Of the two models, I think that the Makua preamp, especially when outfitted with the optional DAC and phono modules, is the real sleeper here. Don't get me wrong. The Kaluga mono amps are stunning as well, quiet, powerful, lithe, and remarkably transparent to sources and recordings. But the Makua has that "hard to pin down" X-factor going for it, a stealth-like quality that elevates the preamp into the upper echelons of the very best components on the market, regardless of price. To my ears the DAC's performance really stands out here, as well it should at the hefty $8,200 asking price. For your financial troubles, the Makua DAC gifts to you the most "transparent to sources and recordings" digital source component I have ever heard. Feed it a clean signal from a top-tier feed-forward device like the superb AURALiC ARIES G1 Wireless Streaming Transporter and you will, I strongly suspect, need to re-evaluate your unwavering allegiance to your $10,000 turntable / tonearm combo.
