I assume only virtual cats are involved in this analysis?
It’s all virtual untill you open the box!
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Unless you are the cat! 
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Schiit’s website says the Bifrost 2 is in stock. Like actually in stock right now. This is…new @_@
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I wonder if a lot of people put off buying it because of the backorder, allowing Schiit to catch up.
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Covid-19
[Ten characters]
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Yes, that too, and perhaps most importantly so. I was just reflecting on some of the forum chatter I have come across.
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So I had a week of listening to the BF2 in my system with the Dynaudio M20s. It was big change from the Modi3. More space, more bass, and the texture in the drums and cymbals it really very pronounced. Holy detail! I thought almost too much so. I felt like the percussive sounds became far too prominent. I think the M20s are adding something to the mix there which I am not crazy about. I played with placement and always turned up similar results.
My Harbeth C7ES3 arrived yesterday, though, and I got them up and running right away. I noticed all the same things I noticed with the M20s: space, bass, percussive “slam”, detail, but it all sounds better balanced. The C7s are not pipe and slippers speakers by any stretch but everything is better integrated + they pretty much disappear in the room. The BF2 and Harbeths are a very very engaging.
I had a system a while ago with P3ESRs and a HoloSpring which was really great. This system with the C7s and the BF2 (w Heed Obelisk SI 3) certainly keeps me listening in the same way.
One thing I would say about the BF2, though, is that I do find it a bit unkind to some poorly recorded material. I think that the level of detail it renders reveals flaws that the Modi3 just passed over.
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Has anyone found the BF2 to be a bit uppity in the treble region? I have been feeling a bit fatigued by it when listening to it for a while - perhaps it is also the emphasis on percussion? I am going to test this evening against my ADI-2. I’ve played around with interconnects, placement and toe in/out with similar results.
With which amp? I’m curious.
It is a Heed Obelisk SI MK3. It’s a smooth operator that I was previously using with M20s (w modi3) and P3ESRs (w holo spring).
Previously with:
The AKM tone is smoothed (aka “Velvet Sound”) versus various other DACs. I’m guessing you are hearing a genuine difference at the DAC level. The BF2 may not be your cup of tea, or you may adapt with exposure.
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Thanks for your input. I am going to give the ADI-2 a shot tonight. I LOVE the ADI-2 in the studio but we will see how it is with the Heed/Harbeths. I have a couple days to test before the return period expires.
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I havent fully made up my mind on the BF2 either. Been having varied listening experiences with it that suggests psychoacoustics are playing a big role right now so Im hesitant to place a final judgment on it.
It may have some issues with treble spikes here and there but they arent wince inducing. Counterintuitively it oddly appears to have a little less treble energy overall, even taking those potential spikes into account. Like I said, my ears are all over the place right now. I am happy with the bass control and texture and detail retrieval is improved over what I am using before.
I dont think I am gonna find better at this price range and there are some things it does well compared to other DACS/DAPS I have heard so Im keeping it. I have had some great listening experiences with it so Im hopeful that this will become more consistent for me.
Im not in a rush to buy another DAC but I dont think this will be endgame for me. I will use it as a benchmark in directing any step up in the future. The one benefit of not liking gear is that it can direct you forward to something you like and tell you what to avoid.
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So: I just had a sitdown with the RME ADI-2 in the system and I prefer it to the BF2. It’s a presentation thing.
In my week with the BF2 in the home speaker system I have found the emphasis on the percussion, the staging (recessed and V shaped), the treble and something about the phasing (i found myself feeling off balanced - if that makes sense - when listening) were all problematic for me in that system. I may be able to adapt to it, but I just don’t think its my cup of tea there. The BF2 sounded amazing in the studio in near field listening with Genelecs, and in headphones - but I don’t need it up there so I am going to send it back. I’m a bit sad about it as it is a lovely piece of kit and I recognize the tremendous value it offers. It’s a marvel.
The RME/Heed/Harbeth combination just works for me. Granted, I am used to its sound and work with it daily. It’s clean, detailed, and smooth, with great staging. It is a bit more forward than the BF2 which complements the Harbs, I think. I am going to give the D90 a whirl and have ordered one up from a seller that will deliver this weekend.
Thank you all for your comments and input.
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Have you tried using the phase reversal button? I’m curious if you think it has any effect
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I tried the phase reversal this evening briefly. It sounds different, but not better to my ear.
Yeah, I can’t really hear it do much either. Like i said, just curious.
There is no doubt that the B2 is an excellent dac, many folks have them and like them.
That said we all hear differently and if something just doesnt sound right to you for whatever reason it will never work out…its good you found a piece of gear “you” like and can just get back to enjoying the music!
All the best
Alex
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Agreed. I think the BF2 is amazing in my work setup. It just does not work in my home system for me. Not sure the Harbeths dig the slam and staging of the BF2 
Testing my work RME down there, it is certainly better suited for that system so I am going to check out some other options.