To Schiit or not to Schiit

[CASE2112]

The recommendation from me for DAC with BT and remote which is also future proof (balanced/unbalanced, Optical/Coaxial...) is SMSL M300 MKII which is around 240$.

Edit: keep the collection of tubes!

How do you feel the latest Schiit (Modius) compares to the SMSL?

 

[CASE2112]

Why not give a very accurate desktop setup a try for <$250? Get a Heresy or Atom
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...gni-3-and-heresy-headphone-amp-reviews.10311/

And the new Topping E30
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e30-dac-review.12119/

Then save for a headphone upgrade.

Thank you. What do you consider as an upgrade?

 

[raistlin65]

Thank you. What do you consider as an upgrade?

For headphones? That would depend on what you like/don't like about your current headphones.

 

[CASE2112]

For headphones? That would depend on what you like/don't like about your current headphones.

When you wrote: Then save for a headphone upgrade. I assumed that you had a suggestion.

 

[raistlin65]

When you wrote: Then save for a headphone upgrade. I assumed that you had a suggestion.

That would depend on what you like / don't like about your headphones. Headphones have different sound signatures. So there is no best headphone. There's only the best headphone for the listener.

 

[CASE2112]

A) Ok. Back to my original question(s). My older Schiit Bifrost has the 4490 upgrade installed. With that being said how does the SMSL M300 MK compare? Yes, an "all-in-one" may suffer some lack of performance over a stack, but I'd like some space back on my desk. Lol.

B) After reading posts, reviews, etc. I feel that these two rise to the top of my list:
1) SMSL M300 MK II
2) JDS Labs Element II
Thoughts?

C) In contrast, if the upgrade to my Bifrost is still relevant, then couldn't I just move to a JDS Atom?

Thanks everyone!

 

[bravomail]

Hello all!
I just registered today. Here is my situation.
Currently, my desktop configuration is:
1) Schiit Bifrost DAC - AK4490
2) Schiit Lyr (version 1) - multiple tubes, most used = Vostok "Rockets"
3) Emotiva Airmotiv 4's
4) Cans: Hifiman HE 400s
I have, much to my consternation, come to the decision that I am growing tired of falling through the rabbit hole of vacum tubes. I know, I know...I can hear the gasps from many astonished devotees. I'm fond of the all inclusive DAC/AMPs available with their desktop form factors versus the ubiguitous stacks. So, I've been pondering a solid state AMP/PreAMP for my desktop. The dilemma is selling the old Schiit and buying new Schitt such as the Asgard 3 sans DAC or scrapping the whole pile of Schiit and going all in for a solid state combo. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: CANS: HIFIMAN 400S

I'd sell it all, and get Schiit Modi 3 and Magni 3+