Another new DAC: Audio Mirror

What exact parts were used in the upgraded Orchid? Very important as I know from experience a specific recipe works best for the type of sound you and many like. Did it have the SR Orange fuse? Was the Amber 3 newer or fully broken in with at least 300 hours of play time? The Amber needs at least 250 hours to come into its own.  Also, tube rolling and an SR Orange fuse do wonders for this dac.   Just the one 12au7 needs attention.  It takes time and a little attention to details to make the Amber really sing beautifully. 

Lastly,  in addition to these questions one must also consider system synergy and subjective preferences. No doubt these play a substantial role in the dac one would prefer.  

What exact parts were used in the upgraded Orchid? Very important as I know from experience a specific recipe works best for the type of sound you and many like. Did it have the SR Orange fuse? Was the Amber 3 newer or fully broken in with at least 300 hours of play time? The Amber needs at least 250 hours to come into its own.  Also, tube rolling and an SR Orange fuse do wonders for this dac.   Just the one 12au7 needs attention.  It takes time and a little attention to details to make the Amber really sing beautifully. 

Lastly,  in addition to these questions one must also consider system synergy and subjective preferences. No doubt these play a substantial role in the dac one would prefer.  

Just wanted to share that another guest brought over his highly regarded DAC, retails for around 12K to compare to the AM 3 SE.  He was some what shocked how much more musical and engaging the Audio Mirror piece was then his DAC.

As grannyring has stated system synergy and personal taste must always be taken into account when trying to come to a conclusion about the performance of any piece of gear.  However, its pretty clear to me that the Audio Mirror is a very special DAC that offers so much at a very reasonable price.

Always nice to hear more positive outcomes for a dac you own. Thanks for the report @teajay

This DAC has really taken off.
If it had a volume control I'd be all over it.