THRAX ARES Mk2 Modular Audiophile System, £12,950

Ares is Thrax’s transistor single chassis modular Audiophile system. A cost effective one box Integrated amplifier with Integral Dac, Phono preamp and streamer. First released in 2017 and now upgraded to Mk2 guise for 2022 Ares is an ingenious distallation of Thrax’s reference level products to produce a highly versatile unit of extremely high sonic ability. While the DAC module can accept data up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128, the integral MM/MC phono stage provides 40bd & 60db of gain with switchable loading. A true dual mono design with 120W into 8 ohms cast in a hunk of machined billet of remarkeable heft and quality. Pure, organic, truly neutral with startling dynamics and musical insight, Ares is a true space saving one stop High End solution perfect for the UK market.

RIAA phono module, included
Optional DAC module, £2900

“Its build quality is serious but the power to engage the musical senses considerably greater, in my experience there aren’t many amplifier/DACs near its price that come close, regardless of how many boxes they are in.”

Jason Kennedy, HiFi+ Magazine

  • Two true mono power amplifiers with independent power supplies and transformers

  • New concept in solid state amplification using a non-switching output stage delivering Class A liquidity and texture.

  • Zero global feedback.

  • Regulated supplies of input and drivers contributes to exemplary transparency and speed

  • Balanced front end for immunity to interference

  • Switched resistor volume control

  • MM/MC phono with selectable loading

  • DAC board with integrated streaming supporting multiple protocols

  • DSD support

  • Separate transformers and regulated power supply for digital and analog front end.

  • Microprocessor control

  • Large LCD display

  • No moving parts for zero maintenance during lifetime

  • Solid aluminum carved enclosure

  • Multiple protection circuits for trouble free operation.

  • Modular design

  • Bluetooth input

  • 32bit/768kHz USB input

Weight: 27kg
Dimensions 430x450x120mm (17″x16″x4.3″)
Power max 500W 115/230V 50/60Hz
Input level 1V Rms
Output power 120W/8Ohm 200W/4Ohm
Gain 32db
Input impedance 40k Ohm
Max output impedance 0.1 Ohm
Signal to Noise 112db
Frequency responce 20-20,000Hz +/- 0.5db

POWER amplifiers used in Ares are two completely independent solid state mono blocks. They are using proprietary sliding bias technique to avoid output transistor switching, retaining all the qualities of Class A amplification, while keeping the generated heat under control. Those power amps cary a number of innovations we feel are defining for the attributed sonic character.

The amplifier signal path is a  differential gain stage followed by an error correcting buffer isolating it from the sliding bias output stage. With zero global feedback the amp still has vanishingly low distortion and unprecedented load stability. When ou add the regulated power supply for input and drivers and you are beyond most high end offerings.

The preamplifier feeding the power amplifiers 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 unbalanced inputs. Ground switching prevents any interaction between components connected via RCA’s as it is intended for use in the average household with no dedicated power lines . The preamplifier board now hosts our OPA211 based  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 of the power amplifiers, making it a complete preamplifier in the same box.

The Digital board accommodates 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. The streaming module supports multiple protocols, sample rates and signal resolutions.

A dedicated power supply and regulators make it year another separate component in the same box. Ares is a way of getting rid of cables, multiple remotes and boxes scattered across the room, while its true modularity lets you keep it current for a long time to come. So when we say it is a modular audiophile system we mean it. Zero compromise with no cable clutter and extra space. Each module optimised for each other guaranteeing system 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.

REVIEWS AND FURTHER READING