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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 veroguy

veroguy
137 posts
 
Congrats on the new DAC, Celtic.  I recently purchased a used Mystique V3 that was listed here.  It's been in my system for about 2 weeks now.  Loving it and I'm hearing similar results in my system to your review.

I'm now looking to upgrade my source to see if there is more I can get out of the V3.   Currently using Sonos Connect modified by W4S.

Thaluza.  I'm interested to hear your impressions on the V3 as well.  Doesn't seem that many A'goners own this exceptional (IMO) dac. 

Enjoy.
veroguy
137 posts
 
I'm still loving my v3, Bill.

I've done extensive upgrades on my digital front end as well as other system tweaks, and with each one, I feel like I'm unlocking more of the v3's capabilities.

2 things:

I confirmed with Ben at Mojo that the Schoeder Method double IC's will not damage the v3.  I've confirmed that with your cables.  Sounds awesome.

I tried an Omega Emat+ under the v3.  Maybe the mats don't play well with the 5 choke power supplies, or the EMI/RFI barrier in the chassis, but the sound went a bit flat and compressed, and I pulled it out after a day.  This mat had been in the breaker box for about a day before going underneath the Mystique.  I probably should have been more patient, and I'll probably try a mat under there again once all my mats get to 14 days in the breaker box.

Anyways, would love to hear your impressions of the Mojo DAC.  I've always wanted to compare it to a Lampizator (as well as Audio Note, MHDT and SW1X)

VeroGuy
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