Still Looking for a DAC - Audio Mirror Tubadour v and ANK Audio 5.1

Ok guys, after 4 days of non-stop playing, now it sounds normal. Basically one week of non-stop playing does the trick. I used only my solid state stuff with it to see what the DAC has to offer. So, it sounds good, balanced, not exactly tubes, no comparison with the earlier days. But I have a different problem now - it’s NO better than my Electrocompaniet EMC1-UP CDP, and the point of getting the AMT is fading. With all honesty I can say there’s no difference in sound. 

What do you think? Is it worth it or I should find something better, which as I understand now, would be quite expensive and difficult. I’ve been told before too that it’s gonna be a challenge to beat my CDP.

I’ll go back to I don’t think your digital cable is doing you favors and would give the AZ MC2 I mentioned above a try as it’s a low-risk proposition with potentially high rewards as digital cables matter a lot.  If that doesn’t do it you might wanna look at upping the game to something at an even higher level from the likes of Lampizator, T&A, etc. as your tastes dictate but that will cost $$$ and why I’m recommending just trying a new cable first.  Best of luck in getting this sorted.

@soix , thanks. I’m now using friend’s Kimber D60, which sounds almost the same.

When you mentioned AZ MC2 cables, did you mean RCA or XLR connections? Interestingly enough they’re both 110 Ohm design, should I ask for 75? I didn’t buy it from the link you provided, because I can get a better deal.

When you mentioned AZ MC2 cables, did you mean RCA or XLR connections? Interestingly enough they’re both 110 Ohm design, should I ask for 75? I didn’t buy it from the link you provided, because I can get a better deal.

That’s a very good and insightful question and glad you asked. Apparently it’s a 110 Ohm cable that they terminate with RCAs. I read up on that and saw mixed opinions as to whether it makes a material difference or not. I honestly didn’t know that when I bought a used RCA version and may have given me pause too if I did, but I’m extremely happy with the my cable and it ain’t going nowhere anytime soon. If there’s a compromise I don’t hear it, but if you can use/get the AES/EBU version I guess it could only get better if anything. Here’s one I’m sure you’ve seen but just in case…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650037874-acoustic-zen-mc2-reference-digital-aesebu-xlr-balanced-cable/

I’ll cut to the chase — this was the single biggest improvement I’ve gotten from any cable ever, and by a good margin, and I don’t say this lightly. If you can get one and try at little/no risk I highly suggest you do so. You’ve probably read the reviews, and they’re pretty spot on in their universal praise and glowing impressions. It’s a somewhat hidden gem IMHO.

Last, I have a Stereovox XV2 that was two generations advanced from the same guy who designed the D60 (Chris Sommovigo). It’s a good cable no doubt, but I actually preferred my budget Apogee Wyde Eye to it and the MC2 is on another planet from that. The XV2 is very detailed but relatively cold and sterile to my ears, so I guess I’m not surprised the D60 sounds similar to your Nordost. By comparison the MC2 injects life, tonal color, and a voluminous soundstage that’s just next level to my ears — no contest. If these seem like things you’re looking for, well, go for it is all I can say. That’s all I got and hope it helps.

@soix , thanks a lot, gotta talk to Vlad to see what he thinks.