@mithc2. I seen your Mojo Audio X NCZ DAC for sale so I guess the Z DAC beat it out. Are you now comparing the Z to the Helene currently? How does the new preamp sound?
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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Mojo Audio Mystique Z DAC - A Review (long) Benjamin Zwickel, designer and proprietor at Mojo Audio, was kind enough to send me one of his new Mystique Z DACs to try out in my system. The following is a walk-through of my experience with Mojo Audio’s products, my thoughts on the Mystique Z, and comparisons to a couple of other DACs. It may be helpful for readers to review my impressions of Mojo Audio’s Mystique X NCZ DAC (1), previously posted in this thread on October 5, 2024 (4:13pm). I also suggest you read the information about the Mystique Z posted on Mojo Audio’s website. This is a long write-up so, for those of you who do not need the details, simply start by reading the next section and then decide whether you want to read the whole thing. The conclusion will not change. The Wrap So, we start at the end. Mojo Audio has manufactured compellingly natural sounding R2R DACs for years now. They exhibit an unwavering commitment to improving the sound of in-home audio by steadily improving their DAC offerings. In my opinion, the new Mojo Audio Mystique Z DAC, using Burr Brown’s PCM58P DAC chips, is indeed a winner and another step in the progression of Mojo Audio’s continually improving the sound of their DACs. Even using the new DAC chips, the Mystique Z retains the Mojo Audio house sound that is smooth, clear, vibrant, tonally rich, a little warm, muscular, organically natural, and very enjoyable to listen to. The Mystique Z NC under review here sounded similar to my Mojo Audio Mystique X NCZ. By toggling between the two DACs on-the-fly, I was able to distinguish the differences between the two. As I spent more time with the Mystique Z NC, I heard it sound more emotionally expressive, with slightly denser, more colorful, tonal qualities and, therefore, a bit more overall engaging than the X NCZ. While I found these differences reliably consistent, I did not consider them individually substantial. However, when summed together these differences caused me to find the Mystique Z NC more emotionally engaging and preferable to the sound I heard from the X NCZ. As explained below in more detail, my X NCZ DAC contains special AD1862N-“Z” DAC chips that were used in only about 20 Mojo Audio DACs. During a previous DAC comparison, I definitely heard an improvement in the X NC DAC containing “Z” chips, compared to the same DAC without those special chips, so I am confident in agreeing with Benjamin that the sonic differences between the Mystique Z DAC and other Mystique X-line DACs will be more pronounced than the differences I heard between the Z NC DAC and my X NCZ DAC. Background I became acquainted with Benjamin Zwickel when I first started integrating digital audio into my home audio system years ago using a Mac mini running Pure Music. Benjamin optimized the mini as a dedicated music server with a separate Mojo Audio power supply. The mini was eventually replaced by an Antipodes DX server/streamer, a lifetime Roon subscription, and a parade of DACs, as I embarked on a continual upgrade process to achieve the best digital playback the current technology and my budget would allow. My upgrade process included owning flagship DACs by Metrum Audio and Ayre, and achieving a level of sonic performance with which I was mostly satisfied. A couple of years later, I read a March 2018 online review of Mojo Audio’s Mystique v3 DAC, by Jeremy R. Kipnis with Enjoy the Music (link), who wrote:
“What BS is this,” I thought. Then, having an opportunity to purchase a used, balanced Mystique v3, I decided to find out for myself. I still remember the first time I listened to Mojo Audio’s Mystique v3 DAC. The typical audiophile checkboxes did not seem to matter as I was too busy listening to the most musical and engaging digital sound my system had produced at that time. The vocals in particular sounded remarkably real, the high end was smooth, and the bass was very present resulting in a sound that combined musicality with a palpable naturalness I had not heard before from my hi-fi system. Shortly after, I sold my other DACs and I knew it would take something special for me to move on from the v3. As Mojo Audio released new and improved DAC models, I began working my way up the line and, over time, I owned their Mystique B4B, EVO Pro, X SE, and finally the X NCZ with nano crystal chokes and special Analog Devices AD1862N-“Z” DAC chips that I own now. Every new model was a further improvement, except for that first X SE. I remembered Benjamin’s frustration with me when I told him that, after comparing the two directly, I liked the sound of my (previous model) EVO Pro (MSRP: $12,999) over his new X SE. I even sold that first X SE DAC and kept the EVO Pro. It wasn’t until later, after I read about special AD1862N-“Z” designated chips sounding better than standard AD1862N chips (apparently, those “Z” chips were developed for Denon’s top-of-the-line CD players), that I opened up my EVO Pro case and, sure enough, I found that it had AD1862N-“Z” chips. Since I had not purchased that EVO Pro directly from Mojo Audio, Benjamin was unaware that I was listening to a DAC constructed with the special “Z” chips. The lesson I learned was that, along with power supplies, noise reduction, and other design choices, the method of digital conversion, including the specific DAC chips used, absolutely makes a difference in the sound of a DAC. Eventually, I replaced the EVO Pro Z with the Mystique X NCZ (MSRP: $12,999) and, even though the X NCZ was a better sounding DAC, I still appreciated the somewhat romantic and very natural sound of the EVO Pro Z, and I remember how hard it was for me to part with. Mojo Audio Mystique Z (is finally here!) The background above brings us to Mojo Audio’s newest DAC, the Mystique Z, one of which arrived here in late October and has been connected and playing music most of the time since then. This Mystique Z unit that arrived here has the Lundahl nano crystal core chokes (Mystique Z NC) and is offered at MSRP: $10,999. The base Mystique Z, offered at MSRP: $8,999, comes with ferrous core chokes and can be upgraded with amorphous core chokes for an additional $1,000 or nano crystal core chokes (like the unit I have here) for an upcharge of $2,000. All the choke offerings are Lundahl products. The other upgrade option includes footers by ISO Acoustics (OREA Bronze) and you can order three of them for an additional $150, or four for an additional $200. If you do not upgrade, you will receive Sorbothane decoupling footers. At the time I wrote this, Mojo Audio was offering a price break of $1,000 off the nano crystal choke option. The Mystique Z NC was shipped in Mojo Audio’s no nonsense packaging, which includes a heavy double wall corrugated cardboard box with purpose-formed foam end caps holding the Mystique Z NC unit securely in-place and spaced away from the walls of the box. As to the appearance, I immediately noticed that the case finish used by Mojo Audio on their new Mystique Z appeared more substantial and upscale than on my X NCZ, and more like what was used on my previous EVO Pro DAC. When I asked Benjamin about the difference in finishes, he explained the company that previously powder coated the cases for the EVO line was affected by COVID and so a different supplier was used for the Mystique X. The original company is back and began applying their more durable higher-gloss, higher-texture, baked on powder coating, beginning with cases for the Mystique X’25 and now for the Mystique Z line. I also like the retro-industrial aesthetics, including the laser-etched badge on the front panel, which is like that used on the X-line DACs. The overall appearance appeals to my preference for solid, understated (bling-less) designs. The Z includes the same three very small blue lights as its predecessors, which indicate whichever input is selected, and the small red light that indicates a connection error. Even with my preference for understated designs, I would not complain if those three lights were just a little bit larger. The smaller height and width dimensions, compared to the X-line, may make it easier for the Mystique Z to fit on some rack shelves. However, the Z DAC is the same length (or depth) as the X DACs, about 16 inches long, which may be a consideration for those with shallower depth, closed-back cabinets, or in-wall shelf mounts. The connectors on the back panel are of a high quality, and the overall impression is of a solid, well-built product. Mojo Audio’s new Mystique Z DAC was designed using Burr Brown’s PCM58P DAC chips, which replace the AD1862N DAC chips previously used in Mojo Audio DACs (2). Those of you who are old enough probably remember some particularly good sounding CD players that used 20-bit BB PCM63 DAC chips, which are among the most musical sounding chips ever produced. Rumor has it that Mojo Audio is considering a future flagship DAC featuring PCM63 chips. The 18-bit BB PCM58P chip is essentially the predecessor to the PCM63 and similarly it is a huge sized chip, with four trim pot adjustments allowing the designer to “dial-in” each DAC to optimize linearity and minimize distortion. You might have noticed, the PCM58P is “only” an 18-bit DAC. In my world, and on Tidal and Qobuz, where most of the music selections are FLAC versions of Redbook CD files, this should be of no consequence. However, those with a large library of hi-resolution music files may want to consider the possible impact of this lower bit-depth. To better understand the potential effects (or not) of using an 18-bit chip, I recommend reading Benjamin’s “The 24-Bit Delusion” (link), which can be found on the Mojo Audio website. Another notable change is the use of an organic polymer main capacitor bank that replaces the Mundorf M-Lytic AG+ capacitors that Mojo Audio has been using in all their DACs since the Mystique v3. Those organic polymer capacitors are believed to improve transparency, clarity, and texture in the Z, over previous Mojo DACs. Other changes between the Mystique Z and its predecessor Mystique X DACs are outlined on the Mojo Audio website (link) and include active buffered digital inputs, three-stage steep-slope anti-aliasing low-pass digital output filter circuitry, paper-in-oil bypass capacitors in analog power supplies, a more compact circuit layout engineered to minimize signal and power paths, and more advanced anti-resonant and grounding typologies. The listed improvements reportedly result in further lowering the noise floor of the new Mystique Z DAC, a benefit which usually has the effects of improving micro-dynamics, micro-details, and background transparency. Benjamin shared with me other benefits that he hears resulting from the design improvements in the Mystique Z NC, compared to the X series of DACs, including,
Mystique Z NC - Set Up I set up the Mystique Z NC on pads of one-inch thick, dense, wool felt, which I have been using as damping footers under several of my components lately. The felt pads are supported on a Zothecus Z-slab (constrained layer platform), that sits on a second wood platform that is itself damped by hemispherical platinum silicone supports between the platform and the underlying wood shelf, which is part of a very solid wood rack. Most of my listening was done with the Z NC connected by its S/PDIF RCA input using an Oyaide D510R digital cable coming out of my Singxer SU-6 DDC. Power was provided through an Oyaide 11awg shielded, OCC wire power cable. In accordance with Benjamin’s recommendation, I connected the Mystique Z NC DAC to my system using the RCA output connections. After trying several options, Cardas Clear Reflection IC cables were mostly used throughout my listening sessions, although other RCA cables also sounded good including Furutech μ-P2.1 OCC and Cardas Golden Cross ICs. I also tried connecting the balanced outputs using XLR cables, including Cardas Golden Reference, Furutech μ-P2.1, and DIY Duelund copper wire in cotton ICs but, as previously indicated by Benjamin, the RCA output connections offered a slightly more musical presentation compared to the balanced output connections, which were more muscular sounding. I did my best to match loudness levels when comparing the RCA and XLR outputs since the output voltage doubles between the single-ended to the balanced outputs (2.4V to 4.8V). After setting up the Mystique Z NC in my system, I let it run-in playing music on repeat for most of two days and then began to listen. Mystique Z NC – Listening As I sit here writing this, I am listening to Holly Bowling’s interpretations of Grateful Dead music played on her unaccompanied piano. She does a stunning job of capturing the essence of those songs and the Mystique Z NC does an equally stunning job of making beautiful music in my system. Piano music can be difficult to accurately reproduce but the MystiqueZ NC Z is admirably capturing the attack/decay/sustain/release envelope of each keystroke. I am generally more of a big-picture listener rather than dissecting every little nuance and detail of what I am hearing, and I fully understand that what I enjoy hearing may not be exactly the same as enjoyed by others who read this post. In my system, I like hearing rich tonal qualities, the perception of body and dimensionality, a solid underpinning of bass that is neither too damped and hard nor too soft and flabby, solid punch and dynamics when the source material calls for it, suitable detail and staging so that nothing about the playback seems amiss, and the absence of distracting nastiness in the high frequencies or other perceptible anomalies. The combination of those attributes typically sounds organically real to me, as a suitable illusion of listening to music in real life, and sometimes maybe just a little bit romanticized as if, in some ways, better than real life. Mojo Audio DACs, in general, have those qualities and this new Mojo Audio Mystique Z NC DAC, in specific, delivers on those sonic expectations. The first thing I noticed about the Mystique Z NC was that it honors the Mojo Audio house sound that, in my experience, is smooth, clear, tonally rich, and natural sounding. The Mystique Z NC easily handled the test tracks I used for my previous DAC comparisons in this thread. The bass line in “Birds” performed by Dominique Fils-Aime’ was not only deep and impactful but also convincingly articulate, leaving no doubt that bass strings were being plucked by fingers. Within that underpinning of bass, Fils-Aime’s voice and her backup singers were harmonically rich and textured. “I’ll Take You There,” performed by Aloe Blacc on Muscle Shoals, Small Town Big Sound, had a bouncy beat, good string work, and a blat to the brass horn section that set the stage for Blacc’s soulful vocals. All of this sounded convincing and enjoyable through the Mystique Z NC, which also retains that characteristic Mojo Audio upper/mid-bass richness. As with its predecessors, the Mystique Z NC never sounded thin. Some might say this slight emphasis in the mid-bass leads to a “warmer” sound, while others may call it out as being a deviation from absolute neutrality and, while I wouldn’t argue, I mostly call it enjoyable. I am not a fan of hyper-detailed sounding systems that trend towards sounding bleached out and thin. The Mystique Z NC convincingly displayed James Taylor’s vocals in his prime on “Steamroller Blues,” along with Danny Kortchmar’s guitars, Russ Kunkel’s drums, John London‘s bass and the smart horn section. When I hear Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity,” on her Live at the Variety Playhouse recording, I am always taken by how well her sparse piano work provides a backdrop for her beautiful vocals. The Mystique Z NC did a wonderful job handling the clarity of Bareilles’ vocals while also capturing the ambiance of the live venue. Finally, the Mystique Z NC passed my rock out test, just killing the kick-drum beat and Cobain’s screaming vocals on Nirvana’s “Teen Spirit”, and driving hard with everything I threw at it including Staind’s “Outside”, Audioslave’s “Like a Stone”, Chili Peppers’ “Otherside”, and much more. In summary, the Mystique Z NC builds on and improves on the current state of the Mojo Audio house sound, which (IMO) is chip-based R2R at its best. Vocals have purity and texture, tones are rich and vibrant, drums and bass lines are full-sounding, detailed, and hard-driving, and other instruments all sound real. It manages this while delivering a level of detail necessary to hear fingers on strings, sticks on drumheads, and the shimmering of cymbals, and also without displaying any nasty anomalies no matter how loud or soft the musical material, or how loud or soft the playback level. Perfection is elusive, and in the eye of the beholder. Critics might call out that mid-bass warmth and notice a bit less perceived transparency and spaciousness, particularly when compared to certain delta-sigma or FPGA based DACs. On the other hand, Mojo Audio customers would likely point to the perception of an organic, natural sound, dense tone, solid bass, and a musical presentation. They might talk about how they listen more often, and longer, because the sound of their system is more enjoyable through a Mojo Audio DAC. The Mystique Z NC is one man’s design vision of what sounds good. Based on the many positive reviews Benjamin’s DACs have received over the years, more than a few others share his point of view. The Mystique Z NC is the new pinnacle of that vision. Mystique Z NC - Compared to Mystique X NCZ Of the DACs I have discussed in this thread, the closest in sound quality to the new Mystique Z NC is my Mystique X NCZ. As these two DACs share similar design features, from the same manufacturer, I tried to be purposeful and diligent when setting up the comparisons between them. I did my best to optimize supports and cables, and to make sure both DACs were fully burned-in and warmed-up. I was able to run both simultaneously out of my Singxer SU-6 DDC using identical Oyaide S/PDIF RCA digital cables, and to connect them to different inputs on the same preamp using similar Cardas ICs. Since the ICs were not identical (i.e., Clear Reflection and Golden Cross) I switched them part-way through the comparisons and determined that the ICs were not responsible for any differences I was hearing. After my initial leisurely background listening, I used the decibel app on my phone to match output sound pressure levels (SPLs). Because the output voltage is reported to be the same between the Mystique Z NC and X NCZ DACs, I was not surprised that the decibel app, and my listening, confirmed essentially no difference in SPLs between them for the same volume setting. Therefore, I was able to directly compare the two DACs (on the fly) by engaging only one button on the preamp’s remote, to switch inputs. While both the Mystique Z NC and X NCZ DACs sounded great, I was surprised to initially hear little difference between the two when toggling between them on the fly. The two Mojo Audio DACs are definitely cut from the same cloth! After listening more intently, I was able to reliably distinguish differences between them but the sound was so close that, other than an on-the-fly comparison, I doubt most listeners would be able to reliably pick which of the two DACs were playing at a given time. After extended listening, my perception was that, between the two, the Mystique Z NC sounded a little clearer, more expressive, and smoother. I noticed what I perceived to be a bit more bloom, body, and a richer tone resulting in more engaging vocals and I also heard more expression from instruments in the bass frequencies. These attributes were not surprising to me based on my time with CD players and DACs using the BB PCM63 chips. While not individually substantial, summed together these differences caused me to find the Mystique Z NC more emotionally engaging and preferable to the sound I heard from the X NCZ. However, I would quantify the sonic improvements I heard as closer to about 5 percent than 10 percent. In my system, and to my ears, while the sound of the two DACs was quite similar, the differences justified the Z NC as being a worthwhile upgrade. I chatted with Benjamin about my observations and he reminded me the sonic differences between the new Mystique Z NC and the majority of Mojo Audio’s X line-up of DACs is likely greater than what I am hearing because only a few of us have the more premium AD1862N-Z DAC chips in our X DACs, plus my X NCZ also has the premium nano crystal chokes. While acknowledging the house sound, Benjamin told me most of his customers who have heard the Mystique Z NC reported hearing more like a 10-20 percent improvement over their X NC, and a 15-30 percent improvement over the base X SE or the X AM. When comparing the new Mystique Z to other Mojo Audio DACs, Benjamin has heard that,
Mystique Z NC – compared to Aries Cerat Helene I have not yet posted my thoughts on the Aries Cerat Helene that I acquired earlier this spring, so I am going to keep this comparison short. The Helene is a behemoth in both dimensions and weight (almost 90 pounds), and it retails for $19K. It uses eight AD1865 stereo DAC chips running in parallel (so 8 DACs per channel) to perform the conversion. That is the same chip used in Mojo Audio’s Mystique Y, the LTA Aero, and in some Audio Note DACs. The Helene has some cool features such as tube rectification and a tubed gain stage, user adjustable tube bias to customize the sound signature, super clock technology and double reclocking of the USB input and of the digital S/PDIF and AES inputs (user-selectable), and a user-adjustable output voltage of 10V or 5V. As with Mojo Audio’s Mystique DACs, the designer of the Aries Cerat Helene recommends using the single-ended outputs. Comparisons between the Mystique Z NC and the Helene were logistically more difficult than comparing the two Mojo Audio DACs for two reasons. First the output voltage of the Helene (5V) is almost double the single-ended output voltage of the Mojo Audio DACs. Second, the Helene inverts polarity, which originally required me to switch pos/neg speaker cable connections whenever I played music through the Helene. This issue became easier to deal with when my new SMc Audio VRE-1C preamp arrived, since that preamp has a polarity invert switch. Therefore, to compare the Mojo Audio Mystique Z with the Aries Cerat Helene required three functions, all of which could be performed using the preamp remote control:
Comparisons with Aries Cerat’s Helene DAC were informational in how characteristically similar the Mojo Audio DACs sounded to the Helene. They are both clearly good examples of high-quality DACs using the R2R architecture. No, they did not sound the same, but the rich, dense tonal qualities, solid bass foundation, and organic, natural character I heard from both were definitely in the same ballpark. They were both enjoyable to listen to on a wide variety of music but of course there were differences. Through the Helene, I sensed a greater degree of clarity and dimensionality, the same deep, impactful bass but without the mid-bass warmth of the Mojo Audio DACs, and an incredibly natural delivery. To further clarify, the Helene in my system is a bit on the warm side of neutral but does not display that extra level of density in the mid-bass that I hear from the Mystique DACs. However, the Helene also does not leave anything on the table with respect to tonal color, body, and drive. In an absolute sense, I would choose to listen to the Aries Cerat Helene but, as a value proposition, most would probably find that the Mystique Z NC comes out ahead. In my opinion, the Mystique Z NC offers most of what I hear from the Helene at just over half the price. Factor in a much more manageable size and the absence of the higher-maintenance operational demands that come with using tubed equipment, and the Mystique Z NC becomes a bargain. Of course, if you need to hear that extra 5 percent or so described above, if you have the room in your rack, if you don’t mind messing around with tubes, and if it fits your budget, the Helene is a strong performer and a solid recommendation for an audition, in my opinion. Since I already own the Helene, I plan to keep it for now and listen to it, in addition to one of the Mojo Audio DACs, until I tire of the size and the tubes and decide to simplify my system. Mystique Z Q Mystique Z Q – Whoa! What is a Z Q?! Toward the end of my time with the Mystique Z NC, Benjamin (who clearly never sits still) informed me of another (reportedly substantial) upgrade to the Mystique Z line – the next top model, the “Quantum” or Mystique Z Q. The Quantum version will start as a typical Mystique Z with the highest-level nano crystal chokes and will incorporate Bybee Quantum Purifiers placed in strategic locations. Benjamin informed me that he has been listening to a beta version and that this Z Q is his highest performing DAC yet. Then, as a pleasant surprise, Benjamin sent me his beta version to listen to as I was finishing with the Mystique Z NC. I will post more on my time with the Z Q later. Afterword As a post-script, after spending time with the Mystique Z NC and before receiving Benjamin’s Mystique Z Q, I sold my Mystique X NCZ, which I plan to replace with one of the new Mystique Z DACs. Review System Components
My review system posted on Audiogon under my username mitch2 (link) is mostly accurate and I will soon update it to reflect the recent addition of the SMc Audio VRE-1C preamp, which arrived halfway through my time with the Mystique Z NC. The VRE-1C came directly from SMc Audio’s west coast enclave after having all the current VRE-1C upgrades performed, plus a few more improvements that go beyond what is typically provided in the VRE-1C. Footnotes
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WOW! Quite an in-depth review from Tim Mitchel. Full disclosure... Just in case any of you are wondering, Tim doesn’t work for Mojo Audio and we don’t give him DACs for free like many of the big companies do with reviewers. But we do give Tim the same industry accommodation discount we give other reviewers and manufacturers who want to own our products. Speaking of other manufacturers who get industry accommodation discounts on our DACs, Volti Audio was given a nice bit of ink in Stereophile for their CAF system which included one of our Mystique Z NC DACs: As for our new Mystique Z Quantum, they will be formally announced and available in January 2026. The MSRP will be $12,999 and if you already have a Mystique Z the upgrade will cost you the same $2,000 difference. The Z Q replaces the medical grade AC input filter with three Bybee AC Purifiers: one for line, one for load, and one for ground. And the Z Q adds two Bybee Gold Slipstream Purifiers between the single-ended output stage and the RCA jacks. That also puts them between the single-ended output stage and the single-ended to balanced IC chip that creates our balanced outputs. My impression of the Quantum upgrade is a bit more transparency, depth, texture, and resolution, combined with a more effortless quality and transient intensity. Aside from Tim, we’ll be sending a Z Q to Dick Olsher of TAS and Karl Sigman of Audiophilia who both have been auditioning our Z NC for the past few weeks. It will be interesting to read what Tim, Dick, and Karl all have to say about our new Quantum upgrade. Which leads me to Mojo Audio’s plans for a next gen DAC... Tim is correct, we’ve stashed away some of the rarest of the rare vintages of the PCM63 DAC chips and we’re planning on a new DAC using those chips. We only have enough of those chips for 80 special edition DACs. It will be the largest, heaviest, no-compromise DAC we’ve ever designed. We’re still debating on if we’re going to stick with the Staccato class A discrete solid-state op amps modules we’ve been using or switching to an SET DHT tube output stage with one of the Emission Labs super tubes like their 20B. Either way we’ve been working with Khozmo, the passive attenuator guys, and we’ll be including an optional upgrade for an integrated remote controlled Khozmo AMRG or Z-Foil attenuator. So if you’re considering our next gen DAC, don’t upgrade your preamp, you won’t need it :^)
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It's good to see this confirmation of what's been kicking around the rumor mill. On the below quote though, no passive attenuator nor any other type of preamplification is ever going to win over a true preamplifier guy. if you're an R2R fan, IMO you're also a true preamplifier guy.
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@mitch2 @fuzzbutt17 Thanks for the great thread, amazingly detailed reviews and updates. I am really enjoying my Mystique X’25 NC but with all this hype I am getting weak knee’d for a other step up. Maybe a Z demo or return down the road as the Q’s get the best of folks. Darn you guys! Just say no, just say no 🤣. Ben you make one heck of a nice DAC line. Many Thanks! |
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