Mola Mola's KULA is WIDE-EYED, WONDERFUL and EYE-WATERINGLY expensive

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This episode is brought to you by Roon:
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Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: John Darko | Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
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Show notes: darko.audio/2021/09/a-short-f...
0:00 Intro
4:16 vs. Peachtree GaN400 + PreDAC
9:23 Specs, reviewer challenges & Hegel H590
12:49 vs. Hegel H590 (with external Mola Mola Tambaqui)
19:35 Vroom Vroom
#molamola #highendaudio #amplifier
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2 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 191

@fernandonino86 2 года назад

I never owned any piece of high end audio gear, let alone anything in the Kula price tag. Still I absolutely love the way John explains and describes gear and its performance... it just feels as if I did the audio test myself.

@pennfootball71 2 года назад

This is my favorite video you ever did. I love Mola Mola and have the Kula Mono blocks connected to a Lampizator Baltic 2 dac/preamp on my YG Acoustics Carmel 2's

@MrBonger88 2 года назад

Wow, that’s an awesome system. I can only imagine how good it sounds

@radkokosoTT 2 года назад

Another great review John. I do like your genuine “non bullshit” style of explaining what means high-end audio for you and I also like the fact that you don’t judge units unless you have them side by side. Auditory memory is tricky and you know it would be not fair comparison. Very good work and pleasure to watch!

@henriksrensen3220 2 года назад

I listened to the Hegel 590 and i really liked it, but i chose the Gryphon Diablo 120, amazing amp.

@conkerman01 2 года назад

We love life is an incredible album.

@bencausey 2 года назад

Great vocabulary in descriptions, as usual. Well done.

@mrpositronia 2 года назад

Give me a hi-fi component that costs as much as a car, rather than a car itself, any day.

@joakimstrindberg5810 2 года назад

Enjoying, as always! Keep up your good work 👍🥳👏

@limp6986 2 года назад

Loved the car analogy! I give the same argument whenever someone is too vocal about how people like to spend their money.

@tedjensen8841 2 года назад

Another excellent video. Thank you. I see you are using the Wilson speakers for this review. Nice!

@divadgnol67 2 года назад

Loved it John.

@RobertMartin-hp5we 2 года назад

Congrat on 200k John love your videos . Even though I am more of home theatre guy. I love how you break down source component gear and explain things like DACS

@dano5184 2 года назад

Dano.. Loved this video ! Cheers John!

@matiaserp 2 года назад

Very nice! Great video.

@OG10 2 года назад

This is the best explanation of why we do what we do, shall show it to my friends who keep moaning at my gear choices whilst buying new cars every few years !

@MrEvhel83 2 года назад

Please continue to review high-end components like this. I want to see if you can get gear that tops the Mola Mola's performance =)

@warfam_clan6933 2 года назад

Maybe the Pathos Synapse PreAmp (£21,000) paired with 2 Pathos Adrenalin MonoBloks (£17,500 each) They use Inpol technology to produce anywhere from 20%-50% Class A output on 200W/Channel. Very nice when partnered with Focal Grand Utopia's.

@DarkoAudio 2 года назад

**PLEASE READ CAREFULLY** 1) Want more info? The show notes are here: darko.audio/2021/09/a-short-film-about-the-mola-mola-kula/ 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, please) 3) All comments are moderated by a third party

@aitchr8770 Год назад

Good review. What is interesting is that for that money some buyers expect a rather large amount of real estate, so boxes, bling, weight and you firmly steer your review away from those and focus on what matters, the sound. The use. The beauty. In fact, if you can beat those behemoths with a one box beauty it makes hi end hifi - audioholics dream - a liveable family friendly proposition.

@Malangsufi 2 года назад

I love your video, no matter whether I will buy it or not (most likely never as I'm a head-fier), but I love making myself a cup of coffee and watch your videos, over and over again.

@vladimirdorta6692 2 года назад

WOW! The Mola Mola talk is just an introduction because I see the Wilson TuneTots in the background, and with dedicated stands!

@barrybrennan2135 2 года назад

I've got my Kula hooked up to two 16" Subs in the back of my 97 Mondeo. Haven't bothered with speakers yet. Sounds wicked.

@rustygates3367 2 года назад

...let me get this straight, you bought a high-end Hi-Fi amplifier to hook up to SUBS in the back of your CAR?

@Richbroth 2 года назад

Troll

@szabolcserdesz9159 2 года назад

Good to see you are reviewing high-end too 👌

@benpit2762 2 года назад

Great assessment and review! I love both German cars and high end hi-fi gears 🤗

@Phil_f8andbethere 2 года назад

I love your descriptions of what you are hearing - something I find difficult to do beyond a certain limited point. Have you ever thought of doing 10 second sound snippets from some of the tracks that you tested and then playing them back to back in your videos so that we can hear the differences ourselves? I know this would be a huge time consuming undertaking, but would really add even more meaning to your descriptions. Love your videos John, keep up the great work.

@joemehalic4069 2 года назад

Another great review! I think their Makua preamp would be a better choice IF you have a power amp of your choosing. With that pre, you get two XLR outs and you can add the Mola Mola DAC as well. Even their Phono Stage is you'd like. Their are 5 XLR/RCA inputs, so no restriction on adding whatever other inputs you'd like as well.

@albertsword2560 2 года назад

Crikey! And I thought I owned some pretty good gear! Lovely stuff JD, beautifully and philosophically explained. Thank you.

@chrisocallaghan4539 2 года назад

I love the Monet analogy.

@Z-u-m-a 2 года назад

Interesting review and useful SQ descriptions. I had a Ncore-based amp for a while. Blown away at first by the (as you referred to) micro detail and sense of quiet space. Could be stunningly spooky on some music. Long term though (talking months) it got too much. Lacked a believability, especially in the top end, and seemed to de-nature things. Different model but still.

@tigerfish66 2 года назад

Love the look of those Wilson TuneTot's, I have never heard a pair, but the looks for me, are ultra cool.

@stevehamilton3181 2 года назад

Just watched Steve’s vid on super high end gear and was mumbling to myself “ya, well only for the rich”. Started watching this and was mumbling the same. Then you made your analogy to car ownership. Well put! And as an aside, while I do really enjoy the gear you show, I cannot help having my eye always be drawn to the really nice 4 drawer chest you use for an audio stand. I think you have said it before, so much of the gear and set up is about aesthetics.

@Drackleyrva 2 года назад

Listening to this stuff on the Tune Tots must be an incredible experience. Thanks John!

@lukeatkins9137 2 года назад

You know I thought exactly that too. I’d love to hear this setup

@carmenandthedevil2804 2 года назад

I like your attitude towards Hi End Audio. You have got a lot better in reviewing. I was a fan of HP and his reference was Carnegie Hall, which he visited regularly. To say you only compare to the references in the room is similar and I like your explanation. Good stuff.

@photoipster 2 года назад

I really do appreciate your reviews. Will you ever review any tube amps? Prima Luna? McIntosh? Vinni Rossi?

@dougg1075 2 года назад

Cool music dude:)

@happytimeswithdave8670 2 года назад

Nice video brother

@zloinaopako 2 года назад

Lovely to see you so excited and pleased with the new toys John.

@barryjoyce9249 2 года назад

Great review John, the continual upgrade on DACs is an interesting ride, I stated 18 months ago with a Qutest (great dac for the $$$) and then it grew up and magically turned into a TT2 😂 then came the Mscaler. And finally I now have a dCS Bartok - will it ever end. Hahaha

@Richbroth 2 года назад

Never

@anthonyhopkin 2 года назад

Thanks John for another interesting discussion. This makes my Mscaler/HugoTT2/Leema look quite budget ;¬D Greetings to you and yours.

@joshuawarren9891 2 года назад

Really great point about prospective owners at the end and the comparison (analogy?) with/to car ownership. I just sold my Superb...

@shanestephenson8423 2 года назад

Nice video John it certainly is a lot of money 💰 I've heard a few differing opinions about the DAC most liked it but there are a few reviewer's that are not as gushingly positive given its price point. Haven't heard either so cannot commit. That's why I enjoyed your video 😁🎧👍

@robertjohnson5127 2 года назад

John, outstanding presentation, as usual. Thanks for your contribution to the audio space. I compared the audionote level 3 DAC to the Mola DAC and the Dave DAC. The audionote was superior by a wide margin and about the same price. Suggest you give it a try. I use Pass Labs amplification which also helps. In my setup, Digital noise disappears … like playing an LP. Also, old recordings sound much better.

@eliasron6464 4 месяца назад

Matter of taste...I´ve done the same and from my perspective the results were quite different

@nunofernandes4501 2 года назад

Absolutely. Recently I got to a point in life where I wouldn't consider myself rich but could finally afford better things. I still drive my perfectly capable 1997 Rover 414Si but at home I listen to music through a Rega Elex-R amp, Marantz CD6006 and Dali Oberon 5 speakers. Quite a humble system which nevertheless gives me much more pleasure than any car ever could.

@warfam_clan6933 2 года назад

Top review, John. Get some high-end Pathos gear in. Synapse and Adrenalin should do the trick. I hear they kick royal behind!

@peterd1364 2 года назад

I do like the way you talk about car ownership and hi end audio, unfortunately I do need a car but its not an expensive one and I do own a great HiFi set up but that's not an expensive one either, horses for courses, champagne taste beer money. Great video as always tho...

@aceofspades6667 2 года назад

Not sure that Mola Mola Tambaqui is the "best" but it certainly is on a short list of great dacs. Linn klimax dsm2 katalyst , MSB Select II, Berkeley Alpha Ref 2, Nagra HD dac, Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref G2, Totaldac D1, Waversa WVDAC MK2, Concert Fidelity DAC-040, and Lampizator Golden Gate 2 would also be on that list.

@lukerabin5079 2 года назад

I went to that exhibition. It was really amazing, even though I had seen so many of the pieces at at least four other galleries in different cities. I wonder, too, if the difference was (in some rooms) the hard Australian light?

@dudemastermaster8944 2 года назад

Thanks for the great video and production quality. I am not sure about the car analogy imho. Where as the car for many people still is a necessity in life and therefor has to be bought I can’t think of a reason High-End Audio shouldn’t be called for that what it is: A luxury product. Perhaps some people might see this comparison as a bit middle European snobbery. (I am not stating, that you meant it this way, just saying). Therefor it perhaps would be more adequate to compare the Amp with a Sunday driver like a roadster or Harley Davidson or whatever, some people buy themselves when they retire… cheers and take care.

@RuiChambel 2 года назад

At this price, it would be nice to see a comparison with the Dan D’Agostino Progression. If someone's going to sell a car (or kidney) to buy an amplifier, at least he/she should consider the alternatives

@buffal0bilious 2 года назад

About halfway through the video, I had the thought, "I sure hope Mola Mola attends RMAF in 2022. It'd be a blast to get to experience this thing just once," and then I remembered. Bummer.

@kloppsliverpudlians88 2 года назад

Best review yet! Super surprised about the outcome of the Hegel / Tambaqui vs Kula comparison as the Hegel has 2X the power, so really expected the power difference to manifest in the comparison. What am I missing?

@Nonsensei-OG 2 года назад

It's hard to say whether this could at some point be affordable to me, though your auto-spending example really makes a good point about values. More interestingly, you, and some other reviewers, have been describing some remarkably capable Class D amplifiers rivaling the vaunted characteristics of class A-B amps. These high-end advancements have high-end price tags, but these proof of concept amps also invite capable, ambitious amplifier manufacturers to develop similar performance technology (especially the less esoteric designs) at a lesser price point. Automobiles are a great example of how expensive technological features at the luxury end eventually work their way down to the plebeian level. Thank you for an illuminating view of what is coming our way.

@toffe2ventil Год назад

Would like to see/hear a comparison between the Mola mola amps and the Devialet amps. How for example the 1000pro would compare with the Mola mola. The Devialet has even lesser distortion and higher SNR ratio.

@rickp6731 Год назад

This would be the perfect amp for the Qualio Audio IQ Speakers the End-Game Speakers

@MaximeTrepreau 2 года назад

great review thanks, more expensive stuff please

@bartvanransbeeck1341 2 года назад

I had belcanto evo amplifier...nice sounding , but when i put back my grundig amplifier from the 80ies i was chocked how much more musical it sounded the grundig!!!! It was played on alnico tad 11inch with ess amt ....this italian audiophile who made the grundig story site has good ears...i hear the same way....and have listened to lots ...also high end in my shop in brussels....

@CanOlum 2 года назад

Funny branding reading the title as a Turkish. If you travel from Izmir to Ankara, you take a break/time-out (which is called 'Mola' in Turkish) in the town called 'Kula'. So you take a 'Mola' in 'Kula'. :)

@EM-ke8is 2 года назад

Great video ,I'm sure it sounds amazing , I'm a bit confused I would think Class D would be more efficient and not run so hot as you stated .Especially at this price , nominal temperature being so high what's the long term life cycle . If you're a middle class consumer this is definitely a heavy chunk of change if you're willing to take the plunge .

@kimchee411 2 года назад

It doesn't run that hot. I measured 104-108 F on the top of the unit after running all day. Hot for Class D, yes. Compared to Class A, no. Class AB Boulder 866 runs about the same temp.. The heat might be because of the Tambaqui DAC, which supposedly runs pretty toasty on its own.

@dougg1075 2 года назад

Volume knob sounds like a fishing reel. If that’s on purpose it’s very cool

@neilparnell2089 2 года назад

Mad thing about cars too...they sit outside for 93% of the time unused....my 30k hifi is used all day long

@geraldmcmullon2465 2 года назад

:) In choosing a car I didn't want to spend more on it than I had done on my hi-fi. The second most expensive purchase in most house holds is a car. I made sure it was my hi-fi.

@netnakul 2 года назад

Wow, went to see Monet in Canberra around 20 years ago as well! Migjt have walked pass each other.

@polarbear2335 2 года назад

Enjoyed the video. btw Ceremony is originally a Joy Division song.

@tigertiger1699 2 года назад

Your listening skills are amazingly highly developed.. just astounding .. cheers for sharing your expertise 👍🙏

@MrBonger88 2 года назад

Those Furutech binding posts are pretty

@markielinhart 2 года назад

Nice one. You’re nearly at 200k subscribers and deservedly so 👏🌹🇦🇺✌️

@shaunjp2211 2 года назад

Hi great interesting video as always , but this amp surly has diminishing return. It’s very high end, but is it really so much of an improvement over the Hegel. Price verses what you can hear the difference is it so profound to warrant the extra? If it’s night opposed to day then yes I’ve answered my own question. However if it’s twilight opposed to sunset ? The difference is only slight between light and dark at this time!

@dilbyjones 2 года назад

Word!

@user-oj6jn5ii6e 2 года назад

"I couldn’t give a shit about cars." Liked and subscribed. 👍

@claudiuswaldschutz9179 2 года назад

Exactly the review I was waiting for. Thinking about getting rid of some boxes. If I understand it correctly, I could even get rid of my innuos streamer?

@ChrisMag100 2 года назад

As long as you are using Roon, yes. Otherwise, you’ll need a streamer. The Mola Mola’s Ethernet input is a Roon endpoint only.

@_AJH_ 2 года назад

As someone who has only ever used an av receiver coupled with an amplifier, I’d love to hear a comparison for stereo reproduction from an AV receiver to a pure stereo box.

@ulfthereaper71 2 года назад

I´m using a Marantz sr 7012 with a xtz edge A2 300 power amplifier it sounds incredible on my Monitor audio Silver 300😊

@ulfthereaper71 2 года назад

🤣🤣😉😉

@esperoutdoors9421 2 года назад

another great vid. although complete out of budget for me. Im wondering/hoping you might do a review of the ONKYO TX-RZ50 ?

@steelbiker70 4 месяца назад

That amps sounds nice, but I would really need at least one pre output for my headphone amp. So the preamp with integrated dac would be the better choice. A second pre out might be needed for subwoofers.

@diwakerverma9931 2 года назад

it would be interesting to see how this sits along other Class D Amps like Devialet Expert and Bel Canto. black EX integrated.

@henriksrensen3220 2 года назад

I owned Devialet expert amplifier, not my cup of tea

@connorduke4619 2 года назад

Meantime the designer of Hypex Ncore has released the overall improved Purifi Eigentakt modules, as now seen on NAD C298 and T+A A 200.

@melvinsng2292 2 года назад

Another good video John as i have been eyeing the Tambacqui and Kula. However, I haven't been convinced about Class D amps. I have the Mytek brooklyn Bridge paired with the Brooklyn Amp running to a pair of ELAC Vela 407. Unfortunately i found the sound to be muffled and lacking in clarity and transparency as you suggested in your review of the Bridge and Amp. I am not sure why and can only conclude that it is because the amp is Class D. A now thinking of the Schiit Ragnarok 2 which is a Class AB integrated as a means of improving sound quality. Would very much appreciate your views and comments. Thanks John

@ulfthereaper71 2 года назад

Great review😊 Sadly i will never could afford to buy one now that i´m on a type of sick pension after a stroke i got in 2017 i have a xtz edge A2300 klass d poweramp and a Marantz sr7012 9.2 surround amp as preamplifier.😉

@JasonChurch1992 2 года назад

Yes, Yes, Yes... I dig it all. Totally understand comparisons with equipment on hand. However, would you mind "speculating" what speakers might be a good match for this setup? I am a MartinLogan fanboy myself (ESLs currently). But, I don't think the 150W per channel would do most electrostatics justice. Love you to provide an answer/feedback... BUT, anyone reading this have any recommendations??? Thanks a million.

@RJ_Chicago 2 года назад

Thanks for the good review John. In the same Class D vein, wouldn’t it be great if you could review some class D amps from Jeff Rowland Design Group? Thanks!

@justadad2304 2 года назад

I second this. (Yes, I know your policy on comparisons as you reminded us so clearly in this video.) Rowland's Continuum S2 and Boulder's 866 are two integrated amps with DACs that I think are in a similar price category. Or at least close enough that a shopper might want to hear your opinion on each of them.

@Revelator2025 Год назад

We could go further and suggest AGD Audion or Gran Vivace GaN class D amps. It’s what I own (Audions) and deeply love.

@MartinHAndersen 2 года назад

Loved the review 😘 does anyone know the brand of the rack?

@Another_Audiophile 2 года назад

since it is all in one box I am not sure if this is a uber highly expensive device. Haven't heard the item but if the SQ quality is as described then I would call it a bargain rather a very expensive unit. One box and speakers for lets say 30k and you are done. not bad at all

@IGBPI314 2 года назад

Awesome review ! Thank You , I always enjoy listening to your descriptions. Especially like your ".. Couldn't give a sh... about a car" over good Hi-Fi :-) The downer for me: If this device gets so hot you can't touch, it'll inevitably reduce the lifetime. That is an irrefutable law in electronics. Not cool for a device in this price range....

@OrganNLou 2 года назад

Find out which Class D module they use, add a highly regulated power supply, along with an R2R dac module PRESTO and you have a great integrated amplifier for way less money!

@thewaygokid3135 Год назад

Great review! At 14:40 You said the Mola Mola has more speed. Are you sure it’s speed or maybe faster decay?

@ronlel6773 2 года назад

John, I would love it if you could do a comparison of the Tambaqui and the EMM DV2. Now that would be of super interest.

@budroe4057 2 года назад

Tempting. What is the equipment rack always seen in the video reviews?

@igorcosta8559 2 года назад

Hey John, if you have with you the H390 and H590, would you say that they are pretty much the same? I'm very curious to know about it, as I love Hegel products and I'm a user of the H120.

@MarcusOolay 2 года назад

Jazz! 👍

@rv3896 2 месяца назад

Question: what is the best way in your opinion to connect Spotify to the Kula with Tambaqui DaC board? Yes, I use room and other stuff with higher rates as well, but sometimes you just want to use Spotify with its rich library. Thank you so much for your great reviews in which you are so good to explain audio experiences with words and analogies. It helped me to go for the Kula🤙👍

@robertthurston6858 2 года назад

Hi John, maybe a follow-up of your insights into the phono section of the KULA's while you have would be good ? Thanks Rob

@MrDagon007 2 года назад

Hypex class D modules. If it’s the better ones then those are nCore, in essence the same power amp modules as are in the several times more affordable Nad M10. Sounds even more expensive now, right. And at half price of the Kuhla you could go for the Nad M33 which has the purifi amp (same designer as nCore, but an ultimate even better circuit). It has BluOs and Dirac. Honestly this makes the Kuhla horribly expensive for what it is. It would be great if Darko could setup a comparison with the M33.

@davidgill2520 2 года назад

Hello from Montreal, it seem a natural progression for the audiophile who been it the hobby for a while and wants to down size without giving up quality features. Money wise, if you add up all your components and cables of your existing system you'll see that an integrated like this is a bargain. This is not geared together the new audiophile, well it could be... Specific question pertaining to this amp, why does it get hot? Take care

@peterlarkin762 2 года назад

Good point regarding no magic bullets in hifi tech... Trends come and go, but good overall design is eternal. Also, this amp had no preouts/power-ins. Wtf. Also, the main caps are made by Samwha. No issues with that. Just saying. P.S., cars were my hobby for years. No garage and crap weather, so now I Diy audio inside and have nice speakers. Far more rewarding!

@JogieGlenMait16 2 года назад

Eye-wateringly expensive. Yes. I whole-heartedly agree.

@philipmanger4859 2 года назад

Dear Mr. Darko, I am on the verge of purchasing a HIFI Racks PODIUM XL in white (like yours). I happen to have a Hegel H390 and am concerned that it is too deep for the standard depth of the rack (for which the standard depth is listed at 400mm). Do you have a custom depth, or does your H390 fit on the standard depth on the white rack you have? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I really enjoy your videos and I find the tone and rhythm of your voice very soothing. Best wishes, Philip

@harisjaved1379 2 года назад

New class D ncore amps are here to stay! However I don’t think this amp should cost this much! Marantz PM10 or NAD 33 might get you the same performance for 70% to 80% less price. I have a Hegel h580 and it has been a superb integrated. I have ordered a PM I0 for bedroom setup

@garydurler5603 2 года назад

Up in Esoteric price range; it should sound great!

@trudimcleod5042 2 года назад

The Kula amp is a Hypex-type D-class, whereas the Hegel is class A/B, more conventional, did John take into account the expected differences between the 2 types of amps? Also I wonder how would the Kula compare with the much more affordable with the NAD C298, of which I have not seen any reviews.

@rickg8015 2 года назад

I was hoping you’d take a peek inside the Kula… There’s a mastering studio in Japan which runs a Tambaqui for digital playback..

@DarkoAudio 2 года назад

Couldn't easily open the case but internal shots are in the show notes. And there's a mastering studio here in Berlin that also uses a Tambaqui for playback.

@christophernoto 2 года назад

You know, John, one way you could add some value to your reviews, without breaking your thoroughly admirable "I won't compare gear to anything I don't currently have in the house." rule would be to compare all the gear you review against some piece of reference gear that you keep, always, in the house.

@Z-u-m-a 2 года назад

Good idea

@phnelson033 2 года назад

I never know whether it's more accurate to to call Ceremony a Joy Division or New Order tune. Technically it's in the New Order catalog...but also technically, I believe they were still Joy Division when they put together the song. So it's in the Joy Division/New Order DMZ grey zone.

@dizzyraskolnikov1853 2 года назад

There's nowt demilitarized in that zone ;)

@carlitomelon4610 2 года назад

Wow...I remember when I first experienced that Ceremony (in a lonely place)! I'm going to dig out my 12" single of Atmosphere/She's Lost Control. Thanks for that present Jill...wonder where you ended up? (music nostalgia:-) 🎶🤫🎶