2. amps-preamps
  3. 1260372107

Advice about Audio Mirror T-61 Preamp .

Hello. I'm wondering if anybody can providing me some feedback about the Audio Mirror T-61 preamp, their strengths and weaknesses.

I am willing to complete my main rig. Up to now I have as source a MHDT Labs Havana DAC (2.6V, <800 ohm), with my PC as the transport, a Bryston 3B-ST (sensitivity 1V to 50Kohm) as power amp, and a couple of AV123 X-Statik. The missing element is the preamp (by now, I'm using an old receiver).

Within my budget (about US700) and my requeriments, there is not many choices for a little tubed preamp with remote volumen control. After my research, I think the best is apparently, the Audio Mirror (point to point silver wired, Sonicaps, R-core transformer, made in USA, etc) but there is a lack of feedback about it (unlike the DARED SL-2000A for instance), despite it began in production about 5 years ago.

Your advice regarding this preamp, or any other remote controled within my budget will be very appreciated, as I can't listen to them, or take a trial period, as I am not in the States.

Thanks!!
stts
8 responses Add your response
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
I had one for about a year. It's a good preamp for the price. The sound is definitely on the full/warm side, with surprisingly good bass extension. It does have a moderate amount of rolled off highs, and not the final word in detail. If you're looking for a warm-sounding preamp, the Audio Mirror is your ticket.

Michael
stts OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for your response Michael. Yours had Russian 6N1P tubes?.
stts OP
9 posts
 
I think Radii ALP-01R could be a fine contender too. It has a couple of good and consistent reviews.
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Stts,

I had what I assumed were the stock tubes. I never tried any other tubes. If you're interested in a "tubey" sound, the Audio Mirror preamp offers it for a reasonable price.

Michael
stts OP
9 posts
 
YS Audio Symphonies plus anyone??
stts OP
9 posts
 
Ok. So, I pulled the trigger on a Audio Experience Plus-R, based mainly in a lot of opinions spread around the web of customers happy with their preamp. I liked the Audio Mirror, but when I googled about it, It seems that have been many more "For Sell" ads, than people really satisfied with their preamp. I only hope the preamp to be a good performer, and to get the right 12AX7 tubes to get a good soundstaging, a dynamic sound, and these elusive "life-like" feeling.
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Thanks for the update. I'm not sure that your perception of the Audio Mirror not being a strong preamp for its price range is accurate. It is a lush preamp, but has pretty decent dynamics and bass response and very good soundstaging. I remember mine fondly.

Let us know how the Audio Experience works out!

Michael
stts OP
9 posts
 
Michael. Actually I'm not sure that the Audio Mirror is not a strong preamp neither. Ideally I would auditioned both preamps. That way I couldn't go wrong. But having to take the right choice based only on the thoughts written on the web by customer of both products, I only could go with the preamp with a largest number of good (and more enthusiastic) reviews, and hope it will be the right choice.

Now, I'm waiting for my new preamp. I hope to return here to post my impressions "right out of the box", and after rolling some tubes.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Ayon Audio ORTHOS EVO KT-170 MONO AMPS
80x80
Ayon Audio Epsilon EVO Mono Amps Pure Class A
BEST OF SHOW 8 YEARS
80x80
Classe Audio Delta Pre Preamp