DAC Time Again - - -- Help :)

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Glad you posted this.

I look forward to receiving your MDA-1000, and Alpha USB- and have a shootout with the YGGY (and any other flavors).

I think you will enjoy the MDA 1000.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Pyro

I think you will enjoy the MDA 1000.

Thank you.

I’m excited to hear it!

[bart]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Glad you posted this.

I look forward to receiving your MDA-1000, and Alpha USB- and have a shootout with the YGGY (and any other flavors).

I love shootouts!

[shindostevesan]

JemHadar I will be auditioning the Analog Domain DAC1 but haven't been able to audition the Mola Mola which is also on my short list of DACs under consideration. Would very much appreciate your describing key differences between these DACs.

Many thanks,
Steve

[JemHadar]

Originally Posted by shindostevesan

JemHadar I will be auditioning the Analog Domain DAC1 but haven't been able to audition the Mola Mola which is also on my short list of DACs under consideration. Would very much appreciate your describing key differences between these DACs.



Many thanks,

Steve

The Mola Mola Tambaqui includes a Roon Ready streamer and Headphone amp (adequate but not endgame). The Analog Domain DAC1 is purely a DAC. There is a model with analog volume control and one without.

From a “looks” point of view the AD DAC1 matches my AD Amps.

Soundwise both DAC’s are in the same league. Both sound very natural and don’t superimpose a house sound on the source material. But if I had to choose, the AD gets the nod…but then I’m biased as I’m enjoying a Analog Domain DAC for several years now [emoji6].

For the money the Mola Mola offers more features, but the AD DAC1 has a more “auteur” kind of aura; straight from the designer’s mind and soul to final product makes it almost a work of engineering art.

Analog Domain products just excel in completely disappearing, mainly thanks to vanishingly low noise floors.

Bruno Putzeys (Mola Mola) and Angel Despotov (Analog Domain) are both extraordinary designers “hors catégorie”; Mavericks in the true sense of the word. I had the pleasure of talking with both on several occasions…very inspiring.

You cannot go wrong with either DAC, both are SOTA…and I guess your use case will favour one over the other.

Steve, I hope you enjoy your journey.

[shindostevesan]

JemHadar,

Thanks for your impressions regarding these DACs.

And yes, I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Steve