All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through. The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free.

I/O
5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, selectable by switch and software
2 parallel balanced outputs for bi-amping (XLR)
Mastering mode
4 programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm Jack)

All inputs routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage
Processing balance and input gain offset
Phase invert and mono sum
Full software control of routing and processing

PERFORMANCE
Maximum input/output level: 20dBu (7.75Vrms)
Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9uV
Input impedance: 100kohm
Output impedance: 44ohm
Distortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB
Bandwidth >200kHz
Gain range: -70dB to +15dB
Gain resolution: <1dB, better than 0.2dB over normal listening range

CONTROL
6 programmable presets
(premium) Remote control
Mola Mola Remote app
RS232 (SUB-D)

ADD-ON
Mola Mola Phono stage
Mola Mola DAC

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
420mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 345mm (D). Depth includes volume knob and connectors.
11kg

Mola Mola’s Tambaqui DAC is the perfect upgrade for owners of complete high-end systems who want to retain the characteristic sound of their existing preamplifier whilst lifting their digital sources to another level. The converter is a two board stack. On the first board, all incoming digital audio is upsampled to 3.125MHz/32 bits and converted to noise shaped PWM. On the other board are two mono DACs, in which a discrete 32- stage FIR DAC and a single-stage 4th order filtering I/V converter, convert the PWM into analogue with a breathtaking 130dB SNR. This is near the theoretical limit for 24-bit files and far beyond that of even quad-speed DSD. Uniquely, distortion remains below the noise floor even for full scale signals.

With the addition of a lossless digital volume control and headphone outputs, it is also the ideal control hub of a minimalist audio system for music lovers who have moved on to a digital sources only system. This DAC, combined with a pair of Mola Mola Kaluga monoblocks constitutes the finest digital replay chain available, irrespective of price.

The music player for music lovers

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is Roon Ready certified!

OPERATING PRINCIPLE
PWM DAC with 32-stage discrete analogue FIR output stage. Avoids ‘sigma delta’ tones and ‘R2R’ glitch and low-level linearity errors.
Asynchronous upsampling to 3.125MHz/32 bit. 7-th order noise shaper clearing 80kHz band. Each input rate has an optimized upsampling filter chain.

I/O
Optical (Toslink)
S/PDIF (Cinch)
AES/EBU (XLR)
USB type B
Ethernet (Roon Ready)
Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, APTX, LDAC)
IВІS over HDMI
Balanced output (XLR)
Headphone output (6.3mm Jack, Balanced XLR 4pin)
2 programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm Jack)

Processing balance and input gain offset
Selectable output levels
Phase invert

SUPPORTED FORMATS
PCM up to 384kHz/32 bits (>192kHz and >24 bits via USB and Roon only)
DoP and Native DSD up to quad speed (USB and Roon only)

PERFORMANCE
Full-Scale Output Level (XLR): 18dBu
Full-Scale Output Level (headphone): 18dBu
Signal to Noise Ratio: 130dB
THD, IMD: not measurable (estimated -140dB)
Bandwidth: Up to 80kHz (apodizing response)
Integrated jitter: <1ps from 10Hz upwards, <300fs from 1kHz upwards
Jitter rejection: >80dB at 1Hz after 20 seconds of loc

CONTROL
Front button source selection and volume setting
4 programmable presets
(Premium) Remote Control
Mola Mola Remote app

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
200mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 320mm (D)
5.2kg

What was conceived as a simple RIAA add-on for the Makua Preamplifier (also available in the Kula Integrated amplifier) has quickly spiraled into the quietest and probably most versatile phono stage ever built. MC/MM input stages are optimized for current noise and voltage noise respectively. Unlike the more common arrangement of an MC head amp feeding into the MM stage, the two stages are fully independent, realizing an equally short signal path for both. Input gain is switchable in 5dB steps over a 40dB range. Input resistance and capacitance are individually switchable. Available EQ settings cover practically all known cutting curves including 78 RPM.

All settings are software controllable, either on the fly using a smart-phone or tablet via the Mola Mola Remote app or directly stored under the preset buttons. Digitally controlled all switching is done in the analogue domain. The Lupe can be configured to route any of the four inputs through the phono stage, this allows you to have multiple turntables and/or cartridges connected.