Retirement System Finally Completed: Impression of the Mola Mola Tambaqui


I have made the last upgrade to my system for enjoyment in retirement.  The Wyred4Sound 10th Anniversary DAC that has provided much musical enjoyment for almost 7 years was replaced with a Mola Mola Tambaqui (MMT).  While I find the 10th to be the best DAC at its price point, 3x the spend provides greater performance across the board.  I auditioned Mola Mola competitors from DCS and Bricasti but chose the MMT.  The decision to go with the MMT was based on the its ability to produce accurate timbre and organic/dense images with state of the art detail that is neither etched nor fatiguing.  The DCS was as detailed but with a more laidback presentation and less dynamic.  Also I personally found the MMT more true to timbre where the DCS had a colder presentation.  The Bricasti was a close second to the MMT IMHO.  The bass performance, organic/dense images and dynamics of the MMT made favor it.  To clarify, all three are phenomenal, differences minor, and choice should be based on personal preference.  I also chose the MMT based on my preference in SQ and system matching. The Burmester 032 IA and Vivid Giya G3s Speakers are consistent with the system design intent and the components complement each other in this regard.   To me, the sound is tube like liquid and sweet but with solid state transient speed, micro/macro dynamics, and clarity.  Aficionados of old school tube sound and ladder DACs may not like this system, but that is the beauty of our hobby - each of us can determine our preferences and build systems to our liking.  There will be no further changes now that I am on fixed income and I dare not propose any or the wife acceptance factor will go into the red danger zone.  Shout out to GTT audio and Bill for his patients and knowledge in working with me to get the MMT.  I will enjoy the system always with a good bourbon or cognac in hand for as many years as He permits.  Thanks to all the members of this forum who have educated me over the years to be able to establish my final system for retirement.  Pics updated in my profile.  

jsalerno277

You need a few shots of that Pappy for those speakers to start looking pretty. 
Lol

All jokes aside, congrats on the fantastic retirement system!!!

Even if your system hardware is all set, don't neglect the music threads on this site.  By reading them, I sometimes learn about some really good music that I wasn't aware of.  Enjoy that system, it looks great.

Congratulations for your purchase and your retirement system. Presumably we will be congratulating you on your retirement soon. 

 

I did something similar a couple years before retirement, with the thought to the additional time I would have. While for me it turned out there was another upgrade in my future. My largest by far upgrade happened a couple years after I retired. But there is no question the my system has brought me great joy. I now have two or three hours a day to enjoy it… and I do very much. 

@jsalerno277 

There seems to be a table in the center where the listening chair would be, Where do you sit to listen?

@ghdprentice I have been retired for a year.  Now contemplating some part time consulting to keep the mind active.  Thank you for your posts.  You have been one of my audiophile mentors.  
@roxy54 I sit in the floral, high back, Early American chairs 9 feet from the speakers. The chair angle is made perpendicular during listening.  Poor room, I know, but it’s the best I can do.  Venting into hall and dining room prevents standing waves so it’s not that bad, but far from a treated, dedicated listening room.