2. digital
  3. 1130770464

TRL Audio Mirror D1 Signature

I recently had my Audio Mirror DAC modified by TRL. A review has been posted in the Product Review section. I will say that anyone owning or thinking or purchasing this DAC should consider this modification which is quite reasonably priced at $550. The DAC sounds quieter (-20db reduction in noise level), is more accurate and analog sounding (it was already a very analog sounding DAC so this improvement truly surprised me), and really improves the micro and macro dynamics. The overall presence of the music is much more pronounced. Notes just seem to appear or jump out at you. Truly an amazing upgrade, but be forewarned, it will require a 500 hour minimum burn-in process.
clio09
clio09 OP
3,355 posts
 
Deb,

If you go to my review you will see more details. Right now the only comparison being made is to the stock unit.

Prior to deciding on the stock Audio Mirror I auditioned a number of DACs, most in my system, but others in-store. They included: Audio Note (1.1x and 2.1x), 47 Labs Shigaraki, Benchmark, MSB, and Bel Canto. I am going to place an order for the Audio Sector DAC shortly and will makes some comparisons to that unit.
jman66
54 posts
 
Would be interesting, a comparison of the TRL-modded D1 against the newly released D2 revision from Audio Mirror.
Or even the stock D1 against the D2...
clio09 OP
3,355 posts
 
Jman66,

I can tell you that the FET output, hexfreds, and Auricaps aren't going to make a significant difference between the stock units. However, the TRL modded unit will outperform the D1 and although I haven't heard it, I'm confident will also outperform the D2, both by a wide margin. I asked TRL if using the newly upgraded parts would add value to their mods and they were pretty ambivalent about it. In fact they were pretty impressed with the stock caps in the D1 and were confused why Vlad would go with Auricaps. They didn't see the need to upgrade that area of the DAC.
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
Clio09, when you said "it will require a 500-hour burn-in" were you talking about a modified unit or a new stock unit? I just purchased the D2...
clio09 OP
3,355 posts
 
Joeylawn36111,

The modified unit requires the extended burn-in. The D2 should be good to go after 200 or so hours.
More to discover