Mola Mola Kula integrated amplifier

[Matias]

Interesting new release from Mola Mola: the Kula integrated amplifier ($13,800), with Roon enabled DAC ($8,200) and phono ($3,000) as optionals, total $25,000.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/munich-in-new-jersey/

 

Looks like a Makua front with an added nCore amplifier.

 

Specs
Linestage Section
Inputs: 3 RCA and 3 XLR
Input impedance: 100k ohms
Distortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB Bandwidth >200kHz
Gain range: -70dB to +15dB
Gain resolution: <1dB, better than 0.2dB over normal listening range

 

nCore Amplifier Section
200Wpc @ 8ohm, 350Wpc @ 4ohm, 600Wpc @ 2ohm
Unweighted SNR: 128dB
Distortion (THD, IMD): <0.003 % (all frequencies and power levels)
Input impedance: 100k ohms
Output Impedance: <0.003 ohm
Damping factor: >4000
Bandwidth: >50kHz

 

Optional DAC
SNR: 130dB
THD, IMD: not measurable (estimated -140dB)
Bandwidth: Up to 80kHz (apodizing response)
DAC inputs/outputs: AES/EBU (XLR), optical (TosLink), USB Type B, Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, APTX, LDAC) Ethernet (Roon only)
Supported formats: PCM up to 384kHz /32 bits (>192kHz and >24 bits via USB only) DoP and Native DSD up to quad speed (USB only)

[PYP]

30 minutes ago, Matias said:

Mola Mola: the Kula integrated amplifier

 

 

 

Beautiful.  Thanks for posting.  Have been dreaming about this integrated since it was first proposed (years ago) and in the meantime collected my current gear (which is going to stay as is).  They certainly put a lot of technology and good sound into a small package. 

[yyz]

https://gttaudio.com/whats-new/

[yyz]

I am assuming they did not use a Purifi class D amp module. 

[Matias]

Very unlikely. As far as I know, Mola Mola and Hypex are sister companies.

[PYP]

57 minutes ago, Matias said:

Very unlikely. As far as I know, Mola Mola and Hypex are sister companies.

 

From their website contact info:

 

Hypex Electronics
Kattegat 8 
9723JP Groningen 

+31(0)505264993
[email protected]

 

Mola-Mola.nl

Kattegat 8

9723JP Groningen

Tel: +31(0)505264993

[Matias]

We can even see the factory building from outside on Google Maps Streetview.

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.21324,6.6164562,3a,60y,62.22h,93.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPnyX1C5dZHi3pHiG2eKQuA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

 

[Matias]

Kula's page is up. Nice high res inner picture.

 

https://www.mola-mola.nl/kula.php

 

[RickyV]

Steve Guttenberg seems to like it very much.

 

 

https://youtu.be/lBH1onl26ww

 

[firedog]

9 minutes ago, RickyV said:

Steve Guttenberg seems to like it very much.

 

 

https://youtu.be/lBH1onl26ww

 

 

First time I ever heard Steve say he really likes a Class D amp, without reservation. As an aside, he mentioned that the DAC was the best he's had in his room.

[Rexp]

Steve likes digital playback so not a big deal that he likes this class D amp. Now if Fremer agreed, I'd take notice. 

[firedog]

1 hour ago, Rexp said:

Steve likes digital playback so not a big deal that he likes this class D amp. Now if Fremer agreed, I'd take notice. 

Not accurate. Steve prefers vinyl, and until the Mola Mola never found a Class D amp that he didn't feel was lacking somehow. He even says this in the review of the Mola Mola. 

Fremer has praised Class D amps and systems like the Kii in the past. He isn't against digital- he just doesn't like Redbook.

There are multiple instances of him saying a hi-res version of an album was the best one. Just last week he said he preferred the new digital remix of "Plastic Ono Band" to his original LP. 

[Rexp]

2 hours ago, firedog said:

Not accurate. Steve prefers vinyl, and until the Mola Mola never found a Class D amp that he didn't feel was lacking somehow. He even says this in the review of the Mola Mola. 

Fremer has praised Class D amps and systems like the Kii in the past. He isn't against digital- he just doesn't like Redbook.

There are multiple instances of him saying a hi-res version of an album was the best one. Just last week he said he preferred the new digital remix of "Plastic Ono Band" to his original LP. 

Fake news

[Perfect sense]

3 hours ago, Rexp said:

Steve likes digital playback so not a big deal that he likes this class D amp. Now if Fremer agreed, I'd take notice. 

Digital playback (source) is very different from Class D (amplification).

 

This is the highest performing and most analogue sounding Class D based amplifier that I know after having access to most brands and amplifiers on the market during recent years within this segment.

 

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

[firedog]

15 minutes ago, Rexp said:

Fake news

Very Trumpian. No facts, just yell fake....

[Rexp]

7 minutes ago, Perfect sense said:

Digital playback (source) is very different from Class D (amplification).

 

This is the highest performing and most analogue sounding Class D based amplifier that I know after having access to most brands and amplifiers on the market during recent years within this segment.

 

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

Maybe it is great but I wouldn't rely on Steve Guttenburgs opinion. 

[PYP]

4 hours ago, Rexp said:

Steve likes digital playback so not a big deal that he likes this class D amp. Now if Fremer agreed, I'd take notice. 

To me, one of the most interesting parts of the video is when he talks about vinyl playback.  He clearly enjoys both digital and vinyl playback and, as he says, uses each for a different listening experiences.  In the world of audiophile absolutes, where folks state that one or the other is seriously flawed or evil, I found this refreshing and open minded.  In the same way, he explained the positive aspects that a tube integrated brought to his listening experience as well as what it lacked when compared to a different approach (the Kula).  This was a balanced review (please don't tell me single-ended is your preference  ).  

 

His main sticking point with the Kula is price and there is a comment that says something like:  Great video, Steve.  Can you make another video for my kids telling them why they won't be going to college?   For folks who don't follow the astronomical prices in this hobby, that is probably a typical, and certainly valid, reaction. 

 

Personally, since I already enjoy Mola Mola gear, the big benefit of this video was the music he mentioned.   A quick lookup in Roon and addition to a playlist and they are ready to explore.  Good stuff.  

[Rexp]

19 minutes ago, PYP said:

To me, one of the most interesting parts of the video is when he talks about vinyl playback.  He clearly enjoys both digital and vinyl playback and, as he says, uses each for a different listening experiences.  In the world of audiophile absolutes, where folks state that one or the other is seriously flawed or evil, I found this refreshing and open minded.  In the same way, he explained the positive aspects that a tube integrated brought to his listening experience as well as what it lacked when compared to a different approach (the Kula).  This was a balanced review (please don't tell me single-ended is your preference  ).  

 

His main sticking point with the Kula is price and there is a comment that says something like:  Great video, Steve.  Can you make another video for my kids telling them why they won't be going to college?   For folks who don't follow the astronomical prices in this hobby, that is probably a typical, and certainly valid, reaction. 

 

Personally, since I already enjoy Mola Mola gear, the big benefit of this video was the music he mentioned.   A quick lookup in Roon and addition to a playlist and they are ready to explore.  Good stuff.  

Yeah don't get me wrong I love Steves channel and he seems very genuine. 

[Perfect sense]

The price is well in line with the higher end Integrated amps on this level from the competition (Accuphase, Boulder, Ypsilon etc.). The difference might be that it's Class D - designed, developed and manufacturered by one of the leading authorities in the business (Bruno Putzeys).

 

I believe that you get what you pay for in terms of engineering, design and performance from this amp. Add the DAC and streaming module, and you've got a complete, world class system for digital sources.

 

This amp shows a path towards the future of high end audio imho. High performing, efficient, compact and elegant.

 

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

[PYP]

27 minutes ago, Perfect sense said:

The price is well in line with the higher end Integrated amps on this level from the competition (Accuphase, Boulder, Ypsilon etc.). The difference might be that it's Class D - designed, developed and manufacturered by one of the leading authorities in the business (Bruno Putzeys).

 

I believe that you get what you pay for in terms of engineering, design and performance from this amp. Add the DAC and streaming module, and you've got a complete, world class system for digital sources.

 

This amp shows a path towards the future of high end audio imho. High performing, efficient, compact and elegant.

 

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se

If the Kula had been available when I purchased my Mola Mola separates, I would have gone down that path instead.   One "High performing, efficient, compact and elegant" box and an ethernet connection.  Done. 

[Matias]

Interesting that they use a 300W module that is in between their regular MP series: 250W of the NC252MP and 500W of the NC502MP, all in 4 ohms.

[RickyV]

I am wondering how the Kula would compare to the Tambaqui with Kaluga’s.

[Matias]

1 minute ago, RickyV said:

I am wondering how the Kula would compare to the Tambaqui with Kaluga’s.

I think it more comparable with the Makua + NC252MP amp.

 

Since I have a Makua with external NCore N500 amplifier, the Kula is like my system in an less powerful all-in-one version.

[RickyV]

8 minutes ago, Matias said:

I think it more comparable with the Makua + NC252MP amp.

 

Since I have a Makua with external NCore N500 amplifier, the Kula is like my system in an less powerful all-in-one version.

Ok that’s an other option but I do not need all does analog inputs, I have none. But would the Tambaqui with its digital volume control have the same sound signature and musicality as the Kula

 

[PYP]

24 minutes ago, RickyV said:

Ok that’s an other option but I do not need all does analog inputs, I have none. But would the Tambaqui with its digital volume control have the same sound signature and musicality as the Kula

 

I can't answer that since I haven't made the comparison, but the Tambaqui straight to Kaluga (no preamp), sounds pretty darn good.   Very musical.  A music enjoyment machine.  Sounds very similar to live, if that is what you want.  Using the Tambaqui as a streamer does require work to rid ethernet of the noise it carries.