audio mirror dac

I have this DAC and have compared it to 4 other digital sources in my system - A Channel Islands VDA-1, Museatex Melior Bitstream, a Benchmark DAC1, and an Eastern Electric Minimax Tube CD. I own all but the Benchmark DAC1.

A non-oversampling (NOS) DAC has a totally different presentation to it compared to traditional DACs. I find it mid-hall in perspective with a fairly tall and wide soundstage. The bass is particularly good, with a natural midrange, and shimmering highs. Resolution is good, but the Benchmark DAC1 is superior but clinically exacting. I find the Audio Mirror is just slightly warm - and the imaging is surprising. In terms of warmth, I find it much higher than the DAC1, but below the Eastern Electric Minimax and Museatex. The Audio Mirror does not have the lushness of the Minimax but it very listenable.

It took around 100 hours for break-in. Prior to this, the imaging was there but the sound was brittle and two-dimensional. It took on a new character after break-in.

The build quality is fairly good on the unit - it comes with cones and cone protectors. There is a slight turn on thump though, as the caps are energized.

If you can audition it especially with other sources, it would be worth your while to do so.

Cheers,
Dennis

Clio09:

I found no construction issues, save the turn-on thump. No problems with case alignment,etc.

I have the Signature version, and it's mirrored golden finish will scratch easily. The gold plated RCA inputs are beefy and well constructed, but the coaxial digital input leaves a bit to be desired. I am not sure why Vlad did not use the same quality input connector.

The case, while nice, is a generic style DIY case. Another NOS DAC (the name eludes me), also uses the same case.

I personally believe that the Audio Mirror does benefit from aftermarket power cables and it was great that Vlad chose to include an IEC power connector. I used a Zu Cable Bok power cord with all of the DACS noted that had such a connector.

I thought the best thing to do for other potential buyers of the Audio Mirror is to get a realistic feel for it compared to other DACs and CDPs. I think it is helpful that others post their DAC experiences. I wish there was more comparative information and listening experiences prior to my purchase.

I was lucky in that I could compare all the aforementioned DACs at the same time, in my own system this past Sunday.

I do agree that for the price, the Audio Mirror DAC is well worth the money but it does have it faults as does any product. I know Vlad has advertised it as a SACD killer. Unfortunately, I don't know how much truth is in this statement as I do not have any experience with SACD.

Bass performance in my system was close to the Benchmark DAC1 but did not exceed it. I also found imaging in the Benchmark DAC1 to be better with a wider soundstage. I found the Audio Mirror to have slighly better height and the a touch deeper in soundstage. There was no comparison in absolute resolution - the Benchmark excels in this area as well as high frequency extension and transient speed.

I am not a proponent of the Benchmark DAC1 but given that it has received so much positive press, and it's relative production age, it was appropriate to focus on it in comparison.

For poor or badly miked recordings, the Audio Mirror does reveal the flaws, but the recording is still quite listenable. The Benchmark is too surgically precise and I found myself focusing on these flaws and spending less time enjoying the performance.

That being said, the Audio Mirror is a much more musical product in my ears, at least compared to the Benchmark DAC1, but slightly less so than my Eastern Electric Minimax CDP and equal to the Museatex. There is a definite smoothness to the Audio Mirror and an overall coherence - a presentation that is different, but nevertheless enjoyable. I am still amazed that it achieves its performance without any oversampling. I think Vlad did a great job "voicing" the Audio Mirror and it shows.

And my decade old Museatex, it is still a very musical product and one I still enjoy listening to after 10 years+.

The Audio Mirror, I think it's a keeper as well.

Cheers,
Dennis

Mrmb:

Please read the entire thread. To paraphrase Yoda, "There will you find the answers you seek."

(:

Dennis

Jman66:

I am running a Sony DVP-S7000 as a transport. It's an older unit, but it is build extremely well and has low jitter. Recently I have been using the Slim Devices Squeezebox2 (wireless) with it's coaxial digital output into the Audio Mirror DAC. My music is stored on my computer (ripped with EAC to FLAC) then broadcast to the Squeezebox2 to my home system. Quite frankly, I cannot believe the difference. It is absolutely stunning! I cannot recommend it more highly. Computer based music servers/transports are the way of the future.

Cheers,
Dennis

Islandflyfisher:

Just will till the 100 hour mark... It just "opens" up!

Cheers,
Dennis

Just a note to those with the Audio Mirror D1 DAC. I recently purchased a Monarchy Audio DIP Classic for testing/use with the D1. The difference was quite pleasant and very noticeable. A new smoothness emerged without effecting treble extension. The soundstage widened around 10-15% compared to it before. The depth was also increased in addition to dynamics. For those people using this DAC, I would highly recommend this addition.

Dennis

Clio09:

What mods does TRL offer? What are you getting done on yours?

Dennis

Clio09:

I agree with you about the position of the Coax input on the D1. It's tight on my unit as well with the Zu Bok PC. Please let us know when you have some listening impressions of your modded unit. Sounds very promising, not that the "stock" unit sounds bad at all... (:

Dennis