Briscati M12 | PS Audio Direct Stream | Mola Mola Makua

[yyz]

Digital gurus,

 has anyone had the opportunity to hear these 3 DAC/preamps. I am considering one of these units to server as my volume control if I decide not to go with a analog preamp (Luxman c900u).

the back end of the system so far will be Kef Blade 2 + Luxman m900u + some preamp ??? + some DAC.

All 3 of the DACs are ROON compatible. The M12 has a ROON update forth coming..

[yyz]

I was wondering about the synergy between the Briscati M12 and the Mola Mola Makua direct into the Luxman m900u. One reason for the question posted here.  I do not want to use either the Briscati amps nor the Mola Mola amp for my setup. I think the Luxman m900u will fit my amp requirements the best.

 

I should have also clarified that if I did decide to get the Luxman c900u preamp, which is a possibility, since I have an analog tuner and an SACD player that can now only output analog (a modified Sony SCD-1). I would change the DAC options to the following: Briscati M1SE (same DAC section as the M12), Mola Mola Tambaqui (same DAC section as the Makua), or PS Audio DS. Another reason for selecting a preamp is that there seems to be a majority opinion in the comments section of various online sites that DAC direct to amps do not sound as good as via a preamp. However, I have heard much better comments on direct to amps about the Briscati, Mola Mola, and in a lesser level the PS Audio DS (prior to RedCloud).

 

So let me ask a different question about these 3 DACs. Given that these 3 are all likely going to sound quite good  with my proposed preamp + amp + speakers choices. What do you think is the best DAC design for the long term. The PS Audio software implementation with regular updates by Ted Smith. The Briscati that seems to update their hardware in a modular way  and allows board additions or upgrades. The Mola Mola which is purported by the designers to have a design that is 10 years ahead of everyone else. The Mola Mola also seems to have great specs.

 

I was initially thinking of not spending too much on a DAC and was set on using something like the Benchmark HGC DAC3 or the Resonessence Invicata Mirrus (the best DAC I have heard). I have not heard the more expensive DACs listed in my question. The reason I am thinking of not using either one of these 2 lower cost DACs is because I want this system to be a very long term keeper (take to my grave).  These 2 lower cost DACs will become obsolete with when new chips are introduced. I have been working a second job crazy hours to be able to afford something like what I am considering and I want this hard work to last a long time. 

[yyz]

39 minutes ago, barrows said:

The Mola Mola DAC (either in the Makua, or the new stand alone Tambaqui) is at least the equal of, if not better than, any other DAC I have ever heard.  This includes the dCS Vivaldi stack, Chord DAVE, etc, and on another level form the PS Audio.  I have not heard Bricasti in the M12 guise.

If I was facing this choice I would go Mola Mola without question, at this price though, any reasonable dealer is going to have to allow for an in home demo.  I would never advise spending that kind of money without an i home trial.  I would not be afraid of going DAC direct, just try it at home.

 

I think that is what I will be doing.  I am now inclined to get the Luxman preamp and the new Tambaqui DAC. 

[yyz]

"A preamp is just an additional source of noise and distortion, which are cumulative."

 

Do you feel the same way about preamps that have built in DAC's such as the Makua, Briscati M12, etc.. In you opinion would the Tambaqui or M1 DAC (in theory) be better than using the analog Makua or Briscati M12 variants of such models?

 

The preamps do have some features that I may need such as loudness and tone controls. Though that can be excluded in this question which relates to the additional noise and distortion.

 

 

[yyz]

32 minutes ago, Dr Tone said:

 

Are you moving forward with the upgrade?

I am getting my finances in order and will be shopping around this year. I plan to take it slow. First thing I want to do is go to the LA Audio show in June to see everything under one roof. Then start auditioning to buy something. I also need to wait until the Mola Mola Tamaqui is released (around May 2018?). I also want to hear the latest Resonessence units.

[yyz]

The Mola Mola Makua has tone controls + DAC. The Luxman has loudness and tone controls but no built in DAC.