Mojo Audio Mystique X SE

@signaforce - I agree with @audphile1. Evaluating a Dac has a lot to do with the synergy with your other components. I recently brought in a new SoulNote d2 that paired beautifully with a Luxman 590axii. In the process, I paired a Merason with a gryphon 120 amp and that pairing turned out to be ideal. 

I have really come to appreciate the importance of how a component plays with the other pieces of your system larger system, be it speakers, amp, dac, streamer, cables, etc. 

That said, Mitch had great things to say about Mojo dacs! 

Now is a really good time to buy a Mojo DAC.  Ben released  his new Z Dac this past week and current Mojo owners will be selling and trading in their X’s and Evo’s soon. I contacted Ben and I am trading in my Evo AM for a refurbished X NC.  I absolutely love my Evo AM and look forward to what Ben says will be a noticeable upgrade.  Should have it in a few weeks.  The new Z sounds even better but outside my price range.  If truly interested contact Ben..a great guy to work with!

Hey all,

I have come to really like the Mojo Audio DACs.  I guess it all comes down to what sounds good to you in your own system.  When I first heard the Mystique v3, it sounded so musical compared to the DACs I had before, which included Metrum Audio's two top DACs, and Ayre's top DAC at the time.  Each new model/upgrade has been an improvement IMO although, before I owned the X SE with Z-chips and nano-crystal chokes, I had a hard time giving up the EVO Pro (mine also had Z-chips) based on comparing it with a standard X SE.  In addition to my X SE NCZ, I now own an Aries Cerat Helene DAC, which is the first DAC that I have owned or auditioned that would equal or improve on the X SE NCZ, IMO, but it is also almost twice as expensive.

I have the new Mystique Z DAC arriving here tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to hearing it due to the BB PCM58 chips.  I also own a Monarchy DAC that uses the highly regarded (for musicality) BB PCM63 chips (sonically similar to BB PCM58) and it does sound very good for a DAC that I was able to purchase for a few hundred dollars.  I have also had CD players that used PCM63 chips and those were very musical too.  I am not as concerned with the lower 18-bit resolution of the PCM58 chips since that is adequate for CD resolution and I listen more for tone, body, and dynamics, which all of the different Mojo Audio DACs I have owned delivered very convincingly, as does the AC Helene. 

You are correct that I have too many DACs here so I am about to list a Metrum Jade for sale, and will probably also list another DAC soon.  If I choose to purchase the Mystique Z, then either the X SE NCZ or the AC Helene will need to go. 

I will keep you posted on my time with the Mystique Z DAC over on the other thread.  It should be fun.

@no_regrets I read the Mystique thread on what’s best forum. Great comments and video. 

@audphile1 Just trying to reduce the risk on the ‘price of admission’. 

@mitch2 I look forward to seeing your review. 

@tksteingraber  Thanks. I trust you will enjoy your new X!

@bluethinker @audphile1 Agreed, system synergy is critical, but somewhat predictable. My system, except for the BHK is analytical & needs warmth, with the only question being is the Mojo too warm for my taste. Time will tell. Thanks