The Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC is totally different from 'normal dacs' or even ladderdacs / R2R dacs. The Mola Mola is a PWM-DAC with a 32-stage FIR output stage. In short, all inputs are uploaded to 32 bit / 3.125 MHz and then passed through a 32 stage FIR (Finite Input Response) 'DAC'. Very complex, very special; we have not seen it before. Except in part with zetex's Direct Digital technology. We don't know if this is (partly) comparable. But Zetex also converts PCM to PWM. A also that sounds very clean. However, Bruno Putzys has taken this to the next level.
The Tambaqui dac has a series of inputs: USB, optical, aes, coaxial, Ethernet (ROON endpoint) and HDMI-I2S. There are both balanced outputs and two headphone outputs. So it's nice and flexible. The DAC has four buttons on the front and allows operation and configuration via Bluetooth. This is useful for the initial installation. There is an app for iOS and Android.
A Ethernet port is provided to interface the Tambaqui with Roon music playback software, at which point the device stops being just a DAC/headphone amp, and becomes a complete music playback device as a Roon endpoint. The Tambaqui can handle digital sources up to 192kHz/24-bit via its S/PDIF inputs, this extending to 384kHz/32-bit via USB and Ethernet, and can also accept up to DSD512 via USB and its Roon connection. The DAC architecture is described by the company as a 'two board stack, in which all incoming data is upsampled to 3.125MHz/32-bit and converted to noise-shaped PWM on the first board, and then handled by two mono DACs on the second board'.
After spending real time with the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, it is easy to conclude that it is among the most engaging and full-bodied DACs we've had the pleasure to live with. It joins that small number of digital to analog converters whose performance transcends technology to present music with no strings attached…
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
PWM DAC with 32-stage discrete analogue FIR output stage. Avoids “sigma delta” tones and “R2R” glitch and low-level linearity errors.
Asynchronous upsampling to 3.125MHz/32 bit. 7-th order noise shaper clearing 80kHz band. Each input rate has an optimized upsampling filter chain…
I/O
Optical (Toslink)
S/PDIF (Cinch)
AES/EBU (XLR)
USB type B
Ethernet (Roon Ready)
Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, APTX, LDAC)
I²S over HDMI
Balanced output (XLR)
Headphone output (6.3mm Jack, Balanced XLR 4pin)
2 programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm Jack)
Processing balance and input gain offset
Selectable output levels
Phase invert
SUPPORTED FORMATS
PCM up to 384kHz/32 bits (>192kHz and >24 bits via USB and Roon only)
DoP and Native DSD up to quad speed (USB and Roon only)
PERFORMANCE
Full-Scale Output Level (XLR): 18dBu
Full-Scale Output Level (headphone): 18dBu
Signal to Noise Ratio: 130dB
THD, IMD: not measurable (estimated -140dB)
Bandwidth: Up to 80kHz (apodizing response)
Integrated jitter: <1ps from 10Hz upwards, <300fs from 1kHz upwards
Jitter rejection: >80dB at 1Hz after 20 seconds of loc
CONTROL
Front button source selection and volume setting
4 programmable presets
(Premium) Remote Control
Mola Mola Remote app
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
200mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 320mm (D)
5.2kg
Free NEXT DAY DELIVERY
Free next working day delivery
When you spend over £75. We will send you a tracking number where DPD will give a one hour delivery window. Services available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) to most mainland UK addresses for in stock items ordered before our cut-off time at 3:30pm. Terms apply.
Free Saturday delivery
When you spend over £299. We will send you a tracking number where DPD will give a one hour delivery window. Services available to most mainland UK addresses for in stock items ordered before our cut-off time on Friday 3pm. Terms apply.
Free Sunday delivery
When you spend over £299. We will send you a tracking number where DPD will give a one hour delivery window. Services available to most mainland UK addresses for in stock items ordered before our cut-off time on Saturday 2pm. (sunday delivery location) Terms apply.
CLICK & COLLECT
Some of our manufactures request for there items not to be sold on line for these items our delivery service may not be available in curtain locations so please call to order 01925 828009
Remote locations
Standard next day delivery is free for all orders to most UK mainland addresses. All other delivery prices are determined by the destination, the service chosen and the value and weight of your order. Addresses in the Scottish Highlands, offshore, Northern Ireland & Ireland may incur additional delivery costs, depending on the items ordered.
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Testimonials
Bought some Rega Kyte speakers, stands and chords from DB online and they were incredibly helpful. They updated my delivery address very quickly and recommended a longer cut of cables which they did complimentary. They also noticed I didn’t order with banana plugs so called me back to double check, which I did mean to order. When i had some issues connecting my cables and speakers, I called for some advice which they happily gave. Excellent service and next day delivery to London. Thoroughly recommend.
James F.
Probably one of the best companies in the world. They had to special order in the speakers which took a fair bit of time, which is totally understandable, but they kept in touch with me throughout the entire time with updates (even on a Sunday!!!) and once the speakers were with them, they were dispatched and arrived next day.
The entire sound system that I purchased is insanely good, but still not as good as Doug Brady HiFi!
Guy H.
I have recently purchased a HiFi package with Doug Brady and I could not be more thrilled with my experience with them.
When I walked into the store, I was made to feel welcome and was introduced to some of the products. I produces a list of specific items I was interested in and John was really helpful in showing me these items. He set the system up so I could experience it, he made some suggestions which made the package even better. Nothing seemed too much trouble for him, he was very knowledgeable about the products and gave great advice. I didn't feel pressured to buy anything, or didn't feel that he was upselling at any point. I left with an amazing package and I'd like to thank John and the team for the fantastic experience.
Kaylay L.