Schiit Modi+ Affordable No Excuses D/A Converter - Do-All DAC (Black)

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the extraordinary Schiit Modi+ DAC, and I must say it has left an indelible mark on my audio journey. This remarkable device embodies excellence in every aspect, from its outstanding performance to its impeccable design, making it a true game-changer in the world of digital-to-analog conversion. Let's start with the audio quality, which is simply awe-inspiring. The Modi+ DAC has an uncanny ability to reveal details in music that I never knew existed. With its ultra-low distortion, precise timing, and exceptional clarity, it effortlessly breathes life into every note and delivers an audio experience that transcends expectations. Whether I'm listening to delicate classical compositions or high-energy rock tracks, the Modi+ DAC ensures a pristine, true-to-life sound that is both engaging and immersive. The build quality of the Modi+ DAC is a testament to Schiit's commitment to excellence. Crafted and manufactured in the USA with precision and attention to detail, the device exudes elegance and sophistication. The robust chassis, coupled with high-quality components, ensures optimal performance and long-lasting durability. The sleek design is both visually appealing and functional, making it a seamless addition to any audio setup. One of the standout features of the Modi+ DAC is its versatility. With a range of inputs and outputs, it seamlessly integrates with various audio systems, making it suitable for both personal and professional use. Whether you're connecting it to your computer, smartphone, or even a dedicated audio player, the Modi+ DAC guarantees exceptional audio reproduction with its high-quality digital conversion. Setting up the Modi+ DAC is an absolute breeze. Its plug-and-play nature makes it accessible to both audio enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The device effortlessly connects to your source via USB, and with its reliable drivers and software support, you can be up and running in no time, indulging in the sonic bliss that awaits. Another noteworthy aspect of the Modi+ DAC is its outstanding value for money. Schiit has managed to create a product that surpasses the performance of many higher-priced alternatives in the market. By focusing on delivering exceptional audio quality without unnecessary frills, they have struck a perfect balance between affordability and uncompromising excellence. To conclude, the Schiit Modi+ DAC is a revelation in the world of digital audio. Its unparalleled performance, remarkable build quality, and versatility make it a true gem for any audio enthusiast. Whether you're a casual listener or a discerning audiophile, the Modi+ DAC will elevate your audio experience to unprecedented heights for the money. Schiit has once again proven their commitment to delivering exceptional products that are made in the USA, and I wholeheartedly recommend the Modi+ DAC to anyone seeking audio perfection.

I've had a Schiit Modi 3+ DAC for quite some time as my sound device for my PC. When this new model came out, I purchased it for my main workstation and moved the 3+ to my work from home workstation. These DACs provide very clean digital to analog conversion without coloring the sound with the added benefit of isolating the analog output from the computer case and all the interference inherent there. Schiit builds excellent quality audio devices for extremely fair prices, and they've quickly become one of my favorite audio manufacturers. The new model Modi+ has a couple of differences from the prior Modi 3+ model, the most obvious being the new front panel button and LED indicators for input switching whereas the prior model had a toggle switch and screen-printed icons on the case. It also has their latest textured black finish. One benefit to the Modi+ is that it is USB powered and doesn't require a separate power supply unless you're using the optical or coax inputs, but they do include a USB wall wart for those cases. Another benefit is that the included DAC is very good and much better than the built in DACs in most PCs, Macs, phones, streamers, etc. so the ultimate sound output is cleaner and by my ears much better defined. No drivers are required for any of the latest operating systems and the device is recognized immediately on all of my PCs and Macs. It shows up as a sound device, selectable in the control panel. That's it, just plug and play. Hook it up to the speaker system of your choice, and you're good to go. NOTE: this is just a DAC, therefore the outputs are line level only. Whatever speakers you use it with must have their own amplification. I can heartily recommend this device without reservation!

TL:DR Very good DAC with a bit more emphasis on treble and analytical listening. I run this with the Mee Audio P1 Pinnacles and even threw a wired Airpod Max's at it and I noticed it greatly improves the high end and its rolloff. So things like Trance music or rock will immediately sound cleaner while still being musically enjoyable. It makes audio sound transparent and fuller while it tightens up and makes bass response more consistent across the board. The soundstage is the greatest improvement that I see even for my in ear monitors, it's almost scary. The extra information and layers it adds to your listening really shows it makes the most of out of the extra bit-depth and bit-rate out of your audio. I play music on Tidal and stream my music on Tidal's MAX setting with 24-Bits @ 192Khz. (I imagine you can max out the settings with Bluray playback.) I don't know if it's placebo but it's almost overwhelming how detailed and how much the soundstage opens up on your playbacks, I can really hear the nuances and amazing engineering that goes into producing my favorite tracks. Now it adds sounstage without messing with how forward or faraway your music sounds but the backup vocals or sounds that are in your music is improved. This is truly what immersive audio is like without adding bloatware like 3D audio encoding or whatnot and you'll see that for yourself. I would give this a shot if you wanna see what a DAC is all about. I also used this on my loudspeakers Bose S1 Pro and the Bose SUB 2 and it does the same thing and improves my playback. It really makes my bass punchier and consistent as well and I actually had to turn down the treble on the S1 pro a bit and I will definitely be using these while I add more to my setups with this DAC being the main audio source. ---------------------------------------------- I've tested a good amount of equipment throughout the years. Everything from Skullcandy, Bose, Mee Audio, Grado, and even the Sennheisers HD800. I mostly got this to replace a Fiio Alpen 2 I lost a few years ago. I always put off upgrading to a beefier DAC since the top of the line is pretty pricey. But this DAC feels like it's worth more than what it performs. I've tried other Fiio Dacs and portables but never got a desktop DAC. It does a great amount better than other DACs I've had so far and this satisfies my craving to go for the more expensive DACs that schiit or other brands like Topping have to offer. I currently broke my Mjolnir 2 Amp but this does well on its own and I'm eagerly waiting to pair Mjolnir with the Modi+. First off, I was scared at first since I tried many different configurations to listen to this device, setting up the proper bitrate and Bit depth, trying the OG cable on its own power port and using a separate cable for purely audio input but I KEPT getting static and distortion even at low volumes during long listening sessions. I thought the recordings of my audio sources were just being exposed for its analog method of recording... but I've had times where that can be the case but I even tried digitally produced music and it still came out with artifacts and distortion. And I'm fine with having to properly setup equipment to sound its best but the whole reason this was the most appealing to me was the possibility of powering the device and inputting audio with a single usb-C. I almost gave up until I tried a thick generic USB-C cable meant for outputting charging, video, and audio and it fixed my problem altogether. It looks like the cable it came with is not good enough for data transmission and is good just as a power supply. I am running the Modi+ at 24-Bits and at a 192Khz bitrate and the data transmission is now smooth even for long listening sessions. The voltage at which the modi outputs audio is more powerful than if you ran just ran straight cable from your headphones to your aux output. But yet the audio signal background noise remains silent and clean, now there will be distortion (no static) at higher volumes in this particular case due to not having a headphone amp. But I'm glad it's not happening at low to medium volumes like before. This is a great DAC if you're on the analytical/treble-leaning side of the audiophile spectrum but I bet this can be adjusted to your liking easily.

First off, I really like Schiit audio and have always bought the Modi and Modi Multibit varying versions over the years. Unfortunately, I already have a Khadas Tone Board DAC, which costs even less and sounds on another level better. My system: Yamaha TSR-700 (RX-V6A) Receiver Q Acoustics 3020i speakers RSL Speedwoofer 10s I also tested all three DACS with the Polk S15 and NHT SuperOne 2.1 speakers. Tested also with the SMSL A300 Integrated amp, Aiyima T8 Pro, the sound quality of all three DACs were easily discerned regardless of the amplification used or speakers used (the speakers made the biggest difference to the sound, the amplification the least). The Schiit is detailed, true to source, and sounds good. It will be an upgrade from your built in audio for sure. But the Khadas Tone Board has better bass, just as much detail, and sounds richer. Music just sounds much better on the Tone Board and it is very noticable. I was hoping the Modi+ would be an upgrade from the 3-4 year old Tone Board, but is is clearly not. I also have a Topping E50 with an upgraded power supply for audio specs, the E50 will beat the other two in measurements. But for sound quality, the Khadas is by far the best sounding. The E50 is sterile and analytical, and the Modi+ falls in between them. Khadas Tone Board (Cheapest, best sounding, needs an enclosure, only USB, RCA L-R, and Coax connections) Highs: Rich and detailed Mids: Best mids of the three Bass: Most weight, really fills in the music. Schiit Modi+ (Much cheaper than the Topping, more than the Tone Board) Highs: Detailed, but not as rich as the Khadas Mids: Very good mids Bass: More authority than the Topping E50, less than the Khadas Topping E50 (Best measuring but least musical of the three, remote control, preamp function) Highs: Good but very sterile Mids: Good but not as rich as the Khadas or Schiit Lows: Good but the least authority. I am not saying it sounds bad, it is well balanced and definitely would be an upgrade for certain systems. It is just the Khadas is an over-achiever and manages to beat the other two easily for music quality (I expected the Khadas to be the worst of the three). If you are chasing numbers, get the E50. If you want COAX, SPDIF, and USB connectivity and good sound, get the Modi+. If you just want a good sounding DAC for around $100 (and if you only need RCA, COAX, and USB), the Khadas Tone Board is a no-brainer!

The listing doesn't lie. Schiit makes good Schiit (pardon the pun). I use this as my DAC for my Desktop PC and it has been nothing short of amazing. While I'm quite full on audiophile. I appreciate clean and clear sound. And many computer DACs simply aren't able to provide that. And there is a reason the humorously named "Schiit Stack" is a popular choice for entry into the audio scene. The Modi+ simply works. it plugs into the wall with a little wall wart and then plugs into your computer via usb C. Everything is included in the box, which is always appreciated. There is no need for drivers or external software. Just plug it in and set it as your default audio device in your OS of choice and you're good to go. Sound wise, it's clean and simple. The Modi+ especially doesn't color audio in any real noticeable way. So it's easy to mix and match with any amp to get your desired effect. I personally prefer uncolored audio so it's been an absolute joy to use with a Magni heretic and rekkr. Honestly I can't say much more than that. If you're in the market for a small well priced and capable DAC that you can use forever. This is probably the best choice.

It's the cheapest DAC they offer so i wasn't expecting to be blown away, but i've always wanted to try their stuff. I am using for Iphone -> usb -> denon -> klipsch setup. Sounds pretty darn good.. Is it better than using the same streaming source via HEOS + denon streamer (800NPE) / denon amp ? With the same source and my setup (no headphones), i'd be hard pressed to pick out differences. HOWEVER, unlike PC or HEOS playing the same Amazon tracks, playing them though the iphone and this DAC shows it's playing in ATMOS or 360ra quality despite being stereo - i don't understand that, but you can hear difference on tracks that let you "downgrade" from those formats to Stereo. (e.g. "Here Comes the Sun" for Atmos and "Billie Jean" for 360ra). Negatives? bleed over on the source LED indicators is annoying. When i have power for this plugged into an ACER USB hub that also had my mouse charger line hooked up to another port, my mouse icon is sometimes unstable and randomly moves around the screen within a 1.5-2" circle.... disconnect the Modi and it stops (again, this is random, not consistent, but still rather odd when it happens).

The product basically works as a DAC and the audio quality is fine. The usability on MacOS is weak. On MacOS, the operating system’s volume controls do not adjust the volume of this device. The Modi is constantly at maximum volume - much higher than you would use for comfortable listening through headphones. The workaround to set system volume for this device is to use third-party software like EqMac. These third-party workarounds drain the battery of laptops and have their own usability quirks. I kept the Modi, but would not recommend for use with MacOS and I am actively looking for a new DAC.

This is our second Modi - a Modi 3+ that has been working flawlessly on my desktop system, and now Modi + for the other desktop. Great sound, 3 minute setup - whats not to like? The only niggle on the Modi plus is that they replaced the input selctor toggle switch with a sequential push button switch and 3 LEDs. And the only issue is that there is a bit of light bleed over out the face plate from the 'ON' LED to the two 'OFF' LEDs. Not a major issue, and if it bugs you I imagine you could open it up and maybe stick a shroud or tape between the lights. Or just rotate it 90 degrees so you don't see the light until you want it. But really, that is a tiny issue on such and easy to set up and great sounding DAC