Are high-end external DACs still relevant? The simple truth is that we can find high-end DACs in a wide range of components in 2024; including headphone amplifiers, AVRs, integrated amplifiers, wireless speakers, network amplifiers, streamers, Dongle DAC, DAPs, and even wireless headphones.
Depending on the number of digital sources in your system, an external DAC might be the best possible hub to keep it simple and also deliver the best possible sound quality.
The folks at Schiit Audio have proven over the years that they know how to build a great sounding DAC; and at prices that have been very competitive. The flagship Yggdrasil+ DAC has garnered a lot of attention over the years and its modular design has facilitated upgrades that have kept it relevant.
The only issue is that the $2,299 USD price keeps it out of reach for a lot of listeners; and that’s not meant to be an indictment of Schiit who have worked hard over the years to keep its products affordable by high-end standards.
Other Schiit DACs such as the $799 Bifrost have been sold by the thousands and more than a few of us here have owned one at some point during its rather long product run.
That leaves a lot of ocean between the two and Schiit has decided to fill it with the new Schiit Audio Gungnir 2 for $1,599 USD.
The Schiit Gungnir 2 incorporates Multiform balanced multibit architecture. There are two USB inputs, including a new high-rate Unison 384 input, and a modular design with Forkbeard, Schiit Audio’s multi-product remote interface.
This combination results in a DAC that aims to raise the performance and connectivity bar below $2,000.
Multiform: True Multibit
Gungnir 2 extends Schiit Audio’s multibit approach with a new, balanced multiplying analog stage, coupled to four medical/defense grade DAC8812CRUZ D/A converters with a proprietary time and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on an Analog Devices DSP.
Pro Tip: The user can also select a true non-oversampling mode (NOS) to bypass the digital filter if desired.
USB
The Gungnir 2 provides two USB inputs. This allows users to use two USB sources such as a streamer and a PC, or a Mac and a phone, on the same DAC at the same time.
The Unison 384 accepts bit depth and sample rates up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DXD (Digital Xtreme Definition, and also supports upsampling.
Updates and Expandability
The Gungnir 2 accommodates a slide-in analog card, completely modular input and processing cards, and over-the-air or SD card firmware updates. This means that the Gungnir 2 is ready for the future—without ever having to come back to Schiit for upgrades done at the factory.
Forkbeard
The Gungnir 2 is also Forkbeard compatible. This supports system-wide control, visibility, OTA updates, and more. Just plug the Forkbeard module in the back of the Gungnir 2, and download the app (iOS only for now).
Specifications
| Gungnir 2 DAC | Bifrost | Yggdrasil+ (LIM Version) | Yggdrasil+ (MIB Version) | |
| Price | $1,599 | $799 | $2,299+ | $2,299+ |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.02dB | 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.02dB | Analog Stage: 20Hz-20Khz +/-0.1dB 0.5Hz-200KHz, -1dB | Analog Stage: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.1dB 0.5Hz-100KHz, -1dB |
| THD+N | <0.0008% | <0.0008% | <0.002% | <0.0002% |
| IMD | <0.0006%, CCIF | <0.0006%, CCIF | <0.002%, CCIF | <0.002%, CCI |
| SNR | 124dB, referenced to full output | > 124dB | > 110dB, referenced to 4V RMS | > 128dB, referenced to 4V RMS |
| Crosstalk | -132dB, 20-20kHz | -132dB, 20-20kHz | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Maximum Output | 2.0V RMS (single-ended) 4.0V RMS (balanced) | 2.0V RMS (single-ended) 4.0V RMS (balanced) | 2.0V RMS (single-ended) 4.0V RMS (balanced) | 2.0V RMS (single-ended) 4.0V RMS (balanced) |
| Inputs | Coaxial SPDIF Optical SPDIFUSB | Coaxial SPDIF Optical SPDIFUSB | Unison USB AES/EBU XLR RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF Optical SPDI | Unison USB AES/EBU XLR RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF Optical SPDI |
| Input Signal Capability | Up to 32-bit/384kHz for Unison 384 Up to 32-bit/192kHz for other inputs | Up to 24-bit/192kHz for all inputs | Up to 24-bit/192kHz for all inputs | Up to 24-bit/192kHz for all inputs |
| Input Receiver | SPDIF: AK4118 USB: Schiit Unison USB™ | SPDIF: AK4113 USB: Schiit Unison™ USB | SPDIF: AK4113 USB: Schiit Unison™ USB (based on Microchip PIC32) | SPDIF: AK4113 USB: Schiit Unison™ USB (based on Microchip PIC32) |
| Outputs | RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced) | RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced) | One pair XLR balanced and two pairs RCA single-ended | One pair XLR balanced and two pairs RCA single-ended |
| Output Impedance | 75 ohms for both | 75 ohms for both | 75 ohms | 75 ohms |
| Conversion Type | Schiit Multiform™ | Schiit True Multibit™ | Schiit True Multibit™ | Schiit True Multibit™ |
| D/A Conversion IC | Texas Instruments DAC8812 x 4 (16-Bit) | Texas Instruments DAC8812 x 4(16-Bit) | Texas Instruments DAC8812 x 4(16-Bit) | Texas Instruments DAC11001B x 4(20-Bit) |
| Digital Filter | Proprietary Schiit time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on Analog Devices SHARC DSP processor, running 8X oversampling | Proprietary Schiit time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on Analog Devices SHARC DSP processor, running 8X oversampling | Proprietary Schiit time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on Analog Devices SHARC DSP processor, running 8X oversampling | Proprietary Schiit time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on Analog Devices SHARC DSP processor, running 8X oversampling |
| Analog Stage | Unique differential multiplying, based on LME49724 | Differential, based on LME49724 or OPA1632 and OPA1656 | Integrated, using LME49724 differential stage | Integrated, using LME49724 differential stage |
| Power supply | Two transformers, one each for analog and digital, 13 stages of regulation, including separate supplies for critical digital and analog sections | 4VA transformer, 8 stages of regulation, including discrete regulation for the analog card and separate supplies for critical digital and analog sections | Two transformers, one each for analog and digital, plus one input choke for discrete, dual mono, shunt-regulated analog +/-24V supply, plus 12 or more separate local regulated supplies for DACs and digital sections, including high-precision, low-noise LM723 regulation in critical areas | Two transformers, one each for analog and digital, plus one input choke for discrete, dual mono, shunt-regulated analog +/-24V supply, plus 12 or more separate local regulated supplies for DACs and digital sections, including high-precision, low-noise LM723 regulation in critical areas. |
| Upgradability | Autonomy 2™ architecture with externally replaceable DAC/Analog Card and replaceable input card, plus over-the-air updates via Forkbeard™ | Autonomy™ architecture with externally replaceable DAC/Analog Card and USB Input Card, plus MicroSD card slot for firmware updates | Fully modular architecture. Separate digital input board, USB input board, DSP engine board, and DAC/analog output boards. | Fully modular architecture. Separate digital input board, USB input board, DSP engine board, and DAC/analog output boards. |
| Remote control | IR remote included. Forkbeard™ Bluetooth module is optional. | IR remote control Included. | IR Remote Control Included | IR Remote Control included |
| Power Consumption | 24W | 12W | 45W | 45W |
| Size | 16 x 8 x 2” | 9 x 6.75 x 2” | 16 x 13 x 2.875” | 16 x 13 x 2.875” |
| Weight | 12 lbs | 5 lbs | 25 lbs | 25 lbs |
The Bottom Line
The price of high-end PCM/DSD DACs have come down so much over the past 5 years, that $1,599 feels like a lot of money these days. Schiit faces a lot of competition from brands like FiiO, Astell&Kern, Topping, Questyle, Holo Audio, LTA, and others.
Does one need to spend that much when there are options that support 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA, and upsampling for less?
The Schitt Gungnir 2 is optimized to be a part of Schiit Audio’s new $4,247 Gigastack system which consists of the Gungnir 2 DAC, Wotan power amp, and customer choice of the solid-state Kara F or Tube-based Freya F preamps.
We suspect that in the context of the Gigastack system which is rather reasonably priced when you look at everything you get — the Gungnir 2 makes a stronger case for itself.
Schiit’s gear is made domestically, reliable, easy to use, affordable, and very good sonically.
The question you must ask yourself is whether it offers anything better than what you already have at your disposable with the other digital gear in your system.
The Schiit Audio Gungnir 2 is priced at $1,599 and is available through schiit.com and the Schiit Audio Retail Store in Newhall, California.
The Gungnir 2 is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Gungnir 2, you can send it back for a refund, minus a 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
Pro Tip: The Gungnir 2 is made in the USA. Most components, including chassis and PC boards, are made by US companies in the USA. All assembly, QA, and testing, including 100% instrumented test and 100% listening test, are done at Schiit’s San Antonio, Texas facility.
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Tom A
November 20, 2024 at 10:36 am
I still love my Bifrost 2 and tweak it with Wyred 4 Sound re-clocking devices. What I don’t like about purchasing from Schiit are the shipping costs, they seem higher than they should be. I also wish they offered incentives for repeat customers as I have been through the years.