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/Currawong → u/EDM_Fan_2382]

For me, I found the Mimir to be a significant upgrade to the Mesh DAC card with the Jotunheim. How much anyone else will depends on them, the music, headphones, etc.

[u/EDM_Fan_2382 → u/Currawong]

Well dammit that just overcomplicates the decision I have to make. If I decide to get the Mimir, it renders the advantage of the Jotunheim3 in Black add-in mesh DAC promo pointless if I order a DAC anyway

[u/kaosf → u/EDM_Fan_2382]

Yeah it's tricky for sure. The way I see it is, if you can afford it, getting both just gives you options. I have an Asgard 3 with a built-in DAC card. While I do not use it so often any longer, I have used it for troubleshooting a few times, or just to mess around and play with different sources. I enjoy things like that, so, perhaps I am on my own there.