Ithaka - DAC by Aries Cerat

[Phantom-Audio]

Congratulations on the Ithaka Minor—it’s truly a special-sounding DAC and will likely become a permanent unit in your system.


When it comes to the AC DACs, the USB input is definitely the way to go. While the other inputs work just fine, these DACs were always optimized for USB, so that’s where you’ll really hear them shine. It’s where the magic happens.

 

[Opabin]

I received the Ithaka Minor on Monday. Once unpacked and set up on my rack and on the Wellfloat platform on the floor (for the power supply) it was simple to connect cables and start playing. The unit was a dealer demo so it was already broken in. With my Antipodes Oladra server I used a Sablon AES digital cable to connect to my Aqua Formula xHD v2 dac. I set the Ithaka to double reclock the AES input and was amazed at the sound. The soundstage had great width and depth. There were layers to music that flowed effortlessly from my speakers. I had to lower my normal volume level 1/3 as the sound was so powerful and present in the room. However the AES input is not optimized on AC as it is limited to 96khz. I am now using USB with a moderate priced cable and waiting for the Inakustik 2405 Air silver I ordered to see how the Ithaka sounds with a better USB cable.

So pleased to see an owner's report on this special DAC, even one at this early stage of optimization, thank you. It seems you are making best use of Ithaka Minor with the high quality of the rest of your system and your careful attention to AC power, vibration control and quality signal connections. I like the Wellfloat isolation for the power supply.

Apparently, the Ithaka Minor can be supplied with several tube variants, aside from the standard E280F. Can you tell us if you are running the Siemens E280F tubes, a different brand of E280F, or indeed another type of tube? Was the tube variant supplied an option you discussed with your dealer before purchase?

There will be lots of musical thrills and discoveries in store, Mark. I hope you have lots of free time to fully enjoy your newly upgraded system.

 

[markramler]

So pleased to see an owner's report on this special DAC, even one at this early stage of optimization, thank you. It seems you are making best use of Ithaka Minor with the high quality of the rest of your system and your careful attention to AC power, vibration control and quality signal connections. I like the Wellfloat isolation for the power supply.

Apparently, the Ithaka Minor can be supplied with several tube variants, aside from the standard E280F. Can you tell us if you are running the Siemens E280F tubes, a different brand of E280F, or indeed another type of tube? Was the tube variant supplied an option you discussed with your dealer before purchase?

There will be lots of musical thrills and discoveries in store, Mark. I hope you have lots of free time to fully enjoy your newly upgraded system.

Thank you for your kind words. I purchased a dealer demo with the stock Siemens E280F tubes. I am focused now on trying different USB cables.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

A client of mine, a long-time DCS owner here in Indonesia, recently made the switch to the Aries Cerat Homerus DAC. After hearing the Ithaka and being thoroughly impressed, he decided he wanted a true end-game DAC—something he’d never feel the need to upgrade or replace.


These Aries Cerat DACs are quickly gaining momentum. In a properly set up listening room, they have a way of selling themselves the moment people hear them.

 

[Zappadaddy]

I hope next year I will go for Ithaca, now Kassandra REF, also for many endgame, but before I die, I want to taste Ithaca and Aether pre maybe even Odysseus, we shall see.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

I hope next year I will go for Ithaca, now Kassandra REF, also for many endgame, but before I die, I want to taste Ithaca and Aether pre maybe even Odysseus, we shall see.

The Ithaka strikes a masterful balance, offering a touch more transparency than many other DACs while still delivering a sound that feels full-bodied and alive. It excels at uncovering the finer details—those subtle tonal shifts and textures that bring music to life—while maintaining a deep, textured bass and an overall sense of energy. Most importantly, it never sacrifices musicality or emotional engagement.

Having owned both the Helene and Kassandra, I can confidently say they are extraordinary DACs, each with a unique magic of its own. For those working within a tighter budget, either one will more than satisfy even the most discerning listener. They prove that exceptional sound doesn’t have to come with an unattainable price tag—it just has to be crafted with care and purpose.

 

[Zappadaddy]

The Ithaka strikes a masterful balance, offering a touch more transparency than many other DACs while still delivering a sound that feels full-bodied and alive. It excels at uncovering the finer details—those subtle tonal shifts and textures that bring music to life—while maintaining a deep, textured bass and an overall sense of energy. Most importantly, it never sacrifices musicality or emotional engagement.

Having owned both the Helene and Kassandra, I can confidently say they are extraordinary DACs, each with a unique magic of its own. For those working within a tighter budget, either one will more than satisfy even the most discerning listener. They prove that exceptional sound doesn’t have to come with an unattainable price tag—it just has to be crafted with care and purpose.

you make me even more interested

 

[Terry0]

I hope next year I will go for Ithaca, now Kassandra REF, also for many endgame, but before I die, I want to taste Ithaca and Aether pre maybe even Odysseus, we shall see.

A word of hard earned advice, only demo the Ithaca and Aether if you think you can stand the torment of giving them back, that is unless you buy them then you will just smile each time you get to listen to your system with them. I recently had both at my place and will never forget what I had the absolute pleasure of hearing, but then also knowing that I have to now live with a far lesser sq.

cheers,
Terry

 

[Zappadaddy]

A word of hard earned advice, only demo the Ithaca and Aether if you think you can stand the torment of giving them back, that is unless you buy them then you will just smile each time you get to listen to your system with them. I recently had both at my place and will never forget what I had the absolute pleasure of hearing, but then also knowing that I have to now live with a far lesser sq.

cheers,
Terry

So you are saying I should not visit Stavros to hear Ithaca and Kassandra Limited next month?

 

[Terry0]

So you are saying I should not visit Stavros to hear Ithaca and Kassandra Limited next month?

Absolutely not, but you have been warned ... you can't unhear the Ithaca or the LE! ... let us know how you go.

 

[Zappadaddy]

Absolutely not, but you have been warned ... you can't unhear the Ithaca or the LE! ... let us know how you go.

You will not discourage me, do not worry.