From an MHDT to an Audio Mirror, quick impressions

@wlutke are you utilizing the exact same digital input and output cables on the AM dac as you did with your Orchid - in other words did one cable/type change by chance?

Also did you ever try the other Tesla -or- Western Electric optional/recommended tubes in your Orchid dac?

The reason for asking is friends across forums shared notes about MHDT Orchid and Pagoda DAC findings with particular cables and tubes to fine tune results even more. Of those half changed caps to get even more out of the dac.

Nothing changed out but the DAC.  Had the GE.  Have Millard installed.  Have used the Orchid with tube pre (Herron).  Now Have Luxman integrated.   Have tried cables.  It’s a good DAC for the money,  Has glare though.

@wlutke Got it. And, so it appears you’ve not tried the other factory prescribed tubes (Tesla 6CC42 or Western Electric WE396/2C51) for the dac many have found to gel well the Orchid and no glare. The standard non-triple mica GE 5670 tube in that dac can be bright or seem like glare in detailed systems. Not sure which Mullard you are referring to - - unless you’re running some kind of 6922 adapter which can lead to other voltage issues in that dac. I have 6 friends with MHDT Orchid dacs, none report issues with glare. Its a soft analog sounding Philips TDA1541 r2r ladder dac chip in there too. Pretty mild in my system and friends too. Something else going on there I would suspect. Best of luck.

@decooney 

Sounds like you and your six friends have fallen for the  Orchid.  I'm falling for the AM.  Best wishes on your audio journey.

@wlutke hehe, unfortunately not totally the case. It’s one of many dacs in a stable each of us keep. I’m back down to 2 dacs and some other colleagues keep 4-5 around. Might be a sign each of these dacs offer something different to rotate in occasionally, or likely cases of hoarding the good ones, haha. Enjoy the AM dac in your stable :)