Recent content by Phantom-Audio

  1. Phantom-Audio

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    For a more suitable comparison, the CH Phono Stage could be pitted against either the Talos LE or the Kirke Phono Stage, the latter equipped with the TriodeFet output stage.
  2. Phantom-Audio

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    The E280F tubes exhibit a tendency to improve in sound quality as they age within limits, boasting a lifespan of 10,000 hours. Swapping these tubes takes just 5 minutes, allowing you to adjust the DAC bias and fine-tune it to your preferences. In my experience testing various tubes on the...
  3. Phantom-Audio

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    I love The Allnic DHT 8000 i also have the CSport but the Allnic is far above. not planning on the Aries Cerat yet just secured the Ithaka.
  4. Phantom-Audio

    DAC comparison and recommendation request

    Having owned the Playback Design for just over 4 years, I previously had the Merlot before transitioning to the MPD-8 Dreams Series. I utilized it alongside the MPT 8 SACD Player, connecting both via the Plink Connector. I used to actively discuss on various forums how this DAC handled music...
  5. Phantom-Audio

    USB cable recommended?

    I have placed an order for the Albedo Mono-Crystal USB Cable and will provide an update on this once it arrives.
  6. Phantom-Audio

    Ithaka - DAC by Aries Cerat

    Looking for a distributor that owns both products simultaneously? It's a rare find! The ultimate way to compare and truly experience these top performers is by visiting the Cyprus factory. When it comes to sound, the Ithaka offers a whole new experience compared to the Kassandra Series.
  7. Phantom-Audio

    The Puritan PSM156

    I have been using the Puritan for over 3 years now. Initially, I paired it with the OTL and SET amplifiers I had on hand, and later with the Aries Cerat Quintessence amplifiers. I noticed a significant improvement in sound quality when using the SET and OTL amplifiers compared to the Aries...
  8. Phantom-Audio

    Best phono stage?

    Another noteworthy competitor is the Allnic DHT 8000, renowned for its exceptional musicality and emotional engagement.
  9. Phantom-Audio

    What are the Top Horn Speakers in the World Today? Vox Olympian vs Avantgarde Trio vs ???

    I have both Classic Audio T3.4 and the T1.5 models. Both speakers can be corner-loaded without any overshadowing in the bass region, resulting in a spacious, room-filling soundstage. I wholeheartedly agree on this point; these speakers are exceptionally revealing in their sound reproduction. In...
  10. Phantom-Audio

    Top 10 Most Expensive Speakers

    The Aries Cerat Contendo Horn Speaker is about 950K Euros.
  11. Phantom-Audio

    Please recommend some Monoblock Amps

    Another one to consider is the TriodeFET Amps
  12. Phantom-Audio

    Neutral power amp recommendations?

    I don't typically listen to audiophile music, but I do appreciate the quality of recordings during demos. Not all tube amplifiers or hybrids can guarantee an authentic sound; many tend to color the sound heavily, which appeals to certain audiences. Personally, I prefer a balanced sound that...
  13. Phantom-Audio

    Neutral power amp recommendations?

    I have personally owned the Dreams Series DAC and Streamer/DSD Player for more than 4 years. During this time, I have extensively used the DAC connected directly to amplifiers using the built-in volume control, as well as with an outboard Pre-Amplifier. In my experience, utilizing an outboard...
  14. Phantom-Audio

    Neutral power amp recommendations?

    Based on the Solid State amplifiers discussed, Dartzeel or R Koda appears to offer a more user-friendly option for long-term use. While CH may come across as neutral but to me lifeless yet extremely dynamic initially, it might not maintain its appeal over extended ownership. The choice between...
  15. Phantom-Audio

    Aries Cerat in France / Switzerland

    New Zealand is not far from me, Im located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

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