Both TMR and Hawthorne are excellent to deal with, in my experience. Sorry; I can't answer your question about trades. You'd have to contact Hawthorne.
Mojo Audio Mystique X SE
In a recent post where I was asking for cable recommendations for my system, most recommended DAC first (my weakest link), then maybe amp, then cables. I am looking for an end game (for me) DAC. The subject DAC from a price standpoint is endgame (again for me). The form factor is perfect, the reviews are mostly great, it won the excellent 6 DAC comparison by @mitch2., although the Holo May KTE was not in the test, but is a consideration.
@soix feedback:
I haven’t heard your Qutest or the Mojo, but from everything I’ve read they’re very different sound profiles with the former being more of a white wine and the latter much more of a red, so the question becomes if it goes too far in the other direction for your tastes. If you’re looking for a warmer/fuller sound you may love the Mojo or you might find it a little too much of a good thing and/or too polite up top so having the ability to return it is key I’d think.
I am a little concerned with the potential warmth & lack of detail. Also, USB and linearly based upon the Stereophile review. However, I am looking for a DAC that is very musical & and reduces or eliminates ‘digital glare’.
The digital side of my system: Aurender N150 > Chord Qutest w/sbooster+ultra > PS Audio BHK pre > Moon 330A > KEF Reference 3’s.
Before I buy, I am looking for feedback from previous or current owners along with those who have heard the Mojo Mystique and how it would fit in my system, along with other DAC’s you might recommend. Thanks!
@tksteingraber emailed Benjamin last night. You are absolutely correct… no differences between the X SE & the X’24 AM, just DOM. The X’25 AM has a different paint job & some improvements in its power supply. |
@signaforce You made my day…I don’t hear that often 🤣. |
@tksteingraber LOL. Yes, I bought my first pre & my current streamer from TMR. First rate! |
I've owned or had long term auditions with around 20.DACs focussing heavily on R2R DACs. I've owned the Mojo X for awhile and love it. I have also had several Chord DACs including the Mojo, Qutest, and Hugo TT2. They are all great and have a consistent signature that is detailed and spacious. I greatly prefer the Mojo X presentation which feels very natural to me. The details are definitely present but they are shoved in your face. I'm pretty sure that Ben will let you return the DAC if you don't like it in your system (but worth double checking). Good luck. |