Certainly didn't mean to imply that measurements were all that this forum is about...it was more an observation of some folks' comments in this particular thread.
Nice article by the way...took me back to my early 2 channel days.
I traded my stacked DQ-10s for those exact Acoustats (bad move); eventually moved on to stacked Quads and then Magnepans.
Agreed about measurements...they are a useful arrow in the quiver for evaluating products/companies/etc. and I appreciate when independent reviewers make the effort to do this and publish their results.
In Schiit's case, the Bimby distortion measurements are called out on their own site as being slightly inferior (THD: <0.005%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output; IMD: <0.008%, CCIR) compared to the Bifrost DS (THD: <0.003%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output; IMD: <0.004%, CCIR) and Modi DS (THD: <0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output; IMD: <0.003%, CCIR) models. So...if people are assuming a superior objective performance, then they're not reading Schiit's published specs.
When I bought my Valhalla 2, I was well aware that it was one of the poorest 'performing' amps that Schiit makes. That said, it's a great pairing for my Senns and Beyers!
Similarly, I knew their Multibit products had 'lesser' measurements. I bought the Bimby because I was interested in the Multibit technology conceptually, it was upgradeable, and, tbh, it visually matches the Valhalla 2.
Regarding the Bifrost in question, it makes sense to me to get it repaired if it's 'broken' and re-measure it. If nothing changes in the measurements, then at least everyone will know. That said, educating people on why they should care about the measurements when the DAC sounds just fine to them may be a tough ask...
Your comments on DBTs for DAC differences confirm what I suspected. Not a surprise really. Again, nice you made the effort to explore this and document it! As you stated, consumers don't have the time, resources, etc. to perform these tests...so any help from reviewers on this front is greatly appreciated.