Фонокорректоры — Aries Cerat Talos LE

The Talos Limited Edition is a three-stage, all-tube, transformer-coupled phono preamplifier from Aries Cerat, built using borrowed circuits from the brand's top-of-the-line Impera Series preamplifiers, including the Inverted Triode output stage. Named after the giant bronze automaton from Greek mythology that protected Europa in Crete from pirates and invaders, the Talos represents the result of many years of research across discrete solid-state, tube-hybrid and op-amp phono designs before Aries Cerat settled on this uniquely all-tube approach, a genuine cost-no-object implementation the brand states brings something new to the analogue world.

Key specs that matter

The tube stages deliver 60dB gain, with a further 12-26dB from Aries Cerat's own customised, fully balanced Step-Up Transformers, for a total possible gain of 72-86dB alongside an amazingly high signal-to-noise ratio - substantial headroom to amplify any cartridge's signal to its full potential and maximum dynamic range. The RIAA equalisation stage uses constant low-impedance Double-T LCR filters, considered the most transparent and dynamic RIAA filter topology possible, though their very low impedance means they cannot be driven by conventional gain stages - Talos LE addresses this with a newly developed circuit using custom coils and capacitors, fine-tuned on the fly with real-time data for maximum accuracy to the RIAA curve. A small single-ended-triode amplifier specifically designed to drive this constant low-impedance filter structure uses an E280F/6J11P-E super tube loaded with a custom step-down transformer, capable of driving loads down to 50 ohms with output impedance tuned to work precisely with the LCR filters. The output stage itself is built like a small independent SE amplifier, with a further E280F SET amplifier providing additional drive current alongside a custom step-down transformer, delivering low output impedance capable of driving any preamplifier load and capacitive cable combination. All power supplies are housed in a matching second chassis - an extremely complicated arrangement comprising numerous independent high and low-voltage supplies, with the extremely low-noise input-stage PSU using tube rectification, multi-choke filtering, high-current 6D22S damper diodes and quad PI filters with low-DCR inductors and film capacitors, while local capacitor banks in the main chassis provide additional local decoupling. The complete unit weighs a substantial 260 lbs.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptional detail retrieval and a phenomenally low noise floor - the input stage is specifically engineered as the most crucial stage for retrieving and preserving information from the cartridge, with every step taken to deliver the best possible noise-cancelling, microphonic-free, linear performance from a signal that starts as only a few microvolts, comparable to the noise level picked up in most interconnect cables.

Pairing

The output stage's low impedance and considerable drive capability accommodate any preamplifier load and capacitive cable combination on the market, and the customised balanced Step-Up Transformers can be specified to precisely match a particular cartridge's output characteristics.

Alternatives

Aries Cerat's Kirke phono system sits within the same broader range, evolving directly from the Talos LE's proprietary differential tube input stage, while the Talos Reference MKII and Talos Signature sit above and alongside this model in the brand's flagship phono hierarchy, worth comparing directly with Aries Cerat or a specialist dealer given the considerable investment this entire tier represents.