The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC

[Matias]

I would very much like to own one, but the price does not help.... Even used.

[Matias]

1 hour ago, yyz said:

I was reading some of the comments earlier on this thread wondering about the volume control of the Tambaqui direct to amp vs Makua w/DAC. It seemed like the posters were saying the Tambaqui was better. The dealer I contacted for Mola Mola seemed to feel the Makua was the easy winner. The review posted above also indicated the Makua was better for volume.

 

Yes, from what I searched and posted on the other thread, Makua should be better to drive power amplifiers directly:

 

From what I understood the Makua with DAC volume is relay-based and "directly controls the gain of the output stage", while Tambaqui uses the same output stage but always at maximum gain and the volume is digital attenuation only.

 

I bought an used Makua with DAC.

[Matias]

FYI new Mola Mola Kula integrated amp released.

 

[Matias]

I always wonder why the Tambaqui got more of the reviewers' attention and owners than the Makua. Is it the price difference? Smaller size maybe? Owners wanting to keep their preamps or integrated? Additional digital inputs? Headphone output is not a very mentioned feature.

What do you think?

[Matias]

1 hour ago, Stereophilus said:

There’s always the Makua if you need analog volume control.

Exactly. While it is more expensive than the Tambaqui, it is itself a preamp, so one saves on a high end preamp and cables going all in one. Plus its variable gain volume control adds only the gain that is needed for the system, not adding gain only to attenuate it later in the chain.

[Matias]

My 2 words to describe the Makua DAC would be "naturally resolving".

[Matias]

Or just add a streamer like the Sonore Rendus before the DAC, no big deal. But yes, for the price, would have been nice to have all services included.

[Matias]

11 minutes ago, Ran said:

 

Indeed. Not clear what was the criteria in this point.

Focus development and support in the most common streaming protocol instead of spreading their time supporting multiple protocols. Makes sense.

[Matias]

Since we are in Audiophile Style forums, talking about an expensive audiophile DAC, I suppose it was given that Roon is the most commonly used interface among audiophiles, not general public. At least it's what Mola Mola must have thought.

[Matias]

Why not use an Uptone ISO Regen or EtherRegen to isolate the noise? Even adding an UltraCap LPS-1.2 and better DC cable, both are way cheaper than a Denafrips Gaia and its cables.

[Matias]

3 hours ago, yyz said:

Sorry u said cheaper not better.

Yes, as I have not tested both in the same system to know for sure. But I would (and did) spend more in the DAC and use a well known and we'll regarded filter from Uptone, rather than spending less on the DAC and more in an yet to be evaluated converter.

[Matias]

New review

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0820/Mola_Mola_Tambaqui_Hi_Res_Stereo_DAC_Review.htm

[Matias]

2 hours ago, LawrenceT said:

Wonder has anyone seriously listened to Tambaqui vs emmlabs DA2 or DV2 vs Bartok ?

Tambaqui vs Bartok was done by Darko.

 

 

[Matias]

FYI there is a new version for the DSP with DSD and upsampling bug fixes available to update via the PC software.

[Matias]

1 minute ago, PYP said:

 

There was an update for the Tambaqui at the end of July (firmware and DAC version 2.0).  That one?  Or do you mean an update specifically for the Makua (assuming that is different from the Tambaqui)?

I forgot to take screenshots. Maybe try opening your Remote app, go to the upper right gear, and then check for updates, see it appears for you too? Then don't make my mistake and post a screenshot here please. :)

[Matias]

Maybe Makua is different, I don't know.

 

[Matias]

No expert here but your own examples show that implementation matters. A regular SMPS brick for a laptop is very different from one inside a high end DAC such as the ones you mentioned.

[Matias]

A lot of talking and so little on the actual sonic impressions, changes in different setups and DAC comparisons that everyone is eager to learn. Oh well...

[Matias]

Has anyone compared the Mola Mola DAC to the higher end models from dCS like Rossini and Vivaldi (with or without clocks, upsamplings, etc)? Same ballpark, or is one of them in its own universe too?

[Matias]

New review by hifi-advice:

https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/network-player-reviews/mola-mola-tambaqui/

[Matias]

To be honest I never noticed differences when upgrading the DAC's DSP or XMOS or whatever. I think they did improve stability and such, but audio quality, not that I have noticed. Or maybe I did not pay attention enough.

[Matias]

38 minutes ago, ehoz said:

@Matias - was curious and wanted to learn more. Whad does the xmos upgrade bring ? Is it related to the usb driver ? I see they have released a version 3 upgrade for the same. 
what upgrades may Affect sound quality?

I have no idea. They don't detail much with a "What's New" report. Better if you ask their customer service directly.

[Matias]

17 hours ago, galanakop said:

The mola mola Tambaqui together with the ATC SCA2 –Pre-Amplifier Will be my main sources for my new atc SCM100ASLT.
What is your opinion ???

Maybe consider instead of the Tambaqui+SCA2 go with the Mola Mola Makua instead? It has the same DAC inside their preamp.

Try both before you buy, if possible.

[Matias]

Nowadays Makua has a working ethernet for Roon too.