Mola Mola Phonostage

Description

Overview

The Mola Mola phono stage is the vinyl front end from Dutch high-end specialist Mola Mola. It began life as an RIAA module for the company’s Makua preamplifier and grew into a standalone reference-class unit. Moving-magnet and moving-coil replay are handled by two fully independent input stages, each with its own short signal path, so both cartridge types are served without compromise.

Design & build

Like the rest of the Mola Mola range, the phono stage is built to an exacting standard, with the brand’s restrained, precisely finished casework. Rather than crowding the front panel with knobs, all adjustment is done in software and recalled from presets — keeping the audio circuit clean and the signal path as direct as possible.

Sound & performance

The design is optimised separately for each cartridge type: the moving-coil stage for current noise and the moving-magnet stage for voltage noise. Quoted input noise is 0.35nV/√Hz for moving coil and 0.9pA/√Hz for moving magnet, with harmonic and intermodulation distortion described by Mola Mola as not measurable — the foundation for a quiet, transparent and highly resolved presentation.

Key features

Gain is switchable in 5dB steps across a 40dB range, covering cartridge outputs from roughly 30µV to 5mV. Input resistance and capacitance are individually switchable, and settings are stored as presets, so several turntables or cartridges can be accommodated and recalled at the touch of a button.

Technology

Equalisation goes well beyond standard RIAA: the phono stage covers practically all known cutting curves, including most 78rpm records, with selectable time constants and bass-shelf options. RIAA conformance is quoted at ±0.1dB. Configuration is handled through the Mola Mola Remote app, with preferred setups saved to preset buttons for instant recall.

Specifications

Type: standalone moving-magnet / moving-coil phono stage. Gain: switchable in 5dB steps over a 40dB range. Sensitivity range: approximately 30µV to 5mV. Input noise: 0.35nV/√Hz (MC), 0.9pA/√Hz (MM). RIAA conformance: ±0.1dB. Equalisation: practically all known cutting curves, including most 78rpm. Loading: switchable input resistance and capacitance. Control: Mola Mola Remote app and stored presets.

Who it’s for

The Mola Mola phono stage suits the serious record collector who wants a genuinely reference-grade vinyl front end, the flexibility to run more than one cartridge, and the historical breadth to play early and mono pressings accurately — all set up once and recalled at will.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A phono stage of this class rewards careful matching to your turntable, cartridge and system. We can advise on cartridge loading and gain, demonstrate the difference it makes, and arrange delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to configure the right setup for your records.