Aries Cerat DACs vs. other brands

[Mr. Analog]

In my experience the differences between the Mullards - including metal-base - are not that great. The preamp tube and the correct bias, which each chain has to find for itself, influence the sound more than the rectifier.

Regards

Tom

 

[jadedavid]

In my experience the differences between the Mullards - including metal-base - are not that great. The preamp tube and the correct bias, which each chain has to find for itself, influence the sound more than the rectifier.

Regards

Tom

100% agree.
However, even small changes (in the right direction) are worth pursuing.

 

[PDXDrew]

I am using a NOS R2R DAC, Mojo Audio’s Mystique X SE with nano-crystalline chokes and AD1862-Z chips (2 of them), which are said to be just as good (or better) than the AD1865 chip. I have directly compared all the Metrum Acoustics DACs, the Tambaqui, the Merason DAC1 MkII, and others, and I have not yet found one I like better than the Mystic X SE NCZ.

I will soon have a chance to compare again as I have an Aries Cerat Helene on the way. I appreciate all the positive comments you Helene owners have made, and I would appreciate any further insights about how to achieve the best sound from the Helene, such as whether tube changes can make a significantly positive difference (I hope not), the benefits (or not) of changing the bias, and where to buy new tubes (especially since they suggest leaving it powered up all the time).

Any updates on this comparison?