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845 SET? deHavilland / Art Audio/et..al.

Any impressions on the deHavilland Aries and Art Audio Carissa? How do they compare? Comparable 845 based amps that should be considered? How do they compare with those mentioned? And finally, and thoughts on the difference in sound between the dH Aries monoblocks and the stereo IOS? My speakers are Merlin VSM-MXes, should that enter into the equation. Thanks.
pubul57
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
So some of the contenders are: Art Audio, deHavilland, Unison Research and Viva. Well, I'm going to do a bit more research. Thanks for the input.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Just for the record, I understand that Mastersound is also a contender worth considering.
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Pubul57,I am a very happy owner of the deHavilland Aries 845G
Its the best amp i have owned in my quest for nirvana.With the Aries G you also get Kara as an extra bonus.
The Viva Solista is very,very close IMHO.but this would take your Joule-Electra 150 mk11 out of your system.
Are you unhappy with your CAT amps or just want that SET sound
Best of luck with any decision you make
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
Goldeneraguy,
What kind of speakers are you using. I've been wondering if the Aries would be a good match with my JM Lab Mini Utopias (91.5db). I don't want to just scrape by with the power; I like it to sound easy. Also, I'm currently using a cj premier 11a and I definitely don't want anything warmer or lusher.

Regards
pehare's avatar
pehare
838 posts
 
New Audio Frontiers also has a good reputation
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