Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Kassandra Signature Limited Edition
reviews
[ { "title": "Aries Cerat Kassandra 2 Limited Edition…The Ultimate DAC?!", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/37/37/1737964800000/JZMRx9Kk1gvHE7TgN857qA/dZV1W6FyoN_QC6-S7AZeOgNlmfK2iw3ukZctS08oRe3m47TqKnAANHpHqdQOpCEbiIehbXT5lsYiNby-6Kcm_C9_n9tNNKYNg8Xz9kEgWgKKioEEqsRW4tVr6N7YXx5K9CtRt_MKsdjL3Z3LmzMcf11hHvJ1G_5WJFeaBAdAMoAhF2u4cS4pSHPZWyfgONfs/dT8cSa7mQCxBZho8UOeVPG2oSi7RebaeCzLsJlP_bO8", "link": "https://analoguefellowship.com/2020/03/02/aries-cerat-kassandra-2-limited-edition-the-ultimate-dac/", "source": "Analogue Fellowship", "datePublished": "3/2/2020" }, { "title": "ARIES CERAT KASSANDRA 2 SIGNATURE LIMITED EDITION DAC REIVEW", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/37/37/1737964800000/39GAHATiT6mrRsrIifUN6Q/Y7BnU-dt3Y4c3Tqwsn9txbGUlQ8tpsihQJgLEeJcxvQDj8sKy--JgfFTj0XFe2UVh_D5S4GtBKvxX5M6Rl2fF9q2njC9H8ThBLOSkK7sg9pGsWcrjjRDMdCL-rAm2fsTjatNcyjhBwOPm0wit9Rcv02CK5pIjvRO5V3wQ4lycZkgNmf0JjtYifBE9ucMucRlIHuVNWmw_rze3VxLctD3xQ/eH5d9790kqp_4NOF1HUT7CqPvCUcuq3rggGFkRcXEOA", "link": "https://www.monoandstereo.com/aries-cerat-kassandra-2-signature-limited-edition-dac-reivew/", "source": "Mono and Stereo", "datePublished": "3/2/2017" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- IC Chip Array: 24 R2R converters per channel, 48 total
- Output Range RCA: 30Vpp output @ 0db 10Vrms (5Vrms on -6db setting)
- Output Impedance: 50 ohms (balanced and SE output), 12 ohms at -6db setting
- USB input: Data rates up to 24/384KHz
- Other inputs: AES/EBU, S/PDIF, BNC
- Dimensions: 540mm W x 530mm D x 165mm H
- Weight: 120kg total
Description
The Kassandra Signature Limited Edition is our highest level in the Kassandra Series and completely redefines the status of digital replay. We believe the Kassandra DAC is currently one of the best audio sources available today and can only be matched by top analogue sources in timbre and musicality, but keeping well ahead in aspects of dynamic presentation and resolution.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They employ a "zero feedback power gain stage" in their preamplifiers, utilizing a transformer-coupled super-triode design, which is unusual for tube preamps.
- Aries Cerat's Inverted Triode Technology departs from the design of traditional vacuum tubes by using an electron stream accelerated towards a wire-grid-like anode, offering performance benefits.
- Aries Cerat uses Multi-tap input transformers as the attenuation method for volume control, in addition to Nixie-Tube input and volume indicators behind a thick glass front panel.
- They incorporate user-adjustable bias, allowing listeners to fine-tune the sound to match their system and personal preferences.
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Select product comparisons
Prestige Series
- Positioning: The entry-level lineup offering high-quality audio performance with accessible designs.
- Description: Delivers impressive sound quality through carefully engineered components. While it provides a solid foundation, it lacks the advanced technologies found in the higher-tier Reference and Signature Series, resulting in comparatively less refined audio reproduction.
Reference Series
- Positioning: Mid-tier products that introduce enhanced features and performance over the Prestige Series.
- Description: Incorporates improved circuit designs and higher-grade materials, offering a more detailed and dynamic listening experience. However, it doesn't include the proprietary Inverted Triode technology present in the Signature Series, which limits its ability to deliver the same level of sonic purity and realism.
Signature Series
- Positioning: High-end products featuring Aries Cerat's proprietary technologies for superior audio fidelity.
- Description: Stands out with the implementation of the unique Inverted Triode technology, providing exceptional linearity and low distortion. This results in a more natural and immersive sound compared to the Reference Series.
Limited Edition Series
- Positioning: The flagship lineup representing the highest level of craftsmanship and audio performance.
- Description: Features top-of-the-line components and exclusive designs, such as the dual-chassis configuration for improved isolation and power supply integrity. This meticulous engineering surpasses the capabilities of the Signature Series, delivering extraordinary soundstage and detail retrieval.
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Avg. Product Price
$75,001-$100,000
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
315
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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From our interview with
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Used
Aries Cerat
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What if you spend more?
No items found.
What competes at this price?
MSB
Cascade
95000
/
Released
2024
The Cascade DAC was born of an unwavering dedication to perfecting our craft, enabled by our enthusiasm for in-house design and vertically integrated manufacturing. This starts a new era—one built on twin foundations of innovation and experience. We began by reimagining the fundamentals of known DAC architectures from the ground up. Critical to the success of the Cascade DAC has been dividing the conversion process into three dedicated chassis and functions.
MSB Technology builds their own discrete ladder DACs in-house instead of using off-the-shelf chips, with modular designs that let users upgrade input and output modules over time. Their DACs are made with in-house CNC-machined chassis and proprietary Femto clocks, delivering an analog-like sound that's often described as natural and organic.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth, natural sound signature with impressive depth in the 3D soundstage.
- Allows music reproduction closest to a private performance in the listening room.
- Delivers a natural, smooth, and organic sound, reproducing every detail with maximum resolution.
- Exceptional clarity and black background of the sound.
- Performs excellently even with lower-quality content because of its smooth, clean playback and three-dimensional soundstage.
Product Considerations
- The price is far beyond the reach of most audiophiles.
- Comes with only one digital module as standard.
- For optimal performance, it's recommended to place the units on separate shelves.
- The reviewer only tested it as a DAC and did not evaluate its functionality as a preamplifier or streamer.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MSB Reference DAC—the Cascade represents a significant upgrade.
Takeaway: The MSB Cascade DAC sets new standards for sound quality and is a digital marvel, providing a unique and powerful listening experience. It offers incredibly smooth and natural sound, creating a live music sensation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MSB Technology builds their own discrete ladder DACs in-house instead of using off-the-shelf chips, with modular designs that let users upgrade input and output modules over time. Their DACs are made with in-house CNC-machined chassis and proprietary Femto clocks, delivering an analog-like sound that's often described as natural and organic.
Product Page
Product Page
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