Schiit Bifrost vs. Emotiva XDA-2

[Marty McFly]

Hi all,

I have a question for anyone who has experienced the sound from these two devices. Which would you recommend as a DAC? I currently have the Bifrost and want to pick up a dedicated preamp...but the XDA-2 looks very attractive for the price. It certainly makes sense purchasing this DAC/preamp over buying a USP-1, which I am looking to pair with the Bifrost.

Would there be a noticeable difference between the two, especially with the async? I'm trying to justify buying a separate preamp and forgoing the all-in-one solution, but common sense tells me that the XDA-2 might be the best solution with its digital preamp.

 

[jinjuku]

You could take advantage of Emotiva's 30 day return policy. Your ears being the best judge for you and all.

 

[cpp]

You could take advantage of Emotiva's 30 day return policy. Your ears being the best judge for you and all.

The Bifrost only has a 15 day return but it has a 5 year warranty and it's upgradeable. Order both and return one after you try them out.

 

[slipperybidness]

The Bifrost only has a 15 day return but it has a 5 year warranty and it's upgradeable. Order both and return one after you try them out.

Good advice. I'll make a prediction: No audible difference so the cheaper one stays

 

[cpp]

Good advice. I'll make a prediction: No audible difference so the cheaper one stays

you might be surprised as you compare inputs like, USB coaxial and Toslink inputs not to mention how your going to feed it. Also the Peachtree Dacit is not bad in that price range

 

[Marty McFly]

I noticed they bumped up the price on the XDA-2 to $399. If there is no audible difference, then the XDA-2 might stay since it doubles over as a preamp. The Bifrost has been good to me and it would be hard to part with it.

My other question is, would a DAC/preamp combo transfer the signal better than a dac to a preamp via analog? Would there be a loss of sound quality if I did the conventional connection from DAC > preamp?

 

[cpp]

I noticed they bumped up the price on the XDA-2 to $399. If there is no audible difference, then the XDA-2 might stay since it doubles over as a preamp. The Bifrost has been good to me and it would be hard to part with it.

My other question is, would a DAC/preamp combo transfer the signal better than a dac to a preamp via analog? Would there be a loss of sound quality if I did the conventional connection from DAC > preamp?

I've tried a few DACs/pre-amp that could past as a pre-amp ( Benchmark, Peachtree, Burson HA-160D,( heck I've got one a Mytek) but I always went back to connecting my DAC to my pre-amp for the analog control of the volume. Some like the straight connection DAC/pre to amp but I just don't like a digital volume, but that's just me.

 

[slipperybidness]

I've got a post card from Emo that has a code for 10% off from 01/15 to 02/15, if anybody wants it, PM me. I don't know if it's a general use code or a one-time use. I got the card as a past customer of Emo. The first person that will definitely use it can have it.