Hermes phono , debut in HES Munich 2025

[Aries Cerat]

Munich HES is coming up, and among the few new designs that are having their debut, we will trust our analog reproduction to our wonderful new small phono ,Hermes.

Some data on the new ("entry level" ) phono system:

Basic gain structure: 66db
E-sut gain (standard) : 14db (80db total)
Optional sut: X30 (30db) (96db total)

Noise floor: < -70db unweighted , Ref 0db, Max output: >30dbv

Inputs:
1X E-sut (standard),
1X direct input or SUT (optional)
Direct and E-sut input loading : With internal resistor modules. No limit in loading resistance values

RIAA EQ: Discrete LCR system with custom coils

Ouputs: Single Ended, 500 ohm output resistance

Tube compliment: 2x 12AE6 (E-sut)
6~ 10 x 6j11p-e ( RIAA and output stage can work with double or single tubes)
Tube compatibility: Any of the E280F supertube family, E810F, D3A , E180F, 6j11, E282F etc.

External PSU: Solid state rectified for tube stage. Supercapacitor bank/pseudobattery system for E-sut

Dim: 500mm x 490mm X 165mm H
PSU: 190mm X 300mmD X 70mmH 4kg
35kg

See you all in room F111
Cheers
Stavros

 

[Ron Resnick]

Congratulations on the debut, Stavros!

How does this phono stage sound different to you than the Talos Sig?

 

[Aries Cerat]

Congratulations on the debut, Stavros!

How does this phono stage sound different to you than the Talos Sig?

Thank you Ron
Probably you mean the Talos Reference, which is the smallest of the Talos Series.
The Hermes is different approach,simplified PSU compared to Talos, and non-transformer coupled stages.
We kept the LCR RIAA stages with a twist, and we added the extra switchable input stage (the E-sut) which many carts will love.

Sound wise, it sounds more on it's feet than the Reference, and more open, while loosing some of the heft. However, their difference is smaller than differences in carts we have here, so there is a performance overlap depending on cart/analog front end.

 

[Perfect sense Audio]

Thank you Ron
Probably you mean the Talos Reference, which is the smallest of the Talos Series.
The Hermes is different approach,simplified PSU compared to Talos, and non-transformer coupled stages.
We kept the LCR RIAA stages with a twist, and we added the extra switchable input stage (the E-sut) which many carts will love.

Sound wise, it sounds more on it's feet than the Reference, and more open, while loosing some of the heft. However, their difference is smaller than differences in carts we have here, so there is a performance overlap depending on cart/analog front end.

Can't wait to pair this up with your lovely Protos integrated here in Stockholm soon

/ Marcus

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thank you Ron
Probably you mean the Talos Reference, which is the smallest of the Talos Series.
The Hermes is different approach,simplified PSU compared to Talos, and non-transformer coupled stages.
We kept the LCR RIAA stages with a twist, and we added the extra switchable input stage (the E-sut) which many carts will love.

Sound wise, it sounds more on it's feet than the Reference, and more open, while loosing some of the heft. However, their difference is smaller than differences in carts we have here, so there is a performance overlap depending on cart/analog front end.

Very interesting, Stavros! Thank you for your detailed reply!

I think people will appreciate the flexibility of the switchable input stage.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

After hearing the Hermes Phono Stage at the Aries Cerat HQ, I couldn’t resist placing an order. With its exceptional performance and remarkable flexibility, it’s an absolute bargain at this price point.