Gungnir going Gumby!

[Cohibaman]

A few years ago when I purchased my Gungnir, I fed it exclusively with an RCA connection from a McIntosh MS300 music server or via Toslink optical from a HTPC (Home Theater PC) I built. I had no need for USB (so I thought) and USB was still an option on the Gungnir, so I ordered it without.



I wound up selling the MS300 and picked up a Sony HAP-Z1ES. The HTPC became redundant and I didn’t need the Gungnir (since the Sony only provided analog outputs at the time), so both started collecting dust. When Sony implemented digital output via USB with a firmware update, I excitedly sent my Gungnir in to Schiit to add a USB input card (more on that later).



I received the updated Gungnir and eagerly tested maybe a half dozen songs or so via USB. Sadly, I realized there was some sort of incompatibility with some files so I abandoned using the Gungnir with the Sony (It turns out it’s simply that Schiit doesn’t do DSD).



Fast forward to this weekend....I dusted off the HTPC and powered through all the damn Windows 10 updates. I burned in the virgin USB card for a few hours and started listening to the HTPC & Gungnir via the USB connection, essential for the first time. I then listened to the Sony through the Gungnir.



So this is what you guys have been talking about for so long, USB! The first thing I noticed is more dynamics, mids & voice are even more clear, and theres a larger, expanded soundstage. Keep in mind, this is a Gen 2 USB, the delta-sigma DAC card, and a cheap printer cable (Santa Ivan is delivering a Wireworld cable today). I’m simply blown away at what I’m hearing. Wow!



After hearing what the Gungnir sounds like with the USB input, I decided I’m definitely upgrading it to a full blown Gumby with Gen 5 USB and the Multibit DAC card.



I’m holding off though until I get a response from Schiit on whether there’s a Gen 2 Multibit and/or a Gen 6 USB coming shortly (I’m sure they won’t tell me though, understandably). I was a bit miffed when they released Gen 3 USB shortly after I got my Gen 2 upgrade, even though I specifically asked and they told me no.



I’m kind of excited!



Mike

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

A few years ago when I purchased my Gungnir, I fed it exclusively with an RCA connection from a McIntosh MS300 music server or via Toslink optical from a HTPC (Home Theater PC) I built. I had no need for USB (so I thought) and USB was still an option on the Gungnir, so I ordered it without.



I wound up selling the MS300 and picked up a Sony HAP-Z1ES. The HTPC became redundant and I didn’t need the Gungnir (since the Sony only provided analog outputs at the time), so both started collecting dust. When Sony implemented digital output via USB with a firmware update, I excitedly sent my Gungnir in to Schiit to add a USB input card (more on that later).



I received the updated Gungnir and eagerly tested maybe a half dozen songs or so via USB. Sadly, I realized there was some sort of incompatibility with some files so I abandoned using the Gungnir with the Sony (It turns out it’s simply that Schiit doesn’t do DSD).



Fast forward to this weekend....I dusted off the HTPC and powered through all the damn Windows 10 updates. I burned in the virgin USB card for a few hours and started listening to the HTPC & Gungnir via the USB connection, essential for the first time. I then listened to the Sony through the Gungnir.



So this is what you guys have been talking about for so long, USB! The first thing I noticed is more dynamics, mids & voice are even more clear, and theres a larger, expanded soundstage. Keep in mind, this is a Gen 2 USB, the delta-sigma DAC card, and a cheap printer cable (Santa Ivan is delivering a Wireworld cable today). I’m simply blown away at what I’m hearing. Wow!



After hearing what the Gungnir sounds like with the USB input, I decided I’m definitely upgrading it to a full blown Gumby with Gen 5 USB and the Multibit DAC card.



I’m holding off though until I get a response from Schiit on whether there’s a Gen 2 Multibit and/or a Gen 6 USB coming shortly (I’m sure they won’t tell me though, understandably). I was a bit miffed when they released Gen 3 USB shortly after I got my Gen 2 upgrade, even though I specifically asked and they told me no.



I’m kind of excited!



Mike

Yes, Mike, that's what we have been talking about. The Gen5 USB simply rocks.

"Gen 5 USB features full galvanic isolation via transformers, self-power for low noise and latching, and high-quality local clocking for both 44.1 and 48k multiples. Adapticlock analyzes the incoming signal quality and automatically routes it to the best clock regeneration system—either VCXO or VCO-based. And, it does all of this without altering the bit depth or sample rate of your original music."

Of course Schiit will be mum on future upgrades but will definitely have an upgrade path. There is so much great music to listen to and life is too short to be waiting around for "what if scenarios"

[jdandy]

Mike.......Do the Gen 5 USB and the Multibit upgrade. You will never look back or regret the move. Ship it tomorrow.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Of course Schiit will be mum on future upgrades but will definitely have an upgrade path. There is so much great music to listen to and life is too short to be waiting around for "what if scenarios"

I got the following reply....

“Hello Mike,

I apologize, but I cannot discuss new products or upgrades before release.”

I fully expected that and can understand their not wanting to disclose anything pre-release.

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......Do the Gen 5 USB and the Multibit upgrade. You will never look back or regret the move. Ship it tomorrow.

No pressure, right Dan?

I’m actually about to log onto Schiit’s website and order both upgrades.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......Do the Gen 5 USB and the Multibit upgrade. You will never look back or regret the move. Ship it tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

No pressure, right Dan?

I’m actually about to log onto Schiit’s website and order both upgrades.

Mike.......Nope, no pressure at all. .

[Yamaki]

Congrats, Mike!

I like the USB connection from my server to the DAC and since I've added one of Wyred4Sound's Recovery reclocker units, it's gotten even better!

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

Congrats, Mike!

I like the USB connection from my server to the DAC and since I've added one of Wyred4Sound's Recovery reclocker units, it's gotten even better!

Michael.......That's what is so special about Schiit Audio's new Gen 5 USB input, no need for external isolation and reclocking. As Serge quoted above, "Gen 5 USB features full galvanic isolation via transformers, self-power for low noise and latching, and high-quality local clocking for both 44.1 and 48k multiples. Adapticlock analyzes the incoming signal quality and automatically routes it to the best clock regeneration system—either VCXO or VCO-based. And, it does all of this without altering the bit depth or sample rate of your original music."

When Mike's Gungnir DAC is returned to him it will have been upgraded to the Gen 5 USB input and the miltibit DAC instead of his present delta sigma DAC chip. Once those upgrades are completed his Gungnir becomes a Gumby DAC. It's a whole different ballgame.

[PHC1]

Yep, unlike my other dac, Gumby did not benefit from usb decrapifiers such as the audioquest jitterbug. Jitterbug was instantly beneficial to another DAC that is built into my Violectric amp and the difference was not subtle. Now, the WireWorld Silver Starlight 7 USB cable made a very nice difference on Gumby!

I am however inclined to try the SOtM sMS-200 ultra one of these days as an all out assault and final touch on USB playback.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......Do the Gen 5 USB and the Multibit upgrade. You will never look back or regret the move. Ship it tomorrow.

Yes, I agree with Dan. Mike, Schiit just implemented Gen 5 USB this last July, and I would not expect any new USB or MB implementation for quite some time, probably 2-3 years or so. Schiit does not do upgrades unless they feel the upgrade brings a substantial peformance upgrade *and* is cost-affordable.

So, I would ship it off....when you get it back, you can enjoy it; it will be quite an improvement, to say the least.

The other thing you could do, in the interim, is to get a Schiit Eitr, and use it for USB to SPDIF conversion. That way you will at least get the benefit of a Gen 5 level USB interface. It will make a BIG difference in the sound of your Gungnir, though your Gungnir will still be D/S and not MB.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Michael.......That's what is so special about Schiit Audio's new Gen 5 USB input, no need for external isolation and reclocking. As Serge quoted above, "Gen 5 USB features full galvanic isolation via transformers, self-power for low noise and latching, and high-quality local clocking for both 44.1 and 48k multiples. Adapticlock analyzes the incoming signal quality and automatically routes it to the best clock regeneration system—either VCXO or VCO-based. And, it does all of this without altering the bit depth or sample rate of your original music."

When Mike's Gungnir DAC is returned to him it will have been upgraded to the Gen 5 USB input and the miltibit DAC instead of his present delta sigma DAC chip. Once those upgrades are completed his Gungnir becomes a Gumby DAC. It's a whole different ballgame.

Ohhh, yesss...