Sparkos Lab Aries Headphone Amplifier Thread

[driftingbunnies]

https://sparkoslabs.com/aries-headphone-amplifier-and-preamp/

I just thought I would start this thread to see if anyone has heard of this unit. I've seen it in pictures of RMAF 19 where Sparkos was using ZMF headphones to demo their amplifier and ZMF also had a sparkos unit to demo their headphones. Zach has mentioned a few times that he currently uses this in addition to a ECP Ravenwood for his SS amps. I haven't been able to find much information besides what's provided on the website. Has anyone used or heard this unit during RMAF?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Have not seen it before but looking at the pics it is a very nice build. Not too many headamps are rocking toroidal transformers.

 

[zach915m]

It lacks an XLR out which freaks some people out, but it's really not necessary to the design. This amp runs head to head with any solid state I've had, and I prefer it for testing because of its laser volume channel matching as I have been testing every zmf that goes out the door for the last 6 months on it and I honestly have felt better about my subjective testing because we have this amp. The Reed stepped system definitely has something to it.

Tonally I was originally worried about the amp having such a low output impedance, but the sound is smooth and has natural decay, which is probably a result of the internals and toroidal transformer used. I can definitely recommend the sparkos, at least for ZMFs, I will try it with my planars more at some point to confirm how it runs those as well.

 

[sparko311]

Thanks for starting this thread. I would be happy to answer any questions anyone has about the Aries Headphone Amp.

I too use ZMF Headphones (Verte, Thanks Zach!) for all listening tests on the bench on all units before they go out the door.

Theyre my Reference Headphones

 

[Wildcatsare1]

I would love to learn more about the Aries; it sounds like it would be the perfect match with my ZMF Cans as an alternative for my WA5.

 

[Nostoi]

Those following this thread might be interested in my impressions on this outstanding amp here.