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Mojo Audio - Mystique Y NC DAC

It's hard to describe the size and scope of the leap this DAC has delivered. I don’t have years of experience with the ability to hear or articulate micro audio details yet so it takes macro for me sometimes.

“Huge improvement” is a good start. I'm just stunned. Had no idea. Thought all DACs were more or less the same until a couple months ago.

Everything is much fuller, bigger, deeper and smoother. I didn’t know this was possible. I was already very happy.

Music I wasn't playing much because the sound was "meh"…that I dismissed as poor recording… is way better and my favorites just kill. From mid-bass to mid-treble is more wholesome...and not just a little. Deep bass is tighter and reaches lower with nothing muddled. Individual instruments and voices have improved clarity and definition. Separation between musicians is noticeable and I now hear black space around and behind them. It's like my speakers are on steroids.

The 3D image has exploded. It got much deeper and a little wider (and taller?). I have heard about and read about systems where the speakers disappear into a holographic soundstage. For the first time, I am in that....like finally walking through an unmarked alley door into the secret club.

It will take me a few weeks to digest this magic black box. I have a couple speaker cable upgrades and some better pre-amp tubes on hand to try out but I have to wait until my brain and ears settle again.

I'd quantize this as a 25% improvement…like a big lunar leap from the top of great speakers.

Eversolo DMP A-8 > Mojo Mystique Y NC DAC (via USB) > Rogue Cronus Magnum III > PureAudioProject Trio15 Classics.

mfisher702
mfisher702 OP
24 posts
 

For me….the Y NC dac sounds so much better than the internal dac in the Eversolo DMP A-8.
 

The Y NC does have the nano crystal core chokes. 
 

From Benjamin and another guy that have heard the Y NC and the X SE, I’m told the Y NC has a slightly more forward presence. 

mitch2
4,007 posts
 

Here ya go, in the words of the mfg:

The X24 NC with Z chips is going to be the best of all worlds of our DACs with the AD1862 DAC chips IMO.

Then again, the Y NC does things with the AD1865 DAC chips that none of our DACs with the AD1862 chips can do...the speed and transparency are amazing…The X24 NC with Z chips sounds a bit softer, sweeter, textured, nuanced, and organic. 

I am sure they both sound great although offering different presentations.

veroguy
138 posts
 

Thanks, @mitch2 .  That's one difference I didn't notice:  "Y" uses 1865, and my EVO uses 1862.

I remember you mentioning your Z chip a while ago an being intrigued.  Going to ping Ben to see if he has any available, or if a choke upgrade might make more sense.

A slightly different presentation in the Y is probably a good strategy for Ben.  Not everyone engages with his natural, textured, organic signature.  The stereophile reviewer was amazed, but the measurements guy was, "meh".  

ken6217
34 posts
 

Not exactly on topic, but is there a marked difference in SQ between the EVO B4B21 and the Mystique X SE?

mitch2
4,007 posts
 

@ken6217 - I have owned all four (v3, B4B21, PRO, and X SE) and IMO, yes there is. The EVO B4B21 is the second to highest culmination of Mojo Audio DACs starting with the Mystique v3 and ending with the PRO. The X SE IME was more forward and traded off a bit of the organic tone and body of the previous DACs for more resolution and drive. Both are from the same lineage for sure, but two different presentations.

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