Product Strengths

• Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
• Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
• Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
• Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
• Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC

Product Considerations

• BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
• Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
• Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
• Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
• Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
• Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
• The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable

Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.

Product Strengths

• Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
• Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
• Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
• Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
• Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
• Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically

Product Considerations

• The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
• A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
• Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
• With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
• There are so many options, that it may be changed too far

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
• Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC

Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
• Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
• High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
• Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system

Product Considerations

• Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
• The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
• When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
• It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
• Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease

Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
• Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
• Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
• Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
• Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical

Product Considerations

• The volume control lacks a digital readout
• Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
• There are only two XLR inputs
• The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
• Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
• Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
• Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth

Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.

Product Strengths

• Exemplary build quality with a solid aluminum chassis and striking design, making it visually distinctive
• Offers a very neutral sound signature that allows the connected components and music to shine through without adding its own coloration
• Delivers excellent timing, detail retrieval, and dynamics, contributing to a lively and engaging listening experience
• Provides a smooth and open sound while retaining detail and dynamics
• Offers input flexibility with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as a USB charging port for devices like DACs or smartphones

Product Considerations

• Has a lower output level compared to some other preamplifiers, requiring higher volume settings to achieve the same listening levels
• The source selection method via the volume knob can be a little over-engineered and less user-friendly than dedicated buttons or a rotary dial
• The balance control lacks a tactile center notch, which some users might find inconvenient
• The AV bypass mode can be easily engaged, potentially causing damage to speakers if the connected AV amp has a high volume setting
• A phono stage and headphone output are lacking

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Naim NAC 82: Ultima Pre 3 offers additional warmth and a marginally smoother presentation, but is less incisive
• Vs The Bespoke Audio Company Passive Preamplifier: The Ultima Pre 3 extracts more clarity from the power amplifier and pushes dynamics more exceptionally—but with a small loss of treble resolution
• Vs NAD M23: The Ultima Pre 3 (paired with the Ultima 6) brings out the scale, dynamics, and energy of the music to a higher degree

Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 is a well-built and visually striking preamplifier that allows the music to shine through. It's a great fit for a hifi system if a neutral sound, a lively and dynamic sound, and flexibility for different listening experiences are desired.