than $30-$50?
SMSL just released an SU2 which is worth consideration at $99 seems well received
SMSL SU-2 Desktop DAC
The SMSL SU-2 is a compact, fully balanced desktop DAC with AES/EBU input, XLR output, and low-noise ES9039Q2M architecture for monitoring and active speaker systems.
apos.audio
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The FiiO Warmer has turned out to be both interesting and a keeper
I did order this, and it looks very promising for $160
apos.audio
I did order this, and it looks very promising for $160
Apos x Community Druid R2R DAC
Discover the Apos x Community Druid, the first R2R ladder DAC with swappable op-amps that comes with USB-C input and a balanced XLR output. Designed to stack with the Gremlin amp, this affordable DAC delivers natural, analog-like sound with flexible customization.
apos.audio
Lavane
Lunatic Member
Thanks! I hadn't seen it yet. I'll defenetly check it out. I see they dropped support for MQA. I can't see me ever needing that anyway. Plus it has the power supply built in. No need for a 2 amp 5v wall wart.SMSL just released an SU2 which is worth consideration at $99 seems well received
SMSL SU-2 Desktop DAC
The SMSL SU-2 is a compact, fully balanced desktop DAC with AES/EBU input, XLR output, and low-noise ES9039Q2M architecture for monitoring and active speaker systems.