Do you guys think there is any benefit to running the Jotunheim 2 from a Modius rather than one of the two choices of internal DAC?
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Well, there are the toslink and coaxial connections, so that’s an advantage for the modius.
Or are you specifically thinking of only using the USB input?
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While not specifically tested with the Jot 2, I’ve consistent achieved better sonics (more open, detail, dynamics, stage) by using separate Schiit amps and DACs compared to a similar internal DAC module. However, I haven’t compared using a Multibit internal DAC module to a separate delta-sigma DAC unit such as the Modius. So, Modius is likely preferred over internal AK4490, but uncertain if preferred over internal Multibit.
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Good point. The Jot 2 internal DAC module also doesn’t use Unison USB if I’m not mistaken, while the Modius does.
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Just a quick impressions update. Jot 2 sounds very good via xlr preout to my monitors. RME ADI 2 fs has feature advantages, but I’m digging BF2>Jot2 sound more at the moment. Staging is better to boot. Could be new toy syndrome.
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I have been producing and listening to music for years on an old interface (komplete audio 6 mki) and old headphone amp (fiio e09k) so its time to upgrade. Just curious if anyone had tested the internal multibit dac of the jot 2 vs the modius because thats what I’m thinking of upgrading to. I was thinking that having an external dac would give me more flexibility and might be a slight improvement in sound quality. Just wanted to see if anyone had thought on the matter.
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I think the majority of long term Schiit heads around here will 9 times out of 10 encourage getting separate Schiit Dac vs the internal. I will let some of these Schiit heads chime in though 
@Ibycus
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Welcome to the forum. I have not yet done such a test, unfortunately. Generally, an external DAC affords flexibility and improved sonics. However, there are tradeoffs here where the differences aren’t only internal vs external. There are different DAC chips/architectures. The Modius will have more input options and Unison USB. The Jot 2 with internal offers a Multibit chip if you prefer that type of sound signature.
There also is the separate Modi Multibit which will have the additional inputs, but not Unison USB. I personally chose the Modi Multibit over the Modius (and internal DAC module for the Asgard 3) based on my listening comparisons when choosing what to pair with my previously owned Asgard 3. [I am likely in the minority here where most would likely choose the Modius which offers balanced inputs/outputs and Unison USB, which the Modi Multibit does not.]
Finally, there is the Bifrost 2 that will feature all of the aforementioned and upgraded Multibit chip; this is the most expensive option, but doesn’t have any of the compromises of the other options.
I tend to agree with @MRHifiReviews and would choose one of the separate DAC units over an internal module.
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Well said @bpcarb , I am a huge fan of the Bifrost 2!
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What he said.
Uhh, not in my book. The AKM stuff is fine, but I like the MB sound better.
I’ve had the DS and MB cards in their other products. They honestly don’t sound bad. You just get lots of other benefits (both sonic and feature wise) by going external dac. If you want a simple AIO though, yeah, I’d pick the MB card.
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Thanks for the feedback!
I’ll probably go for the Modius then. Bitfrost is a good bit more than I want to spend right now.
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You bet. Good luck and enjoy.
First few hours of impressions of Jot 2 (vs A90)
Weight/Build:
Jot 2: 1.9+kg
A90: 1.2kg
The Jot2 was surprisingly heavier than I thought. It was quite a bit heftier than the A90 and more than I remember the original Jot weighing.
The orange LED internally light up on the dip switches in the front which is kinda funny looking.
It looks well built and the knob is so much better than the A90 one. I like bigger knobs. 
Overall, the case looks similar but smoother than the original one, but it doesn’t match the Bifrost 2 or the Asgard 3, which I prefer the looks of. Different anodize and/or grain.
Sound:
Man, its refreshing to hear proper dynamics back after listening to the A90 for so long as a solid state desktop amp. I had been using my Lotoo PAW 6000 DAP for IEM use on desktop now over A90 because I get so disappointing listening to the A90 every time.
The Jotunheim 2 sounded a tad bright at first but seems to have either gone away or I got used to it. It’s pretty resolving actually. I would say maybe even more so than the A90 (sorry…).
Bass is punchier than A90, and soundstage seems deeper (to go along with my dynamics issue), and overall I find this actually pretty neutral-sounding but with good technical performance to boot. It reminds me of my PAW 6000 performance for IEMs, which is good for me.
If anything, its not as warm as the Asgard 3 and defintely not more than the Elise. It’s probably on par with the A90 in this regard, but with better everything else.
Power-wise, I’ve only listened to it on the HE6SE v2 so far and it handles it fine. I can listen to it loud on low gain but it sounded pretty meh at the highest volume reaches, and maybe its starting to distort then. On High gain, I am using it at 40-50%.
All my listening was on balanced input and balanced output via Bifrost 2.
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Having an internal dac in a Schiit allows for a nice compact solution with less clutter…that said I agree many Schiit heads seem to prefer external dac solutions. Many subjective opinions. Few objective opinions IMO.
One this IMO is the lack if Unision USB with the existing internal Schiit dacs for me is less desireable.
YMMV.
A.
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I would think if you’re a Schiit head, your opinion would generally be subjective since your head is full of Schiit. 
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I think we (and I definitely include myself in the “we”) sometimes over-obsess over small differences, because we’re striving to squeeze out that last ounce of resolution.
I have to keep reminding myself that there is a difference between critical listening (where I’m looking for differences in what I’m hearing from the equipment) and listening for pleasure (where I’m listening to the music). There is some overlap, because buying great equipment as a result of my critical listening means that my music listening is going to be more pleasurable.
Case in point, I ordered an Asgard 3 with built in MB card for my son. I compared the sound using the MB card vs my Bifrost 2. Yes, I thought the BF2 sounded better, but the BF2 is an amazing DAC, it has Unison USB and costs a lot more than the MB card, so I would expect it to be better. When I took away the BF2 and all my fancy cables and listened to the A3 on it’s own, it sounded very good, and I spent hours happily listening to the music without feeling that anything was compromised. I was surprised at this because I’d read so many negative comments on various forums about the built in DACs.
If someone has the extra money, I would always recommend the BF2 as a better DAC. I’d also recommend an external DAC for flexibility, if you think you’re going to buy more amps or upgrade in the future. But if you’re looking for a one box solution, the built in card is a good option in my opinion.
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Well said. Separate external being preferred over internal does not mean that internal is insufficient/unacceptable.
Enjoy the music.
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I could not agree more…
Your experience with the A3 is a great example of this…spending more money of stuff often can lead to better or more diverse connections and useability.
But this doesnt always correrlate to a better sonic experience.
A.
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I didn’t interpret @PaisleyUnderground as saying that spending more money doesn’t always correlate to a better sonic experience. I interpreted him as saying that certain gear that is less expensive and not “fully loaded” can be enjoyable where not critical listening.
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Sounds like I need to call up my sponsor PayPal and get one of these in next month lol 
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