Mojo Audio Mystique EVO


Mojo Audio updated their website yesterday with details on the next generation of the Mojo Mystique DAC, the Mystique EVO.

Unlike the V3, the EVO has upgrade options for component, isolation and shielding upgrades - at purchase or to be upgraded later.   The website states there are plans to release new boards for ethernet/roon, and other dac chips like the PCM63.

I pre-ordered an EVO in late February with a few upgrades.  I'm expected to receive it in 1-2 weeks, and I'll post my impressions after some time with it.  I currently have the Mystique V3 and I find it fantastic.  Really looking forward to hearing Ben's next iteration.





veroguy
I have 150+ hours on my B4B now, upgrades included the class A output and SPDIF analog section upgrade (both standard on B4B21).  I'm comparing it to a Luxman D08u, streaming through a Lumin U1.  The Luxman is a very smooth and 'analogue' CD player (and DAC) but also great detail with refined highs.  Out of the box they were pretty close, which surprised me, having tried the Mystique V2x last year, which was muddy initially and took a week or so break-in for the treble detail to catch up to the Luxman.  After 150 hours now the Mojo has more saturated colors than the Luxman and a bit more 3D soundstage.  More musical and dynamic overall, and I'd say the sound is sweeter than the Lux.  I see what some have said about being able to turn it up, it is smooth but not lacking in detail at the same time.  I'm looking forward to what further break-in may bring.  System is Luxman separates and Harbeth 40.2 with Nordost cabling.
Looking at the website I'm finding it impossible to tell the difference between the levels. I believe that should be better clarified, or even explained to those of us who aren't engineers of any kind what some of these upgrades really mean ...
Also, and this is not too shocking though, the price has been going up dramatically. Less than a year ago EVO B4B was 8 grand. Now it's $9777...V3 was like half that...I'm glad the dac is evolving, but makes you wonder what the prices are going to be 5-10 years from now, and this is without a dealer distribution.
$1000 in new opamps I'm sure.  Can't blame someone for charging what people will pay, but yes, I've been monitoring this unit for over a year and the prices just keep moving up, always with some included upgrades, but still...
The things I typically look at when judging value of this stuff include:
  • Is the sonic performance well-respected by both reviewers and owners
  • Is the build quality substantial for the price being charged (i.e., quality parts, solid power supply, quality casing and connectors)
  • Do I like how it sounds
  • Does it meet my needs and desires for connectivity and appearance 
  • Does it compare favorably to similar-priced competitors
Of course I am not thrilled the price went up but, based on the build quality and sound of the Mystique v3 I have here, I believe the EVO B4B21 is still reasonably priced given its comparison to the above criteria.  I am also not thrilled at what it may cost to upgrade/replace my server, which will apparently be at least as much as the cost of the EVO.