Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC
The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC is a reference-grade digital-to-analog converter from Mola Mola, designed by Bruno Putzeys. Featuring proprietary discrete conversion architecture, advanced FPGA processing, and Roon Ready network streaming, Tambaqui is widely regarded for its exceptional resolution, tonal accuracy, and natural musical presentation. It supports high-resolution PCM and DSD playback and is used in both reference home audio systems and professional mastering environments.
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MOLA MOLA TAMBAQUI
ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA TAMBAQUI DAC
The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC is a reference-level digital-to-analog converter designed for serious two-channel audio systems where accuracy, low noise, and long-term musical realism matter more than tonal coloration or feature-driven design.
Rather than emphasizing a sonic “signature,” the Tambaqui focuses on signal purity and timing precision, allowing recordings and system context to define the final presentation. In well-matched systems, it is known for delivering clarity without harshness, stable imaging, and low listening fatigue over extended sessions.
WHO THE MOLA MOLA TAMBAQUI BEST SUITED FOR?
The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC is ideal for listeners who:
- Are building or refining a reference-level two-channel system
- Prioritize neutrality, transparency, and low noise
- Use high-quality digital sources such as streamers or dedicated transports
- Want a DAC that clearly improves as amplification, speakers, and power quality improve
- Prefer long-term system stability over frequent component changes
Listeners seeking a deliberately warm or colored presentation to compensate for system imbalance may be better served elsewhere.
SYSTEM CONTEXT AND REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE
Like all reference-grade digital components, the Tambaqui performs best when evaluated as part of a complete system. Power quality, upstream digital sources, downstream amplification, and loudspeaker resolution all influence final performance.
In properly balanced systems, listeners typically experience:
- Precise image placement and soundstage stability
- Excellent micro-detail without etched edges
- A natural tonal balance that remains engaging over long listening sessions
Because of its transparency, careful system matching is important. When integrated thoughtfully, the Tambaqui remains competitive regardless of price category.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOLA MOLA TAMBAQUI DAC
Does the Mola Mola Tambaqui sound analytical or musical?
The Tambaqui is best described as neutral. It does not add warmth or emphasis, allowing musical character to emerge naturally from recordings and the surrounding system.
Can the Tambaqui be used without a preamplifier?
Yes. The Tambaqui includes a lossless digital volume control and is commonly used directly into power amplifiers in minimalist high-end system designs.
Is the Tambaqui sensitive to system matching?
Yes. Due to its low noise floor and transparency, differences in power delivery, amplification, and speakers are clearly revealed.
Is the Tambaqui a long-term DAC choice?
Many listeners choose the Tambaqui for its fundamental signal integrity rather than trend-driven features, making it well suited for systems that evolve over time.
RESPONDING TO POPULAR DEMAND, MOLA MOLA LAUNCHED THE FAMOUS DISCRETE DAC FROM MAKUA AS A SEPARATE UNIT
Elevate your high-end audio experience with the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, a pinnacle of digital audio engineering. This two-board stack converter employs cutting-edge technology to transform your digital sources into an unparalleled sonic masterpiece. The first board upsamples incoming digital audio to 3.125MHz/32 bits and converts it to noise-shaped PWM. Meanwhile, the second board houses two mono DACs featuring a discrete 32-stage FIR DAC and a single-stage 4th order filtering I/V converter. This meticulous design delivers an astonishing 130dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), approaching the theoretical limit for 24-bit files and surpassing even quad-speed DSD.
Uniquely, the Tambaqui DAC maintains distortion levels below the noise floor, ensuring pristine sound reproduction even at full scale. Its lossless digital volume control and headphone outputs make it the ideal centerpiece for minimalist audio systems. For enthusiasts who have transitioned to digital sources, this DAC offers unparalleled clarity and control. Paired with Mola Mola Kaluga monoblocks, it forms an unrivaled digital replay chain, setting new standards regardless of price point.
Experience the epitome of digital audio quality with the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. Explore its advanced features and technical prowess, from its upsampling capabilities to its discrete DAC architecture. Whether you're an audiophile seeking uncompromising sound fidelity or a minimalist enthusiast embracing digital audio, the Tambaqui DAC delivers an unmatched listening experience that redefines excellence in the realm of high-end audio.
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The music player for music lovers |
KEY FEATURES
OPERATING PRINCIPLEPWM DAC with 32-stage discrete analogue FIR output stage. Avoids 'sigma delta' tones and 'R2R' glitch and low-level linearity errors. I/OOptical (Toslink) Processing balance and input gain offset | SUPPORTED FORMATSPCM up to 384kHz/32 bits (>192kHz and >24 bits via USB and Roon only) PERFORMANCEFull-Scale Output Level (XLR): 18dBu CONTROLFront button source selection and volume setting DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT200mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 320mm (D) |
REVIEWS & REFERENCES
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