@jmolsberg -- it's good to know that you're happy with the upgraded version. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of improvements did you notice? Were they subtle or quite noticeable? Once I upgrade the USB cable, power cord, RCA cables, in that order, I will start thinking about sending it to Vlad for an upgrade.
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@in_shore I'm sure it's a great product, and I most definitely want to support a regular agon member if I can. But I can't seem to find any reviews on this product. More importantly I don't know what kind of synergy is there with my AMT dac. If you can point me to some reviews I would really appreciate it, |
Update: After a long wait, I finally received the Tubadour III yesterday. I decided to go with the basic version but did ask Vlad to add an orange fuse. I will refrain from commenting on sound characteristics until I’ve accumulated at least 50 hours. But TBH, the first impressions (after 3-4 hours) are nothing to write home about. Let’s hope things start to improve as time goes on.
However, one thing that I do want to point out is that the buying experience certainly has room to improve. I found the responses from Vlad very delayed and sparse. At one point, I was tempted to pull the plug and go with MHDT or some other company. It felt like pulling teeth to get any information. I’m sure other folks have had better experiences, but I’m just sharing mine with the wider community. Hopefully Vlad can take it as constructive criticism. Having said that I do understand that there are inherent limitations of running a one-man operation. But still ...
I want to thank everyone who shared their opinions and suggestions. I’m sure I would have been equally happy with MHDT, Border Patrol, Metrum, etc. |
@yyzsantabarbara I think the best thing to do is to reach out to Vlad directly and see what he says. Although, you probably won't hear from him for several days ... guess that's just the way he rolls. Another option is to ask teejay who is very well informed when it comes to such matter. But I must say that RCA is no slouch either.
@pastorbob -- Today I was playing some music via the Tubadour DAC while working. I can say it without a doubt that this is the best I've heard thus far. There is something just so magical and engaging, hard to describe in words. I'm going to keep pushing the envelope and get a better USB cable, followed by a power cord in the next month or so. I think eventually I'm going to ask Vlad to upgrade it to the SE version. Thanks once again for such a fantastic recommendation. |
Thanks for the advice. I know I can always count on the members here to hep me make the right decision. I feel that both AudioMirror and Border Patrol are excellent DACs in their own right, as is obvious from the posts.
@pastorbob thanks for your feedback about the regular Tubadour. I'm really hoping that someone will chime in and tell me whether spending an additional $1000 on the SE version is worth it. I will really appreciate it if you can compare it to the RME since you've had both. In what ways do you think the AM is better than RME?
I've also added Yggdasil to my short list. Since it's been around for sometime, I hope it's easier to find a used unit.
I had not heard about the Metrum Onyx. Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely check it out. All great suggestions!
@chilli42 and @veerossi: I haven't completely written off the Brooklyn DAC+. I'm sure it's a great DAC but I just have to scratch that R2R itch. Maybe I'll buy the Brooklyn after I've gotten R2R out of my system, who knows!
BTW, although not an R2R DAC, but I've heard that Chord Qutest does sound very analog like in the right system. Any opinions?
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@pastorbob -- thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You summed up everything so very nicely. The qualities you mentioned are exactly what I am seeking in a DAC. It’s reaffirming to know that the AM Tubadour ticks all the boxes for me. Seriously, this was really good feedback, and to the point.
Based on further input from @1markr and @divertiti, I have pretty much made up my mind to get the Tubadour III (non-SE version).
Oh, and please do continue the tube discussion on this thread if you like. I’ll probably be getting the itch to roll some new ones in a few months anyways, and can certainly learn from you guys. |
@in_shore I actually considered the Innuos products, but my system in the study is 'relatively' modest .. I couldn't justify the streamer being the most expensive component in the chain. I ended up buying a Sonore opticalRendu which is amazing! But thank you for the suggestion nevertheless ... I completely agree with you that a good music server and streamer have a huge impact on the overall sound quality. |
Folks, how did you guys order the Audio Mirror DAC? I don't see a shopping cart on the website. I have sent two emails (once via the website and one directly) to the company ... it's been three days and not even an acknowledgment. Not a good sign! I wonder what might happen if something goes wrong and you need to talk to someone at AM to get it fixed. Anyways, I will wait for a couple of more days and then start considering other options mentioned here. |
I’ve put about 20 hours on the DAC so far, and I must say I’m not super impressed. Not only is it not performing better than my Cambridge Audio Azur 851D dac in any particular area, I feel that the soundstage has shrunk, the top end has become dull, e.g. the leading edges and bite of guitars and pianos are gone. A little too sweet and mellow. The first word that comes to find when listening to this DAC: Boring!
I’ll try to live with it for a few more days and then most likely send it back to Vlad. I’m sure it’s a great DAC but it’s not doing anything for me ... yet. |
I should have followed my own advice and kept my mouth shut until accumulating 50+ hours on the DAC. I have been running the DAC for 12 hours every day for the last 3-4 days, and the sound has transformed dramatically. I’ve always known that audio equipment requires extensive burn in but never expected such profound changes across the board.
The details are there, they’re just not as pronounced or etched as my previous DAC, but after getting used to the sound I actually prefer it now. My system has never sounded so smooth yet holographic. The soundstage depth and width, instrument separation and tonal richness is definitely a step above the cambridge audio DAC. Every thing sounds more natural and organic. But the biggest improvement so far has been in the bass department. Before I was getting a bit of bass bloom. That problem has been solved. As per Vlad, the DAC will continue to improve for another 50-70 hours before reaching its final destination.
Since I still have the Cambridge Audio 851D on hand, I put it back in the chain to see if the gains were real or just conformance bias on my part. While the details were sharper, I immediately noticed the lack of body and tonal richness. I’m beginning to understand the allure of R2R, definitely very addictive. |
@pastorbob -- How much of an impact did a better USB cable make in your system? I'm currently using the AudioQuest Forest USB cable, which I bought for around $65. I don't necessarily have any complaints but just want to see if I can take it up by another notch. The owner of SmallGreenComputers is recommending the In-Akustik Reference cable since it has good synergy with the opticalRendu which I own. I'll take a look at Curios Cable as well. My budge for USB cable is $350 max -- new or used. Just wondering what kind of improvements, if any, have folks experienced when moving to a mid-priced (< $500) USB cable. |
@yyzsantabarbara IIRC, teejay (Terry London) has raved about the balanced version of MHDT Pagoda as compared to the regular version, so clearly there's a benefit. If the rest of the chain also supports balanced, I'm pretty sure it will offer some benefits. I hope he can shed some light on this topic. |
@pastorbob and @in_shore Thank you for the recommendations. I was trying to search for the Smoked BBQ cable but all I'm finding is expired listings.
I checked out the Curious Cable website, and looks like they sell the regular version for $350 (0.8m). Given that pastorbob has paired it with the same DAC as mine, I at least have a relatable point of reference. They also have a newer, more expensive version called Evolved for $550. A bit outside my budget but wondering if any one has compared it with the regular version and thinks its worth the extra dough. I guess I should be posting in the cables forum. |
