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MHDT Orchid or Audio Mirror/ pick one for me please

I have been looking around at my first streaming system ever, never even owened a dac. I have owned a Ezemplar Audio tube Denon 2900 and Exemplar tube Oppo 105 for the last 15 years, others have come and gone these always stayed. I mostly listen to records. I have been looking at dac's for a couple months and these are the 2 tube dac's I am considering. Solid state I looked at RME, Border Patrol, Ayre, Mytek, Chord and others. I like how the Orchid can except so many tubes and likes mods. Audio Mirror looks interesting I understand maybe more detail,  which is important. Both are in my price range, I want to start out slow and not spend to much on first purchase in streaming. I will also need a cheap streamer. Thanks for any suggestions. I'm kind of lost!!
paulcreed
paulcreed OP
569 posts
 
They both have a return policy, Orchid is 10% restock fee. Seems like both have loyal owners. Is one better than the other or just different presentation. Full dynamic and refined air is very important, I just don't want a lean sound. I would hope both having tubes neither will be light in presentation and with a full soundstage.
ovinewar's avatar
ovinewar
172 posts
 
It looks like either you are a tinkerer or have plenty of resources to pay others to tinker with your purchases- meaning never quite happy. I say that without any hint of criticism. 
If you are financially  able and enjoy buying, trying, and selling- the world is your oyster.  In that spot I would buy higher end mainly because streaming is going to be a different experience  than the analog you are accustomed to. 
I like to tinker as well, so I went with a Raspberry Pi and attached Dac hat. Inexpensive, under $150 total, for streamer and dac, I enjoyed the process, and I now have a baseline for future comparison. I also was not coming from vinyl. 
Truthfully, right now I have zero motivation to upgrade. Some songs, such as some older Daryl Hall I listened to this week, sound not so great. They may as well on a CD or other format. But others sound really good. Most of my equipment is older- it was mid high end and I tweaked it continuously. Finally it was good enough for my hearing ability. I absolutely love the access to an infinite variety of music. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,455 posts
 
I strongly considered both and got the Orchid. Both can tube roll.

Two further considerations:
Orchid -- 1 year warranty, not US based but Linear Tube Audio sells them and can repair if necessary.
Mirror -- 2 year warranty and made in US (Minnesota).

Perhaps write to both and see how quickly they respond.

Having never heard the Mirror I cannot comment. I like the Orchid but it's the only one I have. I am going to try a new tube on it, soon. There's a Facebook group devoted to the Orchid with just a few members but they're very knowledgeable and may have an opinion.
I trust @mesch a lot, FWIW.
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pastorbob's avatar
pastorbob
83 posts
 
Hi,
You mention he Border Patrol & RME.
I have owned both.
In my estimation the RME is the better DAC.
I found the Border Patrol lacking in detail and air.
The RME is very detailed without sounding sharp or etched.

That being said, I now own the Audio Mirror basic model.
Again, my opinion, it is far more musical than either of the above DAC's.
It has both detail, superb sound stage and imaging.
The tonality is also splendid.

I have had a number of DAC's over the years and I must say I find the AM to be just a wonderful piece of gear that presents the music naturally and realistically. 

I have not heard the Orchid, though I did consider it.
It is held in high esteem by those who own it.

One other point worth mentioning is that the Audio Mirror can be upgraded in several different ways going forward.

Kind regards,
P.B. 

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