Why We Like It

Puns can certainly abound here, but there is no joking when it comes to the performance of Schiit Audio. We also simply can't say enough about how they operate their business - as fellow audio enthusiasts we feel it's the breath of fresh air that the industry needs! Plus, their products are built like a tank and made here in the US.

The Bifrost is their ubiquitous performer when it comes to their range of DACs. While not necessary, if you listen to a lot of music via your PC/Mac (especially a laptop) we recommend configuring yours with the optional USB input. Take a guess what our position is on whether to go "Uber" or not?

NOTE: This product is available for in-store demo. Please allow 2-4 business days extra processing for special orders.

Description

Bifrost is the world's most affordable fully upgradable DAC, featuring 32-bit D/A conversion, a fully discrete analog section, and a sophisticated bit-perfect clock management system, together with one of the most advanced asynchronous USB 2.0 inputs available, as well as SPDIF coaxial and optical inputs, all with 24/192 capability.

Add USB Option (+$100)

We’ve made our first major upgrades available for Bifrost: the new Gen 2 USB input board, offering 24/176 playback and improved USB performance. The Gen 2 USB board ships with every new Bifrost ordered with USB.

Add "Uber" Option (+$70)

Order the Bifrost Uber option, and you get a discrete analog stage based on the more advanced Gungnir DAC, with a sophisticated topology that improves sonic and measured performance, and a DC servo to eliminate capacitors in the signal path. Not that the base Bifrost is any slouch—it’s frequently been compared to DACs that cost 3-8x as much.

Features

Fully Upgradable: The Future-Proof DAC 
Worried about rapidly-changing USB input technology? Concerned about future advances in D/A conversion? Bifrost's modular design uses separate, USB Input and DAC/Analog cards. The result? A virtually future-proof DAC that won't end up in the dumpster.

AKM4399 D/A Converter and Discrete Analog Section 
Even without considering upgradability, Bifrost offers incredible value. Consider its AKM4399 32 bit D/A converter, one of the highest performance DACs in the world. Also consider that our both Bifrost and Bifrost Uber use a fully discrete, low noise JFET analog section—just like multi-thousand-dollar DACs.

Advanced Bitperfect Clock Management 
Most DACs in this price range is sacrifice every single one of your original music samples to get their192kHz spec. Every input is routed through a sample rate converter and upsampled to 24/192. Bifrost dispenses with the sample rate converter and uses a sophisticated master clock management system to deliver bit-perfect data to the DAC, preserving all the original samples--whether it's 16/44.1 or 24/192.

USB 2.0, 24/192, Async, Completely Buzzword Compliant 
Have high-res music? No problem. Bifrost offers a full range of inputs: Coaxial and optical SPDIF, as well as USB. Bifrost's USB features a high-speed Gen 2 USB 2.0 interface and asynchronous data transfer to 24/192, including 24/176. No drivers are required for Macs and popular Linux distros like Ubuntu, and Windows drivers are downloadable for Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Don't Need USB? Cool. 
Order Bifrost without the USB Input Card and save some money! Add it in for $150 if you need it later.

Specifications

Inputs: Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, USB (optional) Input Capability: up to 24/192 for all inputs Input Receiver, SPDIF: Crystal Semiconductor CS8416 Input Receiver, USB: C-Media CM6631A
D/A Conversion IC: AKM4399 Analog Summing, Filtering: Fully Discrete, JFET differential topology
Output: RCA (single-ended) Output Impedance: 75 ohms

Bifrost:

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.1dB, 2Hz-100KHz, -1dB  
Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS 
THD: <0.005%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output 
IMD: <0.007%, CCIR 
S/N: >106dB, referenced to 2V RMS

Bifrost Uber:

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.1dB, 2Hz-100KHz, -1dB  
Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS 
THD: <0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output 
IMD: <0.002%, CCIR 
S/N: >110dB, referenced to 2V RMS

Power supply: 5 stages of regulation, including separate supplies for critical digital and analog sections. Upgradability: Separate, modular USB Input Card and DAC/Analog Card are snap-in replaceable.

Power Consumption: 12W 
Size: 9 x 6.75 x 2.25” 
Weight: 5 lbs

Warranty

Bifrost is covered by a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for five years. That’s 5 years. Yes. FIVE. Compare that to the competition. Please note this doesn't mean free upgrades for five years!

Reviews

New York Times

Inner Fidelity

Lifehacker

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