Aries Cerat preamplifiers compared – Incito S and Impera Reference
Aries Cerat Design Considerations
I took this occasion to ask the designer, Stavros, a bunch of questions relating to Aries Cerat design in general, and the Impera Reference in particular. You can find the Q and A on the last page of this review. For now, let’s just dive in, shall we?!
System Context
For this review, I used my main system, consisting in the basis of the CH C1 DAC, CH A1.5 power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. For digital sources, I will use the Aqua La Diva M2 CD transport and the Grimm MU1 music server, along with the Aqua LinQ network interface (with the Core+NAA module) and the Aqua Formula xHD DAC. The analog source section consists of the Origin Live Calypso mk4 with Illustrious Tonearm and ViRA Aidas Rainbow MC cartridge with the CH Precision P1 phono stage.
Warming Up
Over the course of my review of the Incito S, I felt that 30-45 minutes of warming up was sufficient for it to sound just about perfect. As part of the Impera review, however, I noticed two things, one of which ties in perfectly with Stavros’ preference for leaving the components on throughout a listening session and not switching them off and on in quick succession (see the Incito S review for his full explanation).
First, while both the Incito S and the Impera on the surface of it do indeed sound just about perfect 30-45 minutes into a session, now, I noticed further improvements as the equipment was switched on for longer. At about the two-hour mark, the sound had become richer and even more free-flowing, as well as even more enveloping and these effects seemed to climb to even higher levels as the hours proceeded.
Second, now I also noticed that both preamps need some time to recuperate after having been switched off, even if they had been switched on for hours prior to that. This process seemed to go a little faster than a switch-on from cold but still, they sounded most alluring and emotionally most involving after another 20-30 minutes. Knowing this, I made sure to switch both preamps on in the morning and not start any serious tests until the afternoon.
Listening
Having reacquainted myself with the Incito S in my system as it was connected in between the Aqua Formula xHD DAC and the CH A1.5 power amp using two sets of Driade Flow Link Reference 808 cables, I was prepared to switch to the Impera Reference. To be honest, I expected to hear the same sound but with improvements in certain areas. Well, that’s not what happened at all! Instead, the Impera offered a much more robust sound, not only in terms of solidity in the bass but also with respect to the overall confidence of the delivery. The Impera has a positively impactful and bouncy presentation with startling slam and absolutely amazing dynamics.
In comparison, the Incito S has a gentler and sweeter delivery with a rounder bass, a warmer midrange, and a less impactful dynamic slam. Interestingly, the Incito S does not yield to the Impera in terms of resolution, detail, focus, transparency, or any of these kinds of audiophile aspects. The difference focuses mostly on impact, solidity, and dynamics, as mentioned, but further comparisons also unveiled that, no matter how spacious and free-flowing the Incito S is, the Impera has an even wider and even more deeply imaging presentation. Indeed, the Incito S is one of the most spacious preamps that I have used, but even so, the Impera just takes it two steps further.
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, it’s very important to have both preamps warmed up prior to switching between them and making assessments. If one of the two preamps has a cold start, or even when it has been switched off momentarily and on again, it will sound less airy and fluid, and coarser in resolution for 30-45 minutes. I actually fell for this when switching back from the Incito S to the power-cycled Impera. I was listening with JW and even though we both clearly heard the Impera’s superiority when switching to it from the Incito S for the first time, the second time around we looked at each other in wonder… was this truly what we were so excited about? The power-cycled Impera sure was still superior in terms of solidity, bass heft, and dynamic impact, but it now sounded quite dark, not quite as refined, and a little rough. But sure enough, after half an hour, it had regained its full strength, and both JW and I had learned a valuable lesson.
But let’s return to the Impera’s amazing performance, as I’m not yet done describing it!
Not only is the Impera’s bass more robust, but it is also more cleanly chiseled, and actually, for the first time ever with a tube preamp, I can’t say that the bass has lost any of its articulation, speed, or attack when moving from a direct C1 DAC to A1.5 power amp pairing to the Aqua Formula xHD DAC via the Impera II preamp with the A1.5 power amp. I have to admit that these findings truly gave me pause and even made me seriously rethink my amplification strategy.
Sure, via the preamp, the sound is fuller and arguably more colored than the ultra-neutral direct connection, but still, it comes across as entirely neutral and arguably more natural. When moving back to the direct DAC connection, the sound is leaner and cooler, significantly drier, and tonally less saturated. It’s that I know that the C1 isn’t inherently gray but now it sure sounded like it. In addition, the resolution seemed to be not higher, but actually lower! Listening for longer, I can still appreciate the ultra-clean CH delivery with its even more precise rendition of the edges of notes, while also noting that my foot is fortunately still bouncing, but unmistakably also noting that the emotional involvement did take a couple of steps back.
I’ve known for some time that there is no beating tubes (even if only the insertion of a tube preamp into a transistor system) when pure musical involvement and a deep emotional connection are the main objectives. But each and every time that I tried it, I would be ecstatic at first only to be disappointed later, because the bass was simply not as fast, articulate, and incisive as I like it. This is one of the areas in which transistor equipment often has the advantage. Interestingly, while one could rightfully suspect a preamp employing a Transformer Volume Control followed by a tube stage and a transformer-coupled output to result in a softened and rounded sound, the Impera simply proves the opposite by actually sounding even more potent and robust than the C1 DAC by itself. Go figure! In addition, the Impera’s bass is just as quick, almost as articulate, and certainly every bit as dynamic and expressive. This is truly a unicum!
Above: Analog Source: with the Origin Live turntable and the CH Precision P1 phono preamp as a source, again, the Impera proved to be a fantastic preamplifier, easily beating the Ayon Stealth preamp that I normally use with the turntable in nearly every aspect such as transparency, resolution, refinement, air, soundstage, fluidity, and flow. The only areas in which the two preamps were more or less comparable are, Ayon-typically, the robustness of the bass, and to a lesser extent, the dynamic impact.
With all this talk of robustness, impact, and dynamics, one might be forgiven assuming that the Impera Reference is perhaps not as romantic as some other tube preamps. But here, too, the preamp delivers in spades. The Impera offers everything the Incito S does, and that includes absolutely 100% of its emotional-inducement powers. Granted, the Incito S adds a little bit more roundness and bloom, but the Impera is most definitely never deficient in warmth, richness, texture, bloom, and warmth, as long as it is registered in the recording. Additionally, like the Incito S, the Impera almost unassumingly has an absolutely superb resolution. It resolves low-level details so deeply and with such naturalness that you’d almost think nothing of it when compared to other products that add some edge or fake definition. With the Impera (and, to be fair, also with the Incito S), you hear the full measure of what is played, meaning the initial transient, followed by all of the intended sustain and decay, not just the main transient.
Musically, emotionally, and for the most part, technically, the Impera is the best preamp that I have heard. It makes for extended sessions during which visitor after visitor, no matter if they are tube-heads or transistor-lovers, makes the very same comment, which is that my system has never sounded better.
And when switching from the Aqua DAC to the CH Precision DAC, once again, both JW and I were shocked, for never before has the difference in performance between these two DACs been clearer. Yes, the C1 is much more expensive, but yes, it is also considerably better. And the Impera just hands these differences on a silver plate, proving it is highly revealing and transparent.
Having entered my ultra-critical listening mode and having again compared the direct C1 to A1.5 sound to that with the Impera in between, I must conclude that the direct connection still sounds more precise and more controlled, but is it better? Or more realistic? Well, that warrants a little detour. Despite what some players in the industry or some people would like us to believe, no matter how much you spend, electronically reproduced music is simply not 100% strictly neutral. Every component adds or takes away something.
The important thing to note is that, so far, when inserting other tube preamplifiers, there was always a penalty either in terms of pacing, dynamics, bass control, transient speed, or transparency or even in all of these aspects. Granted, with the Impera, you also get a tonally fuller, and slightly enriched delivery that I don’t feel is strictly 100% neutral or linear. However, for a change, all of the benefits come without any penalties. Even more significantly, the character that the preamp adds is very slight, as well as uniform on all levels and spread across the entire frequency range. As such, it sounds very neutral, but more importantly, wholly natural. What the Impera adds is done in such a fashion that it actually enhances the message and provides a deeper emotional connection.
Yup, the Impera has definitely made an impact and its visit was illuminating, not only in terms of how tube preamplifiers can perform in general but also with regards to my preference for using the C1 DAC directly to the power amplifier.
I owned the Accuphase C3900 solid state preamplifer, then replaced this with the tube Nagra HD Preamp HV. With the Nagra, there is a significant improvement in bass quantity and quality (for example bass textures), amongst other improvements.
It seems as if the “old saw” about tube units lacking bass when compared to their solid state counterparts (at least for preamplifiers) is no longer valid at the top level.
Dear Christiaan,
thanks again for the exciting review about the two Aries Cerat preamps. Like yourself I use a CH Precision C1 as DAC and as a preamp. Your review about the L1 especially in combination with the X1 got me thinking to get them if an occasion arises. Also I’m wondering why you still use the C1 alone without a L1 or even a X1. From what I read in your review you were quite impressed about the L1 especially with the X1 in your chain.
Now I have the chance to get a used L1 plus X1 with two regulator boards for a very reasonable price (it’s around the list price of the Impera II Ref). But after reading your review about the Incito S and especially the Impera II I’m unsure which way to go – L1+X1 or Impera II. Or maybe stay with the C1 alone like yourself. Unfortunately I’m not able to listen to either preamps to get to the right decision. I already searched the Internet about useful messages and other reviews. What I found is high praise for both brands. And the system synergy was mentioned a lot particularly with a complete CH Precision chain, but also with a Aries Cerat chain. So I was hoping you can help me with your vast experience to find the right perspective for a decision.
My YG speakers are quite power hungry, I guess a future amp will be rather from CH Precision than from Aries Cerat. But even with your C1 and A1.5 and the system synergy in mind would you still prefer the Impera II against L1 + X1 in your chain?
Thanks in advance for your insights
Michael
Hi Michael, meanwhile, among others as a result of a series of improvements to my room acoustics that resulted in tighter bass and a cleaner, more precise, and more neutral sound overall, I have changed my original opinion of the C1 relative to the C1 + L1 and I am now I am actually using the L1 with the C1.
As you mention, both brands receive high praise, and that’s well deserved. It will come down to user preferences. Basically, the Impera is not as tight and precise (across the frequency range but for me most noticeable in the bass) as the L1 but the L1 is less spacious and free-flowing, and not as majestic or emotionally involving as the Impera and Incito S. The X1 will move the L1 closer in terms of intimacy and flow, but at the cost of some precision. Even now having had both the L1 and the Impera side by side for a prolonged period, I find that the decision between the two comes down not only to taste but also depends on my mood.
System synergy can definitely be a thing, but it is not sacred. In the end, it is about balance. CH works splendidly with AC and vice versa. As a great example, Ron Ploeger of Callas Audio loves his Aries Cerat Genus power amp but he also reports great synergy using his Aries Cerat front end with Concert Fidelity mono power amps. The one amp offers richness and romance, the monos offer clean neutrality but with musicality. He likes both.
Given that you have YG, I would definitely not recommend using a tube power amp.
Hi Christiaan, thanks a lot for your very helpful reply. And wow, that’s a surprise that you use a L1 again in your system. Thanks for your personal thoughts about both preamps, it’s surely quite nice to be able to exchange such fine preamps depending on your mood ;-). But I understand what you mean. I think I’ll go with the L1 and report back.
All the best
Michael
Hi Mike,
How is your finding with L1? Thanks
Kevin
We have compared Aries Cerat Impera II to Atma Sphere MP-1. They are in the same price range. MP-1 was (hugely) better, much more natural, greater transparency, more body, better middle range… well, the difference was not small.
Hello sir,
how are you?
i am reading your reviews for long time now and always enjoy them immensely .
i just read some of your impera II review and i saw you connect it to your main system that contain mainly with CHP equipment.
also i read this that you wrote –
On a related note: I am currently reviewing the Impera II with the CH A1.5 power amp and while this pairing results in a little too few volume steps down below, the sound is simply breathtaking. Indeed, quite something else than the CH L1, or any other preamp that I have heard, be it solid-state or tube.
if i can ask what do you mean in saying- “little too few volume steps down below” ?
does the impera II is perfect paired with the CHP amps? or does you had to change gains or other settings?
i saw you also had the incito s low gain, can you point about it also with pairing with the A1.5 please?
im not asking sound wise the different between the two AC, that i understand completely from your review but the technical condition with the CH equipment with the AC between them.
also if you have some comments about the AC pre amps v.s the CHP L1 i will be happy to hear your thoughts.
thank you very much!
Hi Aviad, good to read that you like my reviews! The Impera had a very high output gain which means that the positions in the lowest range of the volume control were basically very loud – loud – rather quiet – off, instead of multiple small steps. But one can custom-order the gain. This unit was just not ideal for the CH power amp. Nevertheless, I found it to sound really fantastic.
With the Incito S, this was considerably less of an issue, although it, too, had only a few steps below the level that I am comfortable with. So, if I were to order an AC preamp for use with the CH amp, I would get a lower gain version.
Of course, you can lower the gain on the CH A1.5 but that changes the sound, it makes it less tight and expressive. It’s just not ideal, entering with a very high gain, then attennuating the gain again.
Regarding AC preamps versus the CH L1, please see my extensive review here: https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/am…g-preamplifiers-in-a-digital-streaming-world/ Basically, I really like both, for different reasons, as they are very different.
Hi,
I too have read your reviews for some time, always enjoying your thoroughness and shall we say reliability of your writings. Some things are worth describing completely and I never finish an article of yours wondering still what a component sounds like.
I would like to follow up on this question of gain with another question as I am considering purchasing an Incito S preamp. Clearly it will depend on the gain of the particular paired amp, but what would you estimate the dB increment to be between steps as you adjusted the volume? I prefer 1 dB steps or less and plenty of them if possible. I also prefer a readout of my volume which does not appear to be a feature with AC preamps as far as I can tell. Please correct me if I am wrong. Do you think the Incito S was close to 1 dB steps or was it more like 2 or 3 dB steps?
Your help with this matter is very much appreciated! Keep up the amazing work with the insightful reviews.
Cheers,
Christopher S
That’s very nice to hear, Christopher! The Incito S has a volume level display. It may not indicate actual dBs but it is very useful for finding the right level and re-finding it after adjusting. The volume steps differ in size depending on the volume level. At the very lowest levels they are quite large, a few dB I would guess. When the power amp has too much gain, that’s when you run into the steps being too large. But further up in the range, they are much smaller (probably indeed close to 1dB) and that worked well for me. Please note that the Aries Cerat preamp gain can be specified by the user when purchasing new. That way, you should have the ideal match.
Thank you Christiaan for your detailed and quite helpful response!
Dear Christian,
I have always been a fan of CH Precision since they first came out and I heard the C-1 DAC, with the original M-1 amp and L-1 pre-amp which I heard at Audio Arts in NYC. I lack financial resources more than most but still want to put a system together that is simple and sounds exceptional. I currently use a very old YBA -3 pre amp with a CHP M-1.1 amplifier and have an opportunity to replace the pre-amp I purchased the CHP amp used from Worldwide Wholesales distributer of Aries Cerat for Canada and the USA who I believe you would be familiar with. I read your reviews on the CHP L-1, as well as the Aries Cerat Impera and Incito-S. I have a pair of spkers that I can use for a direct trade for the Incito-S or for an additional 9k get the Impera new or if a used Impera becomes available and additional 5K. The Impera used + 5k (4k) would be preferred).
I also can purchase a CHP L-1 for 18k or so…..
your quote Christian (there was always a penalty either in terms of pacing, dynamics, bass control, transient speed, or transparency or even in all of these aspects (I dont want to lose these characteristics at all as i love these) Granted, with the Impera, you also get a tonally fuller, and slightly enriched delivery that I don’t feel is strictly 100% neutral or linear. However, for a change, all of the benefits come without any penalties.)
From reading your commentaries on the CHP L-1 and A-1.5 and also the A. Cerat Pre-amps in addition to the C-1 and C-1.2 DAC I have as close to the same taste in electronics as yourself as I could possibly have as far as I can tell. I want the speed, dynamics, control, detail etc etc just as you describe what you like with all the naturalness etc..would love to add the C-1.2 DAC …
So I think I would like to buy the A.Cerat Impera used so I could have the most impactful, dynamic…..etc.sound possible…I am afraid to lose the control and dynamics attack, slam etc that I love about solid state. I think I would like the 10 series pre-amo by CHP best but I think the A.Cerat Impera would be the best I could do on my budget. Would still consider the L-1 but think the ACerat Impera would sound better to me overall and would be 26k invested vs 21k for the Incito-S. Also I have T & A Solitaire CWT 1000 speakers
So I am planning on trying to wait for a used Impera and think it would be well worthwhile vs the Incito-S for most musical enjoyment. Owning the L-1 and hearing the other two do you think this would be correct ? Thank You.
Bill
Hi Bill, With the AC Impera, you’ll have the most dynamic and impactful sound that I have heard yet from a tube preamp, in addition to what you can expect in terms of positives from a good tube preamp such as harmonic richness, flow, and bloom. The CH L1 is not actually any more dynamic or impactful than the Impera but it is more linear and transparent and a little tighter and more articulate. And of course it is not a tube preamp, although it is most certainly also not typical solid-state-like. The more I use it, the less it makes itself heard, just like with the A1.5 power amp. It is so utterly self-affacing that it simply blends in and that is exactly what I want. Others might desire more character and any AC preamp will most certainly provide that. I’ve heard various 10 series CH components at shows but I have yet to hear an A-B comparison. As such, I still don’t know for sure how the 1 series compares. Thus, I can also not tell you how much better the L10 would perform compared to the L1. Between Impera and Incito, it is, in a way, a decision between ultimate refinement similar to what the L1 can do, and a less subtle, but more textured and visceral sound. If you can, I would suggest trying an Incito S first, live with it for a while, and decide from there if you need a shift in presentation.
Hi Christiaan
Your feedback is very much appreciated! I love how you describe the sound of the L-1. I believe I would be more satisfied with the sound of the L-1 after reading what was written above. I am not sure how I will proceed yet. I may consider a CHP DAC with the CHP M 1.1 as I currently do not have a separate DAC. Everything I had read previously only one person was satisfied with the DAC-to AMP combo without a pre-amp. I use a Electrocompaniet blu-ray player which for is price point is a good value and works well but of course can not play music in a higher end system. The idea of buying a used CHP 1.2 DAC and using it as a controller sounds like it might be a better way to go as I can not afford a high quality pre-amp and DAC. I would be very excited to do this because getting any of the pre-amps mentioned I would be without a capable DAC and hence can not really play and enjoy music with any reasonable satisfaction.
Warm regards
Bill Emery
Hi Bill, The C1 and C1.2 DAC are still my personal favorites and even without preamp, they belong to the best DACs I heard. That said, I’m afraid there’s ultimately no beating a preamp if you want maximum fluidity, flow, and refinement. But I agree it is good to get the basis right. And you can always add a preamp later:-)
Understood, very, much appreciate your reply. This is an understatement. Thank you!