AC Preamps: Impera II & Impera Signature

[Aries Cerat]

First, both DACs are in my personal conversation for best DACs under 100k.
As for sonics, a good car analogy would be that the Tambaqui is like a Caymen GT4, while the Kassandra II is like a 911 Carrara 4.
The Tambaqui more about speed, detail and air, while the Kassandra focus is more on dynamics, power and analogue sensibilites. If the potential buyer is going to add a Aries Cerat preamplifier and amplifier, then the choice edges towards the Kassandra, (especially when using the high gain outputs of the Kassandra), as the Kassandra was originally designed to be a reference source for all the electronics and speakers that were developed subsequently.

These distinctions are subtle, as each DAC is still outstanding in the areas I mentioned where the other DAC shines. One really can't go wrong with either DAC. The choice comes down to personal preferences and system synergy.

Kerry

That is a very diplomatic answer Even secretary general Guterrez would be proud

 

[christoph]

That is a very diplomatic answer Even secretary general Guterrez would be proud

He sells both.
Not to offend anybody

 

[musicfirst1]

He sells both.
Not to offend anybody

No offence taken at all!

I sell both because I love both, and I chose these DACs after auditioning literally dozens of contenders in this price range that I could have chosen to carry. My personal DAC trilogy under $100k is and will remain the Kassy II SIG, the Kassy II REF, and the Tambaqui. Period.

If one's budget extends to the Kassy II SIG, this is a clear choice for the best of the three under discussion.
However, the choice between the Kassandra II REF and the Tambaqui is much more nuanced. Notwithstanding my politically correct answer, I tried to elaborate on the differences between these two rermarkable DACs.

In this day and age, there are SO many manufacturers looking for legitimate dealers, and distributors (especially in North America) that one simply does not have to carry products that one doesn't truly believe in.

Music First doesn't and won't. Not ever.

Kerry

 

[billse]

I am considering an Aries Cerat Impera !! Ref preamp to use with my CH Precision 1.1 amplifier. I have always enjoyed solid state compared to tubes as I like the sonic attributes in general. My other consideration is the matching CHP L-1 pre amp which might be a better match for my taste/preference and since it is designed with respect to the L-l for other CHP preamps this also may give it certain sonic advantages.. I am not able to get out to audition either so just have to speculate and make the best decision I can. From reading various reviews including HFA I am on the fence see possibilities in either direction but still thinking the L-1 would work best. If I auditioned both under favorable conditions I think it would become clear which I prefer...but can't. Any thoughts to help in the direction of either preamps would be appreciated.

 

[Audio Addict]

The biggest issue with an AC preamplifier is using it with a non-AC amplifier. I would discuss this with your AC dealer. An AC preamplifier typically has a lot more gain coming out than a regular preamplifier and may not be a good match unless you work with the dealer to be sure you can get a lower gain version.

 

[Stef]

I am considering an Aries Cerat Impera !! Ref preamp to use with my CH Precision 1.1 amplifier. I have always enjoyed solid state compared to tubes as I like the sonic attributes in general. My other consideration is the matching CHP L-1 pre amp which might be a better match for my taste/preference and since it is designed with respect to the L-l for other CHP preamps this also may give it certain sonic advantages.. I am not able to get out to audition either so just have to speculate and make the best decision I can. From reading various reviews including HFA I am on the fence see possibilities in either direction but still thinking the L-1 would work best. If I auditioned both under favorable conditions I think it would become clear which I prefer...but can't. Any thoughts to help in the direction of either preamps would be appreciated.

I had the same dilemma than you and unfortunately there is no black and white answer. A matching CHP preamp for your CHP power amp will ensure that you will have perfect hifi synergie while an AC Preamp could potentially bring you higher in musicality.... I ended buying both (the matching TAD preamp for my TAD gears and an AC preamp) and I still feel it was the right choice doing so. The only point you have to be careful is the gain matching between AC and CHP - Stavros should be able to help

 

[Aries Cerat]

Hi
The Impera comes in three gain versions ,low,med and high(high was the original version,which fitted perfectly low gain amplifiers but a bit hot on solid state amps).
The low gain is suitable for all SS systems as well as the mid version.

Cheers
Stavrose

 

[byrdparis]

I am considering an Aries Cerat Impera !! Ref preamp to use with my CH Precision 1.1 amplifier. I have always enjoyed solid state compared to tubes as I like the sonic attributes in general. My other consideration is the matching CHP L-1 pre amp which might be a better match for my taste/preference and since it is designed with respect to the L-l for other CHP preamps this also may give it certain sonic advantages.. I am not able to get out to audition either so just have to speculate and make the best decision I can. From reading various reviews including HFA I am on the fence see possibilities in either direction but still thinking the L-1 would work best. If I auditioned both under favorable conditions I think it would become clear which I prefer...but can't. Any thoughts to help in the direction of either preamps would be appreciated.

all answer valuable, i have a full CHP system and AC full system on order... so i would do a bunch of tests between them in one point for personal education, but - dont forget the CHP has the ability to switch gain up and down, so even if you will have Impera that will be possible too hot, you always can get your 1.1 down in gain to suit it also.

 

[billse]

The biggest issue with an AC preamplifier is using it with a non-AC amplifier. I would discuss this with your AC dealer. An AC preamplifier typically has a lot more gain coming out than a regular preamplifier and may not be a good match unless you work with the dealer to be sure you can get a lower gain version.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I spoke with the AC dealer/distributer and the version I am getting is the low gain so I can check that of the list. THANK YOU

 

[billse]

all answer valuable, i have a full CHP system and AC full system on order... so i would do a bunch of tests between them in one point for personal education, but - dont forget the CHP has the ability to switch gain up and down, so even if you will have Impera that will be possible too hot, you always can get your 1.1 down in gain to suit it also.

I had the same dilemma than you and unfortunately there is no black and white answer. A matching CHP preamp for your CHP power amp will ensure that you will have perfect hifi synergie while an AC Preamp could potentially bring you higher in musicality.... I ended buying both (the matching TAD preamp for my TAD gears and an AC preamp) and I still feel it was the right choice doing so. The only point you have to be careful is the gain matching between AC and CHP - Stavros should be able to help

Thank you Stef. With your post along with the other posts helped me feel more comfortable moving towards the AC pre. Greatly appreciate that you took the time to reply.

 

[billse]

all answer valuable, i have a full CHP system and AC full system on order... so i would do a bunch of tests between them in one point for personal education, but - dont forget the CHP has the ability to switch gain up and down, so even if you will have Impera that will be possible too hot, you always can get your 1.1 down in gain to suit it also.

You are obviously very familiar with the CHP sound. Knowing you getting the AC equip as well was particularly encouraging. Also that you work with so many top tier brands. THANK YOU

 

[byrdparis]

You are obviously very familiar with the CHP sound. Knowing you getting the AC equip as well was particularly encouraging. Also that you work with so many top tier brands. THANK YOU

i never did an A-B-A test between them (only C1.2 vs HELENE dacs for now)... so i cannot state any differences in my system that will help you yet.
i think only HFA does those in PRE, and DAC area, and also maybe amplification i cant remember.
and love his way to listen to things.

BUT - when i visited at Stavros place and listen to AC entire line i was touched and amazed on Audio and Human level with Music like i never been before.
so, it was a done deal for me and it left me order a full and not so easy digest price wise system .
i have the up most confident in Stavros and AC ability to build Ultra high engaging device to reproduce beautiful music.

aviad.

 

[billse]

Hi
The Impera comes in three gain versions ,low,med and high(high was the original version,which fitted perfectly low gain amplifiers but a bit hot on solid state amps).
The low gain is suitable for all SS systems as well as the mid version.

Cheers
Stavrose

Thank you Stavrose ..-I think that it is wonderful that you take the time to reply to so many queries even as insignificant as mine seems

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thieliste

neither the Standard A/C preamps . . . are true differential balanced designs, single ended RCA connections are the way to go.

Occasionally we have customers running true balanced phono stages, and in this case, the true balanced option for the AC preamp should be considered. We have an Incito S on order for our new demo unit with the balanced option for just this situation.

Hello!

How does Incito S offer a "true balanced" input option?

Is it correct that even with a balanced input option, there is no true balanced output from the Incito S?

So even a balanced phono stage source is using the single-ended output?

 

[Aries Cerat]

Hello!

How does Incito S offer a "true balanced" input option?

Is it correct that even with a balanced input option, there is no true balanced output from the Incito S?

So even a balanced phono stage source is using the single-ended output?

Hello Ron
For users that insist on using XLR connections (or their source on XLR only) we offer as option a true XLR input(we install a bal to SE input transformer).
The outputs are SE and true balanced as well(the output transformer can drive SE or Balanced mode).

Cheers
S

 

[Ron Resnick]

Hello Ron
For users that insist on using XLR connections (or their source on XLR only) we offer as option a true XLR input(we install a bal to SE input transformer).
The outputs are SE and true balanced as well(the output transformer can drive SE or Balanced mode).

Cheers
S

Thank you, Stavros!