MUSEWIRE – NEWS: Schiit Audio has announced the launch of their latest audiophile DAC, the Bifrost 3, with upgraded Ultimate Mesh technology, 384k audio input, and now supporting their Forkbeard module which adds a preamp and EQ. This new model replaces the highly regarded Bifrost 2/64, and includes worthy trickle-down tech from their other Mesh models. Schiit also promises the new model will be less expensive than the previous model Bifrost.

As an owner of two Bifrost 2/64 DACs since that model launched, this has been my all time favorite “not overpriced” DAC for daily and critical listening. Without hearing the new version, it’s hard to say whether it’s critically “better” or not, but I’ve been a Schiit “fanboy” since the Modi 3+ AKM DAC.

The new Unison 384 module allows one to do “source oversamping” by doing oversampling of audio at the source device, whether a streamer (like my Eversolo T-10) or a PC running suitable software. So, for instance, you could upsample a 16/44 FLAC CD file/album to 24/384, then feed that to the Bifrost 3 with “no oversampling” (NO) mode turned on. In this scenario the source is doing the upsampling before it hits the DAC circuitry, which some prefer. It gives the audiophile more options in tailoring the sound to fit their system or preferences.

Also, by adding the Forkbeard module, the new version of the Bifrost is brought up to date with many new DSP features of other current Schiit Audio offerings. Note the Forkbeard module is a plug-in system (kind of like a USB stick), and can be removed if not needed. It’s optional on other models (like my Gungnir 2), so here with the new Bifrost it’s a nice inclusion.

I don’t expect the new Bifrost 3 to sound quite as good as my Gungnir 2, but it’s half the price, and the trickle down tech is a compelling feature expansion from the older models.

Hardware upgrades are also offered for owners of the earlier model, keeping with their “always upgradeable” ethos. Although, based on the upgrade card pricing (the guts of the DAC), one could argue buying the new model outright and selling an older model on an auction site could be a better way to go.

The new model is shipping end of October 2026, and as of this writing, interested buyers can put down a $10 deposit to be first in line when they start boxing and shipping.

The full price is US$699 in black and $729 in silver, including Forkbeard and a remote, plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

Overview of features and specs

Ultimate Mesh™ — Schiit has taken their lauded Mesh architecture to another level with DSP-based oversampling and a latest-gen ESS DAC used as a delta-sigma modulator. This means superb sound, and excellent measurements, from an “affordable” DAC.

Preamp and EQ with System-Wide Control — Use the included Forkbeard module for volume, parametric EQ, balance, loudness and more. Add more Forkbeard-enabled products for seamless, unprecedented control and understanding of your system. Over-the-air Forkbeard firmware updates and modular hardware architecture mean you won’t be left behind as DAC capability changes—and you won’t have to send it in for upgrades.

Modular Unison 384 Input — Enjoy the best USB input on the planet with fully isolated Unison 384. No drivers, no configuration, no headaches, just plug in to any streamer, computer, tablet, or phone.

Learn more at: https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost-3

What the heck is a Forkbeard? https://www.schiit.com/forkbeard?m

SPECIFICATIONS:

Distortion: inaudible; 1000x lower than any transducer (speaker or headphone) you’re using
Noise: inaudible; far below a typical speaker power amplifier
Input capability: accommodates all actual music recordings
Heat: runs moderately warm; this is normal and no need for panic
Size: desk-friendly

OTHER SPECS
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.06dB

THD+N: <0.00015%, -118dB typ IMD: <0.0003%, CCIF S/N: > 125dB, referenced to full output

Crosstalk: -128dB, 20-20kHz

Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS single-ended, 4.0V RMS balanced

Inputs: Coaxial SPDIF, Optical SPDIF, USB

Input Capability
Up to 32/384 for Unison 384
Up to 24/192 for other inputs
Input Receiver
SPDIF: AK4118
USB: Schiit Unison 384
Outputs: RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced)

Output Impedance: 75 ohms for both

Conversion Type: Schiit Mesh™, with unique time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on a SHARC DSP; ESS ES9039 used as delta-sigma modulator

Analog Stage: I/V and filtering based on AD4898

Power supply: 100% linear, internal transformer, 11 stages of regulation, including separate supplies for critical digital and analog sections

Upgradability:
OTA Forkbeard firmware updates
Slide-in replaceable DAC and input cards
Remote control:
Forkbeard™ module provides full preamp and EQ capabilities, shows real-time information on sources and outputs; integrates with a complete Forkbeard system for more advanced functionality
IR remote included, controls source selection, phase invert, and mute.
Power Consumption: 15W

Size: 9 x 6 x 2”

Weight: 6lbs

SHIPPING OCT. 31, 2026.

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This original article is © 2026 by Christopher Simmons and first appeared on Musewire.com – all reproduction rights reserved. Collage image by Christopher Simmons, based on photos sourced from Schiit Audio’s website. No fee or any other consideration was provided in the creation of this original content. AI was not used in creation or editing of any of this information.