Ithaka - DAC by Aries Cerat

[byrdparis]

Hi byrdparis,
Your 3-way DAC test caught my attention as I’m looking for reports from folks who’ve heard the Ithaka minor. I’m almost afraid to ask but how did the smaller Ithaka do in your listening comparisons? You seem to have heard many of the other Aries Cerat DACs too; could you assess where the Ithaka minor would stand in relation to the Kassandra series? As a distributor of AC components, who would you recommend to buy an Ithaka minor?

First I'm sorry for my late reply, unfortunately I'm not entering WBF as before. so your question was overshot to my radar.

so, my "relationship" with AC was not as long as others around, but very deep.
I have visited stavros twice already. The first time I was able to listen to A LOT! of his equipment for 3 whole days, and we did a comparison between almost all units he got there then, so Helene to Kass to ITHAKA, pre amps, amps. etc... analog vs digital so all his Phono stages also.
i can tell you from the start, stavros and AC ruined my hobby completely.
i was so floored from the get go, i couldn't understand what i was doing this past 30 years flipping hundreds of boxes and speakers over and over again (as other audiophiles)
Every step of the way there was music flow and energy I yet to discover from other brands (I need to disclose right now, I am now an AC dealer for the Israel market).
and i had at all (and still own and keep a lot of Ultra high end brand to sell)

for your question specifically - i had the Helene in my possession for a couple of month, i had also comparisons through the kass line and eventually to the ITHAKA
that from my book (after i don't know how much dac's i listened in my life) it's the BEST there is today. period. (not only for its price, from every angle)
the last time I visited stavros and his family we listened to a lot more, the humerus, ithaka and the ithaka minor, and a bunch of other things.
I was intrigued about the minor also for a customer of mine who has the same "problem" as you.
my answer is - if you have the room and the funds. go ITHAKA and don't look back
if you don't (either one of them) you can go "minor" and not think about it at all!
It's a dac for life. it has all the big ithaka sound signature, clerity, speed, analog feeling, not the slight digital over glow, with slightly less oomph and low bass details (who that listened to the ITHAKA knows that the low bass is enormous! not just as it goes down but retrieving so many details from there till it could sound almost "dark")
but there is no turning back, as soon as you listen to AC, you are hooked. it's not a WOW and fireworks, it's just amazing music that just transports you to the venue.

A.

 

[Zappadaddy]

Hi, my main goal is to get Ithaca, Yanus monoblocks, Pondera preamp for personal use. Since me and my partner started to profesionaly represent and specialize on Aries cerat and Clarisys I like to reveal that change.We will purchase and test at our 2 studios, one is specilizing on analog and mine on digital. We already ordered some of the stuff and waiting to hear these miracles. We welcome all vistitors to stop by. Mecca Highend.cz My name is Michael Dimitrov and have some private Youtube channel
We are very pleased that we let people of Czech and Slovak rep to discover Aries cerat, this complany sits already deep in my music heart as it deserves to be. I tried many brands in the past and for me this is the end of game. I am about to learn a lot about AC, it will be exciting journey....

 

[Zappadaddy]

First I'm sorry for my late reply, unfortunately I'm not entering WBF as before. so your question was overshot to my radar.

so, my "relationship" with AC was not as long as others around, but very deep.
I have visited stavros twice already. The first time I was able to listen to A LOT! of his equipment for 3 whole days, and we did a comparison between almost all units he got there then, so Helene to Kass to ITHAKA, pre amps, amps. etc... analog vs digital so all his Phono stages also.
i can tell you from the start, stavros and AC ruined my hobby completely.
i was so floored from the get go, i couldn't understand what i was doing this past 30 years flipping hundreds of boxes and speakers over and over again (as other audiophiles)
Every step of the way there was music flow and energy I yet to discover from other brands (I need to disclose right now, I am now an AC dealer for the Israel market).
and i had at all (and still own and keep a lot of Ultra high end brand to sell)

for your question specifically - i had the Helene in my possession for a couple of month, i had also comparisons through the kass line and eventually to the ITHAKA
that from my book (after i don't know how much dac's i listened in my life) it's the BEST there is today. period. (not only for its price, from every angle)
the last time I visited stavros and his family we listened to a lot more, the humerus, ithaka and the ithaka minor, and a bunch of other things.
I was intrigued about the minor also for a customer of mine who has the same "problem" as you.
my answer is - if you have the room and the funds. go ITHAKA and don't look back
if you don't (either one of them) you can go "minor" and not think about it at all!
It's a dac for life. it has all the big ithaka sound signature, clerity, speed, analog feeling, not the slight digital over glow, with slightly less oomph and low bass details (who that listened to the ITHAKA knows that the low bass is enormous! not just as it goes down but retrieving so many details from there till it could sound almost "dark")
but there is no turning back, as soon as you listen to AC, you are hooked. it's not a WOW and fireworks, it's just amazing music that just transports you to the venue.

A.

Without reading this post of yours I just finished mine and I found a similarity in our aproach and feelings toward Aries Cerat, unfortunaltely for me , I only have heard Helene and Kassandra REF, not other higher models. Anyway it did not stop me to fell in love with AC. Ithaca is on my wish list, thanks for your words <3

 

[Opabin]

Hi, my main goal is to get Ithaca, Yanus monoblocks, Pondera preamp for personal use. Since me and my partner started to profesionaly represent and specialize on Aries cerat and Clarisys I like to reveal that change.We will purchase and test at our 2 studios, one is specilizing on analog and mine on digital. We already ordered some of the stuff and waiting to hear these miracles. We welcome all vistitors to stop by. Mecca Highend.cz My name is Michael Dimitrov and have some private Youtube channel
We are very pleased that we let people of Czech and Slovak rep to discover Aries cerat, this complany sits already deep in my music heart as it deserves to be. I tried many brands in the past and for me this is the end of game. I am about to learn a lot about AC, it will be exciting journey....

@Zappadaddy

Congratulations on your big move to represent Aries Cerat in Czechia and Slovakia! I wish you the best of luck as you embark on your audio business venture. As you and your partner equip your two studios with a selection of Aries Cerat components, I would be most interested to read your impressions of the new stock, especially since you may be hearing some of the products for the first time. What’s in your first order?

 

[Zappadaddy]

@Zappadaddy

Congratulations on your big move to represent Aries Cerat in Czechia and Slovakia! I wish you the best of luck as you embark on your audio business venture. As you and your partner equip your two studios with a selection of Aries Cerat components, I would be most interested to read your impressions of the new stock, especially since you may be hearing some of the products for the first time. What’s in your first order?

We started with Helene, Incito S and Kassandra Reff 2. Now we placed the order for Pandora, Talos Reff and Yanus Essentia monoblocks. We may have order for Ithaca and another Kassandra Reff 2. Anyone is welcome to visit and stay, we have an little apartment to stay in overnight and a pizzerie restaurant, all within the complex.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

We started with Helene, Incito S and Kassandra Reff 2. Now we placed the order for Pandora, Talos Reff and Yanus Essentia monoblocks. We may have order for Ithaca and another Kassandra Reff 2. Anyone is welcome to visit and stay, we have an little apartment to stay in overnight and a pizzerie restaurant, all within the complex.

Pandora Turntable? You're in for a real treat!

 

[byrdparis]

Pandora Turntable? You're in for a real treat!

i guess he was meant the Pondera pre amp, not the pandora turntable.

 

[Zappadaddy]

i guess he was meant the Pondera pre amp, not the pandora turntable.

yes, correct, preamp Pandora

 

[Phantom-Audio]

In awe of the arrival of this remarkable beast! Unpacking and setting it up on the rack turned out to be quite manageable. Although the DAC is notably large and weighty, maneuvering it only required a duo effort, proving to be less challenging than initially expected. The craftsmanship is truly exceptional, boasting heavy-duty steel exteriors and meticulous internal engineering.

 

[Opabin]

In awe of the arrival of this remarkable beast! Unpacking and setting it up on the rack turned out to be quite manageable. Although the DAC is notably large and weighty, maneuvering it only required a duo effort, proving to be less challenging than initially expected. The craftsmanship is truly exceptional, boasting heavy-duty steel exteriors and meticulous internal engineering.

Congratulations P-A! Your Ithaka looks magnificent in these photos. You must be excited to finally have it connected and fired up! May I ask when you sent in your order? And I’m sure many would be interested if you'd like to share how the sound develops over the first couple of hundred hours. Don’t hold back!

 

[Phantom-Audio]

Right from the start, I recognized its exceptional nature. This DAC possesses a remarkable ability to capture the ambiance of the recording, extracting intricate details effortlessly while maintaining a natural tonality and richness that truly enhances the listening experience.
Upon connecting it to the Ageto/Quintessence and Aurora, the room was immediately filled with music. The depth of the soundstage intensified, expanding further to the sides. The center focal point gained more weight and realism, anchoring the listening experience. The bass underwent significant improvement, delving deeper and revealing more texture in each note. Dynamics were enhanced, creating a sense of relaxation within the system while maintaining a strong presence.

Furthermore, the highs became even more refined, extending elegantly. Vocals sounded clearer and tonally rich, adding a tangible sense of realism to the overall sound quality. In essence, this DAC offers a listening experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

I have spent approximately 4 hours with this DAC so far, with plans for more listening tonight. Currently, I am using the E810F tubes and experimenting with the bias settings. I will provide further updates as I continue to log more hours with the DAC.

 

[byrdparis]

Right from the start, I recognized its exceptional nature. This DAC possesses a remarkable ability to capture the ambiance of the recording, extracting intricate details effortlessly while maintaining a natural tonality and richness that truly enhances the listening experience.
Upon connecting it to the Ageto/Quintessence and Aurora, the room was immediately filled with music. The depth of the soundstage intensified, expanding further to the sides. The center focal point gained more weight and realism, anchoring the listening experience. The bass underwent significant improvement, delving deeper and revealing more texture in each note. Dynamics were enhanced, creating a sense of relaxation within the system while maintaining a strong presence.

Furthermore, the highs became even more refined, extending elegantly. Vocals sounded clearer and tonally rich, adding a tangible sense of realism to the overall sound quality. In essence, this DAC offers a listening experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

I have spent approximately 4 hours with this DAC so far, with plans for more listening tonight. Currently, I am using the E810F tubes and experimenting with the bias settings. I will provide further updates as I continue to log more hours with the DAC.

congrats my friend,
the ITHAKA is a game changer for me,
from the first time i listened to it at Stavros den , i was hooked and knew it will be my next dac.
i also using the E810F (around 33). its a magnificent piece that every music lover need to achieve one day.
i was fortunate enough to afford it.
enjoy it !
Aviad.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

I've spent around 20-25 hours with this DAC, though I can't pinpoint the exact number as I often lose track of time immersed in music. The transparency, tonality, and overall musical richness it delivers are truly remarkable. The dynamics continually improve, allowing music to effortlessly fill the room, inducing a profound sense of relaxation.

There's a natural flow to the sound without any hint of artificiality, and digital artifacts are virtually nonexistent, sometimes blurring the line between analog and digital recordings. The micro details and ambience intricacies seamlessly integrate into my listening environment, transporting me to the original recording venue or concert hall. Every subtle nuance emerges organically, voices exhibit a lifelike presence, and the tonality carries a dense, analog-like quality. This DAC is undoubtedly the most enjoyable one I've ever owned; I simply can't find any faults with it.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Hello Phantom-Audio,

Thank you for these very interesting reports!

Would you please compare for us, in as much detail as you can, the sonic differences between the Ithaka and the Kassandra?

 

[Zappadaddy]

I am also wondering about the same and I would add a question if the diffrence justify huge price increase of these wonderfull machines.

 

[byrdparis]

I am also wondering about the same and I would add a question if the diffrence justify huge price increase of these wonderfull machines.

from my perspective when i visited Stavros for the first time and we listen to his whole line, there was no fight at all when we arrived to the ITHAKA! it was the best digital repro i ever listened to, in my life. the price is our there, but there are a lot more expensive DAC's around compare to the Ithaka. and non of them did what the Ithaka did for me! and i heard them all! so, from my corner it worth every penny! my 2c

 

[Zappadaddy]

from my perspective when i visited Stavros for the first time and we listen to his whole line, there was no fight at all when we arrived to the ITHAKA! it was the best digital repro i ever listened to, in my life. the price is our there, but there are a lot more expensive DAC's around compare to the Ithaka. and non of them did what the Ithaka did for me! and i heard them all! so, from my corner it worth every penny! my 2c

I believe you. My goal is Ithaca Minor. Thanks for your thoughts

 

[byrdparis]

I believe you. My goal is Ithaca Minor. Thanks for your thoughts

also did a comparison between the Ithaka and the minor, very very close!
you will not be disappointed !

 

[Phantom-Audio]

Hello Phantom-Audio,

Thank you for these very interesting reports!

Would you please compare for us, in as much detail as you can, the sonic differences between the Ithaka and the Kassandra?

I will need to refer back to the notes I took during my comparison of the Kassandra with the Playback Design Dream Series. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to directly compare the Kassandra to the Ithaka; as soon as the Ithaka arrived, the Kassandra was promptly sent to its owner. However, I have spent over 250 hours with the Kassandra, so I am quite familiar with that DAC.