BEST Budget DAC for Desktop Audio and Headphones - Schiit Audio Modi 3 DAC REVIEW
best budget dac for desktop audio and headphones
The Schiit Audio Modi 3 DAC or Digital to Analog Converter, is a budget friendly hifi DAC for desktop audio and headphones when paired with a headphone amplifier. Is it the best budget DAC for desktop audio and headphones? Let’s find out.
For $99, the Modi 3 is a solid entry-level DAC for the beginner or budding audiophile looking to up their digital music experience. The Modi 3 is a fairly straightforward desktop audio DAC. It has three inputs and a single output. The Modi 3 accepts USB, optical and coaxial digital connections. These may be connected simultaneously and toggled between using the small switch located on the front of the Modi 3 itself. As for output, the Modi 3 has a single set of RCA style outputs. These outputs can go to a separate preamp, headphone preamp/amp, amplifier or set of powered desktop speakers.
The Modi 3 uses an AKM AK4490 chipset and the supported sample rates are 16/44.1 to 24/192 across all three of its inputs. But you don’t listen to a product’s specifications, you listen to music. How does the Modi 3 sound when playing back digital music? For $99 users should not expect the Modi 3’s performance to be Earth-shattering. A lot of audiophile DACs nowadays make some pretty bold-faced claims with respect to the changes listeners can or should expect when listening to music through a DAC. I have not (yet) heard a DAC that has turned my world around. I’ve heard many DACs that are nice, even welcomed, but none that have redefined the sound of my system on a whole. All that said, the Modi 3 when connected to my desktop audio system resulted in noticeable improvements.
The Modi 3 for Computer Audio
Next, I’d like to discuss how I used the Modi 3 for computer audio listening. First, I connected the Modi 3 via USB to my Apple iMac 27 inch with Retina display. From the Modi 3’s analog outputs I connected it to my reference Kanto YU6 desktop loudspeakers using their line level input located on the rear of the left speaker. For some reason, when connecting to my iMac I was unable to control the volume via my keyboard with the Modi 3 connected. A few viewers have since chimed in letting me know that PC users should not encounter this problem, nevertheless Mac users take note. Still, I could control the volume of my music using the front mounted volume knob on the Kanto YU6 speakers. With the Modi 3 in the signal chain the sound was marginally but still noticeably better through the speakers than with the Modi 3 out. The sound didn’t change tonally, but rather just picked up a little more detail throughout and perhaps a bit more spaciousness. Again, not night and day different, but still noticeable.
Shop Kanto YU6 speakers here.
THE MODI 3 WITH HEADPHONES
Next I connected the Modi 3 with headphones. I opted to use Schiit’s Magni headphone preamp connected to a pair of Andover Audio PM50 headphones. With my iMac still serving as the source component, this desktop audio setup proved to be very special indeed. Listening to TIDAL, my streaming music service of choice, I was treated to a rich, articulate and resolute performance. Tonally I’d say the Modi was neutral, maybe a little lean but nothing too noticeable. What it is, is detailed. Every note was rendered faithfully, allowing me to hear further into the recording. There was a more noticeable difference when using the Modi 3 with my headphone setup.
using the Schiit Audio Modi 3 and Magni preamp with my headphones
Be sure to watch my full review of the modi 3 in the video at the top!
All that said, there were a few minor things that I didn’t like about the Modi 3. The input switches could have been more clearly labeled. While it’s easy enough to figure out, it may require a trial and error upon initial use. The Modi 3 is small, which makes it a good fit for small spaces. Its small size also means that cables can and will cause it to slide, tilt or tip if you’re not careful. My Transparent Reference Cables were far too bulky for the one pound Modi 3. With no power button, the Modi 3 is always on. So if you’re looking to save a few pennies at the meter you’re going to have to unplug the Modi 3 from your computer or wall in order to power it down.
Comparing the Modi 3 with Cambridge Audio’s DacMagic 100
The Modi 3 is most comparable to another great budget DAC, the DacMagic 100 from Cambridge Audio. For years the DacMagic 100 was my budget reference DAC. While the Modi 3 may be $100 cheaper than the DacMagic 100, I still consider the additional cost to be worth it. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the DacMagic 100 completely destroys the Modi 3, but with respect to bass extension, depth and dynamics I do consider the 100 to be just that much better in comparison. Try the new DacMagic 200M which is even better!
Make no mistake, the Modi 3 is a great DAC for under $100 and one every hifi enthusiast, entry-level audiophile or headphone listener should consider if they’re just getting started with DACs or are looking to improve their digital music system.
desktop audio & headphone products under $500
my recommended office products
