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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Aries Cerat Helene DAC is a premium digital-to-analog converter known for its bit-perfect ladder DAC design, utilizing an 8 R2R matrix from Analog Devices. It does not perform any data processing, upsampling, or oversampling, converting data at its native sample rate and bit rate. The DAC includes an SET analog output stage and valve regulators, contributing to its rich and detailed sound quality. It features a built-in voltmeter for bias adjustment and supports USB, Coax, and AES/EBU inputs. The Helene DAC is praised for its expansive soundstage and holographic imaging, making it a standout in high-end audio systems.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the Helene in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Formula xHD Rev. 2's max sample rate is 768 kHz against the Helene's 384 kHz, its output impedance 10Ω against 50Ω, and its output voltage 3.8V RMS against 10.0V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The DAC-1000's output impedance is 30Ω against the Helene's 50Ω and its output voltage 2.8V RMS against 10.0V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
The Kassandra MkII 1's output voltage is 5.0V RMS against the Helene's 10.0V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (384 kHz), and output impedance (50Ω).
The Aavik D-280's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the Helene's 384 kHz, its output impedance 100Ω against 50Ω, and its output voltage 4.5V RMS against 10.0V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
MSB Technology Diamond DAC V w/v2 renderer
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