• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Schiit Modi Multibit

This handy dandy optical selector box allows switching between DAC sources: In my case it's Chrome Cast Audio, CDP and Apple TV radio.

I think I paid around $15 for mine on eBay but Amazon sells them as well. If you get one make sure it's 3 into 1 ( 3x1 ) rather than 1 into 3 ( 1x3 ). They look identical.

71wpZlWSfuL._SX425_.jpg
 
After many hours of listening to the Modi Multibit... continues to surprise and provide awesome enjoyment.
Something I found is it sounds much better warmed up. 2 hours seems to really be the ticket. Part of this maybe the iFi SPDIF purifier as well.... but as I recall before I install the purifier it still sounded better when the case was nice and warm.
Spin up The Meters Chug Chug Chug- Lug, or even better yet Africa, and the funky bass rythem drive and smooth punch will blow your mind... WHAT IT IS
Simply amazing!
 
Last edited:
Hofy said:
Actually the MiMBy is supposed to be left on at all times.
Click to expand...
Really? Well it has a power switch for one thing, and secondly, they don't mention that in the manual.
It doesn't consume much power, but it does get warm. This takes it's toll over time on electronic components. If your not using it for a extended period of time, IMHO it would make sense to turn it of.
 
Actually repeated cycles of warm/cold lead to mechanical failures of the electrical joints and are more damaging to electronics.

I am not talking about temperatures that are beyond normal here, but about temperatures that usually are of less that 1/2 of the maximum. The electrolytic capacitors are the only ones that might be affected by exposure to temperature and that's why is important to use capacitors rated for higher temperatures - max temperature it's written often on their side. On Modi pictures I think I saw 85 degC. Half of that would be 42 degC, it will be felt warm at touch being higher than body temperature - that's nothing for them.
 
automojo said:
Really? Well it has a power switch for one thing, and secondly, they don't mention that in the manual.
It doesn't consume much power, but it does get warm. This takes it's toll over time on electronic components. If your not using it for a extended period of time, IMHO it would make sense to turn it of.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I forgot the sarcasm tag. I usually leave mine on when I know I will be listening to it on and off. But if I am leaving the house for any length of time. like work, I turn it off.
 
Well i'm not sure of the turning on and off causing solder joint failures, could be true who knows. Urban legend?
People used to say that about cars starting and stopping them all the time wasted more fuel then leaving them running all the time. Running old carb cars on full/partial choke because the engine was cold was definitely a problem.
I don't see anywhere in the Multibit manual that says it should be left on.
I just threw Schiit A email to see if this was what they recommend.
A quick scan of the owners manual mentions nothing about leaving it on 24 hours a day. Or that's the preferred method of operation.
I too, leave my audio system on such as the weekend when I know I'm going to be listening to it a number of times.
I run the Modi through my preamp so I can use the remote to turn everything off, and not wear out the power switches.
I can see the advantage on leaving it on as far as it being ready to sound its best, but I also see the disadvantages of leaving it on all the time...24 hrs/day.
Pick your poison so to speak
 
Last edited:
Mine stays on 24/7. Going to Hawaii for a couple weeks next month and I'll shut down everything then including the Raspberry Pi3. ..
 
Alobar said:
Mine stays on 24/7. Going to Hawaii for a couple weeks next month and I'll shut down everything then including the Raspberry Pi3. ..
Click to expand...
Sure as mentioned to each his own.
As it should be.
Where I disagreed was that Schiit designed it to be left on all the time. Or Schiit recommends that as Hofy stated.
I don't see any evidence that supports that.
Nor any evidence that supports turning things on and off causes the acceleration of solder joint failure.
If the Modi doesn't run hot enough to cause component failure well I would think it doesn't run hot enough to cause solder joint failure if this is the case.
Maybe just say I like leaving mine on 24 seven and leave it at that...
 
Last edited:
I use a Bifrost MB, and it definitely sounds better when its been on a couple of hours. I just leave it on all the time, unless I power everything down to leave town or make system changes. I think that by having the power switch (toggle) on the back of the box they are "suggesting" that you just leave it on as it's not all that easy to reach the switch. I doubt that it hurts anything to turn it off when not in use, but I really don't think you get the best sonics that the unit has to offer until its good and warm.
 
I agree... definitely sounds better warm!
I figured the reason for the rear power switch had to do with circuit lay out, and keeping the power supply circuit isolated to a certain area of the unit, more than anything.
 
automojo said:
Sure as mentioned to each his own.
As it should be.
Where I disagreed was that Schiit designed it to be left on all the time. Or Schiit recommends that as Hofy stated.
I don't see any evidence that supports that.
Nor any evidence that supports turning things on and off causes the acceleration of solder joint failure.
If the Modi doesn't run hot enough to cause component failure well I would think it doesn't run hot enough to cause solder joint failure if this is the case.
Maybe just say I like leaving mine on 24 seven and leave it at that...
Click to expand...
That is pretty much what I said. I don't know about failing solder joints, or heat caused premature component failure, and if it does fail someday It would likely be many years and will likely want to upgrade anyway. My first DAC, the original Modi has no switch. It was on until I unplugged the usb cord, which I did faithfully for a while until I came to the conclusion that I was going to wear out the usb connection point. I am still using the original Modi for direct sound from my Windows machine, and the multibit stays plugged into the Raspberry Pi3 for all music I listen to from my library. Now they all stay on.

The only components I switch off is my vintage stuff. Turntables, amp and preamp, and tuner. I don't really know why, other than it is all at least 40 years old and I don't care to leave it on unattended. Maybe I am stressing components, and there has been much discussion about the pros and cons on AK but it is what I do.
 
Sure I agree...digital audio is in a state of constant flux.
And the MB is a classic case. The sound is really unbelievable for the money.
Schiit reminds of HRT-they also have good value for the money, and keep the stuff stateside which is cool IMHO.
Too bad HRT didn't choose to go this route, but the Streamer II and III are still excellent performers and being self powered is a plus in some situations. Plus they are built like tank.s No problem throwing them in a laptop bag/etc.
 
soundmig said:
I use a Bifrost MB, and it definitely sounds better when its been on a couple of hours. I just leave it on all the time, unless I power everything down to leave town or make system changes. I think that by having the power switch (toggle) on the back of the box they are "suggesting" that you just leave it on as it's not all that easy to reach the switch. I doubt that it hurts anything to turn it off when not in use, but I really don't think you get the best sonics that the unit has to offer until its good and warm.
Click to expand...
You beat me to the switch location theory. I leave my Gungbir MB on 24/7 as well. along with the Linn Kairn pre, and Goldmund Memisis 6 power amp. The Goldmund has been on for more than 20 years with no problems.
 
My brother just bought a Modi MB over to me from the U.S while visiting, the music is better than my CD player. I have a Marantz 16D CD player and is consider hi end already but using this DAC the vocal and mid range is so much clear and louder. I have one question and wonder is some one can help me out. I have my music store in a hard drive its about 285 GB, so I play music using my laptop, now I am thinking about using a tablet to play instead of my laptop, is there a tablet with two USB ports out there?
 
soundmig said:
I use a Bifrost MB, and it definitely sounds better when its been on a couple of hours. I just leave it on all the time, unless I power everything down to leave town or make system changes. I think that by having the power switch (toggle) on the back of the box they are "suggesting" that you just leave it on as it's not all that easy to reach the switch. I doubt that it hurts anything to turn it off when not in use, but I really don't think you get the best sonics that the unit has to offer until its good and warm.
Click to expand...


FWIW, I think the switch is on the back because it is easier (less expensive) to assemble the DAC. Plus the power circuit I should shorter.

Look at the Schiit Freda and Saga. Same thing. One would not leave a tube device on 24/7, right?

As my (solid state) amps and DAC get used everyday, I do not power them down unless I would be away for more than one night.
 
So I succumbed to the hype and got my hands on one of these and have to agree the rendering of details and texture is quite amazing for the price, which is not to say I have much experience with high end gear but I've been through several mid-fi DACs. The sound is crisp, the bass is tight, a bit in your face but within reason, generally no complaints here. I did however ran it against my Arcam rDac which is a decent but aging device and found the mimby to have somewhat narrower sound stage and generally it is not as fluid, not sure if this is the right term but it is much harder to close your eyes and sort of flow with the music when listening to the mimby. Could be just a first impression which is often incorrect, need to spend more time with it, but it did cross my mind that listening to the mimby is not unlike being in Swarowski store, everything is pretty shiny and perfect, but you won't find diamonds there. Got it second-hand so likely it has been through at least some burn-in already.
 
Anyone thinks their mimby is too aggressive in the mids/highs to their liking? That's the certainly the opinion I'm leaning towards after spending some time with it, but my setup is somewhat bright to begin with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom