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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Aries Cerat Talos Signature phono preamplifier has a unique gain structure.
- The Talos Signature achieves both low noise and high energy music output simultaneously, with an unprecedented sonic output that is whisper quiet and full of flow and vibrancy.
- The Talos Signature brings out the best in music by offering a fantastic dynamic range, low noise, and unmatched music flow.
- It has an impressive believability factor and unique realism
Product Considerations
- The Talos Signature and the overall system gain need to be correctly matched, without proper synergy, only a glimpse of its potential is revealed.
- The Talos Signature requires a preamp that can handle its high output.
- The phono stage has no internal loading presets, as this would predefine and limit loading combinations; it is done by loading modules, which are made to order depending on the customer's cartridge portfolio.
Takeaway: The Aries Cerat Talos Signature creates spacious, dynamic, and transparent sound. It offers unmatched music flow and brings out the best in music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
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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Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
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3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Talos
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No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
Introducing the Talos Reference phono system - the result of years of research and development in phono preamplification design
The Talos Ref comes equipped and internally pre-installed with our specially designed SUT. The SUT is 18db step up ratio, and be preordered with custom step up ratios. Our SUT transformers are also wound using fully geometrically/electrically balanced windings, thus outputting a true balanced output, thus fully benefit from our differential tube input stage.
Amplifiying the extremely low level signal in differential mode has the advantage of cancelling out common mode noise Common mode noise is electrical noise picked up anywhere from the cartridge body up to the inputs of the phono stage, Thus the Talos Signature has a very high SNR.
The unit comes with no internal loading presets, as this would predefine and limit loading combinations. Loading is thus provided by our loading modules. These are custom built on request, and tailored to a clients cartridge portofilio. Loading modules can be used for both direct and SUT inputs. Loading modules can be any value requested, and users can load any input independently.
Amplifiying the extremely low level signal in differential mode has the advantage of cancelling out common mode noise Common mode noise is electrical noise picked up anywhere from the cartridge body up to the inputs of the phono stage, Thus the Talos Signature has a very high SNR.
The unit comes with no internal loading presets, as this would predefine and limit loading combinations. Loading is thus provided by our loading modules. These are custom built on request, and tailored to a clients cartridge portofilio. Loading modules can be used for both direct and SUT inputs. Loading modules can be any value requested, and users can load any input independently.
Manufacturer Specs
- Tube compliment: 8x E280F 4x 6d22s
- Total system gain: 62db, 80db max gain using the +18db SUT input
- Noise floor: <88db unweighted
- Maximum Signal to noise ratio: 106db
- RIAA accuracy: +-0.2db
- Max Output: 30Vpp
- Dimensions: 480 mm W x 350mm D x 165 mm H
- Weight: 79kg total
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Average Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used Products
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Brand Popularity
257
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Top 50 Brand
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Products
29
Founded
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.
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Aries Cerat
What if you spend a bit more?
XS Phono
45000
45000
/
3
Reviews
Pass Labs
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A phonostage without compromise in every parameter of sound reproduction
- Easy access via three large front knobs for IMPEDANCE, CAPACITANCE, and GAIN
- Each phono input has its own discrete gain section, as it is a triple dual mono design
- The front panel has a large volume control and a display friendly to read from across the room
- Three pairs of RCA inputs in the back and one pair of RCA and XLR outputs
Product Considerations
- The Pass Labs XS Phono comes in two large chassis
- Pass Labs products are not known for being space saving
- The lack of balanced inputs or an EQ button for early Decca and Columbia pressings might be annoying
- Blue LEDs are built into each change segment of the three large knobs as well as above the push-buttons, though the minimal brightness suggests close proximity operation is expected
Takeaway: The Pass XS Phono exceeds what the reviewer has heard regarding analog playback, with incredible versatility that makes music sound effortless and is worth the investment. If you have multiple turntables, it has musicality at your disposal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
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XS Phono
page
Product Page
APL01 Special Edition
51995
51995
/
2
Reviews
Riviera
Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly optimized to provide a pure musical outcome in the absence of mechanical sonic traits
- Full tube, pure class A, zero feedback circuit design
- Fully balanced operation achieved with ultra-high-quality transformers on both inputs and outputs with mu-metal core and mu-metal shielding
- Massive, machined aluminum enclosure was designed from the very beginning to deal with unwanted micro-vibrations and resonances
Product Considerations
- May require careful system matching due to its harmonically rich inner kernel
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Robert Koda Takumi K-10 preamplifier: Both similarly addressed inner clockings
Takeaway: The Riviera Audio Labs APL-01SE is a remarkable preamplifier with a unique approach to music reproduction and a design focused on sonic purity. Its vibrant sound and exceptional build quality make it a standout choice in the hifi market.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
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APL01 Special Edition
page
Product Page
Pre DHT Line Stage
41979
41979
/
1
Reviews
Audio Phonique
Audiophonique is a Polish hifi brand that hand-makes all its products using 316L stainless steel enclosures and medical and military-grade components. Their DAC DHT stands out for its rare use of directly heated triodes and DSD conversion, while their cables feature a proprietary Extended Air Geometry with monocrystalline silver and copper conductors.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Utterly posh and elegant behavior with a romantic sound profile built upon a somewhat elevated tonal temperature, round edges, remarkable smoothness, sensible heft, and spatial humidity
- Equally gifted on romance and tone as it was on crack, snap, and vigor, making it fabulously balanced
- Staged even deeper than the Trilogy 915R, and enveloped key sound sources by more air to make them even more distinctive
- Weightier upper registers that lingered in air for longer, and heftier bass that dug deeper was still held in as tight of a grasp
- Hand-polished mirror-like chassis built upon 2mm 316L stainless steel sheets that are non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and better in damping micro-vibrations via mass
Product Considerations
- The shiny chassis is a potent fingerprint attractor, and gets very hot near tubes
- The menu can't be accessed via the remote control, and doesn't cover naming inputs and dimming display
- No DC trigger ports are available to conveniently power on the entire set with other Audio Phonique products via just one button press
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Trilogy 915R: The PRE DHT artfully combined tone, muscularity, roundness, and euphony to imaging size, illumination, top extension, quickness, and control downstairs—emerging as the more sorted wholesome product
Takeaway: The Audio Phonique PRE DHT is a luxuriously executed and brilliantly voiced preamplifier that offers both romantic sound qualities and high-performance capabilities. It is an ambitious product that can elevate the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audiophonique is a Polish hifi brand that hand-makes all its products using 316L stainless steel enclosures and medical and military-grade components. Their DAC DHT stands out for its rare use of directly heated triodes and DSD conversion, while their cables feature a proprietary Extended Air Geometry with monocrystalline silver and copper conductors.
Visit our
Pre DHT Line Stage
page
Product Page
Mimesis PH3.8 Nextgen
51555
51555
/
1
Reviews
Goldmund
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal reproduction of instruments and vocalists in the bass, midbass, and lower mids, delivering power-range octaves with speed, definition, and impact
- Exceedingly neutral timbral balance, neither top-down nor bottom-up
- Astonishingly transparent to sources, revealing both how the music was recorded and performed
- Creates a continuous soundfield, weaving details together into near-palpable wholes within a seamless soundscape
- Limited I/O, with only two sets of RCA inputs—one mm and one mc—and a single pair of RCA outputs; there are no balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Occasional tendency to shoutiness in the upper midrange, particularly on very hard transients at very high volumes—source-dependent
- Lacks modern features like a rumble filter, alternative EQ curves, and a digital readout of loading values
- Granularity of potentiometers for resistive and capacitive loading has broad gaps between values
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Soulution 755, the PH3.8 NEXTGEN is better in timbral neutrality, as the Soulution is a bit dark-sounding
Takeaway: The Goldmund PH3.8 NEXTGEN delivers realistic, revealing, and deeply enjoyable sound, excelling in bass reproduction and timbral neutrality. For vinyl enthusiasts, this product is a reference-grade phonostage that merits auditioning.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Visit our
Mimesis PH3.8 Nextgen
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Model 1200 Signature
34633
/
Released
Zanden
Many people believe that the recording curves of stereo LPs were unified in RIAA. However, as a result of a survey that Zanden conducted, we reached the conclusion that, TELDEC, EMI, COLUMBIA, and DECCA curves also exist in addition to RIAA and must be supported. In addition, we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to set three types of fourth time constants in order to reproduce the sound of stereo LP perfectly and accurately. Further, if the recording phase of stereo LPs takes the output phase of current stereo LP cartridges as its reference, then the existence of recordings with extremely numerous inverted phases also has been identified. These facts overturn the conventional wisdom about stereo LPs. Zanden's Model 1200 Signature solves all of these issues.
The newly developed fully balanced LCR EQ circuit produces a detailed and solid soundstage. The hearing experience is comparable to listening to a master tape and makes one forget that the source is a vinyl disc. This unique circuit also brings intensity of music to the listener and transports him/her to the concert hall. It enables the listener to experience live performance on stage, rather than the traditional feeling of listening to the performance at a great distance in the audience seat of the concert hall. When played back by the correct equalization curve and phase with this circuit, stereo LPs will present us with a wonderful and amazing world of music never experienced before.
The newly developed fully balanced LCR EQ circuit produces a detailed and solid soundstage. The hearing experience is comparable to listening to a master tape and makes one forget that the source is a vinyl disc. This unique circuit also brings intensity of music to the listener and transports him/her to the concert hall. It enables the listener to experience live performance on stage, rather than the traditional feeling of listening to the performance at a great distance in the audience seat of the concert hall. When played back by the correct equalization curve and phase with this circuit, stereo LPs will present us with a wonderful and amazing world of music never experienced before.
Zanden Audio is renowned for achieving a natural, organic sound that closely resembles live performances through their use of Finemet core output transformers, which provide excellent electromagnetic noise suppression. The brand's distinctive approach includes vacuum tubes and LCR-based equalizers in their phonostages.
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Our Summary
No items found.
Product Strengths
- The Zanden 1200 Signature has a fully balanced circuit throughout, which results in more stable and better-quality performance
- Music is delivered from a deep black background of silence, resulting in a very quiet performance
- Profoundly dynamic with a scale and sense of realism, it puts the listener right in the middle of the music
- The sound is musically inviting without warming it up, insightful without sounding unnecessarily exuberant, detailed without sounding etched or bland, and dynamic without sounding unhinged
- A wide soundstage with uncommon depth and layering, as well as strong and stable images, are presented
Product Considerations
- There is no fine tuning of impedance, gain or capacitance to match different phono cartridges, only two main MC options are available
- The alternate EQ curves have relatively higher output than RIAA EQ
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pass Labs XP-25: The Zanden created more air and space within a deeper soundstage, was more robust with consistently finer-grained vocal and instrumental presentations, better dynamic shadings, and tighter bass
- Vs Zanden 120: The 1200S exhibited a softer hand and lighter touch with the music, providing more nuanced presentations sensitive to the dynamic and tonal shadings of instrumental and vocal performances, and it had an easier time with soundstage depth, layering, and fortissimo passages
Takeaway: The Zanden 1200 Signature is a meticulously crafted phono preamplifier that offers engaging sound, flexibility, and a refined musical experience with excellent dynamics and detail. It delivers a natural presentation of instruments and vocals creating an immersive soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Zanden Audio is renowned for achieving a natural, organic sound that closely resembles live performances through their use of Finemet core output transformers, which provide excellent electromagnetic noise suppression. The brand's distinctive approach includes vacuum tubes and LCR-based equalizers in their phonostages.
Visit
Model 1200 Signature
Page
Product Page
Pandora
34171
/
Released
2022
Gryphon
In Greek mythology, Pandora was created at Zeus' command as the first woman on earth. Her name means "the all-gifted", because the gods endowed her with numerous precious talents. From Aphrodite, she received beauty, divine grace, charm and harmony; from Apollo, the gift of music; from Hermes, the power of subtle persuasion; from Athena, soul and from the Graces, love, tenderness, beauty, kindness, pleasure, creativity, artistry, and sensuality. We have captured these virtues in the four-chassis Gryphon Pandora preamplifier with total isolation of left and right channels on separate chassis and dedicated dual mono power supplies in individual chassis to protect the audio signal from any interference.
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Gryphon Pandora is considered 'one hell of a line stage' and is highly recommended for any Gryphon amplifier
- It delivers a 'huge, huge sound' with a massive, wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor presentation
- It provides a lot of bottom end control, punch, and muscle, with clear string plucking and well-marked edges on a guitar
- Top notch construction
- The Pandora just sounds like music
Product Considerations
- The back feet on the Pandora are spikes, which can scratch the surface it's placed on, such as wood shelves
- The design with spikes on both chassis prevents stacking, requiring two shelves
- Requires two expensive power cords
- No polarity switching
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Pandora has a larger soundstage, wrapping around the listener, while the Boulder focuses on the space between the speakers with detail and separation
- If in a position to upgrade from the Gryphon Essence line stage, the Pandora is recommended
- The Pandora clicks better with the Gryphon amplifier
Takeaway: The Gryphon Pandora is a great line stage to go with any Gryphon amplifier, delivering a huge and powerful sound. It is a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a high-quality audio experience, especially within the Gryphon ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Visit
Pandora
Page
Product Page
C1.2
36000
/
Released
2022
CH Precision
Sometimes, what you want is exactly what you get. Take the C1.2 DAC/Controller as an example: You want a world-class DAC with leading edge digital design and cutting edge musical performance? You've got it. You want a control unit to switch multiple digital inputs and control level? You've got it. You want to accept and switch analog inputs? You can do that too. You want a product that's future proof in terms of price AND performance? The C1.2 ticks that box as well! In fact, the C1.2 is any or all of those things; you get to choose…
CH Precision is known for its modular design philosophy that lets customers tailor and upgrade their units over time without replacing the entire component, with sophisticated controls accessible via tablet from the listening position. Their amplifiers offer five different operating modes (stereo, bridge, passive and active bi-amplification, and monaural) and allow users to adjust specific audio parameters like global feedback ratio and input gain settings for optimal speaker matching.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral as possible while retaining all the music's delicacy, refinement, and fluidity, being revealing without becoming clinical
- Wide and deep soundstage, timbrally spot-on and very natural, well-focused, richly textured, and well-endowed in terms of transient attack and dynamic impact
- Significantly more revealing, without introducing any negative by-products such as dryness or a lack of emotional involvement
- More discerning of differences in sources and source material, enlarging the contrast between them
- A blacker background—low-level details can be heard more clearly
Product Considerations
- Calibration is mandatory after the upgrade from C1 to C1.2, as the calibration of the C1.2 is different from the one in the C1, and failure to do so will lead to degraded performance
- Without calibration, the sound can be super-crisp, tight, direct, and highly rhythmic, but also quite square and technical, and with the flow and emotional involvement on a much lower level
- Files played directly from the C1.2 have a slightly contoured character—everything is accurate, powerful, energetic, but sometimes even too accurate
- The C1 sounded fuller than other CH Precision products, and the C1.2 upgrade brings it more in line with other products
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs dCS Vivaldi 2.0: Clear and precise sound, although the dCS has some softness making it seem a bit warmer
- Vs Weiss DA502 D/A converter: A similar vision of clear and precise sound
- Vs Ayon Audio CD-35 HF Edition: Better timbral dissimilarity of individual instruments and portrayed them on a better-organized soundstage with more dimensions
- Vs ESOTERIC K-01D: Well-placed space, similar to the ESOTERIC K-01D, despite their tonal differences
Takeaway: The C1.2 is a very resolving and revealing DAC that presents music with exceptional clarity and precision, able to enhance subtle details in music. It is a great way to appreciate the details of music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
CH Precision is known for its modular design philosophy that lets customers tailor and upgrade their units over time without replacing the entire component, with sophisticated controls accessible via tablet from the listening position. Their amplifiers offer five different operating modes (stereo, bridge, passive and active bi-amplification, and monaural) and allow users to adjust specific audio parameters like global feedback ratio and input gain settings for optimal speaker matching.
Visit
C1.2
Page
Product Page
PR-01
37713
/
Released
2023
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Zeiler
Radically reduced design, attention to detail and extensive listening trials make the PR-01 preamplifier an exceptional instrument for both enjoying and understanding music – minimalism follows consequence. The Preamplifier "PR-01" is available in two high-quality surface finishes: anodized silver and anodized black.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, CNC machined out of solid billets of aluminum with a velvety finish
- Designed to disappear from the audio chain functionally, leaving just music behind
- Incorporates Lundahl input and output transformers for galvanic isolation
- Features a precision volume control providing optimal channel synchronisation
Product Considerations
- The degree of minimalism might be too much for some, lacking indicator lights
- 10W power output might not appeal to those who prioritize amplifier output numbers
Takeaway: The Zeiler Audio PR-01 is made for those who appreciate uncompromising sound and build quality. If the goal is to hear music as it was meant to be played, this could be the product for you.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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PR-01
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Product Page
C-580
32078
/
Released
2021
Aavik
The Aavik C-580 control amplifier unleash a dynamic scale of music that project even the tiniest musical details onto a palpably larger sound stage with an extremely quiet background.
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features an LDR (Light-dependent resistor) based Switchless Optical Input board, which is extremely quiet thanks to its switchless principle
- Has a separate power supply
- Features a new Aavik analogue crossover designed to either very precisely control a subwoofer or, with the integrated low pass and high pass filter—to control a 2.1 home theatre system
- Engineered enclosure offers an authentic sound that is warm, harmonious, and powerful, yet crisp and refined—highlighting every detail in the music
- Line stage features a unique inverted Virtual Ground amplifier topology that supplies maximum stability, maintaining the full signal with the lowest signal-to-noise ratio, making even the finest details of timbre and texture nuances audible on an extremely quiet soundstage
Product Considerations
- The Aavik C-580 is expensive
Takeaway: The Aavik C-580 is a versatile preamplifier for audiophiles and music lovers, with unique features that provide clarity, detail, and accuracy in music playback—creating a realistic and immersive audio experience. It offers high-end sound and aesthetics that will last for years.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Visit
C-580
Page
Product Page
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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- The Aries Cerat Talos Signature phono preamplifier has a unique gain structure.
- The Talos Signature achieves both low noise and high energy music output simultaneously, with an unprecedented sonic output that is whisper quiet and full of flow and vibrancy.
- The Talos Signature brings out the best in music by offering a fantastic dynamic range, low noise, and unmatched music flow.
- It has an impressive believability factor and unique realism
Product Considerations
- The Talos Signature and the overall system gain need to be correctly matched, without proper synergy, only a glimpse of its potential is revealed.
- The Talos Signature requires a preamp that can handle its high output.
- The phono stage has no internal loading presets, as this would predefine and limit loading combinations; it is done by loading modules, which are made to order depending on the customer's cartridge portfolio.
Takeaway: The Aries Cerat Talos Signature creates spacious, dynamic, and transparent sound. It offers unmatched music flow and brings out the best in music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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