@aberyclark I forgot to add that I also compared the Mark Levinson 585 integrated, which is the best integrated I have heard. I don't bother with stuff too expensive since I don't find uber priced gear that interesting, except speakers.
I compared, on the same system (Magico A3 speakers), the Mark Levinson separates and the ML 585. The separates also had the top end ML DAC and streamer. Each separate piece was $20K each and the 585 was $12K ($6K used). I found the 585 much closer to the top end ML separates than the similar comparison of the Luxman 509x vs the Luxman separates.
That 585 is a really good integrated and the DAC in it was rather good. Not as good as the ML separate DAC for 20K but I am never paying 20K for a DAC. I think it was 20K may have been 10K.
I was auditioning the A3 speakers and that was the system they had set up. If I have bought the A3 I would have bought the 585.
I have not heard the brand new Mola Mola integrated which has the same DAC module as the Tambaqui DAC. I have my suspicions that this unit can give the Mola Mola separates a run for it's money.
I compared, on the same system (Magico A3 speakers), the Mark Levinson separates and the ML 585. The separates also had the top end ML DAC and streamer. Each separate piece was $20K each and the 585 was $12K ($6K used). I found the 585 much closer to the top end ML separates than the similar comparison of the Luxman 509x vs the Luxman separates.
That 585 is a really good integrated and the DAC in it was rather good. Not as good as the ML separate DAC for 20K but I am never paying 20K for a DAC. I think it was 20K may have been 10K.
I was auditioning the A3 speakers and that was the system they had set up. If I have bought the A3 I would have bought the 585.
I have not heard the brand new Mola Mola integrated which has the same DAC module as the Tambaqui DAC. I have my suspicions that this unit can give the Mola Mola separates a run for it's money.