Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

[Aries Cerat]

Opus is spot on.
Couple of things on filters(analog)
1.one cannot be dogmatic.filter or no filter.there is a vast difference amongst each implementation.order, freq,how and where is implemented.
2.having a converter converting native freq samples,in freq ranging from 44.1 to 384 is quite tricky regarding designing a filter
3.filterless is somewhat non existent,even a gray area if you ask me.parasitic capacitances,analog stages etc present high frequency roll off,which act like,well,filters.unwanted but still..

In the Kassandra,the IV transformer is tuned so combined with the analog stages presents filter properties.freq,slope and intrusiveness is part of the recipe.

 

[Stacore]

In the Kassandra,the IV transformer is tuned so combined with the analog stages presents filter properties.freq,slope and intrusiveness is part of the recipe.

Oh wow! Chapeau bas Stavros for using a tuned transformer IV! Two birds with one stone. I've always wanted to experiment with that myself in my DIY times. Maybe one day...

Cheers,

 

[Legolas]

The use of I/Vs is crucial to the sound IMO. Most (for cheapness) use a simple resistor or other method. The design of the transformer is also key.

 

[nonesup]

Well I finally decided to order the Kassandra Ref MKll.
I was at Julian's house and I thought it was the kind of product I was looking for: tremendous dynamics and naturalness in the orchestral sound.
Now to wait for the delivery. I think Santa, this year is going to be really good.

 

[morricab]

wow congrats!

 

[nonesup]

 

[Legolas]

You do know there is a size and weight limit for ladder or chimney delivery? Your DAC will have to come via heavy duty sled instead. I am sorting it.

 

[nonesup]

Well, I do not know Santa what logistics problems he will have, but if I know what we are going to keep you and me, going up to the last shelf of my furniture, the 60 Kg monster. That will be hard !!

 

[LL21]

Well I finally decided to order the Kassandra Ref MKll.
I was at Julian's house and I thought it was the kind of product I was looking for: tremendous dynamics and naturalness in the orchestral sound.
Now to wait for the delivery. I think Santa, this year is going to be really good.

Congrats!! Big news!! When is delivery...in time for Santa express?

 

[nonesup]

6 weeks approximately.

 

[lordcloud]

Well I finally decided to order the Kassandra Ref MKll.
I was at Julian's house and I thought it was the kind of product I was looking for: tremendous dynamics and naturalness in the orchestral sound.
Now to wait for the delivery. I think Santa, this year is going to be really good.

Congrats! It'll be nice to hear your thoughts.

 

[LL21]

6 weeks approximately.

Fantastic...Christmas indeed!

 

[nonesup]

Well as a result of my purchase of Kassandra, I get rid of a Lumin A1 with its original LPSU at 230 Volt. Rate Price € 6,900 and sell it for € 3,250 with original packaging.
I also sell the LPSU of Kenneth Lau that I used with Lumin for € 350. If someone bought both products the price would be € 3,500

 

[Legolas]

Hello Francisco
Indeed. I bought my Audio Note DAC 5 used for 9K euros, and sold it back to the same guy 1 year later for 7K euros. In that year he bought a used Kondo KSL DAC as he thought it would match his Kondo Concerto II. It was not as good as the DAC 5. So he sold it. Then he bought a new Aqua La Scala, but after 2 months sold it. I told him I was buying the Kassandra at this point, and he immediately asked to buy the DAC 5 back.

The Kassandra is much better than the DAC 5 and the other DACs I have tried including:
1. Pink Triange DeCapo with battery supply ?Remember this one? A classic and quite radical at the time.?
2. Various Meridian DACs circa 1995?
3. Various Naim DACs circa 2000
?4. A Linn CD12 (borrowed for 4 weeks) (2014)?
5. MSB Platinum inc Signature Powerbase (2016)?
6. CH Precision C1 (2017)?
7. Chord DAVE (2017)
?8. Lampizator Golden Gate (2017)?
9. Naim CD555 (used item - 2017)?
10. Audio Note UK DAC 3.1 (2014)?
11. Audio Note UK DAC 4.1 (2014) ?
12. Audio Note kits 4.1 heavily modded (2015)
?13. Audio Note UK DAC 5 (2017)?

 

[nonesup]

USB cable at home. I just need Stavros to give me a surprise and tell me that the Kassandra has ended earlier than planned and full happiness....

 

[cmarin]

HI AC, with lower levels, the M7 for example, that is very much the case. The kagura I don't think is optimal for Magico and I liked the m1000 at Detlof, but we are taking different levels here.

Agree. I have a pair of Kaguras (with the M1000 MkII pre) and while they produced a wonderful midrange, they lacked dynamics when paired with Magico Q7mkIIs. However, I’ve tried the Kaguras with the more efficient Aries Cerat Symphonia Horns and they’re a match made in heaven.

 

[bonzo75]

Agree. I have a pair of Kaguras (with the M1000 MkII pre) and while they produced a wonderful midrange, they lacked dynamics when paired with Magico Q7mkIIs. However, I’ve tried the Kaguras with the more efficient Aries Cerat Symphonia Horns and they’re a match made in heaven.

So have you moved from Magico to horns? Guess not from your signature. With the Magico, you use Soulution monos, but which preamp do you prefer?

 

[cmarin]

So have you moved from Magico to horns? Guess not from your signature. With the Magico, you use Soulution monos, but which preamp do you prefer?

Hi Bonzo,

First let me congratulate you on your blog and wonderful audio adventure. I can’t think of a better way to spend your time than traveling the world visiting great audio systems.

My signature is a little outdated. I sold the Q7s earlier this year and since then have had the opportunity to listen to a number of alternative replacements.

In terms of preamps, I’m currently using a four box CH Precision X1/L1 mono preamp, but also have a Kondo M1000 MkII and and a Robert Koda K15-EX on hand. They’re all wonderful in their own right.

In terms of amps, I have on hand the VAC Statement 450 monos and the Kaguras.

In terms of speakers, I’m expecting delivery of a pair of Rockport Lyras within the next week or so. And because of the interminable patience and kindness of the US distributor of Aries Cerat, Joshua Masongsong, I’ve had the pleasure of auditioning the wonderful Symphonia horns in my room.

So there will be some interesting comparisons and choices made over the next few months. But in the end, I may end up with two separate systems. As a good audiophile friend of mine is fond of saying. “Why choose!?”.

If only it was that easy.

 

[bonzo75]

Polygamy is the way forward. You should also add a few TTs

 

[cmarin]

Polygamy is the way forward. You should also add a few TTs

Agree. Blondes, brunettes, redheads...Porsche, Corvettes, Shelbys... Fenders, Gibsons...diversity is wonderful