Haha! Your input is always welcome.
I think you’re onto something. From what I’m told, the BF2 is indeed a warmer DAC. I’m also told that it’s probably the best sub-$1k DAC. Very natural sounding, with excellent staging and separation.
And I agree, it’s so hard to determine what a true neutral is. Even the ridiculous “wire to gain” analogy is used with equipment that imparts its own coloration.
I’m sure the Lyr/BF2 is a fine pairing.
I think the biggest “coloration” factor comes from our humans “brains”, mood, music and how much alcohol you have consumed!!
Smile
Alex
The BF2 is a definite upgrade from my Black Label used as Burr Brown DAC only. Does many things just a bit better which sums to a good step up.
Proposed characterization of Schiit neutral == honest, anti-sterile that may come across as mildly colored to some ears, making for an enjoyable listen. Sensible coloration, if any.
It’s important to distinguish between related factors. These are subject to debate and discussion, but often predictable:
Solid state amps tend to be less colored and clear, but many tube amps are not strongly colored either.
Good points and agreed. Maybe this is a less debatable description: an anti-THX sound (no inference of which is preferred/better).
So for me, the Utopia paired with the Bifrost 2 and Lyr 3 was the smoothest most enjoyable presentation. My review goes into some more details. Also the ability to tube roll with the Utopia I think is important too…
I also loved it paired with your Clears!
nice review (and pics too)! Can I ask what tubes you tried and preferred the most?
I missed that you put out the review! Will check it out.
Thanks everyone for the great recommendations about the pairing of the Bifrost 2 and the Lyr 3. You’re all are like pirates making me walk the plank. It won’t be long before I tumble headlong overboard.
Great video @MRHifiReviews, I enjoyed it a great deAL and found it very helpful. A quick query, if I may? What’s the music software you’re using on your Mac? I don’t recognize it.
Hey @Chang_Hwa_Lee the Utopia was on loan to me for review so I don’t have it on hand to do a deep dive with the tubes I have but I rolled a few different tubes and tended to gravitate to the warmer sounding ones that helped take more edge off the Utopia.
Hey @Tchoupitoulas thanks for watching! I utilize Audirvana with Qobuz for more scrutinized listening as well as Amazon Music HD for more laid back hi-res listening.
Thank you! I didn’t recognize it in dark mode, and I guess I’ve not seen it since the new version was released last year. Looks nice and clean. Also, I’d not seen a black Schiit Loki before; yours looks awesome!
Thank you @Tchoupitoulas that little Loki gets lots of love! I’m glad I grabbed it in black when they had it!
thanks for the reply!
This is a great discussion and I’m hoping I can get some clarification regarding the Lyr 3.
I’m looking to have one headphone amp to rule them all that not only is a great headphone amp, but also has a great look as it will be on display. I’m going to be using my HD 600, Elegia, and soon to acquire Aeon 2 Closed.
I will be spending 2-3 hours a day listening to Apple Lossless via my iPhone into a USB DAC (deciding between adding the DAC to the Lyr 3 or buying the new Modius with the Unison USB).
Is this crazy talk?
Thanks in advance
The Lyr 3 is a great choice that will drive hi and low impedance headphones. Gobs of power. Is a hybrid. One tube to roll if u want to do this without breaking the back.
A great dac would be the Bifrost 2. is more than a modius, but would be a very nice compliment to the Lyr 3 in performance size and size.
The Lyr 3 is not balanced, but this really is not a concern at all.
Good luck with your choice!
Alex
Thanks Alex this is very helpful.
I agree with pretty much everything @lost33 said especially if you don’t need to go balanced @anon36506748 I would definitely invest in the Bifrost 2 as well the pairing is sublime.