This is just an initial report on the Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref DAC and it contains only one word. WOW! And this is only the "baby" dac from AC.
This is just an initial report on the Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref DAC and it contains only one word. WOW! And this is only the "baby" dac from AC.
Just found an interesting online review of this DAC:
http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/04/aries-cerat-kassandra-mk2-dac-review.html
The review is particularly interesting in terms of some of the design details provided. The Kassandra's architecture very much reminds me of that of the upper Audio Note DACs. For example, both utilize the AD1865 DAC chip, both utilize transformer I/V and both utilize an transformer-loaded vacuum tube analog gain stage. It also appears to me the Kassandra is probably a digital-filter-less design (NOS), as do the Audio Note DACs, but I didn't see this specifically mentioned in the review.
However, there are major differences in the two architectures as well. Most obvious is that the Kassandra utilizes a massively parallel implementation of multiple AD1865s, whereas Audio Note utilizes a single AD1865. The digital input reciever (S/PDIF) and jitter suppression architectures are likely also quite different. All told, I wonder if Cerat and Audio Note DACS share a more similar sound character than not.
Just found an interesting online review of this DAC:
http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/04/aries-cerat-kassandra-mk2-dac-review.html
The review is particularly interesting in terms of some of the design details provided. The Kassandra's architecture very much reminds me of that of the upper Audio Note DACs. For example, both utilize the AD1865 DAC chip, both utilize transformer I/V and both utilize an transformer-loaded vacuum tube analog gain stage. It also appears to me the Kassandra is probably a digital-filter-less design (NOS), as do the Audio Note DACs, but I didn't see this specifically mentioned in the review.
However, there are major differences in the two architectures as well. Most obvious is that the Kassandra utilizes a massively parallel implementation of multiple AD1865s, whereas Audio Note utilizes a single AD1865. The digital input reciever (S/PDIF) and jitter suppression architectures are likely also quite different. All told, I wonder if Cerat and Audio Note DACS share a more similar sound character than not.
Hmmm Interesting observation with the apparent similarity to the Audio Note UK Dacs--I've owned both the AN 4.1X Bal and DAC5 Signature--used with a TLO and Jadis JD1 Drives /Stereovox Tombo Dig Link
In both cases the sound was glorious smooth and yes(Sic!) analogue in presentation. However I found the combos whilst pleasant and enjoyable the seemingly lack of impact and dynamic contrasts was a slight concern-whether this was due to the NOS design not sure.
Hmmm Interesting observation with the apparent similarity to the Audio Note UK Dacs--I've owned both the AN 4.1X Bal and DAC5 Signature--used with a TLO and Jadis JD1 Drives /Stereovox Tombo Dig Link
In both cases the sound was glorious smooth and yes(Sic!) analogue in presentation. However I found the combos whilst pleasant and enjoyable the seemingly lack of impact and dynamic contrasts was a slight concern--whether this was due to the NOS design not sure.
Both sets have now gone from my "repertoire" and the Impact and Drive has returned in spades to my CD playback with the NAIM CD555--that is one helluva Player!
Horses for Courses
BruceD
That's an audionote kondo signature
Hmmm Interesting observation with the apparent similarity to the Audio Note UK Dacs--I've owned both the AN 4.1X Bal and DAC5 Signature--used with a TLO and Jadis JD1 Drives /Stereovox Tombo Dig Link
In both cases the sound was glorious smooth and yes(Sic!) analogue in presentation. However I found the combos whilst pleasant and enjoyable the seemingly lack of impact and dynamic contrasts was a slight concern--whether this was due to the NOS design not sure.
Both sets have now gone from my "repertoire" and the Impact and Drive has returned in spades to my CD playback with the NAIM CD555--that is one helluva Player!
Horses for Courses
BruceD
Hey Morricab,
That's exciting news.
Keep us posted on words two, three and four...
Best,
853guy
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