Tubadour III SE

About the Tubadour III SE

The Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that features a tube IV conversion stage, providing a warm, analog-like sound quality with dense timbres and tonal colors. It supports multiple digital inputs including AES, Coaxial (S/PDIF), Optical (Toslink), USB, and I2S, handling PCM audio from 16 to 32 bits and sampling rates up to 384kHz natively. DSD is supported via on-the-fly conversion to PCM by the player. The unit is designed without upsampling or oversampling, focusing purely on high-quality digital conversion. Its build quality is robust, with a black anodized chassis measuring 13 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 3 inches high. The front panel includes two knobs for power and input selection, along with LEDs indicating input status and lock. It is praised for its purity of tone, ability to resolve hidden detail, and a natural presentation that avoids digital harshness, making it a benchmark DAC for many audiophiles.