I have not had the opportunity to do this comparison...perhaps Michel has (maybe PM him).Someone has had the opportunity to compare these two Aries Cerat preamps.
Could you explain how they compare?
Did you get your Kassandra yet? If so, how are you enjoying it?
(...) It looks like it only arrived in Madrid on the 7th and cleared customs on the 8th. (...)
Actually, the GM70 is a true triode where the 813 is a pentode wired in triode. I think the Russians actually make an 813 equivalent tube...at least the Chinese do.Yes I agree. I must have read 100 reviews on SET amplifiers in the last month. The consensus seems to be the big bottle 845, 211 or 813 tubes have the best sound and bass power, dynamics. In fact the 813 tube has a higher voltage rating and heat dissipation of any of those tubes. It is similar to the Russian GM70 tube which was their copy of the RCA 813 for the military use.
I have heard the Forte beat the Kondo Kagura, similar sound quality (same level) but the Forte was more dynamic and had more drive. The Kagura is over 130K.
I am aiming for tube stage right through, so DAC and pre and power amp. The Kassandra is a match made in heaven, so I am very impatient...
I know this is an old post but just wanted to add that I am currently reviewing both these two preamps. While they both do indeed have that signature “non sound” (very neutral, not tubey, nor solid-state), I would not say they actually have the same sound signature. I will say that if the Impera II is beyond the budget, then you better not listen to it! All will be revealed in the upcoming review on HFASomeone has had the opportunity to compare these two Aries Cerat preamps.
Could you explain how they compare?
Thank you, but it is no longer important to me. I left the Aries Cerat way and took the Gryphon way. With the first I had to ask in forums what it would sound like with the second they were quickly at my house to listen on my system.I know this is an old post but just wanted to add that I am currently reviewing both these two preamps. While they both do indeed have that signature “non sound” (very neutral, not tubey, nor solid-state), I would not say they actually have the same sound signature. I will say that if the Impera II is beyond the budget, then you better not listen to it! All will be revealed in the upcoming review on HFA
No probs, glad you found a good solution! Organic search led me to your post, so perhaps others may benefit from my upcoming conclusionsThank you, but it is no longer important to me. I left the Aries Cerat way and took the Gryphon way. With the first I had to ask in forums what it would sound like with the second they were quickly at my house to listen on my system.
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