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Aries Cerat Helene vs MSB Premiere DAC vs Lampizator Pacific 2

Priced fairly close once fully maxxed out. I suppose you could add the Kassandra ll onto this list, but its priced slightly higher.

Looking strongly at these DACs listed in the title, and finding it very hard to make a decision. I have access to either at a very good used price, but I have not heard anything from either brand.

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".

128x128onlysomany
elrod
254 posts
 

I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who has experienced all three of these DACs. Then throw in the synergy with your equipment and you have a real crap shoot.

All I can say is that I have a Helene and I have no desire to search for another DAC. Just keep in mind the Helene is a beast to move around. Also,the Helene works with PCM only, not DSD

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
293 posts
 

@onlysomany 

I have the Helene, which I love. Sounds like live music without a hint of digital. A plus is that you can alter the sound by changing the bias, a unique feature of this DAC. I can only imagine what the Kassandra II sounds like!

onlysomany's avatar
onlysomany OP
1 posts
 

Ok, so......

I ended up going with the Aries Cerat Helene. Had an amazing dealer experience with Eric Connors at Unlimited Audio. Took me forever to decide, but ultimately I pulled the trigger on it.

Switched out the Dave/Blu combo and WOW. Big difference in presentation. I don't see how they can sell this dac so "cheap". Not only due to its size and weight, but the quality of components and sound.

Completely happy with this choice. This compared with the Viva is a dream. I don't how it could sound better than this.

If anyone else is looking for an endgame dac, message me and I'll hook you up with the dealer. It was an A+ experience start to finish.

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