Another new DAC: Audio Mirror

Well I did the upgrade from the standard version to the maxed out version with Dueland caps, etc. It's been running in for about 3 weeks now.

The DAC has been transformed, I'm very happy with the results. The character of the DAC didn't change it just got better in all of the parameters. I would equate it to a significant preamp or cartridge upgrade. The noise floor drops siginificantly, there is more depth to the presentation, more contrast (tonal and dynamics). It gells the performance better similar to a high end preamp or cartridge. The performance or musical expression is drawn out of the 1s and 0s making it sound very analogue and similar to my TT setup (DV XV1s, TW Acustic Raven, TW 10.5 arm, Tron Phono). Not one of my CDs sounds bright or has a fatigue factor. The detail isn't being drawn out and highlighted it blends into the body of each instrument, balanced. If you've listened to a really good TT setup you will know what I mean.

The DAC has pushed my system over a line. A much larger % of my CDs are just as good musically as my records, never thought that would happen. I've been doubling up on music that's important to me buying lots of CDs before they dissappear. Good time to buy!

This is an end game DAC for me that compliments the balance of my system. The standard version is also very good. To equate it in cartridge terms the stardard version is like a DV XX2MkII and the maxed out version like a DV XV1s. Both are very good and I could easily live with either but once you normalize to the upgraded version it would tough going back.

Thanks Vlad!

Nice review musichead - it's a killer dac! I may maxout mine one day 

@musichead indeed. I think if you've either a) got a bright and detailed system, or b) love a natural, organic sound, then you should really audition this dac. It won't jump out and tell you how great it is, but the more carefully you listen, the more it rewards.

Unfortunately, I found the opposite to be true of the psa directstream. The more carefully I listened, the more I found that things didn't sound right. I honestly can't think of anything I preferred from that dac to the amt3.

Also, for people interested in tube rolling, I asked Vlad and got the following:

"My other favorite tubes are 6N1P(EV). The ones with “rocket” logo are in general better than others. There is been some hype about 6N5P triple mica.I tried them, to me they sounded same as 6N1P. It is hard to say what was the reason, because from batch to batch tubes differ and sound different. For example I had 6N1P EV sounding better than regular 6N1P and bought same tube again. Obviously different batch and the new batch was worse than regular 6N1P. Also ECC88 Tesla gold pins(old Tesla production) used to sound pretty good."

yep ...i cant believe audio heads are spening 5k to 12k for a dac that will be obsolete in a year...2 at the max when they could have near SOTA for a fraction of what they wasted...i got the Mini Maxed out(Miflex caps...Z foil resestiors..and jumped out the fuse(big improvment)...for under what they paid for a great coax...i had sum of the big boy club dacs...and i am proud to say i would never go back!!.Yep Yep...it is that good....as always YMMY...but i serious doubt it..,,TRUTH!