Mola Mola Phonostage

An archival grade phono stage

What was originally intended to be a simple RIAA add-on for the Makua Preamp has quickly spiraled into the quietest and probably most versatile phono stage ever built. MC/MM input stages are optimized for current noise and voltage noise respectively. Unlike the more common arrangement of an MC head amp feeding into the MM stage, the two stages are fully independent, realizing an equally short signal path for both. 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 used, including most 78RPM.

All settings are software controllable, either on the fly using a smart-phone and tablet via the Mola Mola Remote app or directly stored under the preset buttons. The preamp can be configured to route any input through the phono stage, this allows you to have multiple turntables and cartridges connected.

Phono foto
Phono foto
Phono foto

Key features

Performance

Input noise (MC): 0.35nV/rtHz
Input noise (MM): 0.9pA/rtHz
Sensitivity: variable from 30uV to 5mV
THD, IMD: not measurable
RIAA conformance: +/-0.1dB

Available time constants

t1: 200, 250, 318, 400, 450us
t2: 50, 64, 75, 100us
bass shelf: 14, 18, 20dB