Schiit Audio Modius Review and Comparisons *See show notes (click show...more)

Schiit Audio Modius Review and Comparisons

UPDATE 11/09/22 Dated content but still useful. Schiit Audio still produces some of the best DAC's at their price points, however, China is catching up fast!

SCHIIT MODIUS VS MODI MULTI-BIT (version 2)
Schiit
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Both the Modius and the Modi Multi-bit offer something different and choosing one over the other will depend on your priorities or values.

After listening to the Modius for several weeks I’ve come to realize choosing one Schiit over the other may be difficult. They both are high performance budget DACs with different design goals. If your primary digital input/output is USB then the Modius would be my first choice. It uses Schiit’s exclusive Unison USB interface and it's a definite improvement over the Modi-MB. If you intend to use optical or coax as your primary input/output then your choice becomes more difficult. I like the Modi-MB for it’s clarity and openness, both music and movies are fleshed out with an accurate sense of space and aliveness. However, I find the Modi-MB sounds leaner compared to the Modius.

The Modius impresses with a warmth and fullness and also has a wide sound stage. Other attributes are dynamics and ample bass. This DAC has a maturity both in design and execution that I find lacking in others at this price point. I now believe this is the best sounding DAC I’ve heard at $200 and easily competes with the Modi-MB.

NOTE: the Modius was used ONLY with XLR balanced output connections for ALL auditions

SCHIIT MODIUS VS TOPPING E30

Topping E30:
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I feel both of these DACs offer great value for different reasons. If you can afford $200 for a DAC then the Modius is the one to consider. It performs above it’s price point and is a few notches above the Topping E30. It also has better implementation of the USB input and with balanced analog output capability. If you seek the particular features of the Topping or on a limited budget, this is also an excellent choice.

NOTE: the Modius was used ONLY with XLR balanced output connections for ALL auditions

RELEVANT FEATURES AND COMMENTS:

Schiit Modius $199.

Schiit’s exclusive Unison USB interface (excellent and unique USB output if needed)

Balanced and unbalanced outputs (balanced connections are preferred when seeking the lowest noise floor)

No remote

No standard 5V DC jack, micro USB feels less stable to me as a connection
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Topping E30 $129.

Can be used as Preamp/DAC or DAC only

Includes remote

Various settings with most accessed from remote (not convinced the digital filter settings make much of a difference)

DSD capable (limited media in this format)

Innovative design with readout display

Polarity issue in earlier versions

I can appreciate that just a few years ago we were unable to get this kind of performance from budget DACs and at these prices!

SUGGESTIONS AND TWEAKS:

If clarity, openness or focus are a priority to you try listening to videos. This is where I have noticed a greater difference among DACs. Some examples might be birds chirping, rustling leaves or the acoustics in a church. Another example is the movie “I Am Mother” on Netflix. Pay attention to the upper frequencies in various segments of the video and notice the articulation.

I suggest using the original USB adapter/charger that either comes with the unit or what is recommended. Once you are familiar with the particular sound then proceed to tweak if desired. I expected an improvement when using the 5V iFi iPower DC Power Supply with the Modius but noticed a loss of detail.

When using a UNpolarized USB adapter/charger for your DAC, try reversing the plug and see if you notice an audible difference

MEDIA SOURCES USED:

WAV, FLAC, MP3, AAC, MP4, MKV


ASSOCIATED DIGITAL DEVICES:

DELL Inspiron mini computer

ADATA external SSD used for all music files connected to mini computer

Volumio Audiophile Music Player for PC (X86/X64) – OS software for mini computer

Schiit “Eitr” USB-SPDIF converter used to convert USB output to coaxial (discontinued)

Logitech Squeezebox Touch Digital Media Streamer using “Enhanced Digital Output” applet used to convert USB input to output (discontinued)

Wyred 4 Sound “Remedy Reclocker” used between DAC and optical output of television for video sources

Nvidia Shield TV Media Player

LIFATEC USA (optical/toslink glass cables)
USB cables from Belden and iFi
Coaxial digital cable “Black Cat Veloce” (discontinued)

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