Hi All,
Received the basic Mimir dac. No Forkbeard module, no preamplifier,
just the dac. Cost was $299 plus tax and shipping. Looks great, simple
to use.
Separate external power transformer supplied for linear power supply,
just plug in, or use the USB for power. Transformer use increases the
output voltage spec. I auditioned with both power sources.
Toggle power switch on back. No thumps on power on. Simple front
push button switch to activate individual inputs.
Basically no specs given, except USB supports up to 32 bits/384 khz.
Also came with 1 meter USB, A and C ends.
My computer is using VLC Media Player. I used the Mimir supplied USB
as I had none with C end as I had no other USB with C connector.
I used Tidal and YouTube. I have ~50 hours of play time. Sound seems to
be stabilized.
I don't take much stock in other's reviews because I know little about
the quality of the audio systems others use. Schiit also makes some
claims.
I have auditioned the Denafrips Pontus, basically all the Chords including
the Dave (12 grand), and probably another one or two from other audiophiles.
As of now I do not miss any of them.
The Mimir is simply incredible. The harmonic structure from deepest bass
through the highs is incredibly natural. Great dynamics, dimensions,
everything sounds amazing. With all polypropylene decoupling capacitors
in my audio system, years of listening testing, we can perceive 1 part
in 4,000,000. Using 20 log equation, that is -132db down, so
extremely transparent.
There is a sonic difference between YT and Tidal. I do not know how
Tidal sonically compares to Roon, Qobuz, Deezer etc.
In conclusion, the piano and other instruments sound so gorgeous
from deepest note to highest register. I still almost cannot believe it.
I guess one can conclude I highly recommend it.
Cheers
pos
PS. I do Not have any affiliation with Schiit Audio.
Quote from: steve on December 10, 2025, 08:13:57 AMHi All,
Received the basic Mimir dac. No Forkbeard module, no preamplifier,
just the dac. Cost was $299 plus tax and shipping. Looks great, simple
to use.
Separate external power transformer supplied for linear power supply,
just plug in, or use the USB for power. Transformer use increases the
output voltage spec. I auditioned with both power sources.
Toggle power switch on back. No thumps on power on. Simple front
push button switch to activate individual inputs.
Basically no specs given, except USB supports up to 32 bits/384 khz.
Also came with 1 meter USB, A and C ends.
My computer is using VLC Media Player. I used the Mimir supplied USB
as I had none with C end as I had no other USB with C connector.
I used Tidal and YouTube. I have ~50 hours of play time. Sound seems to
be stabilized.
I don't take much stock in other's reviews because I know little about
the quality of the audio systems others use. Schiit also makes some
claims.
I have auditioned the Denafrips Pontus, basically all the Chords including
the Dave (12 grand), and probably another one or two from other audiophiles.
As of now I do not miss any of them.
The Mimir is simply incredible. The harmonic structure from deepest bass
through the highs is incredibly natural. Great dynamics, dimensions,
everything sounds amazing. With all polypropylene decoupling capacitors
in my audio system, years of listening testing, we can perceive 1 part
in 4,000,000. Using 20 log equation, that is -132db down, so
extremely transparent.
There is a sonic difference between YT and Tidal. I do not know how
Tidal sonically compares to Roon, Qobuz, Deezer etc.
In conclusion, the piano and other instruments sound so gorgeous
from deepest note to highest register. I still almost cannot believe it.
I guess one can conclude I highly recommend it.
Cheers
pos
PS. I do Not have any affiliation with Schiit Audio.
Steve,
That must be a very impressive product for you to rave about it like that, especially since you are such a well known and experienced designer/manufacturer. I am surprised you prefer it over the Chord dacs and especially the Dave.
I will go to their website and look at their product line as you've piqued my interest.
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on December 10, 2025, 09:23:47 PMQuote from: steve on December 10, 2025, 08:13:57 AMHi All,
Received the basic Mimir dac. No Forkbeard module, no preamplifier,
just the dac. Cost was $299 plus tax and shipping. Looks great, simple
to use.
Separate external power transformer supplied for linear power supply,
just plug in, or use the USB for power. Transformer use increases the
output voltage spec. I auditioned with both power sources.
Toggle power switch on back. No thumps on power on. Simple front
push button switch to activate individual inputs.
Basically no specs given, except USB supports up to 32 bits/384 khz.
Also came with 1 meter USB, A and C ends.
My computer is using VLC Media Player. I used the Mimir supplied USB
as I had none with C end as I had no other USB with C connector.
I used Tidal and YouTube. I have ~50 hours of play time. Sound seems to
be stabilized.
I don't take much stock in other's reviews because I know little about
the quality of the audio systems others use. Schiit also makes some
claims.
I have auditioned the Denafrips Pontus, basically all the Chords including
the Dave (12 grand), and probably another one or two from other audiophiles.
As of now I do not miss any of them.
The Mimir is simply incredible. The harmonic structure from deepest bass
through the highs is incredibly natural. Great dynamics, dimensions,
everything sounds amazing. With all polypropylene decoupling capacitors
in my audio system, years of listening testing, we can perceive 1 part
in 4,000,000. Using 20 log equation, that is -132db down, so
extremely transparent.
There is a sonic difference between YT and Tidal. I do not know how
Tidal sonically compares to Roon, Qobuz, Deezer etc.
In conclusion, the piano and other instruments sound so gorgeous
from deepest note to highest register. I still almost cannot believe it.
I guess one can conclude I highly recommend it.
Cheers
pos
PS. I do Not have any affiliation with Schiit Audio.
Steve,
That must be a very impressive product for you to rave about it like that, especially since you are such a well known and experienced designer/manufacturer. I am surprised you prefer it over the Chord dacs and especially the Dave.
I will go to their website and look at their product line as you've piqued my interest.
Nick
Yes, Nick, I am still somewhat shocked.
The usb I am using now is so clear, concise, dynamics in spades, dimensional, tonal balance is so
natural.
As I said, I am still somewhat shocked, very impressed.
cheers
steve
Probably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
Quote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
Quote from: Nick B on January 08, 2026, 12:06:04 PMQuote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
I just added, via pigtail, gold plated copper audio output jacks to the
Schiit Mimir using Jenalabs wire. What a sonic improvement of the copper
vs the original brass jacks. Much more natural sound.
cheers
steve
Quote from: steve on February 06, 2026, 09:50:35 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 08, 2026, 12:06:04 PMQuote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
I just added, via pigtail, gold plated copper audio output jacks to the
Schiit Mimir using Jenalabs wire. What a sonic improvement of the copper
vs the original brass jacks. Much more natural sound.
cheers
steve
Hi Steve, I am not surprised by the result. Our friend Dave has told us many times in the past that everything makes a difference... 👍 🎶
Quote from: Nick B on February 06, 2026, 04:07:35 PMQuote from: steve on February 06, 2026, 09:50:35 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 08, 2026, 12:06:04 PMQuote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
I just added, via pigtail, gold plated copper audio output jacks to the
Schiit Mimir using Jenalabs wire. What a sonic improvement of the copper
vs the original brass jacks. Much more natural sound.
cheers
steve
Hi Steve, I am not surprised by the result. Our friend Dave has told us many times in the past that everything makes a difference... 👍 🎶
Reprise:
Everything effects everything else.
Quote from: P.I. on February 07, 2026, 11:11:27 AMQuote from: Nick B on February 06, 2026, 04:07:35 PMQuote from: steve on February 06, 2026, 09:50:35 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 08, 2026, 12:06:04 PMQuote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
I just added, via pigtail, gold plated copper audio output jacks to the
Schiit Mimir using Jenalabs wire. What a sonic improvement of the copper
vs the original brass jacks. Much more natural sound.
cheers
steve
Hi Steve, I am not surprised by the result. Our friend Dave has told us many times in the past that everything makes a difference... 👍 🎶
Reprise:
Everything effects everything else.
Got it. You've made a believer out of me. Right now I'm looking into adding a dedicated AC line to the living room. We will be checking if we can use the existing AC line and just put it on a new breaker or use some new copper with good quality outlets. I imagine your stock of Uber Puertos is gone, so I have been looking at Hubble and the acme line which is silver plated and Cryoed
Quote from: P.I. on February 07, 2026, 11:11:27 AMQuote from: Nick B on February 06, 2026, 04:07:35 PMQuote from: steve on February 06, 2026, 09:50:35 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 08, 2026, 12:06:04 PMQuote from: steve on January 07, 2026, 06:00:08 PMProbably need to add, that with my computer win 10, outboard power transformer
makes Mimir sound better, more natural than my win 10 usb power supply. USB
power source sounds thin.
I would try both to hear what sounds best on your system.
cheers
pos
I've become a big believer in the importance of good power supplies, noise reduction etc. I have placed an emphasis on that and have reaped the rewards. Glad you've gotten such a good result.
I just added, via pigtail, gold plated copper audio output jacks to the
Schiit Mimir using Jenalabs wire. What a sonic improvement of the copper
vs the original brass jacks. Much more natural sound.
cheers
steve
Hi Steve, I am not surprised by the result. Our friend Dave has told us many times in the past that everything makes a difference... 👍 🎶
Reprise:
Everything effects everything else.
I am not sure what you mean. If you mean that one may have purchased a different component to
compensate for that distortion, could be. If you mean every part, even solder
connection can make a sonic/musical change, I totally agree over the decades.
The "original" brass jacks altered the output musical signal of the dac and we heard what we heard, distortion.
The copper jacks removed the the vast portion of the alteration/distortion.
In my system, the interconnects and electronics had already been designed with specialized listening tests (for years)
for perfect musical accuracy, no sonic/musical deviation. The ics, preamp, and amps remains a constant,
a reference, and No need for any change to those things.
I can touch up my speaker crossovers, since the crossovers were initially adjusted to maximize the
musical quality with the original inferior/distorted brass jacks in the Schiit Mimir. (I am not knocking Schiit as
they maximized sonic quality at their price point. I am not, nor have been, affiliated with Schiit in any way. )
cheers and hope this helps.
steve
ps. I may check and possibly offer a kit (or off the upgrade) so one can add pig tails to their Mimir player, using all copper jacks, proper solder, and instructions.
One just needs to know how to solder and have a 30 watt soldering iron, not gun.
As everyone knows, I can't stop experimenting to improve the musical
experience.
As I previously mentioned, adding pig tail Jenalabs 6N wire and all copper
audio output jacks made a musical experience more live. Relaxed the sound
vs using brass stock. As is, the Mimir is extraordinarily good.
The next step is to see if I can improve the "live" sounding
experience even more by improving the filter capacitor quality in the
Mimir, just as I did with the Modi 2.
1. I will start by testing the Mimir with 3 up grades over the
"audio grade electrolytic" capacitors used in the Mimir for higher
quality musical reproduction.
The high priced dacs use higher quality "audio grade electrolytic"
capacitors, and/or solid stage voltage regulators but not
higher quality polypropylene capacitors.
The dielectric absorption (DA) of electrolytic caps are approximately
7% and even higher, while for polypropylene caps DA is approximately
0,02%. That is quite a difference.
2. I will then be testing with polypropylene capacitors for the
ultimate, closest to "live event" atmospheric enjoyment. I can only
imagine how natural the Mimir will sound.
I will keep advised as the results come in.
steve
Quote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 11:10:41 AMAs everyone knows, I can't stop experimenting to improve the musical
experience.
As I previously mentioned, adding pig tail Jenalabs 6N wire and all copper
audio output jacks made a musical experience more live. Relaxed the sound
vs using brass stock. As is, the Mimir is extraordinarily good.
The next step is to see if I can improve the "live" sounding
experience even more by improving the filter capacitor quality in the
Mimir, just as I did with the Modi 2.
1. I will start by testing the Mimir with 3 up grades over the
"audio grade electrolytic" capacitors used in the Mimir for higher
quality musical reproduction.
The high priced dacs use higher quality "audio grade electrolytic"
capacitors, and/or solid stage voltage regulators but not
even higher quality polypropylene capacitors.
The dielectric absorption (DA) of electrolytic caps are approximately
7% and even higher, while for polypropylene caps DA is approximately
0,02%. That is quite a difference.
2. I will then be testing with polypropylene capacitors for the
ultimate, closest to "live event" atmospheric enjoyment. I can only
imagine how natural the Mimir will sound.
I will keep advised as the results come in.
Very nice, Steve. As to the base models, do you feel the Modi and Mimir to be equal before doing any mods or do you prefer the Mimir more?
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on March 03, 2026, 07:34:03 PMQuote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 11:10:41 AMAs everyone knows, I can't stop experimenting to improve the musical
experience.
As I previously mentioned, adding pig tail Jenalabs 6N wire and all copper
audio output jacks made a musical experience more live. Relaxed the sound
vs using brass stock. As is, the Mimir is extraordinarily good.
The next step is to see if I can improve the "live" sounding
experience even more by improving the filter capacitor quality in the
Mimir, just as I did with the Modi 2.
1. I will start by testing the Mimir with 3 up grades over the
"audio grade electrolytic" capacitors used in the Mimir for higher
quality musical reproduction.
The high priced dacs use higher quality "audio grade electrolytic"
capacitors, and/or solid stage voltage regulators but not
even higher quality polypropylene capacitors.
The dielectric absorption (DA) of electrolytic caps are approximately
7% and even higher, while for polypropylene caps DA is approximately
0,02%. That is quite a difference.
2. I will then be testing with polypropylene capacitors for the
ultimate, closest to "live event" atmospheric enjoyment. I can only
imagine how natural the Mimir will sound.
I will keep advised as the results come in.
Very nice, Steve. As to the base models, do you feel the Modi and Mimir to be equal before doing any mods or do you prefer the Mimir more?
Nick
The stock Mimir is profoundly better than the stock Modi 2 Nick.
Many customers have concluded the Mimir is a giant killer, Kurt
informed me of such, which is why I wanted to investigate the
Mimir myself.
Even with the Modi 2 modified with polypropylene capacitors and
all copper output jacks, the stock Mimir still sounded better.
Adding the all copper pig tail jacks to the Mimir improved the
naturalness/live experience even more.
I cannot wait to replace the standard "audio electrolytic capacitors"
with 3 step higher quality "audio electrolytic capacitors".
Then compare with the polypropylene capacitors.
cheers
steve
Quote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 09:08:46 PMQuote from: Nick B on March 03, 2026, 07:34:03 PMQuote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 11:10:41 AMAs everyone knows, I can't stop experimenting to improve the musical
experience.
As I previously mentioned, adding pig tail Jenalabs 6N wire and all copper
audio output jacks made a musical experience more live. Relaxed the sound
vs using brass stock. As is, the Mimir is extraordinarily good.
The next step is to see if I can improve the "live" sounding
experience even more by improving the filter capacitor quality in the
Mimir, just as I did with the Modi 2.
1. I will start by testing the Mimir with 3 up grades over the
"audio grade electrolytic" capacitors used in the Mimir for higher
quality musical reproduction.
The high priced dacs use higher quality "audio grade electrolytic"
capacitors, and/or solid stage voltage regulators but not
even higher quality polypropylene capacitors.
The dielectric absorption (DA) of electrolytic caps are approximately
7% and even higher, while for polypropylene caps DA is approximately
0,02%. That is quite a difference.
2. I will then be testing with polypropylene capacitors for the
ultimate, closest to "live event" atmospheric enjoyment. I can only
imagine how natural the Mimir will sound.
I will keep advised as the results come in.
Very nice, Steve. As to the base models, do you feel the Modi and Mimir to be equal before doing any mods or do you prefer the Mimir more?
Nick
The stock Mimir is profoundly better than the stock Modi 2 Nick.
Many customers have concluded the Mimir is a giant killer, Kurt
informed me of such, which is why I wanted to investigate the
Mimir myself.
Even with the Modi 2 modified with polypropylene capacitors and
all copper output jacks, the stock Mimir still sounded better.
Adding the all copper pig tail jacks to the Mimir improved the
naturalness/live experience even more.
I cannot wait to replace the standard "audio electrolytic capacitors"
with 3 step higher quality "audio electrolytic capacitors".
Then compare with the polypropylene capacitors.
cheers
steve
Thanks, Steve. Looking forward to your comments after the mod.
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on March 04, 2026, 11:10:22 AMQuote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 09:08:46 PMQuote from: Nick B on March 03, 2026, 07:34:03 PMQuote from: steve on March 03, 2026, 11:10:41 AMAs everyone knows, I can't stop experimenting to improve the musical
experience.
As I previously mentioned, adding pig tail Jenalabs 6N wire and all copper
audio output jacks made a musical experience more live. Relaxed the sound
vs using brass stock. As is, the Mimir is extraordinarily good.
The next step is to see if I can improve the "live" sounding
experience even more by improving the filter capacitor quality in the
Mimir, just as I did with the Modi 2.
1. I will start by testing the Mimir with 3 up grades over the
"audio grade electrolytic" capacitors used in the Mimir for higher
quality musical reproduction.
The high priced dacs use higher quality "audio grade electrolytic"
capacitors, and/or solid stage voltage regulators but not
even higher quality polypropylene capacitors.
The dielectric absorption (DA) of electrolytic caps are approximately
7% and even higher, while for polypropylene caps DA is approximately
0,02%. That is quite a difference.
2. I will then be testing with polypropylene capacitors for the
ultimate, closest to "live event" atmospheric enjoyment. I can only
imagine how natural the Mimir will sound.
I will keep advised as the results come in.
Very nice, Steve. As to the base models, do you feel the Modi and Mimir to be equal before doing any mods or do you prefer the Mimir more?
Nick
The stock Mimir is profoundly better than the stock Modi 2 Nick.
Many customers have concluded the Mimir is a giant killer, Kurt
informed me of such, which is why I wanted to investigate the
Mimir myself.
Even with the Modi 2 modified with polypropylene capacitors and
all copper output jacks, the stock Mimir still sounded better.
Adding the all copper pig tail jacks to the Mimir improved the
naturalness/live experience even more.
I cannot wait to replace the standard "audio electrolytic capacitors"
with 3 step higher quality "audio electrolytic capacitors".
Then compare with the polypropylene capacitors.
cheers
steve
Thanks, Steve. Looking forward to your comments after the mod.
Nick
Hi Nick,
I should have previously posted another thought I have been mulling over.
Since the recording equipment is half the
electronics, how do I know how close to butting up against
the absolute maximum sonic quality of the recording components?
I think I am quite close after adding the all copper single
ended output jacks with Jenalabs wire, increasing naturalness
some, noticeable for sure. Interestingly,,,
I just made another upgrade, and the sound improvement was not
as apparent, but still there. I think I am really really close now, as the sonic
improvement, naturalness should have been larger, as in other components.
To give one an idea of how sensitive my lab system is, I use a 4,066,000 resistor
(4 million plus 66k resistors in series) with a notch filter. If I change it by 5,000 ohms
or less, one can perceive a sonic difference.
All I can say is that when my audiophile buddy, with Pro-Musica (Champaign, Il
company) upgraded components and Denifrips dacs, came over, he did nothing but
ooh, and aahh, wanted to stay all night listening to the music, but had to
go home to the Mrs. He was that impressed.
In 15 years, he is the biggest critic, and picky, I have ever known. He changes the bit rate
with every song. or as needed, and touches up the speaker placement at least once
every evening, depending upon the ac line voltage.
I don't think I am going to try anything else, at least for awhile.
cheers
steve
Thanks for the update, Steve. Interesting indeed and you sure have a very particular audiophile buddy. But the good part about that is that you know how critical he is and praise from him confirms your great results with these mods.
Quote from: Nick B on March 17, 2026, 03:53:39 PMThanks for the update, Steve. Interesting indeed and you sure have a very particular audiophile buddy. But the good part about that is that you know how critical he is and praise from him confirms your great results with these mods.
Thanks Nick. Early on, Dan could not believe the extremely minute changes
until I actually showed him the changes he was perceiving.
Thankfully Dan has gotten past that stage and has had me further upgrade his
Pro-Musica and already upgraded Luxman, and other components (from the
Champaign, Illinois store back in the 80s, not the new Chicago store with different
individuals).
cheers
steve