Ares MK2

MODULAR AUDIOPHILE SYSTEM

Ares is the distilled result of years of experience as manufacturer where we were gathering feedback from the end users as to what their dream system is and this is what the wish list consisted of:

Mono power amplifiers that have:

Class A liquidity and texture
Zero global feedback
Regulated supplies
Balanced front end for immunity to interference

Preamplifier with:

Switched resistor volume control
True balanced operation with both XLR and RCA inputs
MM/MC phono section with selectable loading
Large LCD display
Microprocessor control
No moving parts for zero maintenance during lifetime
Home Theatre bypass
Upgradable software

DAC with:

Streaming supporting multiple protocols
DSD support
Regulated power supply and separate transformers for digital and analog front end.
Bluetooth input
32bit/768kHz USB input
Roon Ready
Differential architecture with discrete resistors - no off-the-shelf chip
Future proof

Each of the three has to have its own power supply, regulators and logic.

Chassis has to be a solid vibration-free sculpture protecting and supporting the performance of the circuits inside.

The Thrax Ares packs all of the above optimized to interface to each other in a single bulletproof chassis with timeless design to deliver the sound you want with the features you need without the clutter and unnecessary expense.

POWER amplifiers used in Ares are two completely independent solid state monoblocks. We use a proprietary sliding bias technology to avoid output transistor switching. They retain all the qualities of Class A amplification, while keeping the generated heat under control. Those power amps carry a number of innovations we feel are defining for the attributed sonic character. With zero global feedback the amp still has vanishingly low distortion and unprecedented load stability. To round it off you have a regulated power supply for the input and drivers taking it beyond most high end offerings today.

The preamplifier in Ares is our newly developed input board handling the input selection and volume control duties. The signal path is fully differential with transformer isolation for the inputs. Ground switching prevents any interaction between components connected via RCAs as it is intended for use in the average household with no dedicated power lines. The preamplifier board now hosts our MM/MC phono stage with menu selectable MM/MC and cartridge loading making the Ares a top analog performer. The input board has its dedicated analog and digital power supplies totally independent from the power amplifiers, making it a complete world class preamplifier in the same box. The large LCD screen keeps you informed of the current settings easily read from your listening chair.

For Home Theatre integration we have added a “bypass” feature allowing you to use the Ares as your speakers’ power amp including a screen dimming function not to distract you while watching a movie. And on top of that it can be programmed to use with your favorite remote reducing clutter on the table.

The optional DAC extends the input range of the preamplifier by accommodating all modern digital interfaces - AES, SPDIF, Toslink, USB, Ethernet and Bluetooth. It hosts a 32bit/768kHz/ DSD256 dac. The dac itself is discrete build around switched resistors and dedicated power supply making it yet another separate component in the same box. The streaming module supports multiple protocols, sample rates and signal resolutions up to 32bit/384k and DSD256. It is Roon Ready.

Ares is a way of getting rid of cables, multiple remotes and boxes scattered across the room, so when we say it is a modular audiophile system we mean it. Zero compromise with no cable clutter and extra space. Each module optimized to interface with the other in the system guaranteeing synergy of the highest level.

The chassis housing all this is carved like a sculpture from 45kg of aluminium alloy preventing any mechanical vibrations from disturbing the operation of the sensitive circuitry inside while screening it from electromagnetic interference. The whole chassis is a heatsink for the power amplifiers eliminating the need for holes and vents. It is indestructible even by your kids.

Ares is all you ever wanted distilled - audiophile essence in a box.