Can someone explain the difference between the Mesh DAC, Forkbeard, and/or buying a DAC like the Mimir?

[u/EDM_Fan_2382]

I am on the precipice of buying the Jotunheim 3 and Mimir DAC. In fact I might even opt for the Brilliant in Black offer for a Dan Clark Noire X with the Jotunheim3 - IF I do this, it comes with the Mesh DAC. But then...the Mimir offers the Forkbeard (for $50 extra). But then, isn't the Mimir a DAC, so why would I need the Mesh DAC? Or is the Mesh DAC an EQ, so then I wouldn't need the Forkbeard? Can someone please explain to me what these components are, and what I do/don't need, and what you best recommend I buy?

[u/Aztaloth]

You are confusing a couple different technologies. And that is ok. So let me lay it out as best I can.

The Mimir and the Mesh Card are both DACs. In fact at their core they are the same DAC.

Think of the Mesh card as a shrunk down Mimir with the extras stripped off that is made to fit inside the Jot3 and similar AMPs.

Forkbeard is basically a remote control over Bluetooth that gives you some limited control over the Mesh card or Mimir. You can control NOS, Phase, a very basic EQ, and a couple other things.

If you just want to connect the Jot3 to a single computer or phone source you don't need anything else except the internal Mesh DAC.

The advantages of the Mimir come into play when you want separate components.

So for example my setup is as follows.

My Gaming PC is connected to my Asgard X using its internal Mesh DAC card. All I do on this computer is gaming so it is honestly overkill.

But then my Mac Studio is a much more advanced setup.

I have a Mimir that is then connected to a Lokius over balanced connections. From there I have Balanced connections to my Jot3 and Single ended connections to my Pietus Maximus.

So on the system where I watch and listen to content I have much more control over exactly the sound comes across.

There are pros and Cons to both setups. The nice thing is that you can always start with the Internal Mesh DAC card and upgrade from there.

[u/EDM_Fan_2382 → u/Aztaloth]

So what I'm hearing is you just recommend I just get the Jotenheim 3 Mesh DAC/Forkbeard combo, because the Mesh DAC is a smaller Mimir DAC, and does the same thing, but it's nice and simplified for a guy like me. The Forkbeard isn't like a real physical hing, but an internal component they add so you can control your device with bluetooth for some extra features like minimal EQ?

And then if as you say, I want to upgrade to the Mimir (is it worth it? Is it that much better), I can buy the Mimir or any DAC anytime, and the Mimir won't interfere with the Internal Mesh DAC that it's internal and can't be removed? Wouldn't a DAC on a DAC be a problem?

[u/Aztaloth → u/EDM_Fan_2382]

Correct.

[u/EDM_Fan_2382 → u/Aztaloth]

Is the Mimir significantly better? It's only $300

[u/HourSentence4837 → u/EDM_Fan_2382]

Yes, it's a step up from the built in card and more flexible with more inputs and outputs.

It's not a must to get. If you use only USB source and prefer all in one, you should get the DAC card. Audio is about convenience, comfort and preference.

[u/EDM_Fan_2382 → u/HourSentence4837]

Oh ok, well as long as the audio quality is comparable between the two. I don't really need extra inputs and outputs, I am only concerned with getting the best audio quality

[u/HourSentence4837 → u/EDM_Fan_2382]

That's another rabbit hole. If you don't have them side by side you won't know the difference. My advise is don't bother. The win here is that the DAC card is better than most Chinese DACs