Disclaimer: The Modius was sent to me by Schiit Audio, they did not do anything to influence my opinion. Huge thanks to Schiit Audio for the sample unit.
Overview and Marketing
Introduction:
The Modi 3 has been one of the best budget DACs on the market for a while now. It has both USB and optical inputs. At $100 it's everything you could want. So in June when Schiit announced their new $200 balanced DAC the Modius, I was very intrigued. I assumed it would be a Modi 3 but with added balanced options and maybe a tad better sound. It still uses the AKM velvet DAC Chip but ops for the ak4493 over the ak4490. So I expected similar sound performance overall. I was guessing this was just a $100 extra for balanced and a larger footprint.
Thankfully I was very wrong, the new Modius is much more than a simple Balanced Modi it very much is its own thing. Not only do you get Schiit Unison USB™ interface, which I can confirm does work better, it just plays so much better on systems. But they even added an AES digital input so you can now connect this to literally any source now.
Specs:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.1dB
- THD+N: 0.0003%, with or without external power
- IMD: 0.0006%, CCIR, with or without external power
- S/N: > 115dB, referenced to full output, with or without external power
- Crosstalk: -125dB, 20-20kHz
- Maximum Output: 4.0V RMS balanced, 2.0V RMS single-ended
- Inputs: USB, Toslink SPDIF, Coaxial SPDIF, AES
- Sample Rates and Bit Depths: 16/44.1 to 24/192
- USB Input Receiver: Schiit Unison USB™
- SPDIF Input Receiver: AKM 4113
- D/A Conversion IC: AKM AK4493
- Analog Stage: Based on LME49724 for balanced output, OPA1662 for SE output, both independent, with precision thin-film resistors and film capacitors, DC-coupled
- Output: XLR balanced and RCA single-ended
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms
- Power Supply: USB powered with +/-5V switching rail generator; auxiliary USB power input for 0mA USB power draw devices (like phones and tablets)
- Size: 9 x 6 x 1.5”
- Weight: 2 lb
Measurement wise everything looks amazing, all lines up with Schiit's claims. Nothing to worry about here.
What's included:
Inside the box, which is also the box it ships in, you get:
- Modius
- 5V USB Wall-Wart
- USB Micro Cable
I do wish there was an included second cable, but everyone should have a spare.
Build/Design:
Build/Design:
Nothing out of the ordinary here, all-metal chassis and its designed and made in the USA with the vast majority of parts being sourced in the USA (The Schiit Standard). It's in what I call the Schiit 2 chassis. Which is just the mid-sized shape they use for the cases, so this would stack well with the likes of Jotunheim, Lyr, Valhalla, Saga +, and the Asgard.
The all-metal case is very nice as always, it comes in Silver or Black. Both have grey sides and bottoms, but the front and top change based on the colour you pick. I have the Black model which I think looks great.
I really like the look and feel of Schiits products, both colours look great but I much prefer the black models.
Front:
- A lone button that selects the input (I wish it felt a little nicer it does rattle a bit and has a slightly cheap sound when pressed. But that's not a big deal at all)
- 4 LED lights that indicate which input it's using. This also functions as a front-facing power indicator which I love.
Rear:
- Balanced Analog Outputs via dual XLR
- RCA Analog Outputs for singled-ended use
- AES Digital Input
- Coaxial Digital Input
- Optical Digital Input
- Micro B USB Data and Power Input
- Micro B USB Power Output
First I want to say, this is a DAC released in 2020 and it uses Micro B. I'm sorry but that is pretty unacceptable. Full-Size USB B would have been fine but USB C is what should have been on here. In 2020 I see no reason to not use USB C. It's the future of connectors and it just makes this product already feel old. For me, this isn't a deal-breaker because it is such a good product. But I already know that many people don't want to buy a product that will last them 5-10 years that will force them to keep using Micro B. It really is just the worst connector.
Sound:
Sound:
I was pleasantly surprised by the Modius. Like I already said the measurements are far above my standard and way better than anything I could have expected. So if you're a pure objectivist you can stop here and be happy knowing this thing measures like a beast. But if you want my small subjective impressions please read on. Do note like all DACs the sonic differences are small but still matter, and can affect the overall tonal balance of your system.
So if I'm being honest(which I always am) I expected the Modius to sound and present more or less the same as a Modi 3 but with a small improvement only over balanced. I'm happy to say I was very wrong in that judgment. I assumed this because it is still using one of AKMs velvet DAC chips which I don't mind but they do have a slightly artificial timbre to them and some issues when it comes to attack and hazy bass. But somehow Schiit managed to prevent this DAC from having really any of the normal velvet sound disadvantages while still having the added benefits of an AKM velvet DAC, which tends to be soundstage, presentation, clarity, and resolution.
For $200USD this DAC is surprisingly resolving, detail retrieval is way above its price point. The soundstage is natural and presented very well. It sounds expansive and all around you, no weird forward projection or dull staging. It makes headphones staging present how it should.
Coloration wise, it's close to neutral but does have a warm rich tilt to it. Treble isn't bright, with no glare or any sharpness. The treble if anything takes maybe a very small step back and lets the slightly warmer bass/mid-range step forward. There is nothing here that would make it seem super coloured. I’d just call it neutral with a bit of added enjoyment.
Overall it performs very well over SE and Balanced but Balanced is a slight step forward in terms of overall quality. This is still very much a great sounding SE DAC, but balanced shows how good it can really be.
Honestly Balanced or SE I struggle to think of a better sounding DAC under $500USD. With how good this sounds I can only imagine how good the Bifrost 2 sounds.
Conclusion
Pros/cons:
I'm still not a fan of Pros and cons lists but I do know people really do find them helpful so I will give one.
Pros:
- Very resolving
- Amazing overall sound
- Great Build
- Great look and design
- Bus or externally powered
- Available in Two Colourways
- All the inputs
- Balanced Outputs
- Affordable price for what you get
Cons:
- The front button can feel a tad cheap
- Micro USB
At the end of the day for 90% of you, this is just a DAC, so if you're looking at it through the “All DACs sound the same” lenses this still offers a great value. You get every input you could need, balanced and SE outputs, easy input switching, a great metal housing, and all this from an American company with a good warranty.
But on the more subjective side, this thing is a monster of a DAC, it sounds fantastic and makes me question buying any other DAC over $200. For so many people this can and will be your END GAME (which is a term I don't really like). But this will connect to any source you have, and output to any amp you have, this really can be the “Last DAC you'll ever need”.
So for objectivists and subjectivists alike, this is an amazing product and if you are willing to spend the $200USD asking for it then do it. Paired with the Asgard 3 is a killer combo and means the Asgard finally has a matching DAC that isn't the Bifrost 2.
All I'm waiting for now is Schiit to release a balanced Magni, most likely called the Maximus(or Magnius) to pair with this or maybe a balanced Asgard 3 (or updated Jotunheim)
Update: Magnius is released and in for testing, thanks again Schiit.