Hi all. I am getting close to posting something on the Mystique Z. As a preview, it has not disappointed!
@mfisher702 - Any thoughts on your X SE with nanocrystalline chokes yet?
Six DAC Comparison
I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.
Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.
Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.
My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.
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We're going to be showing at AXPONA with Staccato's BU-1 dual mono class A amplifier and with Aretai's Contra F200 speakers. Staccato Black Unique Dual Mono Class A Amplifier - Staccatoaudio And yes, because we've been getting so many trade ins from people upgrading to our Mystique Z we have extremely low pricing on used EVOs and Xs as well as deals on demos of our X'25 DACs. Most of the better deals on used trade ins sell before they even arrive. People have been contacting us and putting down a deposit on something that's being traded in weeks in the future. |
@mitch2 I traded my X’24 NC for a Z NC. Got it a couple weeks ago but I’ve been away most of that time and haven’t had a chance for much critical listening however it’s immediately richer and more immersive and detailed and fulfills me at slightly lower volumes in my system than the X. The soundstage is beautiful. Imaging is more focused. Midrange is better….little more honey on vocals. Acoustic instruments are especially stunning. I love it but haven’t thrown myself into the depths yet. Can’t wait. |
I have had the pleasure of using Mojo Audio DACs as my reference for years, since about 2017. Most recently, I upgraded to the Mystique Z NC from the Mystique X SE, which I had acquired in early 2022. These DACS have a unique character/personality due to Mojo Audio's use and engineering of pure vintage R-2R; I find them non-fatiguing and musical. Benefits of the very low noise floor of the new Z NC: subtle/complex harmonic details in percussion (Zildjian cymbals, for example, tom toms, and even piano) are more apparent, and are so even at low volumes. In general, live acoustic music sounds more intimate, and the timbre of individual instruments sounds more natural and detailed. Voices exhibit more texture.
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