It maxes out at 24 bit/192 KHz PCM decoding. It should also be mentioned that the BF2 does NOT decode DSD. The MB chips Schiit uses are actually intended for medical instruments and are thus rather pricey. This multibit chip is essentially a resistor ladder (R2R) on a single microchip (as opposed to a true R2R which has discreet resistors in a ladder-like configuration). The BF2 is a 699USD modular DAC built around a multibit (MB) DAC chip. However, I do my best to not be a shill and I think my Jotunheim 2 and Magnius reviews show that I don’t shy away from sharing where I think Schiit doesn’t reach their own standards or the market’s standards. The Asgard 3 and Modius are two other products that turned me into a Schiithead. In a spoiler for the rest of the review, the BF2 is one of those products that turned me into a Schiithead. I also really like some of their products. In this case I need to say that I like Schiit as a company. I’m putting a similar section here because I think it’s important for reviewers to be upfront with readers/viewers about what their tastes and biases are. I had this same subheading in my Jotunheim 2 review. If you’re coming from DACs that are $250 or less, the Bifrost 2 is a gamechanger. My best DAC prior to BF2 was the SMSL SU-8 (I do own a Modius, too, but that arrived after the BF2 thanks to COVID shipping hell). The context is still somewhat limited, so I’ll focus in large part on what is gained by making the jump from <$250 DACs to this $699 DAC. With that added component and after playing around with several DACs under $200 I think I’m ready to give more meaningful thoughts on BF2 (and Ares!). I’ve since added the Denafrips Ares II to my collection – another DAC that costs close to the same as BF2 – and added a bit more context. That was one reason why I hesitated: it’s difficult to do a meaningful review with the first product used to enter a new performance tier context is lacking. The Bifrost 2 was my first DAC that MSRP’s above the $250 range. I’ve been sitting on this one for awhile. Note: This review was originally published on HiFiGuides Forum on 18 January, 2021.
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