Sparkos aries review. " I've tried it with a Mass Kobo SS amp and it works very well. See full list on headphone. Jul 11, 2020 · The Aries Headphone Amplifier and Preamp (sans the preamp functionality on my review model) is the first piece of audio gear from this company. The build is flawless. Seeing how four of them are used in this amplifier, the premium is fair bit for both. I have comparing this to my main amp, SPL Phonitor X and this thing has finally bested my amp. It’s priced at $79 apiece. Aug 23, 2020 · Hey matias, here's some reviews worth looking at. I have replaced the 3-Terminal IC regulators with the Sparkos Labs discrete voltage regulators in my network audio player, the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N. The sound is very warm, wide, and analog. )This amp has the absolute quietest background, SparkoS Labs ensured that it has 1. What would be most important to me is how it compares to the Aries (which I have). Jul 1, 2022 · SparkoS Aries Headphone Amp; solid state headphone amp…mint (I am obsessive w my audio gear. Oct 30, 2020 · I purchased the Sparkos Lab preamplifier to use in a speaker system and occasional headphone listening, the Aries is terrific for the money no question. 9 uV at unity gain of 0 dB! The Sparkos Labs SS3602! All I can say my dear fellas, is screw all of the op amps from TI, Muses, ADI etc. SparkoS Labs Aries Tags 64 audio A&K ALO Audio Astell Astell & Kern AstellKern astellnkern Audez'e Audioquest Audio Technica Award best gear Beyerdynamic Burson canjam Cayin Chord Chord Electronics Earsonics Effect Audio Fiio giveaway Grado hiby hiby music Hifiman Ibasso IFI iFi Audio Meze noble Noble Audio picture Sunday Picture Wednesday poll Oct 29, 2021 · Aries is a brilliant amp with a precise volume knob that is perfectly matched from the first step on the dial all the way through to the end. Feb 13, 2016 · The Sparkos Pro opamps cost US $59 from the company. Dec 6, 2022 · The only other headphone amp I use after I got the Sparkos Aries is the Auris Nirvana tube amp because of its synergies with the Abyss 1266, it makes the mid range very enjoyable for vocals. 1% thin film resistors to achieve an RIAA accuracy of <0. To connect signal sources, […] Oct 30, 2020 · In the end, I went for the Sparkos based primarily on the accounts of the amp as highly resolving, transparent, and quick (especially @project86 review here). Sonic Imagery doesn't show the prices but I found some on ebay for US $69. Some impressions: 1. Shop our Marchand active discrete op amps with our review of SS3602 upgrades. Apr 22, 2024 · Sparkos Labs is a small US company that started out making dedicated audio component parts like high-quality audio op-amps. Oct 30, 2020 · Over the past five months I’ve been using the headphone section of my dac while making a decision on a dedicated headphone amplifier I think back just weeks ago roaming around YouTube and stumbling upon a review of the Sparkos Lab Aries, I listened carefully what was said then went to Sparkos web page and read the other reviews. Sparkos offers with the Aries a high-end preamplifier and headphone amplifier for audiophiles looking for the best sound quality. Sound notes are written in reference to replacing all the Ne5532 and 5534 op-amps in both devices with the appropriate Sparkos Labs SS360x op-amp in thier place. I’m guessing however I don’t think there would be a world of differences if the Aries was full balanced , i believe if signal ended is implemented to the highest degree it works exceptionally well , Lamm and others use single ended exclusively with some of their mono block amplifiers and preamplifiers to very good success. My written review can be found here: https://bit. Oct 4, 2021 · Hardware Reviews. 20396; Thread; Aug 23, 2020; aries sparkos Replies: 15; Forum: Headphones and Headphone Amplifier Reviews Read customer feedback and reviews on Sparkos Labs products. The main emphasis is placed on the high quality of the analog part. com/3qzdbA review of the Sparkos Labs Aries headphone amp, an amp I've reviewed before, so this is a rewind revie Aug 13, 2021 · SPARKOS LABS ARIES PREAMP AND HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER REVIEW SparkoS Labs Inc. It is based on an architecture composed solely of discrete components to ensure exceptional performance. Oct 27, 2020 · On the back of this interest in his op-amps, Andrew Sparks has produced his first mainstream commercial product: the SparkoS Labs Aries headphone amplifier. All of Sparkos Labs discrete op amps are based on Lin 3 Stage topology consisting of an input stage differential pair, a gain (VAS) stage, and an output stage all biased in class A mode with two pole compensation. Jul 1, 2020 · 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. John Scott finds out if their Aries preamp/headphone amplifier at £2995 provides paws for thought. Oct 30, 2020 · Here the Sparkos Aries manages to fill that emptiness, because it is a real champion, combining speed, details, resolution and silence, with full and colorful Head Fi member Wiljen said - For purposes of these tests, I started out with a Burson Swing and Fun DAC and amplifier. Aries looks great, I really dig that symmetrical look, that balance control and that OLED touch screen are adding a lot of value to it. com/passionfor Jan 29, 2022 · Buy direct from Sparkos Labs: https://shrsl. Music tracks I used were either FLAC from my personal library or streamed via Apple Music Lossless. 1K subscribers. guru Oct 25, 2022 · The SparkoS Labs Aries Series consists of a dedicated headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier that is offered in multiple variations. Op amps are a way of tweaking that. Subscribed. Initial impression is very satisfactory, the background is dead quiet. Sparkos Labs Youtube Channel Full Model Aries Headphone Amplifier. From its humble beginnings back in the late 1900's in the loft of the family shed all the way up to the present day, it's the birthing ground for all of the fodder that is Take a 2 minute tour of the Aries. Single-owner. ’ logo, that it starts to further hint at its capabilities. A couple of weeks later, I received it in a simple but well protected packaging. Mar 28, 2020 · Put it simply this way: Sparkos Labs Aries together with Benchmark HPA4 are still the best headphone amplifiers I ever listened. Apr 4, 2020 · April 4, 2020 Comments Off on SPARKOS LABS ARIES HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER REVIEW Read Here “The SparkoS Labs Aries Headphone Amplifier far outperformed expectations and is one of the most musical solid-state headphone amplifiers I have heard and not artificially so (through rolling off the highs or compromising tonality, timbre, and detail). Mar 28, 2020 · Buy direct from Sparkos Labs: https://shrsl. 3, Oct 30, 2020 · I've ordered a new SparkoS-Aries with Pre-amp-XLR outs and a Chord-Qutest can't wait to get it should arrive in few days, I Received the DAC a week ago using it with my 300b tube AMP sounds exceptional, Just waiting on the Aries. 1850€ It has XLR and 2 RCAs input plus RCA and XLR output Sound is extremely detailed and sounds very lifelike because of that, classical music is amazing and the soundstage very very real, wide and depth is great. Oct 30, 2020 · Just bought a Sparkos Aries, and this thing is monster as per all the review in terms of sound quality. First, the Sonic Imagery 990 ENH from last review: Nov 11, 2023 · "Something that is very interesting is to use the Gemini in front of the Aries by using the Gemini RCA outputs and going into the Aries from there. Someone made the mistake (or perhaps had the brilliance) to give him a Radio Shack 200 in 1 electronic kit which opened a Pandora's box that forever changed his life. Also different systems/headphones have different sound signatures. com has reviewed the Sparkos Labs Discrete Op Amps in an Eastern Electric Minimax DAC. Apr 21, 2019 · SparkOS Discrete Op-amps SS3601 and SS3602 with comparisons to Ne5532/5534, Muses02, Burson v6 Classic, and Burson v6 Vivid op amps The SS2590 Pro Discrete Audio Op Amp represents everything we ever wanted in an op amp, but were unable to achieve in the SS3601/SS3602's smaller package size. Disclaimer: All devices mentioned in the review were purchased by me, and dont have any influence or compensation of any kind from anyone else. Amplifier Audio Measurements Let's start with our dashboard. Experience enhanced sound quality and performance in this detailed analysis. The legendary Douglass Schroeder of Dagogo. 1dB . Two pairs of RCA inputs, one front panel input, one headphone output, one pair XLR inputs, RCA and XLR preamp outputs. The SS3602 is really a no-brainer in every aspect while the DEXAs turned out to be more of a mixed bag, at least when trying to fit them in an electrically demanding environment such as my balanced preamp. Better detail retrieval without harshness or fatigue. Spacious without feeling distant like AD8599 for example. patreon. Oct 30, 2020 · Thanks for the impressions. With the 2015 HDtracks Sampler, first track cue is Sonata for 2 Violins in G Major, Op. Last year a dealer lent me a Bakoon 13R to try at home it was very good sounding driving the HiFiman . 4K views 3 years ago #Aries #Review. Base Model Aries Headphone Amplifier. As promised, here I am back with my listening impression of the SS3602 in my Burmester preamp. Quote from Douglass Schroeder – “Overall, the Sparkos op amps are smooth, refined, and made the Pass Labs amps sound beefier and more balanced tonally from top to bottom. It's the culmination of a lifetime passion for audio, and electronic design and engineering. That way, you can impart a fixed amount of tube sonics into the sound, and then volume control things from the Aries. Dec 2, 2019 · One of the advantages of the Aries is its ability to work with absolute finesse when playing with sensitive headphones thanks to that volume-pot. Dec 2, 2019 · Review: SparkoS Labs Aries Headphone Amplifier User experience and Operation: So while the outside of the Aries looks fairly basic, it’s only when you ‘tap’ the front panel and it lights-up with a glowing ‘SparkoS Labs Inc. Based on previous work dealing with discrete op amps and voltage regulators, the Aries utilizes pro discrete op amps for the main audio path, and DIP8 discrete op amps for managing line level inputs and Oct 30, 2020 · I spent some time with the SparkoS Labs Aries headphone amp recently, and wanted to get a discussion going since I was highly impressed by the performance. Risk free 30 day in-home trial. Headphones : Kennerton Rognir/Sennheiser HD800s/Ultrasone Signature Master MKII/Audio-Technica ATH-WP900/Tago Studio T3-01 Oct 30, 2020 · Currently preferred rig: headphones - Bluesound node -> Terminator DAC -> Sparkos Labs Aries/Auris Nirvana 2 -> Focal Utopia/HD800/Abyss 1266 phi TC Portable - A64 u18t via Chord Hugo 2 Speakers - Bluesound node -> mini dsp SHD Dirac preamp -> Chord TT2 -> Parasound A21+ -> B&W speakers A close up of a couple of the Sparkos Labs SS3602 Dual Discrete Op Amps which are used in the 2nd and 3rd stages of the Phono Amp. ly The Aries Headphone Amplifier and Preamp. As for noise and distortion… Well, there isn’t any. Dec 2, 2019 · Today we’re taking a look at the first headphone amplifier and preamplifier from US manufacturer SparkoS Labs – the ‘Aries’. I don't see much info around here so I figured a new thread would be a good idea. As you know, ZM3 should be here soon and I can comment more (from memory) about it stacks up to Aries. The base model ($2,495 USD) offers single-ended inputs and outputs, whilst the $2,995 USD version is fully balanced (offering both single-ended and XLR inputs/outputs). So I suppose it is analogous to that. Oct 30, 2020 · Yes the Aries is single ended design and I use XLR from the May dac . It utilizes our Pro discrete op amps for the main audio path, our DIP8 discrete op amps for managing line level inputs and outputs, and our discrete voltage regulators in the power supply. Furthermore, In this article, I’m checking out the Sparkos SS3602 Dual Discrete Op-Amp. Zach has mentioned a few times that he currently uses this in addition to a ECP Ravenwood for his SS amps. Oct 30, 2020 · I have just received my Sparkos Aries also I could not resist plugging it in for a few minutes between my work calls. Mon, 04/10/2021. Dec 31, 2020 · Selling the mighty Sparkos Aries - Preamp version, unit is in mint condition like brand new. My decision to buy the aries was based on a number of factors: 1) the sparko pro opamps sounded great in my burson conductor 3X ref and better than the burson V6 vivid. Two pairs of RCA inputs, one front panel input, one headphone output. The Aries goes for $2499 in "base" form or $2999 for the pre-amp capable version. 6uV of RMS noise at 0 dB gain (almost maxed out), that is the lowest noise I ever seen mentioned before, even the mighty Benchmark HPA4 has it at 1. About Sparko - Andrew got into electronics when he was young enough to tell people how old he was using less than all of his fingers. In the heart of Sparkos Aries Base. They entered the world of headphone amplifiers in 2019 with the rather large and expensive Aries. Aries is indeed a very high caliber amplifier, clearly the best solid state I have heard so far, by a significant margin Effortless, with outstanding detail retrieval and ease. SparkOS is an AOSP based rom with customizations, mainly focused on stability and most of all smoothness. It has no sound of its own rather this is "wire with gain" - you hear (or preamp) exactly what your source chain is producing and its never fatiguing. 17. to/35l13ps]Sparkos Aries ----- [https://sparkoslabs. Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Sparkos Labs for an honest review. com/3qzdbWant more chances to win? Check out the Patreon page to find out how: https://www. Gain insights into performance and user feedback on this high-quality component. All observations and opinions here are my own Oct 30, 2020 · I made some comments on ZM2 vs Sparkos somewhere earlier on this thread. The Grado PS500e is both incredibly sensitive, as well as transparent to a fault – it can usually run into troubles with channel imbalance with powerful amplifiers, as well as venture into ‘fatiguing’ territory with unrefined sources. The main audio circuit of the Aries Base is on the right side of the unit and consists mainly of two pairs of SS2590 discrete PDOs developed by the brand. claim to be a company with a canine CEO. Mar 29, 2020 · SparkoS Labs Aries Review - Shooting for the stars! Soundnews. ? The Gemini's rated relatively high distortion levels due to the tube give me pause, but of course I know that a little 2nd harmonic can greatly "sweeten" the sound euphonically and ameliorate any digital hardness coming from elsewhere in the system. Sadly, I didn't try for one reason or another the ZM2 as a pre-amp into the Aries. See what the world thinks about our high-quality audio components and their performance. Oct 30, 2020 · Here's some backstory and then my review of the Aries : I initially heard of Sparkos Labs through their discrete-based op amps and I used the SS3601 as drop in replacements for the OPA551 in the Pete Millet DIY Sangaku Kit and I was already impressed with the sound upgrades I was hearing from this change. Mar 25, 2017 · In order to satisfy this itch, I ordered the Sparkos dual discrete opamps from the manufacurer site directly. Aug 23, 2020 · Hi any one here know about Sparkos Aries ? Info. The version is the most complete with XLR inputs and both XLR and RCA pre outputs. Oct 30, 2020 · Still think about my time with the Aries - great amp and underrated for sure. See its functionality, inputs and outputs, and meet the brilliant little doggie who designed it. Dec 10, 2020 · Well people swap tubes. Sparkos Labs Aries. My comparisons in this review were done using my Exogal Comet Plus DAC with the Sparkos Aries amplifier. Read the review of the Sparkos Labs SS2590 in DIYRE CP5 Mic Pre and EQP5. Oct 30, 2020 · I also use my DIY Sangaku amplifier with various mods (including Sparkos op amps), depending on my mood or music choice. Sep 29, 2023 · Discrete op-amps are an easy and affordable way to upgrade or customize your stereo or desktop system. It retails for $2,495 for the base model and $2,995 for the top-of-the-line model. The Aries is still more audiophile for classical and some particular tracks calling for “air” such as something like “Tubular bells”. - Audeze LCD-3 - Stax L700mkII - Raal CA-1A Home Mar 3, 2024 · In like new condition, I'm selling my Sparkos Labs Aries. The Sparkos Labs discrete voltage regulators have been reviewed in a Cambridge Audio Azur 851N Network Audio Player. These stages also implement the RIAA correction and use precision 1% tolerance Polypropylene Film capacitors (the large aqua colored caps) and precision 0. 120. It is also worth noting that the Aries is the SS amp of choice for @zach915m (see here), which for me is recommendation enough. Colorado-based Sparkos Labs quietly built a reputation designing high quality, discrete op-amps, voltage regulators and power supplies for other headphone amp manufacturers and DIY upgraders. I compared them to the DEXA opamps. A securely shielded toroidal transformer is installed in the power supply, the volume control is built on a Reed switch, and capacitors are excluded from the signal circuits. The latter constitute the input and output stages, between which the impressive switched relay attenuator is revealed. Check Amazon ----- [https://amzn. com/aries-headphone-amplifier-and-preamp/]- - - - - - ⚔️ Sparkos Labs specializes in high end audio components, design, and gear. The “full version” (2995 USD) is also a pre-amplifier, while the “base version” (2495 USD) is a headphone amp only. Aug 18, 2016 · Sparko’s Labs SS3602 Dual Discrete Op Amp review Today I roll the LME49720ha metal cans with Sparko’s Labs SS3602 on my headphone amp. The Sparkos Labs SS3602 Discrete Op amps are, put simply, just amazing. The Aries is available in two versions that differ only in functionality. 3. Oct 24, 2023 · SparkoS Labs releases an interesting Aries headphone amplifier model , which completely lacks digital circuits. This player uses many regulators for the dual DAC circuit, ten LM78XX, and Sparkos Labs SS2590 Discrete OPA Output Stage Sparkos Labs Discrete Voltage Regulators Zero Global Feedback No Capacitors In The Signal Path 6922 Vacuum Tube Front-End Allows For Tube Rolling User Adjustable Tube Bias point The Amount Of “Tube Sound” Is User Controllable Tube Heater Soft Start 40 second Tube Warm-Up Delay Jul 8, 2021 · Amplifier: Sparkos Aries - LTA MicroZotl - MHz Mezzoguerra - MHz Thor ES - Schiit Jotunheim R HPs: Spirit Torino Twin Pulse R. lqbh ljr zzbhkbr kvrktf kqklyz drrnlr gzhwv ucsfp lmiob vgxc