2. digital
  3. 162762-94591

Audio Mirror vs Prima Luna tube DAC

Hi there,
Wondering if anyone out there has had the opportunity to A/B the Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE and the Prima Luna Evo 100 tube DACs.  I am looking to get as close to vinyl as possible while either streaming (Qobuz) or playing CD files from an Aurender N100H....nuts I know.

Currently using my Moon/SimAudio 260D CD player as DAC with Curios Evolved USB as interconnect from the Aurender.

Are there other tube DAC (or solid state) options I should consider at about the same price point?

Thanks all.
mahlijanian
rooze's avatar
rooze
645 posts
 
There's a review of the Tubadour SE III using the Aurender N100H as source and compared to a Moon 380D, so it might be helpful for the OP. Jump to page 2 of the review to get into the comparison.

https://audioresurgence.com/2020/05/audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-se-dac-review.html


mahlijanian OP
17 posts
 
Thanks very much rooze.  Interesting, helpful and relevant review. Now if someone would only compare something with PL..... 
jerry2021
11 posts
 
I have both the PrimaLuna EVO 100 & AudioMirro Tubadour III SE DACs in house for an actual listening test. Much research pointed me towards
R2R NOS ladder DAC and tubes. Already own PrimaLuna HP integrated and love it, so PrimaLuna was a front runner DAC. Looking for warm, full bodied sound.

I live near Vlad, AudioMirror owner. Have local dealer with PrimaLuna in stock. Both were kind enough to loan me a DAC to demo. 10 year old Rega DAC will also be compared.

Will post listening results soon. 3 people will judge.

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9757

mahlijanian OP
17 posts
 
Thanks Jerry, I ended up with an AM and am happy with it. However, it has revealed some features of the Aurender that aren’t so great. Saving for an Innuos Zenith. So it goes. Still interested in the comparison when you post. Thanks again.

yakbob
487 posts
 
I'd be interested in your listening impressions Jerry. It's true the PrimaLuna DAC doesn't have a lot of fan fare around it. I'd chalk it up to a lot of completion at that price point, and the hardwired clock tube. I almost took a chance on one since I own the PL Evo 300 Power amp which I'm very impressed with.

In the end, I felt it was too great a risk, and went with the current flavor of the month (Holo May) knowing I could easily sell it it doesn't work out.

I look forward to your review.
More to discover