There are plenty of DAC (digital audio converters) out there but prices can rise quickly. So when I heard about the Schiit Modi 3 and saw that it was $99/£120, I had to know more.
John Darko reviewed the converter, made by audio manufacturer Schiit Audio, making sure to highlight the Californian manufacturer’s name as much as possible. But between the quips, Darko demonstrates how much you get out of such a cheap device.
The Schiit Modi 3 has USB, TOSLINK and coaxial inputs and carries a DC-coupled output. No matter what you need better sound for—PC’s, CD players, internet radio, tablet, even TV’s—the DAC has you covered.
Tech specs
- Inputs: USB, Toslink SPDIF, Coaxial SPDIF
- Output: RCA (single-ended)
- Sample Rates and Bit Depths: 16/44.1kHz to 24/192kbps via USB, Coax, and Optical
- Output Impedance: 75Ω (ohms)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20KHz, +/-0.25dB
- Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS
- Crosstalk: -80dB, 20-20kHz
- Power Supply: USB powered with +/-5V switching rail generator; auxiliary USB power input for 0mA USB power draw devices
- Size: 12.7cm x 8.9cm x 3.18cm
- Weight: 0.45kg
How to get started
Plug the Modi 3 into a computer using the USB-to-micro cable or, if you’d prefer to use the optical or coaxial digital source, you can do so and plug in your power supply.
There isn’t a built-in volume control, but you can add a Magni 3 for adjustable volume or a SYS Passive Preamp for analog volume control.
Is the Modi 3 really the Schiit?
To keep it real, I don’t have the money to buy this and test it so I have to go by what John Darko and other reviewers have said but you can’t argue with 3 5-star reviews and John’s recommendation.
As John mentioned in video, the Modi 3 “walks all over” the MacBook Pro’s built-in DAC (which isn’t too shabby for an internal DAC). In comparison to the equally-priced Audioquest Dragonfly, the Modi 3 won out again thanks to a more robust and punchier sound.
It’s also portable due to its size. You can fit it in your bag and while it’s larger than a phone, it’s much smaller than a tablet or computer (laptop or desktop), so anyone out and about making beats, the Modi 3 would make a perfect addition to your portable production set up.
So, why not give it a go.
Stream the review below.
