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DACs — Schiit Audio MODI
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Schiit Audio MODI
Image source - (c) Schiit Audio
The Modi is the entry standalone DAC in the Schiit Audio range, and the current generation is the Modi 5, listed by the company at USD 149 in black or silver, with an optional AC adapter sold as an extra. It shares its footprint with the Magni and Vali headphone amplifiers so the boxes stack on a desk, and the limited warranty lasts two years.
Key specs that matter
Schiit calls the conversion method Mesh - a company-designed interpolation filter, tuned for time and frequency behaviour, running on a 32-bit Microchip processor, followed by a standard ESS ES9018 delta-sigma modulator. The Unison 384 USB input accepts up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, while the optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs handle up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.04 dB. THD+N is 0.0003 percent, IMD is 0.0004 percent (CCIR), the signal-to-noise ratio is 118 dB referenced to full output and crosstalk is -125 dB across the audio band. The only output is an RCA pair at 75 ohm output impedance. The case measures about 127 x 89 x 32 mm and weighs about 0.45 kg.
Engineering and use context
Most DACs rely on the digital filter built into their converter chip. In the larger Schiit models the company filter runs on a costly Analog Devices DSP, and Mesh was developed to bring the same maths to a cheaper product by pairing it with an off-the-shelf modulator. The analog stage is based on the OPA1656 with thin-film resistors and film capacitors and is DC coupled. Power arrives in one of two ways. With only a USB cable, a charge pump generates plus and minus 5 V rails, the unit reports itself as a 500 mA USB device and maximum output is 1.5 V RMS. Plugging in a 12 to 16 VAC wall adapter of at least 0.5 A engages Linear Override, which replaces the switching supplies with linear regulated plus and minus 12 V rails, drops the USB power draw to zero and lifts maximum output to 2.0 V RMS. USB power alone also runs the optical and coaxial inputs. The USB interface is Schiit's own UAC2 design, and it works with Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.10 and later, Linux-based streamers, Android and Apple devices with USB-C. There is no Forkbeard app control on this model. Boards are built and tested in Corpus Christi, Texas, and chassis come from California.
Pairing
With RCA output only, the Modi 5 connects to single-ended headphone amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and powered monitors. Schiit designs it to sit under a Magni or Vali 3 headphone amplifier, and a Loki Mini analog equaliser fits the same stack. Owners who need balanced connections have to move up the range.
Alternatives
The Schiit Mimir is the standalone DAC in the same catalogue that adds Forkbeard system control.
Key specs that matter
Schiit calls the conversion method Mesh - a company-designed interpolation filter, tuned for time and frequency behaviour, running on a 32-bit Microchip processor, followed by a standard ESS ES9018 delta-sigma modulator. The Unison 384 USB input accepts up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, while the optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs handle up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.04 dB. THD+N is 0.0003 percent, IMD is 0.0004 percent (CCIR), the signal-to-noise ratio is 118 dB referenced to full output and crosstalk is -125 dB across the audio band. The only output is an RCA pair at 75 ohm output impedance. The case measures about 127 x 89 x 32 mm and weighs about 0.45 kg.
Engineering and use context
Most DACs rely on the digital filter built into their converter chip. In the larger Schiit models the company filter runs on a costly Analog Devices DSP, and Mesh was developed to bring the same maths to a cheaper product by pairing it with an off-the-shelf modulator. The analog stage is based on the OPA1656 with thin-film resistors and film capacitors and is DC coupled. Power arrives in one of two ways. With only a USB cable, a charge pump generates plus and minus 5 V rails, the unit reports itself as a 500 mA USB device and maximum output is 1.5 V RMS. Plugging in a 12 to 16 VAC wall adapter of at least 0.5 A engages Linear Override, which replaces the switching supplies with linear regulated plus and minus 12 V rails, drops the USB power draw to zero and lifts maximum output to 2.0 V RMS. USB power alone also runs the optical and coaxial inputs. The USB interface is Schiit's own UAC2 design, and it works with Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.10 and later, Linux-based streamers, Android and Apple devices with USB-C. There is no Forkbeard app control on this model. Boards are built and tested in Corpus Christi, Texas, and chassis come from California.
Pairing
With RCA output only, the Modi 5 connects to single-ended headphone amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and powered monitors. Schiit designs it to sit under a Magni or Vali 3 headphone amplifier, and a Loki Mini analog equaliser fits the same stack. Owners who need balanced connections have to move up the range.
Alternatives
The Schiit Mimir is the standalone DAC in the same catalogue that adds Forkbeard system control.
Specifications
Model name
MODI
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ESS ES9018
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 384 kHz (USB)
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
75
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
118
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.0003
Dimensions (mm)
127 x 89 x 32
Weight (kg)
0.45
Official link
