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Review of Mojo Audio Mystique V3 DAC

Purchased the Mystique V3 DAC months ago to replace a Naim DAC V-1.  Okay, the Naim certainly is not in the same league, but is no slouch for the money either.  The Mystique however is multiples better....and much more expensive.  Go figure.

The Mystique is set on a Quadraspire Reference X stand and has a scratched VPI DB5 Magic Brick on its head.  The DAC sounds wonderous of course.  It is fed by a Naim UnitiServe (powered by a custom external PS) through a Nordost Valhalla 1 digital cable.

In my system, I’ve never heard such resolution, dynamics, soundstage and micro-detail.  Mojo has really pulled out the stops regarding power regulation and it shows.  The soundstage is so stable and full.

All of this is fed through a Manley Neo-Classic 300B (Takatsuki tubes) preamp onto ATC 40 active floorstanders with Gaia II footers.  Decware ICs, Patrick Cullen Crossover II PCs, WireWorld Silver Eclipse 8 ICs pre>ATCs.

I just installed a Perfect Path Tecnologies The Gate, so we’ll see how that goes in addition to the other upgrades.

My therapist gave me written permission to explore my inner audiophile child.  She said it was healthy....at least that is what I heard.
celtic66

Showing 2 responses by celtic66

celtic66 OP
1,616 posts
 
Eventually, a 12 step program must be considered for this addiction.  Of course, the downside is not nearly as destructive as many other kinds.  

I'm observing with all of these upgrades that power regulation and filtering are everything.  The installation of the Decware ZLC power conditioner and now the Perfect Path Technologies The Gate have upped the game considerably.

To that point, now the system outruns some of the lesser recordings.  One hears slight flaws in mic position, recording equipment glitches, small tape dropouts, dropped or banged music stands and chairs, etc.

But the overall effect is positive as the great recordings are such a tremendous facsimile of the performance.  And besides, haven't we all been to terrible live performances:   badly mixed, too much reverb, blown tweeter on the left sided monitor, people walking in front of you?  It's a mixed bag, isn't it?
celtic66 OP
1,616 posts
 
thaluza,

Yes, still enjoying immensely and even more so as I've really ramped up the power clean up.  Added the Decware ZLC power conditioner and Perfect Path Technologies' The Gate.  Odd how long I've been in this game and not paid enough attention to truly clean power.

The Mystique seems to benefit terrifically from all of this.  It's one of my benchmarks regarding equipment.  If with each improvement a piece keeps up with it and performs better, I consider that a keeper.

Georgehifi,

Didn't really consider the technology differences, but appreciate the observation.  I simply recognize improvement, or not, with changes to components.  I expected a fairly large leap in resolution, impact and imaging with the upgrade and that is exactly what I received.  Thanks.
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