Schiit Modi 3+ vs Mimir - Looking for Some Opinions

[Quadaptor!]

I am conservative when it comes to changing out DACs because, more often than not, the changes in sound quality seem to be expressed in inches and not feet, yards or miles. However, I have been considering an upgrade in my main system from a Schiit Modi 3+ to the new Mimir. I'm not too excited about the Forkbeard app and would likely give it a pass. If I do this, the Modi 3+ will be moved to a bedroom system that's currently using a 12-year old Cambridge Audio DAC. Some of the reviews I've found on YouTube state that the Mimir is bumping up against the Bifrost in sound quality. For those in the know, and I realize this iubject is very subjective, have you found the Mimir to be a satisfactory replacement for the Modi 3+?

My primary system consists of a restored Fisher 800B running a pair of Klipsch Heresys and a stereo pair SVS SB-1000 subs. The Heresys are being modified to the Super Heresy configuration that is often discussed in the Klipsch forum. My music source consists of digital flac files of CDs I've burned onto a hard drive and play back through a laptop that uses a SMSL PO100 Pro as a digital reclocker. The PO100 Pro does a great job however I have found that the digital coax jack is not very robust and it will weaken and break if given too much physical stress. I also have, but seldom use these days, an Audiolab 6000 CDT CD transport.

Thanks much and I appreciate your observations!

 

[Gigantic]

if you're not getting Forkbeard, you might as well save some cash and get the Modi 5, which is effectively a Mimir without Forkbeard. fwiw, Forkbeard is the primary reason to get the Mimir, it adds a ton of value.

 

[HB3]

I don't have the Mimir but I do have the Modi 3+ and the Modi Multibit 2. From what I've read the Mimir is a bit better than the MMB2 but not by much. While the MMB2 is much better than the Modi 3+. It's more open and detailed. I agree that you might save some cash by getting the Modi 5. That seems to be getting a lot of love.

 

[Trays]

Yeah, it looks like go with a Modi 5 if you don't need the flexibility of the Mimir (Forkbeard, XLR outputs, can be used as a preamp or standalone DAC). Even at the most basic Mimir use case, I like Forkbeard just to get the balance control.

 

[Quadaptor!]

if you're not getting Forkbeard, you might as well save some cash and get the Modi 5, which is effectively a Mimir without Forkbeard. fwiw, Forkbeard is the primary reason to get the Mimir, it adds a ton of value.

Thanks, very useful information! Its got me wondering about the value of the Bifrost. Some say the Mimir bumps up against the Bifrost in performance and you say the Modi 5 is essentially the Mimir without Forkbeard. Now I'm thinking the Modi 5 might be the DAC to go with! A damn near Bifrost for about a fifth of the price.

 

[Gigantic]

Thanks, very useful information! Its got me wondering about the value of the Bifrost. Some say the Mimir bumps up against the Bifrost in performance and you say the Modi 5 is essentially the Mimir without Forkbeard. Now I'm thinking the Modi 5 might be the DAC to go with! A damn near Bifrost for about a fifth of the price.

I think that’s stretching things a bit. The added value of Forkbeard contributes a lot to getting it into the Bifrost ballpark- it’s more than just a remote control and allows access to features in Mimir that aren’t available in Modi 5, like parametric eq and switching between filters that aren’t accessible without Forkbeard.

 

[Quadaptor!]

I think that’s stretching things a bit. The added value of Forkbeard contributes a lot to getting it into the Bifrost ballpark- it’s more than just a remote control and allows access to features in Mimir that aren’t available in Modi 5, like parametric eq and switching between filters that aren’t accessible without Forkbeard.

Perhaps, but as I understand Forkbeard allows you to adjust the volume, balance and tone through a three band parametric eq. And it also allows you to choose different digital filters, and all from the convenience of a remote app.

I guess I differ from most when to comes to the app because, save for the remote, those functions are largely redundant to my needs. Most of my playback is from flac files on a hard drive. I use a laptop to control the hard drive; which is linked to my Modi 3+ via a SMSL PO100 PRO (used as a digital reclocker) and a length of digital coax. that goes into the Modi 3+. So the volume is taken care of with the laptop. I also have a four band Loki EQ which, if found lacking, can be augmented up with bass and treble controls on a receiver that employs split pots per side. And thats a lot of flexibility. However, the pots are usually left in the neutral position. My listening room is not very complicated and I have the balance control logged in for different listening positions in the room. So I know where to set the balance for different listening arrangements. And I tend to set things and not fiddle with them once they are figured out. But, these circumstances only relate to me and are by no means meant to be a commentary on other folk's listening habits.

My primary concern in this comparison is sound quality. There are several YouTube reviews that flat out say the Mimir is almost as good as the Bifrost when it comes to sound. And one comment in this post stated that the Modi 5 is essentially a Mimir without the Forkbeard app. Hence, my conclusion on the sound quality gap (or lack of) between the Modi 5 and the current Bifrost.

I appreciate everyone's input into my post which, based on what I mentioned above, and input, has really got me thinking that the the Modi 5 is fully adequate for my needs and may be the bargain of the year. That is, unless there is something else I'm missing here. Which is always a factor in my assessment of things.

PS - Albeit maybe a bit of marketing hyperbole, this bit of copy is from Schiit's website for the Modi 5:

Mesh: Sounds Expensive. Isn't.
All of our True Multibit or Multiform DACs have used our own proprietary digital filter, developed through decades of R&D. Mesh brings this unique digital filter to a much more affordable price point, by meshing (ahem) a 32-bit Microchip processor with a standard delta-sigma modulator. The result? Something that sounds a lot more like our more expensive DACs.

 

[krautmaster]

I've had my Mimir with Forkbeard for almost a month now and it does wondrous things to the sound of my BlueSound Node N130, especially with Tidal's high resolution files (many are 92K, quite a lot are 192K). The Forkbeard is a great addition and I like to turn on the loudness function when listening at low volumes.

It didn't really improve the sound of my Rotel CD-11 MKII, but Redbook CDs only play at 44.1K anyway, but with the Node the sound stage is much wider and deeper, while the vocals are pinpoint in the center, instruments are clearly separated... I love this little piece of Schiit !

 

[Trays]

The Mimir might seem a bit spendy at first (for a basic DAC) but it checks a bunch of boxes and then you're all in with Forkbeard. Kind of a strange product. I have a second one on order.

 

[krautmaster]

The Mimir might seem a bit spendy at first (for a basic DAC) but it checks a bunch of boxes and then you're all in with Forkbeard. Kind of a strange product. I have a second one on order.

I've been thinking of doing the same thing and getting a second one for my main stereo...

 

[Quadaptor!]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your observations. I didn't realize Forkbeard had a loundess function. I guess a lot of gear doesn't include this anymore . My main receiver has it, but the little Fosi amp I recently bought to power up a secondary system doesn't. It does have tone controls (which I appreciate) with a bass pot that can be maxed out in the capacity of a loudness function.

 

[krautmaster]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your observations. I didn't realize Forkbeard had a loundess function. I guess a lot of gear doesn't include this anymore . My main receiver has it, but the little Fosi amp I recently bought to power up a secondary system doesn't. It does have tone controls (which I appreciate) with a bass pot that can be maxed out in the capacity of a loudness function.

It has a three band "tone control" that you can monkey around with or just use the loudness setting...

 

[Quadaptor!]

It has a three band "tone control" that you can monkey around with or just use the loudness setting...
View attachment 3723689

Thanks!

 

[StimpyWan]

I replaced a 1st gen Schiit Bifrost MB DAC, with Mimir, and found it a nice upgrade. Much better dynamics, low level detail, and timbre. Resolution better resolved. Again, the added dynamics was startling to me. Very addictive. Now, I'm considering adding a Forkbeard, now that Android is supported. While I don't need it's volume control features for a headphone stack, the added EQ and Loudness capabilities could be fun....!

 

[playittwice]

Gonna throw this into the mix as the Mimir has piqued my attention.
Has anyone compared this DAC to a R2R DAC? I am still on the fence on going back to a DS DAC. I like the R2R sound, but not opposed to trying something that may sound similar, especially from a price standpoint.

 

[rickb119]

I replaced a 1st gen Schiit Bifrost MB DAC, with Mimir, and found it a nice upgrade. Much better dynamics, low level detail, and timbre. Resolution better resolved. Again, the added dynamics was startling to me. Very addictive. Now, I'm considering adding a Forkbeard, now that Android is supported. While I don't need it's volume control features for a headphone stack, the added EQ and Loudness capabilities could be fun....!

Just when I thought I could be happy with upgrading(?) my Modi Multi (original) with the Modi 5, you go and throw this at me. Gee thanks.

 

[StimpyWan]

Just when I thought I could be happy with upgrading(?) my Modi Multi (original) with the Modi 5, you go and throw this at me. Gee thanks.

Sorry...!!!

The Modi 5 seems like a lot of DAC for the money. It, along with a Vali 3, would be a killer headphone set up. But for me, I hate their form factor. Too small. I'm a bit of a bull-in-a-china-shop, and would break them in no time. That's why I stick with the mid size pieces. My Mimir exists with a Lyr 2, though I am tempted by a Asgard X or a Jotunheim 3...! Then I could add a Mesh card and bring the Mimir home...!

 

[rickb119]

Sorry...!!!

Sure you are.

I use a Magni and an original Modi for my headphone set up, that's only used for the occasional youtube I happen across (I just never got into headphones). The Mimir would be for the main set up, with the Modi MB replacing an original Topping D30 currently in the TV system.

With 2 DAC's, a Loki and a Fosi V3 (TV system), I'm good with the size. Although, if I did get the Modi 5, I'd probably always wonder if the Mimir would have been that much better. I have no need for the Forkbeard, so there is that. On the other hand, my hearing has declined considerably in the past several years, and would I be able to hear a difference, even if it was there? Decisions. And more research needed.

 

[Quadaptor!]

Gonna throw this into the mix as the Mimir has piqued my attention.
Has anyone compared this DAC to a R2R DAC? I am still on the fence on going back to a DS DAC. I like the R2R sound, but not opposed to trying something that may sound similar, especially from a price standpoint.

I can't speak for ladder DACs, but here's what I've deduced from this discussion since putting up the post. There are several YouTube reviews of the Mimir that say it comes real close to the current Bifrost in sound quality. I have neither DACs, which is why I put up the post. There is one response that said the new Modi 5 was the pretty much the Mimir without Forkbeard. I know most of you guys like the app, but frankly is does nothing for me. Short of the remote function and digital filters (which I suspect don't deliver jaw dropping differences in their performances), the Modi 5 seems like the route to go if all one is after is the quality of the digital to analog signal conversion and is willing to take a few extra foot steps. And that's where I'm at. Hopefully, someone will jump in here and address your question because I too would appreciate the answer.

 

[Quadaptor!]

Sorry...!!!

The Modi 5 seems like a lot of DAC for the money. It, along with a Vali 3, would be a killer headphone set up. But for me, I hate their form factor. Too small. I'm a bit of a bull-in-a-china-shop, and would break them in no time. That's why I stick with the mid size pieces. My Mimir exists with a Lyr 2, though I am tempted by a Asgard X or a Jotunheim 3...! Then I could add a Mesh card and bring the Mimir home...!

I agree, the Modi 5 does seem like a lot of DAC for the money and I too prefer the larger size of the Mimir. I'v been thinking about swapping out my Loki for a Lokius and would appreciate matching the size of the box to that of the Mimir. But I have to say that a difference in 150-bucks between the Mimir and the Modi 5 kind of mitigates that issue.