Congratulations on your system and retirement. I hope you enjoy them both very much for a very long time. It seems we have reached a point where DACs like the Tambaqui, and others at similar price points, have reached a pinnacle of sound quality that is hard to beat incrementally without having to spend "crazy money". The question for myself and others with less money to devote to audio is whether and when such qualities will continue to move down the food chain and into lesser priced DACs? It isn't like there is some "super great, new-fangled" technology out there that will blow these $10K to $20K DACs out of the water anytime soon.
It's kind of like photography. Some lenses made decades ago are just as sharp as anything made today. Of course, the lenses made today that are just as sharp might not be as costly thanks to modern manufacturing techniques.
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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+1 I agree with all. In particular +1 on your partner should not be an impediment to your hobby. I like to joke about it with my partner… addiction, audio dollars vs regular dollars… I give her a huge gift prior to a large audio purchase, but in the end we are just teasing each other. She has always helped me achieve my goals (and I hers) and desires… because, well, that is what a healthy relationship relationship is about. I always feel bad about folks that say, “the boss says no”… cuz, quite honestly, that would be a deal breaker for me and she would be moving on. Only healthy supportive relationships here. |
I have an additional perspective but heartily agree with you. In addition, as partners we challenge all significant spends we make, and reach agreement. I believe joint decision making in this regard critical I considered this a significant spend and considering with 18 months I improved amplification and the streamer/server as well as the DAC. So I can state I get support for this hobby but as the angel on my shoulder financially, I respect her position. |
+1 @smodking1 and @ghdprentice |
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