Mola Mola has developed the RIAA phono stage from its Makua pre-amplifier and Kula integrated amplifier to create an enhanced standalone component dubbed Lupe, which aptly appears to be German for magnifying glass given those small signals it will be taking care of.
However, the Lupe phono stage is much more than a standalone version of Mola Mola's previous design. The company tells us that it has re-engineered the design, equipping the Lupe with fully independent MC/MM stages, each with short signal paths, each optimised for low current noise and voltage noise, respectively.
Mola Mola is proud of its Lupe, boasting it is "the quietest and probably most versatile phono stage ever built". The latter brag is down to the high-end phono stage, featuring several levels of fine signal adjustment. Input gain is switchable in 5dB steps over a 40dB range. Input resistance and capacitance are individually switchable. Available EQ settings cover practically all known cutting curves, including 78 RPM.
Mola Mola states that Lupe's input noise is rated at 0.35nV/rtHz (MC) and 0.9pA/rtHz (MC) with RIAA conformance +/-0.1dB.
For user-friendliness, fine calibration via analogue switches is controlled via the Mola Mola Remote app or stored directly under preset buttons. Furthermore, Lupe can route any of the four inputs - three single-ended and one balanced - through the phono stage, allowing multiple turntables and/or cartridges to be connected. Finally, there are two outputs: balanced and single-ended.
Complete with a dedicated power supply and subsonic filter (-3dB @20Hz), and with an 'at a glance' display set within Lupe's half-sized (110 x 200 x 320mm (HxWxD) rippled chassis, promising effortless control as you maximise vinyl performance.
The Mola Mola Lupe has a UK RRP of £7,299 and is available now.
Mola Mola Lupe will be displayed at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, Ascot Racecourse, Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2023.
Visit Mola Mola for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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