We’re proud to announce the availability of Mola Mola’s high-end Tambaqui DAC to UK audiophiles

Are you moving to digital?

With so many rarities available from online platforms, the need to share your collection across formats is fast becoming essential. But do you always crave the full performance and character of the analogue original?

Our friends at esoteric audio separates maestro Mola Mola have made the acclaimed discrete DAC section from their Makua preamplifier available as a separate unit. Dubbed the Tambaqui, it’s the perfect upgrade for system owners wanting the very finest audio quality from their digital sources while preserving the chemistry of their beloved systems.

The Tambaqui’s famously virtuoso D/A conversion comprises a two board stack

Via the first, incoming digital audio is upsampled to 3.125MHz/32 bits and converted to a noise shaped PWM signal which is fed to twin mono DACs on the second board. Their discrete 32- stage Finite-Impulse-Response (FIR) output stages combined with 4th order filtering I/V converters turn the PWM into analogue with a breath-taking 130dB SNR. Uniquely, distortion remains below the noise floor even for full scale signals.

In addition to its peerless system upgrade capabilities, the inclusion of a lossless digital volume control, Roon Ready functionality and headphone outputs allow the Tambaqui to perform as the control hub of a minimalist audio set-up for digital audio enthusiasts. This DAC, combined with a pair of Mola-Mola Kaluga monoblocks, constitutes the finest digital replay chain available, irrespective of price.

Inputs include Optical (Toslink), S/PDIF, AES/EBU (XLR), USB type B, Ethernet (Roon Ready), Bluetooth (A2DP, APTX), I²S over HDMI. Outputs are balanced (XLR), balanced headphone (4-pin XLR), 6.3mm headphone jack and programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm jack). The Tambaqui supports 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). Control is via handset or via the Mola-Mola App.

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 lock

CONTROL

• 4 programmable presets

• Remote control (premium)

• Mola Mola remote app

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

• 200mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 320mm (D); 5.2kg

Available now