audio mirror dac

It’s a very nice DAC. I am auditioning one right now. It has very pleasant, fluid organic sound. The lower end extension is particularly good. If you like bass rich music this DAC is a good choice, but it does not mean it is bass heavy. The rest of the spectrum is very well represented. High frequencies are very smooth. You may play with different cables to tailor the sound to your liking.

Mooch2000,

Which cables are you using? I have the VH Audion Pulsar coaxial IC and VH Flavor 4 PC. I'd be interested to know what is working for you.

I totally agree with your assessment as well. One of my best purchases.

I am using Audio Mirror digital cable and power cord. MIT MI-330 Plus Series 2 is going from DAC to preamp.

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

Dennis,

Your observations are interesting. I compared the Audio Mirror D1 directly within my system to the Benchmark DAC 1 and 47 Labs Shigaraki. Indirectly via audition to the Audio Note 2.1x and and Bel Canto 2. One of my concerns about the Audio Mirror was that it would not be warm enough due to the solid state design. Vlad mentioned to me he did not like several of the tube designs he prototyped so he went solid state. I was actually surprised at the amount of warmth the unit produces. Additionally, I find it very analog sounding which is what I was after. In comparison to the Benchmark it was less sterile, yet much more evolving with a bigger soundstage and imaging. The bass is excellent and very accurate.

Versus the Shigaraki I was totally amazed at the D1 performance. I had been leaning towards the Shigaraki and this test left no doubt that dollar for dollar the D1 was the better value. The D1 did more than hold its own, it was actually better in some respects. Nothing against the Shigaraki, but at 4 times the cost it should have blown away the D1. Audio Note is an excellent DAC and I like the sound quite a bit. Warmer than the D1, and better imaging and soundstage. At 5 times the cost this is what I would expect. However, it didn't blow the D1 away, just performed better. The Bel Canto 2 was no contest, the D1 blew it away. The Bel Canto 2 is overated in my opinion.

I disagree on the construction. It's a bit sloppy in my opinion (my unit anyway). The casing screws were popping out of mine and could not be tightened easily due to misalignment of the holes between the casing and the chassis. I ended up re-aligning the holes and replacing the screws. The face plate does't align as well but you have to get right in front of it to notice so I left it alone. I also don't get the thump you mentioned when turning the unit on, mine is quiet.

All in all for $500 this is a wonderful DAC. Worthy of an in home audition. I have only seen one for sale here on Audiogon other than the Audio Mirror ads. Everyone who has come over to audition it has been impressed. I'm considering buying another one.