Ha, well it's not a bad thing, as I feel the amp merits more exposure.
Yep, absolutely!
SparkoS Aries headphone amp
- Thread starter project86
- Start date
Yep, absolutely!
Sam Spade
100+ Head-Fier
I'm sitting here listening to Marlon Williams Live at Auckland Town Hall. He is a genius New Zealand singer who is the closest thing I've heard to Roy Orbison in range, delivery, and impact, and one of the best live acts I've ever seen. It's a stellar recording too. Anyway, heavily modded classic Marantz CD80 as transport, Chord Qutest DAC and Sparko Aries headamp, Audeze LCD4 cans. Close my eyes and I could almost be in the audience.
I've posted on the Sparko Aries amp before, and I have also got their opamps in some of my other gear.
I'm not going to add up the total cost of the setup but it's a lot. Actually, it's about AU$14k RRP so it should sound good.
The Aries is insanely good. And I think it's a bargain at US$3k, well as much as something $3k can be a bargain. I really need to drag my Burson Conductor 3x Reference into the same room and compare them though. The Burson is beautiful.
If you are thinking about a headamp in this price range you really should put the Sparko on your audition list. Andrew Sparko is great to deal with too.
I've posted on the Sparko Aries amp before, and I have also got their opamps in some of my other gear.
I'm not going to add up the total cost of the setup but it's a lot. Actually, it's about AU$14k RRP so it should sound good.
The Aries is insanely good. And I think it's a bargain at US$3k, well as much as something $3k can be a bargain. I really need to drag my Burson Conductor 3x Reference into the same room and compare them though. The Burson is beautiful.
If you are thinking about a headamp in this price range you really should put the Sparko on your audition list. Andrew Sparko is great to deal with too.
Benno1988
1000+ Head-Fier
Yeah, I caved. Bought one.
Now need to find a DAC to pair with to run D8000
Now need to find a DAC to pair with to run D8000
Good choice on both amp and headphone. What's your budget for a DAC?
I have been "DAC rolling" this week, and have basically come to the conclusion the Hugo 2 is an excellent pairing with the Aries, though I'm sure others can chip in with alternatives.
Benno1988
1000+ Head-Fier
My budget is yes. More Mazda than Bentley if you get my drift.
I can meet you at Saab 900?
Benno1988
1000+ Head-Fier
Potentially, if it presents value. I'd also consider some VW models and possibly a MG.
Gotcha. Owing to your heritage, may I humbly suggest the 1990 Holden "Ute." She's an oldie but with her tight bottom end, textured midrange, and sparkly highs, she'll be sure to pair nicely with the Sparkos.
Benno1988
1000+ Head-Fier
Haha. I am employed (not living off the government's money) and don't live rural, so I'm not allowed to drive an old Holden Ute mate.Gotcha. Owing to your heritage, may I humbly suggest the 1990 Holden "Ute." She's an oldie but with her tight bottom end, textured midrange, and sparkly highs, she'll be sure to pair nicely with the Sparkos.
Fair play - or fair dinkum, as you lot say - pretty sure I saw it in once in Neighbours or maybe Home and Away circa 1991, so thought it was a legit all rounder.
Anyway, back on thread.... Chord Qutest would be good.
Benno1988
1000+ Head-Fier
Struth. I'll have a Captain Cook.
Excellent choice. I am a big fan of the Hugo 2/Aries pairing, and given that the Qutest is the stationary Hugo 2, I'm confident you'll dig it.
Incidentally, I mentioned earlier on this thread that I was demoing the Sonnet Morpheus with the Aries following the review by @project86. Alas, the pairing didn't prove appealing to me. The Morpheus is a great DAC, though I found it somehow too soft and not dynamic enough with the Aries (but this is certainly a question of taste, and which is why I like the Chord sound). On a more prosaic level, I didn't find the technical aspects sufficiently a step-up from the Hugo 2 in terms of imaging, layering, detail to inspire buying it. The one area it is a step-up is in terms of soundstage, but that also contributes to a more relaxed presentation (too diffused for my liking).
In any case, my ramblings are on the Sonnet thread and conclude here.
For me, Hugo 2 and Aries are where it's at at least on a SS front. All the remains now is to get a desktop tube amp which compliments the Aries.
Sunset1982
Head-Fier
I pulled the trigger and bought an aries. Waiting for it to be delivered. Cant wait to pair it with my empyreans and my bifrost 2.
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