I have been on the lookout for a new DAC for the past few years and really didn't want to break the bank, but these days, that is a pretty difficult task it seems. I am coming from a Geshelli J2 ES9026PRO (Classic J2, non-socketed), which I enjoyed but it started exhibiting intermittent issues, where audio would cut in and out, and or cause a ton of distortion for a second or two, and them cut back to acting normal. This problem got worse over time to becoming unusable and about 18 months ago bought a simple SMSL DO100 "Pro".
Well, the SMSL has a huge issue the J2 never had when running from a computer (which I actually thought was a unit issue, SMSL replaced, same issue, so they just let me keep the DAC and refunded), but the issue was all sorts of USB noise which I could only clean up with a USB isolator. The Aune DAC I had prior also didn't have this issue, but besides that, the sound from SMSL not a huge fan. Definitely enjoyed the J2 more. The SMSL also injects clicking noises when bit rate changes, and that is also annoying.
Then, a couple weeks ago (just beforeI decided to buy a very simple JDS Atom DAC 2, since years ago I owned their O2+ODAC for a small, in office setup and enjoyed it for what it was, and it never gave me issues. The JDS Atom DAC 2 is quiet without the isolator, unlike the SMSL, and subjectively I think it sounds better too, but still liked the J2 more.
I then came across the Mimir post, read about it and it caught my attention. Might just be what I have been looking for, and its IMD measurements are quite impressive. This will be my first Schiit product so I am hoping for a good showing. I made the purchase on April 30th, shipping label has been created but hasn't moved yet - hopefully ill get it soon and ill be sure the share my impressions on it. Think ill probably have to pick up a cheap iOS device to give Forkbeard a try, or maybe ill just wait for the Android release (I did order it with FB).
What I think would be real nice is if they released a desktop app for FB - maybe that's in the cards, maybe its not, but I know for me (and likely many others) it would actually be the most practical use case. But either way, looking forward to trying out my first Schiit product, and definitely appreciate the fact its a USA based company.