Aries Cerat Helene vs MSB Premiere DAC vs Lampizator Pacific 2

[OnlySoMany]

Priced fairly close on the used market. I suppose you could add the Kassandra ll onto this list, but its priced slightly higher (used). Looking strongly at these DACs, and finding it very hard to make a decision. I have access to these at a very good used price (roughly the same, Helene a bit less than others), but I have not heard anything from any of these brands.

This DAC would replace the DAVE/BLU, and I would move it to my 2 channel setup. MSB/Aries/Lamp would be the DAC used for my Viva 845.

I'd really love any feedback on this. I don't want to make an expensive "mistake".

The chain this would go in:

Audioquest Niagra 5000 > Innuos Ethernet Reclocker > Naim ND555 (used as streamer only) > Chord Dave/Blu MKll/Sean Jacobs Arc6 PSU > Viva Egoista 845

All cables are good, using Chord Music BNC and XLR, and Audioquest Diamond ethernet Transparent Reference Power cords.

This rig is for headphone use only, not speakers.

I would love to hear your feedback, who has heard or owned any of these? Upon swapping the Dave with a "better" DAC, I would keep the Dave and move it to my 2 channel system and sell the TT2/mscaler currently in use for speakers. That is a whole separate system I am not really looking to mess with right now.

 

[Zappadaddy]

This is a very tough question as we don't know your sound preferences. My recommendation is to test them all on your existing rig. I used to have a Pacific 2, now I have a Helene, not because it's a better dac but because I like that it's not as tube dependent and I like the thicker sound of the Helene. Also the price is much lower.

 

[OnlySoMany]

I tried swapping the Aqua Formula into the system that was using the Dave, and it was an improvement across the board. I am wondering how much "better" the MSB or Helene would be, as they are also both R2R dacs.

 

[Synaxis]

I tried swapping the Aqua Formula into the system that was using the Dave, and it was an improvement across the board. I am wondering how much "better" the MSB or Helene would be, as they are also both R2R dacs.

I've owned the Aqua La Scala and upgraded to NOS tubes. This - in my opinion - was superior to the Formula.

Then I tried the Helene in my system and the Helene - of my personal tastes - was so far superior I ordered a Helene to replace it.

 

[OnlySoMany]

I've owned the Aqua La Scala and upgraded to NOS tubes. This - in my opinion - was superior to the Formula.

Then I tried the Helene in my system and the Helene - of my personal tastes - was so far superior I ordered a Helene to replace it.

What specifically did you like about it better?

 

[Synaxis]

What specifically did you like about it better?

To me it has a greater sense of ebb and flow with the music. Emotion in voices was more noticeable. It had more texture and just seemed to connect with me.

Having said that, it's also (retail-wise) 2x the cost of the Aqua. The La Scala with NOS tubes is a VERY good DAC for sure. But for me in my system the Helene was very clearly superior.

 

[OnlySoMany]

To me it has a greater sense of ebb and flow with the music. Emotion in voices was more noticeable. It had more texture and just seemed to connect with me.

Having said that, it's also (retail-wise) 2x the cost of the Aqua. The La Scala with NOS tubes is a VERY good DAC for sure. But for me in my system the Helene was very clearly superior.

Thank you. I think I am going to see if I can hunt one down to try and demo in my system.

 

[Synaxis]

Thank you. I think I am going to see if I can hunt one down to try and demo in my system.

Happy to help. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions / help.

 

[Audio Addict]

Thank you. I think I am going to see if I can hunt one down to try and demo in my system.

Hope you find something a little closer than 5-6 hours