ЦАПы — Schiit Audio Mimir

The Schiit Mimir is a balanced digital to analogue converter from Schiit Audio, an American maker whose products are designed and built at home. Priced at USD 299, it is presented by Schiit as an affordable balanced DAC built around the brand's own Mesh digital filter. With the optional Forkbeard module, sold for USD 50, it also becomes a complete digital preamplifier with parametric equalisation.

Key specs that matter

Conversion follows the Schiit Mesh approach, pairing a filter optimised in both the time and the frequency domain with a standard delta-sigma modulator. The Unison 384 USB input accepts up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, while optical S/PDIF, coaxial S/PDIF and AES inputs handle up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. Analogue outputs come on XLR sockets for balanced use plus an RCA pair. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.04 dB, THD+N measures 0.0003 percent, with 118 dB S/N. Output level depends on how the unit is powered - 3.0 V balanced and 1.5 V single-ended when running from USB, rising to 4.0 V balanced and 2.0 V single-ended with the AC adapter. The chassis measures 229 x 152 x 38 mm.

Engineering and use context

The Linear Override power arrangement lets the Mimir run from USB bus power alone, or from an AC wall adapter that supplies higher voltage rails, and the higher output figures come from that second mode. Having AES next to the two S/PDIF formats and USB covers computer, transport and professional digital sources in one box. The Forkbeard module adds remote control of volume and balance, a three-band parametric EQ, switching between the Mesh filter and NOS operation, a loudness function, phase inversion and input selection. With it fitted, the Mimir is able to drive a power amp or active monitors directly without a separate preamp. Schiit covers the unit with a 3-year limited warranty and a 15-day money-back guarantee, less a 15 percent restocking fee.

Pairing

The balanced XLR outputs suit headphone amplifiers, preamps and active monitors with balanced inputs, and the RCA pair serves single-ended gear. When the Forkbeard is installed and volume is controlled in the DAC, a fixed-gain power amplifier or powered speakers complete a simple system. For the full balanced output level the AC adapter should be used.

Alternatives

The Schiit Modi 5 is the brand's smaller USD 149 DAC with Mesh conversion and an ES9018 modulator, offering USB, optical and coaxial inputs with single-ended RCA output only.