audio mirror dac

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.

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

Dennis,

Good comments on your comparisons. Obviously we have to allow for overall system differences when we make our observations. I will say this about the Benchmark, had I gone with an oversampling DAC it would have been my choice. Compared to the Bel Canto and MSB, it was the best performer.

I also have the Signature version and maybe I just got one that was an odd ball. In my effort to rework the alignment I did mark the case with a small scratch, but I have to admit the color is very forgiving and with the cones and coasters it is a sleek and sexy looking unit. I agree with you on the cables. Mine did not come with a Audio Mirror PC or interconnect. I am using VH Audio (see one of my other posts) products which have made this unit more enjoyable. As you said the sound is very musical and I think non-fatiguing. I can listen for hours and not get caught up in analyzing the sound of the unit. I don't ever say, "what if..." with the D1.

I've never heard the Eastern Electric, but have heard positive reviews of it from several sources. If I ever go back to an all-in-one box it will get my consideration.

Had Benchmark.Sold it-too cold and makes lot of disks unlistenable(especially classical).Incredible highs though... Bought Mirror-much better IMO, makes music, natural timing and tone(first time in digital for me), kills Benchmark...

Because of the similar price points, has anyone compared the Audio Mirror to a dAck 2.0, or for that matter, a Benchmark to the 2.0? If so, what are were your conclusions?