Schiit Eitr 2 -Can this Unit be Explained?

StimpyWan said:
Schiit's Unison Eitr 2 tech does have a dedicated clock source, as well as offer galvanic isolation. It's operating software was completely developed and written by Schiit, as a dedicated music transfer system. Not other USB functions other than that. So, also along with it being a DDC, and with Forkbeard, a digital preamp with EQ, it's one of the best music interfaces for a USB feed from a computer. If I didn't already have the original Eitr, I'd already have an Eitr 2.

Oh, Eitr 1 was USB In and Coax Out. No other signal connections. It sounded great with my Bifrost MB, until I upgraded the Bifrost to Unison.
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If you are familiar with the SMSL PO100 PRO, I'm curious to hear how you think it compares as a DDC. Thanks
 
Quadaptor! said:
If you are familiar with the SMSL PO100 PRO, I'm curious to hear how you think it compares as a DDC. Thanks
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Sorry, no experience with the SMSL. But, maybe this AI break down will help:

The SMSL PO100 Pro and Schiit Eitr 2 are both USB-to-S/PDIF digital-to-digital converters (DDCs) designed to bridge a computer or streamer to an older DAC. However, they serve very different use-cases: the SMSL prioritizes high-res format support and I2S output, while the Schiit focuses on premium clocking, jitter reduction, and analog-style DSP features.

Why Choose the SMSL PO100 Pro
  • High-Resolution & DSD: Powered by the XMOS XU316 chip, the SMSL supports ultra-high PCM bitrates and native DSD playback.
  • I2S Compatibility: If your DAC has an I2S input port (often on an HDMI-style connector), the PO100 Pro features I2S output for a direct, high-bandwidth connection.
  • Ultra-Budget: At roughly half the price of the Schiit, it is an extremely cost-effective way to add Optical/Coaxial outputs to a PC, phone, or standard streamer.
Why Choose the Schiit Eitr 2
  • Superior Clocking & Jitter Reduction: The Eitr 2 utilizes Schiit's Unison USB technology and sports an incredibly low jitter rate of just 74 picoseconds, making it an excellent reclocker for DACs whose internal clocks need help.
  • Advanced DSP & Preamp Features: Unlike the basic PO100 Pro, the Eitr 2 is a partial digital preamp. It includes Schiit's Forkbeard DSP suite, featuring dynamic Loudness Compensation (LC) that adjusts automatically to your listening levels.
  • Linear Override Power: The Eitr 2 can run entirely from USB bus power or via an external wall-wart. When using the wall-wart, it presents as "0mA" to the host device, meaning it will not drain the battery of connected smartphones or tablets.
 
StimpyWan said:
Sorry, no experience with the SMSL. But, maybe this AI break down will help:

The SMSL PO100 Pro and Schiit Eitr 2 are both USB-to-S/PDIF digital-to-digital converters (DDCs) designed to bridge a computer or streamer to an older DAC. However, they serve very different use-cases: the SMSL prioritizes high-res format support and I2S output, while the Schiit focuses on premium clocking, jitter reduction, and analog-style DSP features.

Why Choose the SMSL PO100 Pro
  • High-Resolution & DSD: Powered by the XMOS XU316 chip, the SMSL supports ultra-high PCM bitrates and native DSD playback.
  • I2S Compatibility: If your DAC has an I2S input port (often on an HDMI-style connector), the PO100 Pro features I2S output for a direct, high-bandwidth connection.
  • Ultra-Budget: At roughly half the price of the Schiit, it is an extremely cost-effective way to add Optical/Coaxial outputs to a PC, phone, or standard streamer.
Why Choose the Schiit Eitr 2
  • Superior Clocking & Jitter Reduction: The Eitr 2 utilizes Schiit's Unison USB technology and sports an incredibly low jitter rate of just 74 picoseconds, making it an excellent reclocker for DACs whose internal clocks need help.
  • Advanced DSP & Preamp Features: Unlike the basic PO100 Pro, the Eitr 2 is a partial digital preamp. It includes Schiit's Forkbeard DSP suite, featuring dynamic Loudness Compensation (LC) that adjusts automatically to your listening levels.
  • Linear Override Power: The Eitr 2 can run entirely from USB bus power or via an external wall-wart. When using the wall-wart, it presents as "0mA" to the host device, meaning it will not drain the battery of connected smartphones or tablets.
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Thanks! The SMSL works fantastic and represents a whole lotta bang for the buck. There is one word of caution. the coax digital output port is not very rugged and will break after a short period of use if not handled gingerly. After replacing my first PO100 PRO on this account, I securely attached the second one to a table top and have not moved it at all. I highly recommend the SMSL, but just don't do a lot of plugging and unplugging of the digital coax port. The fist unit I had got moved to the bedroom where its been working fine with a long run of Toslink optical cable. I would like to use the I2S cable but so far most DACs don't seem to come with such input ports.
 
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Quadaptor! said:
Thanks! The SMSL works fantastic and represents a whole lotta bang for the buck. There is one word of caution. the coax digital output port is not very rugged and will break after a short period of use if not handled gingerly. After replacing my first PO100 PRO on this account, I securely attached the second one to a table top and have not moved it at all. I highly recommend the SMSL, but just don't do a lot of plugging and unplugging of the digital coax port. The fist unit I had got moved to the bedroom where its been working fine with a long run of Toslink optical cable. I would like to use the I2S cable but so far most DACs don't seem to come with such input ports.
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Unfortunately, there is no set I²S protocol. It's basically a proprietary connection. While it uses a standard HDMI connector, it's wiring can vary depending on the DAC manufacturer. DACs with an I²S input are rare and expensive too. The most readily available I²S DAC I've found comes from PS Audio, at a cost of $2200, at the cheapest. That's why I stick with Schiit...! :D
 
I have an Analog Devices AD1955 DAC eval board with I2S input on one of the board header plugs.

What it doesn't have is a USB input. Would be an interesting experiment to try one of those USB bridges with I2S output as an input to the eval board. Probably won't though, too many other projects not finished. LOL.

Screenshot_20260605_082623_Drive.jpg
 
Trays said:
Yeah, I would remove reclocking from anything you think the Eitr 2 does or is for.

The main use case looks like to send an improved signal to an older (non-Schiit) DAC or improve a signal from an old computer.

It's hard to imagine a reason to install it between a modern computer with USB-C out and a modern DAC with USB-C in.

Note that the Eitr 2 is listed under the Fun category on their products page. To me that means give it a try and report back to us with the results.
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it can also be used to add a USB input to a receiver that only has optical and coax inputs, which would be the primary reason I'd consider getting one, given my current setup.
 
Quadaptor! said:
Thanks! The SMSL works fantastic and represents a whole lotta bang for the buck. There is one word of caution. the coax digital output port is not very rugged and will break after a short period of use if not handled gingerly. After replacing my first PO100 PRO on this account, I securely attached the second one to a table top and have not moved it at all. I highly recommend the SMSL, but just don't do a lot of plugging and unplugging of the digital coax port. The fist unit I had got moved to the bedroom where its been working fine with a long run of Toslink optical cable. I would like to use the I2S cable but so far most DACs don't seem to come with such input ports.
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Thanks for your comments on the PO 100 Pro. I bought one and its coaxial output failed after a few days use. I didn’t replace it because I slightly preferred the sound of other devices I have. I did try it’s I2s output from my laptop and a Wiim ultra into my SMSL VMV D2r dac and it sounded ok, but I prefer the sound of my Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 with the Wiim. With my laptop, I prefer the sound using a JDS Labs Synapse Max galvanic isolator. YMMV. The SMSL PO 100 Pro does present a lively more detailed sound when inserted into the signal chain but the V-Link and Synapse Max are more musical. The results you get with these devices may vary depending on what you are connecting to them and type of cables used. I did try to use the PO 100 Pro with the JDS Synapse Max and the sound was better than using the PO 100 alone. Unfortunately, this is when the coaxial output failed and I decided to send it back.
 
niws said:
Thanks for your comments on the PO 100 Pro. I bought one and its coaxial output failed after a few days use. I didn’t replace it because I slightly preferred the sound of other devices I have. I did try it’s I2s output from my laptop and a Wiim ultra into my SMSL VMV D2r dac and it sounded ok, but I prefer the sound of my Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 with the Wiim. With my laptop, I prefer the sound using a JDS Labs Synapse Max galvanic isolator. YMMV. The SMSL PO 100 Pro does present a lively more detailed sound when inserted into the signal chain but the V-Link and Synapse Max are more musical. The results you get with these devices may vary depending on what you are connecting to them and type of cables used. I did try to use the PO 100 Pro with the JDS Synapse Max and the sound was better than using the PO 100 alone. Unfortunately, this is when the coaxial output failed and I decided to send it back.
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You are welcome. I'm going to have to take a deep dive into the equipment you are currently using and may ask some questions. The PO100 PRO I'm using now has been securely attached to a table top and I don't mess with the coax cable at all. And it has given me no trouble. However that coax output jack is very delicate. The Toslink output jack seems sturdy enough but since I don't have anything with I2S I can't speak for that.
 
Thanks to the OP for this thread. Schiit’s Unison USB is very good. I use it on my Yggdrasil and it sounds great with no other USB de-crappification devices in line. I have an older Benchmark DAC with no USB and this will be the perfect solution.

I’d add that any device that converts Asychronous Isochronous Audio USB to S/PDIF is by definition a re-clocker, since audio USB timing is determined by the USB receiver.
 
W9TR said:
Thanks to the OP for this thread. Schiit’s Unison USB is very good. I use it on my Yggdrasil and it sounds great with no other USB de-crappification devices in line. I have an older Benchmark DAC with no USB and this will be the perfect solution.

I’d add that any device that converts Asychronous Isochronous Audio USB to S/PDIF is by definition a re-clocker, since audio USB timing is determined by the USB receiver.
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You are welcome. So if I understand this correctly, the SMSL PO100 PRO does function as a digital reclocker? I'm rather new to the digital tech of hifi and have found it difficult getting a straight answer on this question. That is, the SMSL, so to speak, sets the pace for the digital signal as I am using it in my signal chain (laptop tp PO100 PRO to DAC) Thanks.
 
Quadaptor! said:
You are welcome. So if I understand this correctly, the SMSL PO100 PRO does function as a digital reclocker? I'm rather new to the digital tech of hifi and have found it difficult getting a straight answer on this question. That is, the SMSL, so to speak, sets the pace for the digital signal as I am using it in my signal chain (laptop tp PO100 PRO to DAC) Thanks.
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If it takes in Audio USB which is asynchronous isochronous and converts it to S/PDIF then by definition it is a reclocker.
 
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