Still Looking for a DAC - Audio Mirror Tubadour v and ANK Audio 5.1

Given your system and from what I’ve read of AM DACs I find it very surprising you’d find it bright unless maybe it’s not yet broken in or if there’s an issue with the unit.  I’m really hoping you’re not using Nordost Frey interconnects BTW, but still.  Honestly this doesn’t make much sense to me on the face of it. 

@soix , I’m using Italian AirTech cables, made of solid core OCC wire. They’re very smooth. It sounds now considerably more calm. I still have a week or so to play with it, and I keep my fingers crossed ;) BTW, my digital cable is Nordost Silver Shadow.

@hasmarto 

I was kind of hoping that you'd go with the top-of-the-line ANK, because they're so musical and I wanted to hear your opinion. 

BTW, my digital cable is Nordost Silver Shadow.

I kinda doubt that’s helping your situation at all. Even if you don’t keep the AM I very highly recommend you try this AZ MC2 digital cable as its sound characteristics seem more inline with your personal preferences. If it’s not just turn around and sell it for little/no loss, but I seriously think it’s worth your while to try. And yes, I own one and it’s amazing.  Read the reviews. My bet is you sell the Silver Shadow in a heartbeat and will make the AM sing in full voice.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaj916-acoustic-zen-mc2-digital-cable-rca-digital

I agree with soix. All digital cables sound very different.