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Retirement System Finally Completed: Impression of the Mola Mola Tambaqui

I have made the last upgrade to my system for enjoyment in retirement.  The Wyred4Sound 10th Anniversary DAC that has provided much musical enjoyment for almost 7 years was replaced with a Mola Mola Tambaqui (MMT).  While I find the 10th to be the best DAC at its price point, 3x the spend provides greater performance across the board.  I auditioned Mola Mola competitors from DCS and Bricasti but chose the MMT.  The decision to go with the MMT was based on the its ability to produce accurate timbre and organic/dense images with state of the art detail that is neither etched nor fatiguing.  The DCS was as detailed but with a more laidback presentation and less dynamic.  Also I personally found the MMT more true to timbre where the DCS had a colder presentation.  The Bricasti was a close second to the MMT IMHO.  The bass performance, organic/dense images and dynamics of the MMT made favor it.  To clarify, all three are phenomenal, differences minor, and choice should be based on personal preference.  I also chose the MMT based on my preference in SQ and system matching. The Burmester 032 IA and Vivid Giya G3s Speakers are consistent with the system design intent and the components complement each other in this regard.   To me, the sound is tube like liquid and sweet but with solid state transient speed, micro/macro dynamics, and clarity.  Aficionados of old school tube sound and ladder DACs may not like this system, but that is the beauty of our hobby - each of us can determine our preferences and build systems to our liking.  There will be no further changes now that I am on fixed income and I dare not propose any or the wife acceptance factor will go into the red danger zone.  Shout out to GTT audio and Bill for his patients and knowledge in working with me to get the MMT.  I will enjoy the system always with a good bourbon or cognac in hand for as many years as He permits.  Thanks to all the members of this forum who have educated me over the years to be able to establish my final system for retirement.  Pics updated in my profile.  

jsalerno277
mgrif104
344 posts
 

Earlier in this thread, @ghdprentice mentioned “The Great Courses” as a retirement activity. It was a great suggestion and I heartily concur. There are a few lectures in the catalog specific to listening to and understanding music by Dr. Greenberg. I have several, but most enjoyed a course he did on Mahler which really helped me to understand and appreciate his music (which can still be hard for me).  I did these courses a good number of years ago - might be time for me to listen to them again as I retire in 2 months,

Best to all, 

herman
2,253 posts
 

I honestly don’t understand why @audiotroy gets dumped on so much in this forum. Yes he recommends products he sells, but he always discloses the fact that he is selling them so no one is being fooled.

Pretty simple.. the OP posted to celebrate his retirement and his system.

 Thanks to all the members of this forum who have educated me over the years to be able to establish my final system for retirement.

 

He posted to share his happiness with the members of this community. And even though many if not most of us here have ideas on how he could better it, we had the common sense and good form to allow the OP his moment and not do so.

Unlike Troy who leapt at the opportunity to rain on his parade, plant a seed of doubt about his system, and pimp what he is selling.

A pretty sh!tty thing to do know matter how you look at it.

 

rsf507
2,313 posts
 

@herman +1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,919 posts
 

@herman +1

 OP just wanted to share how happy and proud he is that he was able to arrive at this level of system as his retirement audio setup. He’s put together a heck of a rig there!!!
And yet there are still sales pitches and pissing contests. Man this place had turned to 💩…it really did.

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
446 posts
 

Congratulations @jsalerno277 May you enjoy as many multiple-hour listening session days as many others and I now do. We have earned it. I also built a "retirement" setup, and well, kinda kept going over the past year, so never say "final". wink

@ghdprentice 

I like to joke about it with my partner… addiction, audio dollars vs regular dollars… I give her a huge gift prior to a large audio purchase, but in the end we are just teasing each other.

No big gifts from me, but a while back mine gave me the 'ole "you spent what on that cable?" And I decided to convert the amount to something she understands- "It is the same amount as 11 of your haircuts" and that was that. It's all about compromise. 

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