DAC w Tube itch: Audio Mirror

Yes, there are better DACs having tube output stages than the AM which is priced between $1500 and $2500 depending on internals (mine was $1960) however they come at a much higher price.  

As always, depends on budget and rest of system.

Hi mdone,

I never compared the Rockna to the AM. I sold my Denafrips Terminator and bought the AudioMirror Tubadour III SE which I liked better. It was more natural sounding with very nice tone and timbre. Detail and resolution were close.

If you're interested I might be selling mine in a few weeks. My buddy just got an Aries Cerat Kassandra II and I might buy his Mola Mola Tambaqui. 

The Tambaqui does sound better than the AM but, it doesn't blow it away and it cost 5 times more. I think the AudioMirror is a steal at that price point, IMHO

see an or ank 4.1

vlad's a-m dac is good, but ...

@Verdantaudio - that is very interesting observation about the tube output stage in DACs in general.  I own the AudioMirror DAC (SE III) and it is very good.  I would put in on par with the Bricasti M3 (which I also own) - similar sound quality overall, a little bit softer in attack on the AudioMirror.  Both are high quality DACs I would consider end game for all but the highest quality systems.

The Wavelight is an awesome DAC but a resistor ladder simply is not a substitute for a tube output stage.  I have learned this lesson a variety of ways.  Tubes simply add something that nothing else can replicate.  
 

I have never heard an audio mirror DAC.  I hear good things about that brand.  
 

for as many DACs as I have spent time with, I have very limited exposure to units with tube output stages.  I have heard Lampizator and the guys from Vu Jade brought over an awesome unit.  This changes in January.  I have a new Tube DAC from Canor on order.  Can’t wait to spend time with a unit like this with four 6922s in the output stage.

i had an audio mirror tubador 3se for some time, quite liked it, but i am not qualified to comment on the comparison asked by the op

otoh, @verdantaudio knows the rockna's sound, but not sure he has had an audio mirror unit

or. the killer Aesthetix or Brinkmann or Lampizator…..

My guess is you might have a difficult time getting responses to your exact question.  A question back to you... why only Audio Mirror and not Lampizator or Aries Cerat.  BTW, I considered the Rockna Wavelength prior to settling on Lampizator Pacific.  I too wanted an all-tube system.