Aries Cerat Helene DAC and Incito S HFA preview

Here is a showcase and quick preview of two Aries Cerat components, the Incito S preamp and the Helene DAC. I have them connected in a system consisting of a CH Precision C1 DAC, A1,5 power amp, and Magico S1 mkII speakers. Streaming sources include the Grimm Audio MU1, Antipodes K50, and Aqua LinQ.
In this case, I am making a video in advance of the extensive review on hifi-advice.com. As such, this video should not be regarded as a review but as a quick preview. Please keep an eye on hifi-advice.com where I will soon publish an in-depth review.

[@j.waldmann7163]

Came here after having red your review on this different items, what an effort... Congratulation!

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Thanks! 🙂

[@orfeomonteverdi1997]

Excellent preview, thanks!
Synthetic, straight to the point, clear, and at the same time very dense in valuable information.
Very nice shooting too.

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Thanks Orfeo!

[@ardalay88]

Good luck with your new channel! Kind regards.

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Thank you very much!

[@stephanem.2268]

Very nice preview Christiian. Do you remember having gain management issue with the Incito-S? I'm using the same one than yours (low gain fixed at 8db) but the pairing with some amps is not easy. I remember that you paired it with a CH A1.5 what was your gain setting? Thanks

[@ktakeshi17]

Excellent review.. Thank you
Do you still have the Mola Mola Tambaqui ? As I would love to know how the incitos s will work with the Tambaqui :)

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Thanks:-) The Tambaqui has returned to the dealer but I often hear the model at two of my friends' systems and I know its sound well. Whether or not it will match with the Incito will depend on your expectations as well as system synergy. On the one hand, the Incito S will most definitely do the Tambaqui's superb resolution and transparency justice. On the other hand, the Tambaqui is close in character to the Aqua Formula xHD DAC which I tried with the Incito S. Both the CH C1 and the Helene DAC sounded fuller and richer, and because of that, more emotionally engaging. Because the Incito is so very neutral itself, you might consider the combination to sound a little lean. Lastly, if you consider the Helene DAC, do note that it sounds best when used via USB.

[@21mikeross]

How does the Aries Helene DAC compare with the Aqua Formula DAC?

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

This is explained in the extensive review on HFA: www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/spdif-dac-reviews/aries-cerat-helene-dac-and-incito-s-preamp/

[@jc51373]

Have you reviewed any Audio Note gear in your own system? DACs in partiicular.

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Alas, I have not.

[@ayc868]

Have you compare with Nagra Tube DAC ?

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Alas, I have not heard any Nagra equipment in my home system yet.

[@famHiehleTorres]

Don't forget to wear pants when you film shiny objects :)

[@hifi-advicehigh-endaudioeq3675]

Hahaha yes, I almost got caught not wearing them once already!