Audio Mirror Wave DAC and Aries-Cerat Helene DAC


I am looking for a new DAC.  Has anyone listened to both of these DAC's and been able to compare them.  I have done a lot of research but not heard either one.  The Aries-Cerat Helene uses 16 AD1865N-K classic R2R chips with chokes and double relocked massive chases weighing about 90lbs.  The Audio mirror wave DAC uses 4 newly released ROHM chips dual mono with chokes and transformers.  Both DACS are nicely built with high-end parts.  The Aries-Cerat's tubes can get pricey while the WAVE is lesser and more common.  Both has glowing reviews.  

brbrock

Even though I have had the Helene in my system for a couple of months now, life stuff has gotten in the way of a deeper dive of what I am hearing compared to other DACs I have owned.  Unfortunately, I have never heard one of the Audio Mirror DACs so I cannot respond directly to your question.  

Compared to the Mojo Audio’s Mystique X SE NCZ, which I still own and still have in my system, the Helene (at almost twice the price) moves the needle closer to neutral while still displaying the natural (non-digital) sound that I enjoy from the Mystique X SE.  I perceive a bit more clarity in the upper frequencies while still providing well-saturated tonal qualities and prodigious deep bass, but without an overly apparent mid-bass boost.  It is a very enjoyable DAC to listen to on all types of music, and certainly one of the two best sounding DACs I have owned, if not the best.