I am stoked to say that my Bifrost 2 arrived today. I had guarded expectations behind this DAC, but it has delivered and then some. This is a great HiFi device. I thought it would be sort of different to write a first impression while, you know, it was a real first impression! So here is that first impression, taken over the course of two full albums…
Schiit Bifrost 2 First thoughts…
When you first experience it, you think “man, it’s a nice looking device (build quality is actually quite good) but it doesn’t really have much in the way of features” (i.e. sound filters, volume knobs and so on). But after a few hours of listening you realize that this DAC doesn’t need those things. The features are on the inside. You get pure, clear sound with no coloring, no filters. The DAC produces no noise, either. No pop, no hum, nothing. Maybe it’s the U2 Pro, but there is no noise. Just beautiful quiet. The SMSL DACs I have are also good about that. I’m happy that this one is carrying on that great tradition. Well done, Schiit.
As you listen, you are immediately struck by the fact that the sound stage is very wide, deep and powerful. There is a power and clarity that I have never heard before. I am using the word power a lot but that is what keeps striking me. It’s impressive. The instrument separation is remarkable. cymbals never lose emphasis, never fade away until they do so naturally. Drums in general are reproduced to near perfection. Percussion is very well established but not overpowering. You hear every little effect, even if it is just a little castonet, you hear it. There is absolutely ZERO trebble schrill. Meaning there is no saturation, no fatigue. Overall tone is so natural and true. The Bass hit is right on the money and at just the right amplitude. You hear every note the Bass player is playing with power and precision. Highs are crisp, precise and not offensive. Almost perfect, really. And that is HUGE for me. Vocals are unbelievably clear and strong. The mids are the thing that is most surprising, though. This thing delivers them with a power and clarity I have never heard before. Piano and guitars are off the charts. And again, not overwhelming to other things in the sound field. That is the real beauty of this DAC - No one thing overrides or overpowers the other. You hear everything. I’m listening to Asia by Steely Dan, one of my favorite albums, and it is sublime. The snare hits, the brass, the subtle fills - just sublime. And I have to keep reminding myself that I’m streaming this! Unreal, man. This, for me, is truly next level.
The TA-20 seems to be a natural fit for this DAC as well. I was a bit nervous about that, but there is a definite synergy between the two, so I am very stoked about that. I haven’t tried the SP200 yet, but I’ll get there! I’m guessing that will be very good as well. Right now I’m enjoying the organic goodness of the tube. I like the fact that there is just a volume knob now at the amp. Very simple and clean. I am going to have great fun with this setup.
I think I am done buying for now… No really. 