ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGE
With the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalistic, we decided that our preamp should be complete, very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via RS232 or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them. Vinyl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's.
All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called "single-ended driven differential". Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through. The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free.
Key features
I/O
5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, selectable by switch and software
2 parallel balanced outputs for bi-amping (XLR)
4 programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm Jack)
All inputs routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage
Processing balance and input gain offset
Phase invert and mono sum
Full software control of routing and processing
PERFORMANCE
Maximum input/output level: 20dBu (7.75Vrms)
Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9uV
Input impedance: 100kohm
Output impedance: 44ohm
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
CONTROL
6 programmable presets
(premium) Remote control
Mola Mola Remote app
RS232 (SUB-D)
ADD-ON
Mola Mola Phono stage
Mola Mola DAC
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
420mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 345mm (D). Depth includes volume knob and connectors.
11kg
Price: Line stage $12,200; Phono stage $3,000 (optional); DAC $8,200 (optional).
Website: https://www.mola-mola.nl/makua.php
