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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
fastfreight
800 posts
 

Congrats @jsalerno277 !

I've had my Tambaqui for a bit now and it continues to amaze!  I also have Vivid speakers, Giya G2s2s and love them.  Plus, my electronics, Audionet, are similar to your Burmester in that they are clean, fast, resolving and non fatiguing!  I am curious do you run Roon or Conductor (if you are streaming through an Aurender)?  I am also pretty sure you heard the Grimm MU1 streamer with the Tambaqui if you were at Bill's.  My best sound running Roon is through the MU1 into my Tambaqui.  I have also upgraded the internal ethernet cable in the Grimm to KS Realization through GTT and that made a noticeable improvement.  .  enjoy the Tambaqui!!!

jsalerno277 OP
190 posts
 

+1 @mitch2 

@fastfreight   I run the Conductor app.  I did not do head to head comparisons of the Grimm with my Aurender N200.  I did hear it running my old Wyred and the Tambaqui when I did that head to head comparison, but unless I conduct a comparison of the Grimm to the Aurender, I will never know.  I am at a point where I am happy with the performance of my system.  So I will not do that comparison for, from what I have read on the Grimm, it will leave me wanting.   I will also not move up the Aurender line.  One reviewer (I do not remember his name or publication) used the acronym FOMO - fear of missing out.  I never have fallen victim to this.  You have a phenomenal system.  
 

@benzman I think you may have asked me the question before.  While I cannot give you a percentage, I can attest the Townsends perform as advertised and as reviewed with improvements in bass, staging, imaging and detail.  

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
208 posts
 

@jsalerno277 Congratulations on your retirement, definitely a milestone, I remember mine. Sounds like you’re headed to eternity with one fine-sounding system. I can only drool over a Mola Mola Tambaqui. Enjoy, for however many years you have left before singing with the saints in heaven above.

pwerahera
122 posts
 

Congratulations on retirement! Life is just beginning and enjoy your system. You earned this. I certainly don't mind coming over and listening to your beautiful system and enjoying some Barter House ORPHaN BARREL Kentucky Bourbon. laugh

ckr1969
89 posts
 

@audiotroy if you think krell is equal or better than Burmester, well to each there own but come on, apples and oranges

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