I'd just like to say that this is brilliant, and greatly appreciated... particularly from the perspective of someone who's in the midst of searching for an extremely high quality DAC that won't break the bank. Products in the Mojo Audio line-up hadn't been in the running before, but they certainly are now.
Six DAC Comparison
I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.
Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.
Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.
My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.
Showing 10 responses by zmann007
Thanks, Mitch -- I’ll look forward to reading the next installment, for sure. Interestingly enough, we sell both Merason and Bricasti at the shop where I work (Alma Music + Audio in Sterling, VA), and a colleague from another shop whose opinion I respect just recently suggested the LTA Aero as a potential giant killer. I’ve been considering a Bricasti M1 Series II, but this thread really has me approaching the process with a far more open mind. Unfortunately, the Aero lacks the AES input that I’d like to use from my [CEC TL5] transport to whatever DAC I end up with. I’ve got tubes covered with my Prima Luna Floyd Integrated (rolled with 60s [signal] & 70s RCAs), so my desire is to find something that will complement the existing configuration. Making things (far) more interesting, I recently picked up a pair of YG Carmel 3s, which are musical & revealing as all get out; particularly paired with my trusty ’ol REL S/812. I will say that I really like the sound of the Bricasti, but we’ve got ’em paired with various darTZeel bits, so the influence of the far more high-end components (compared to what I’ve got at home) is undeniable. |
Based on my careful reading of this extraordinary thread, I've reached out to Benjamin, and purchased a Mystique X '24. So hats off to @mitch2 for a really informative and thoughtful analysis of the top players in what can be considered the semi-affordable realm. Now the fun part: my CEC transport hooks up just fine via AES / EBU, but when attempting to override the internal DAC in my HiFi Rose 150B, the latter device refuses to recognize the new DAC. And yes, I've triple checked all the connections and selected USB out on the "in/out" selection panel; even swapped in a different cable to rule out a bad connection. Has anyone successfully overcome the Rose 150B's apparent inability to "see" the Mystique via USB? Or is my only option to pick up an RCA coax and avoid the USB connection altogether? Please do not suggest selling the Rose and picking up another streamer, as I'm pretty tapped out by this and a couple of other chunky purchases this year, and I rather like the touchscreen ease of ops on the Rose. If this is an inappropriate hijack, mods should feel free to delete. Thanks! |
A quick update to my HiFi Rose 150B / Mojo X ’24 post, above. After much back and froth [sp. intentional] with Benjamin and a fair bit of additional research on my part, it appears that the Rose’s manual at 3.5 Connection Between USB 3.0 Audio Output and External DAC is, what’s the word I’m looking for here -- oh, yes: whacked. As far as I can determine, the two USB 3.0 ports on the right side of the 150B’s back panel (which the Rose O.M. describes as the connection point for an external DAC) are actually inputs for things like external hard drives, thumb drives, and the like. To connect a 150B to the Mojo, go with an AES or RCA coax, and you should be fine. Getting a Windows-based laptop to play nice with the Mojo via USB is another story (figuring out which of JL’s drivers you need, DLing/installing, and other assorted techcromancy is required; sadly, this was beyond the limited training I received at Starfleet Academy). That said, Benjamin notes that Apple products are plug & play via USB, as are Lenovo devices. They have the necessary drivers baked in, whereas it appears Mr. Gates is fine with MP3s and some stock earbuds he found at the back of his desk drawer. YRMV, but I thought this might save a few folks some gnashing of teeth & rending of garments. |
@bluethinker, I'm very keen on doing a side-by-side comparo with the Mearason, and we should be getting one in the shop (Alma Music + Audio East, Sterling VA) in a few weeks. The MKii is the only other DAC I'd seriously considered, but went with the Mojo based on the content of this thread, extensive reading (thanks to the exhaustive reading list provided by @mitch2), and the fact that the Mojo X is currently on sale. From all I've read, they're first cousins, and both offer exceptional sound. |
Thanks @bluethinker; I'll do so, for sure. And my workaround for the Rose is simply to use the RCA coax output (Rose) to it's mate on the Mojo, and run my transport through AES to the corresponding Mojo port. And yes @devinplombier, I meant to say devices running Linux in general. Benjamin also mentioned Lenovo, and as I have one of their tablets, that's what stuck. All the while, the Mojo Mystique X '24 continues to burn in -- 10 to 12 hours a day -- and is sounding better and better. My understanding is that at around 240 hours, the lotus blossom unfolds, and Kate Bush appears with her Fairlight in my livingroom. Yet another in a series of aspirational states! |
@bluethinker , while we haven't received the Mearason in the shop yet (we're still recovering from having five ( ! ) rooms at Capital Audio Fest), the Mojo X '24 is up at around 150 hours now, and is definitely a keeper. While I don't have anywhere near the "I've tried multiple DACs in my current system" experience as @mitch2 or many of the others posting to this thread, I'd like to think I have a pretty keen ear. I've also heard multiple MSBs and Mearasons at the shop -- often through much finer and far more expensive gear than my own. That said, I believe I'm very much in (or rapidly approaching) the sonic realm I've long dreamt of. Granted, the YG Carmel 3s I picked up earlier this year are facilitating a fair bit of the overall SQ, but still. There's just so much freakin' air & space around the individual instruments and the notes they produce, yet the whole is as cohesive and engaging as can be. Now all I have to do is win the lottery, pick up a 2nd gen Vinnie Rossi Brahma II integrated, and call it a day. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get the door -- I think that's Kate and her Fairlight coming up the walk. |
@wig I finally got to spend some time with the Merason MkII DAC, and have to say that it is, as @mitch2 reports, a real winner. While I didn’t do a side-by-side with my Mojo Mystique X ’24, and the associated gear in our shop (Alma Music + Audio in Sterling, VA) was a good bit higher end than what I’ve got at home -- we’re running it through Stenheim’s excellent Alumine 5 speakers and a Vitus Audio Signature Series Integrated -- the delivery, depth, texture, speed, and detail were all just insanely good. I believe what you have on your hands is a real keeper. I’m still delighted with my Mojo purchase, and it’s sounding better and better as it continues to burn in (140+ hours now and counting), but I think you’re just fine with what you’ve got. Both of these manufacturers are to be commended for designing & building truly superlative products at a premium, but still reasonably affordable, price. Happy New Year, and happy listening! |