Another new DAC: Audio Mirror

Here ya go. Thanks teajay 
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-se-nos-tube-dac-by-terry-london/

kray - thanks for doing the comparisons! 
that AM certainly has something special that's just hard to describe. you did pretty pretty good - enjoy!

I ordered it after conversing with Vlad. I wanted something on par with my analog front-end? Hopefully it ships today or tomorrow. I did not go for the upgraded version, easy enough o accomplish at a later date. I use Audirvana and have limited experience with digital. Anyone recommend the Audirvana settings for this DAC?

My Tubadour III was delivered today and I am very pleased. The vacuum tubes bring body and dimension to the digital music. Whisper quiet. Very musical and involving DAC 👍👍

I have had a week to compare Tubadour III to my analog setup (herron audio vtph-2a, vpi traveler, dynavector 20x2L) and it has proved to be a worthy competitor. the vinyl is a little sweeter and slightly more articulate, but it is damn close! who knows in six months? i am feeding the dac with mac mini, ssd, usb, audirvana. being that is not the upgraded version, not completely broken-in, and certainly not the best source, it is crazy good... with Vlads upgrades and a better source - holy smokes.

Nice review musichead - it's a killer dac! I may maxout mine one day 

I am having Vlad upgrade mine 
what would you do? I don't see myself really ever getting rid of this dac - I absolutely adore how musical it is!

1. Duelund caps - (one of the best caps possible)
2. Miflex caps - (second best caps)
3. Z-foil Vishay resistors 
4. Furutech Gold IEC power inlet
5. IsoAcoustics GAIA Isolation/antivibration feet
I will include for free - upgraded low noise power supply for the USB.

Vlad recommends free USB and.......

2,3, and 5 as the best bang for the buck. He also knows I am a modest spender. Anyway I can't lose!

After a chat I went free usb

duelund
z-foil
furutech
iso feet 

Vlad did say the duelund caps are twice as much $$$ but don't offer twice the performance, however they are certainly a better cap and if it's in the budget  to do it. 

^ I bet it will be great! And thanks for the recommends on the upgrading the DAC
hopefully turnaround will be quick - I miss listening to it and seeing it on the console 

I hear ya! I knew the difference would be marginal at best but now I won't have to wonder. The even better news is he's listening to it now and shipping it tomorrow 😊

Yep on that break-in. Honestly, I can't wait to hear how much better it is over the stock version, which is just incredible. I love how analog, refined, and non fatiguing the tubadour iii is! 

^ will do man - thank you 

I just got it hooked up this afternoon. fed ex dropped the ball by two days. 
I can tell instantly there is some extra special magic going on in the midrange. I'll keep y'all posted as I accumulate some necessary hours. Just like musichead reported, the character of the dac is still there, although a little grainy at the moment 😊

Happy Thanksgiving all! 
I def think those duelunds take longer to break-in.... while I haven't left them playing 24-7, they are getting a good 8-10 per day and finally starting to show me some much missed layering. They sounded good out the gate but the soundstage was pretty pretty weak. 

Appreciate terry... the dac is really settling beautifully. The soundstage with the new caps is very impressive - the whole dac for that matter 😊

Mesch I was so happy with mine stock but the not knowing got the best of me. Luckily for you, you went right to the top. 

This little guy bested any audiophile fuse I tried in my linear tube audio 

https://www.mouser.com/Littelfuse/Circuit-Protection/Resettable-Fuses-PPTC/RHEF-Series/_/N-bm931?P=1...

I can safely after a month the maxed out / SE version of the Tubadour iii is just wonderful. For a while I kinda wanted my old dac back. Break-in was tough! The mods offer a more layered and beautiful resolution, greater impact, smoother, and lower noise floor. If you are looking for a DAC in the $1500 price point it is certainly worth putting high on the consideration set. If you can up the budget for the SE, you are rewarded with a better sounding version of the same DAC. As I type I am listening to thom yorke the eraser and I’ve never heard it sound so fresh....

Appreciate the mini review teajay.
I actually like the idea of a stock versions battle. A price point easier on the wallet. I was impressed enough with my stock Tubadour to have Vlad update it at a later time, which was helpful. And turnaround was fast! The SE version is certainly better, but it does not change the sonic signature of the dac - the stock version is very good! Vlad is great to deal with and made right in the good ol USA