There should be a greater understanding......
Simple - Guys like Gear
@jsalerno277 Congrats!
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.
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@audiotroy ... I enjoy your perspective! |
I seem to be a very unique individual in that I hope I never retire. I'm retirement age and still work 25-30 hours per week. I'm a craftsman in a family business, the pride I have in my work never grows old. Being able to have work that allows me to individually complete each work piece in it's entirety means I have total responsibility for the quality of finished product, responsibility can be a great thing if one embraces it.
In regards to audio, continuing to work means no fixed income, in fact adding social security to my work income means I have more disposable income than previous to retirement, audio purchases and interest in audio continues unabated.
This is first I recall hearing about retirement systems, although I'm sure its always existed. I'm curious as to whether these are indeed final systems, are audiophiles ever done?
In any case, happy retirement, I understand retirement is often thought of as a present one deserves after a lifetime of ambition and achievement. |
Why would he need your permission to post here? |
Congrats on retirement! Wishing you much listening pleasure from your excellent system. Heartily agree on your observations of the Tambaqui. All these years after its debut (an eternity by digital standards) I am not sure I would pick anything over it at even twice the price. Incidentally, which dCS did you audition? I heard the Lina with clock at a dealer and thought it was quite good, but couldn't say how it compared directly to my Tambaqui. Without the clock I am fairly certain it was not as good - it lost a lot of depth and detail. With the clock, likely competitive, but that is a lot more money. You could get a Makua with DAC module (identical to Tambaqui, both electronically and sonically) for less and I am confident that would be easily superior to the Lina without a preamp, and likely even with a $10k preamp. What source are you using for the Tambaqui? Not to upset the peaceful bliss of your retirement, but... I finally and very reluctantly upgraded to an "audiophile" network switch (like $900, not something insane) for my Grimm MU1 feeding the Tambaqui, and I admit... it makes a difference. Comparable to, maybe even greater than, adding the external clock to the dCS Lina. I haven't tried it with the Tambaqui's ethernet port yet but I have to imagine it would have a similar effect there.
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