Phono Preamplifiers

The Mola Mola Remote app, for iOS and Android devices, acts as a Bluetooth controller across the range, the interface adapting to the model in use – if you have more than one Mola Mola product in your system, they will appear as a list on the home screen. For the Lupe phono stage, the main menu window is simply a choice of its four presets, although an overall device settings page also allows you to choose the brightness of the front panel LEDs and the display; turn the display off completely; and re-name both the device and the presets – handy for remembering which connected cartridge or turntable requires which one.

Once a preset is selected, a button at the top of the screen invites its configuration. For MM cartridges, gains of 45dB and 50dB are available, plus loads of 18k, 30k, 47k, 75k and 120kohm and capacitance options of 0, 50, 100, 150, 220, 270, 330 and 380pF. For MC, the gain settings are 52, 57, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82 and 87dB with resistive loads of 60, 100, 150, 250, 400, 650ohm and 1kohm. The desired input and output sockets can also be chosen, along with RIAA and historical LP replay curves, including tweaks to the upper and lower time constants, and bass shelf adjustments.

Finally, polarity inversion, mono, subsonic filter and triggers are all toggled via a series of virtual buttons. All changes take effect instantly for easy comparisons, while exiting the edit mode automatically saves your preferences. It's very logically laid out and a doddle to use, ensuring the Lupe is an archival-quality phono amp fit for the 21st century!