MSRP $22,000
WAVE Tube-Based DAC. This is everything you want to hear from a DAC. Dynamics, transparency, imaging, soundstage, details, no fatigue, 3D, separation between instruments, no “one tone” bass, big body and big sound. This exceptional DAC rivals 3 times more expensive ones on the market.
Reviews
The Audio Mirror Wave Tube DAC Review by HIFI Huff. See the review >>
The DAC that Squashes the Competition. Regardless of Price. The Wave Tube DAC Experience. Watch the video >>
Category: Audio Mirror
Description
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Where to start….It was a long journey with big expectations but unclear result. Took 2 years to complete the journey and now enjoy the result.
WAVE Tube DAC is finally complete and sounds outstanding. It actually surpassed all our expectations!
Now the technical part:
All format PCM and DSD native reproduction. All format inputs COAX, Optical, AES, USB and I2S. Software based volume control with option to bypass. When VOLUME is turned all the UP, it is bypassed. Two separate filters for PCM and DSD(over USB). When I2S is used, there is no DSD filter. Option to invert the phase of the signal.
Dual parallel DAC chips. No capacitors in the signal path. USB is self powered and because of that you can use USB cable providing only the signal, but not power, which allows for better sound.
Very elaborated tube based power supply including special filtering, dual choke, separate DC filament power supply for all tubes. Super high-end components. All silver wiring. Special design IV conversion. Tube gain stage is based on Russian super tube 6С45П-E. This tube outperforms any 9 pin tube(including 417, D3A) normally used in gain stages. 3 transformers, 6 dual regulated digital power supplies, 4 regulated analog power supplies.
Sound: This is the hardest part, because it is a personal opinion, not necessary to align with others.
Well the sound is immersive. Feels like you are in the studio. You hear some tiny, in the background details and sound you’ve never heard or expected to be recorded. Very lively and spacious sound with big body and very refined mids and highs.
One more thing that might sound ridiculous or offensive to vinyl lovers and audiophiles. It outperforms vinyl sound!
I know how crazy it sounds. I was and still am a vinyl guy, but I have to admit – it sounds amazing and I prefer it over vinyl in 80% of the time.
PRODUCT INFO
PCM and DSD native  
 
PCM up to 768khz
It has 2 PCM filters by your choice over Coax, AES, I2S and Optical inputs
DSD 64, 128, 256, 512 native and DoP
It has 2 filters by your choice when over USB. DSD over I2S input has no filters
Volume control has 64 steps and is bypassed when is all the way UP
 
S/N ratio >90db
Inputs:
 
Total inputs 5
Coaxial
Optical
AES
USB
I2S
Outputs:
 
2 XLR balanced output 60 ohm impedance
2 RCA unbalanced output 60 ohm impedance
Output voltage  2V XLR, 1V RCA
 
Dimensions:
 
17 x 14 x 6.5 inches
30 lb weight
Tubes used:
 
1 x 6X5 or 6X5GT or 6Ц5С(Russian) rectifier
2 x 6С45П-E(Russian) gain stage
 
USER MANUAL
WAVE DAC has a delay turn ON for about 1 minute.
The knob on the left side is a POWER ON/OFF (rotary) switch. The knob on the right side is multifunctional. It is a VOLUME/MENU/INPUTS control when rotated and SELECT when pushed.
All this same functions are included in the remote control.
Display shows every function from MENU when you are setting the DAC and when playing shows INPUT, Filter, Phase, PCM/DSD and sample rate. Screen time can be set to 3 different timers after which it goes OFF or to be all time ON.
POWER ON/OFF knob once turned ON can be left at ON position and use the remote STDBY to turn ON and OFF the DAC. If you plan not to use DAC for long period of time, like more than a week, it is recommended to turn OFF the DAC from the power knob, not from remote.
There is a switch on the rear panel for selecting XLR or RCA outputs. Both can not be used at the same time