Mojo Audio Mystique EVO

I have the EVO based model which still has some break-in time ahead of it based upon Ben's guidance; that said it is definitely the most overall musical DAC that I have had in my main system. The others, Modwright Elyse and Aqua LaVoce S3 are no slouches, but the EVO just offers more overall.

veroguy, if the options you are getting in your EVO take this DAC to another level you will be truly will be pleased

meant base model not based

Look forward to reading your impressions. If your experience is as with my basic (no upgrade) version, it will keep getting even better with break-in as Benjamin suggested to me it would.

Wish in the review the writer had given some insights between the 3 versions of the EVO

In my case with the EVO  I was originally using Silnote Audio Orion RCA's and Poseidon Digital cable, and  I am presently using Acoustic BBQ Double Helix RCA's and Digital cable (made by Audiogon member grannyring) . In both cases I have been very pleased with the natural, smooth , balanced sound they both provide'  all of the detail of the music effortlessly flows through

My EVO replaced an Aqua Acoustic LaVoce S3. I'd day that sound stage width of both DACs are relatively equal. Beyond that , music through the EVO has more body and weight, its is presented with more micro detail, it is more liquid, and it  is overall more engaging.  The LaVoce left me wanting during extended listening sessions.

Relative to my Modwright Elyse tube DAC that is in my 2nd system, to my ears they are equally musically engaging, while the EVO has a little more separation between musicians and a slightly broader sound stage width

"To be fair" the EVO wasn’t $7K when I bought it, and isn’t the 2021 model. That said, the question was asked what it replaced and I offered the information. As you are likely aware, there’s any number of folks that tout lower cost models of amps, sources, speakers, etc. that are/claimed to be superior to higher cost components; the person asking can use the info I provided as he/she wants.

I have been using the Coax input on my base model EVO since I purchased it but decided that I wanted to try out the AES input to see if there would be a SQ improvement. In order to do so I ordered a Mojo Audio digital AES cable that Ben listed as a demo on his website. I received it this afternoon, put some Furutech nano enhancer on the cable and DAC AES pins, hooked it up, ran a system tune up disc for an hour or so, and am now listening to the Roman Street Amore cd. My initial impression is that the AES connection is a positive sq step above the very enjoyable Coax which itself I would not hesitate recommending. The Mojo AES cable is very well made , provides a black background , allows all of the detail and texture of the recording to flow through. YMMV

I took Ben's advice not long after I purchased my EVO to upgrade my cd transport from a Cambridge CXC . I decided at the time to go with a Simaudio 260D, it was a definite improvement in my system. I don't stream so I have no comparison to offer