2. digital
  3. 159169-10297

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
jon_snow
4 posts
 

P.S I worked out how to DM 
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@tonnesen The AM does not include a streaming input, so sq of streaming vs. cd will completely depend on the equipment that's providing input.  That said, the only thing I miss about my cd player (which was an exemplar Denon 2900 8 years ago), is going to the used music store.
paulcreed OP
567 posts
 
cal3713, did you find the AMse to sound better than your Exemplar  Denon 2900 or just different? I still use my 2900 and think it sounds great. I don't understand why the Orchids are selling used between $900 and $1000, one sold the other day in one day for $1080. I can buy a new one for $1200 in US or have MHDT send one from over seas $1000 shipped of ebay. How dependable are the Orchids. I talked to Vlad and he is a super nice guy, I'm starting to think AM and upgrade to SE later. The only reason I like the orchid is I have tons of real nice 6922's, 6sn7's and could use those in Orchid.

cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@paulcreed Unfortunately I sold the exemplar and switched to streaming & computer audio in 2012, so I can't make any comparison. Every part of my system is different.

And the AM takes 6922s, so you're all set for tube rolling with it too. It has an output stage that can utilize 5977, 6N1P, 6DJ8, ECC88, 6922 and 6H23P tubes.  
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
And at least with the two week trial period, you can try running your exemplar direct and through the AM to test it out for yourself.

Do try a second source (e.g., a computer through USB) as well though, as the exemplar should hold it's general house sound, even when decoded by another dac. That'll let you figure out a bit more about whatever dac you're demoing
More to discover