Mola Mola

ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGEWith the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalist, we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via USB or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them.   Vinl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through.   The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free. I/O5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, all routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage.2 parallel outputs for bi-amping.4 programmable trigger outputs.​ProcessingBalance and input gain offset.Phase invert and mono sum.Full software control of routing and processing​PerformanceMaximum input/output level: 20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9 uVInput impedance: 100 kohmOutput impedance: 44 ohmDistortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB.Bandwidth >200 kHzGain range: -70 dB to +15 dB.Gain resolution:

ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGEWith the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalist, we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via USB or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them.   Vinl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through.   The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free. I/O5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, all routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage.2 parallel outputs for bi-amping.4 programmable trigger outputs.​ProcessingBalance and input gain offset.Phase invert and mono sum.Full software control of routing and processing​PerformanceMaximum input/output level: 20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9 uVInput impedance: 100 kohmOutput impedance: 44 ohmDistortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB.Bandwidth >200 kHzGain range: -70 dB to +15 dB.Gain resolution:

ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGEWith the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalist, we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via USB or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them.   Vinl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through.   The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free. I/O5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, all routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage.2 parallel outputs for bi-amping.4 programmable trigger outputs.​ProcessingBalance and input gain offset.Phase invert and mono sum.Full software control of routing and processing​PerformanceMaximum input/output level: 20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9 uVInput impedance: 100 kohmOutput impedance: 44 ohmDistortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB.Bandwidth >200 kHzGain range: -70 dB to +15 dB.Gain resolution:

ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGEWith the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalist, we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via USB or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them.   Vinl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through.   The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free. I/O5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, all routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage.2 parallel outputs for bi-amping.4 programmable trigger outputs.​ProcessingBalance and input gain offset.Phase invert and mono sum.Full software control of routing and processing​PerformanceMaximum input/output level: 20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9 uVInput impedance: 100 kohmOutput impedance: 44 ohmDistortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB.Bandwidth >200 kHzGain range: -70 dB to +15 dB.Gain resolution:

Responding to popular demand, Mola Mola launched the famous discrete DAC from the Makua as a separate unit.Mola Mola’s Tambaqui DAC is the perfect upgrade for owners of complete high-end systems who want to retain the characteristic sound of their existing preamplifier whilst lifting their digital sources to another level. The converter is a two board stack. On the first board, all incoming digital audio is upsampled to 3.125MHz/32 bits and converted to noise shaped PWM. On the other board are two mono DACs, in which a discrete 32- stage FIR DAC and a single-stage 4th order filtering I/V converter, convert the PWM into analogue with a breathtaking 130dB SNR. This is near the theoretical limit for 24-bit files and far beyond that of even quad-speed DSD. Uniquely, distortion remains below the noise floor even for full scale signals.With the addition of a lossless digital volume control and headphone outputs, it is also the ideal control hub of a minimalist audio system for music lovers who have moved on to a digital sources only system. This DAC, combined with a pair of Mola Mola Kaluga monoblocks constitutes the finest digital replay chain available, irrespective of price.Operating PrinciplePWM 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/OOptical (Toslink)S/PDIF (Cinch)AES/EBU (XLR)USB type BEthernet (Roon Ready)Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, APTX, LDAC)I²S over HDMIBalanced output (XLR)Headphone output (6.3mm Jack, Balanced XLR 4pin)2 programmable trigger outputs (3.5mm Jack)Processing balance and input gain offsetSelectable output levelsPhase invertSupported formatsPCM 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)PerformanceFull-Scale Output Level (XLR): 18dBuFull-Scale Output Level (headphone): 18dBuSignal to Noise Ratio: 130dBTHD, IMD: not measurable (estimated -140dB)Bandwidth: Up to 80kHz (apodizing response)Integrated jitter:

CLASS D HAS NEVER BEEN SO GOOD. COME TO THINK OF IT, NEITHER HAS CLASS A...pow webKaluga is based on world's most sought after class D technology: Ncore. Also designed by Bruno Putzeys, this circuit packs 20 years of research and experience into non-linear control theory.  Unprecedentedly low distortion, noise and output impedance combine into what scores of enthusiastic users unanimously describe as “no sonic signature at all”. Just music, glorious music. ncore webFor instance, the two supposedly unassailable strongholds of class A amplifiers are linearity and output impedance, at high frequencies. Plotted below are the output impedance as a function of frequency and the output spectrum in a high power (400W), high frequency IMD test. In both cases Kaluga outperforms any power amplifier, regardless of technology, operating class or asking price, of which such test results are available. The amplifier board is a Mola-Mola-specific design deriving from the famous NC1200 amplifier. The audio circuitry is trimmed to the bare bones and board-to-board connectors are eliminated in favour of soldering a pair of star-quad cables directly into the circuit board for the cleanest, lowest impedance connection possible. The input stage is moved to a separate circuit board that uses the same discrete buffers as those found in the Makua. The redesigned output filter sports monolithic capacitors whose dielectric stability is reflected in an impressively neutral and poised rendition.The days of compromising power efficiency for audio performance are finally over: the Kaluga delivers definitive audio performance with power efficiency thrown in as a bonus. PerformanceOutput power: 400 W/8 ohm700W/4 ohm1200W/2 ohmGain: 28 dBUnweighted Signal/Noise Ratio: 128 dBDistortion (THD, IMD): 50 kHzI/OBalanced and unbalanced input.2 pairs of Furutech binding posts, biwired directly to the amplifier PCB using Kubala·Sosna cable.Left: Output impedance vs frequency. Right: Output spectrum for a 18.5kHz+19.5kHz 200W+200W (4 ohm) testDimensions and Weight200mm(W) x 110mm (H) x 335mm (D). Depth includes speaker terminals.7kg​

ANALOGUE DESIGN FOR A DIGITAL AGEWith the knowledge in hand to design minimally invasive electronics without needing to be minimalist, we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete. The basic Makua is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit optional extras, most notably a DAC and a phono stage. The 6 preset buttons are programmable via USB or Bluetooth to access any combination of channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons would be programmed to select between them.   Vinl lovers on the other hand might want to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line. All stages in the Makua use discrete amplifier modules in a little known topology called “single-ended driven differential”. Compared to doubly executed signal paths, this structure prevents noise from propagating all the way through.   The Makua is amazingly immune to influences like mains quality and choice of interlinks. The relay-based volume control directly controls the gain of the output stage. Dynamic range and linearity of this arrangement is much greater than those of stepped attenuators. Operation is smooth and entirely glitch free. I/O5 balanced and 5 unbalanced inputs, all routable through optional processor boards like the phono stage.2 parallel outputs for bi-amping.4 programmable trigger outputs.​ProcessingBalance and input gain offset.Phase invert and mono sum.Full software control of routing and processing​PerformanceMaximum input/output level: 20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)Unweighted noise voltage at unity gain: 1.9 uVInput impedance: 100 kohmOutput impedance: 44 ohmDistortion at maximum signal level (THD, IMD): not measurable, estimated around -150dB.Bandwidth >200 kHzGain range: -70 dB to +15 dB.Gain resolution: