Aries Cerat Diana Forte Amplifier
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking lifelike, high-end midrange performance.
The Aries Cerat Diana Forte is a substantial stereo power amplifier, introduced in 2015, that bridges performance gaps in high-end audio. It delivers massive performance, achieving 'SET magic' through a unique parallel output stage built around the 813 DHT tube. This amplifier is highly regarded for its excellent sound quality, offering a very lifelike and palpable representation of the recording, with exceptional midrange reproduction. While requiring careful system matching due to its size and specific speaker needs, it promises sonic nirvana when paired appropriately.
$33369.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
37
/ 1683
#37 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+304%
Above average
Output Power
6070
/ W SE Class A (W peak)
Who it's for
- Collectors prioritizing long-term reliability and reference-grade engineering
- Audiophiles seeking emotional midrange and high-resolution sonic purity
- Listeners wanting SET sound with less sensitive speaker setups
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for high-end value
- Users wanting low-maintenance, easily sourced vacuum tubes
- Owners with limited rack space or small listening rooms
Performance breakdown
Midrange Purity
The 813 DHT tubes deliver a hauntingly lifelike and palpable vocal presence.
Power Delivery
Massive 1,800VA transformer ensures effortless dynamics for demanding high-end speaker loads.
Signal Path Integrity
Zero capacitors in the signal path provide unmatched transparency and sonic clarity.
System Versatility
User-selectable output impedance allows for precise matching with diverse speaker designs.
Build Robustness
A 110kg chassis reflects uncompromising engineering and massive industrial-grade construction.
Operational Convenience
Extreme weight and manual bias adjustments demand a dedicated, permanent installation.
Key Specs
Output Power
60W SE Class A (70W peak)
Dimensions
600mm W x 590mm D x 360mm H
Weight
110kg
Power Supply
1,800VA power transformer
Tube List
2 x E280F Siemens, 4 x 845 Elrog
Frequency Response
-5db @ 8Hz -3db @ 70khz
Output Impedance
User selectable (2, 1.1, 0.5 ohm)
Energy Storage
2000j
Features
- Delivers 'SET magic' via parallel output stage
- Lifelike and palpable sound reproduction
- Exceptional midrange quality
- Utilizes the best available transformers
- Adjustable bias on the fly
- No capacitors in the signal path
- Massive power handling capabilities
- Class A stereo operation
What customers say
The Aries Cerat Diana Forte Amplifier is widely considered an endgame component due to its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Owners consistently praise its ability to combine immense power and dynamic realism with the delicate texture characteristic of SET designs. The presentation is effortless, rendering complex music with startling clarity and speed, creating a holographic soundstage. Listeners report a natural, organic, and nonfatiguing experience even during long sessions. While a significant investment, the unparalleled sonic performance and heirloom-grade construction solidify its long-term value. The amplifier is celebrated as a benchmark for high-power tube amplification.
Know before you buy
The Diana Forte achieves this signature sound through a specialized parallel output stage using 813 DHT tubes. By eliminating capacitors in the signal path and utilizing high-quality transformers, it delivers a more direct, lifelike, and palpable midrange than traditional tube designs.
At 110kg (242.5 lbs) and with a footprint of 600mm by 590mm, this amplifier requires a dedicated, heavy-duty equipment stand or a reinforced floor surface. Ensure your rack or platform is rated to handle its significant mass and that you have adequate ventilation space, as Class A operation generates considerable heat.
Yes, the Diana Forte features user-selectable output impedance settings of 2, 1.1, and 0.5 ohms. Additionally, it allows for on-the-fly bias adjustment, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune the amplifier's performance to better suit the electrical characteristics of your speakers.
Like any high-end tube amplifier, the Diana Forte requires periodic tube monitoring and eventual replacement. Because it utilizes a specific tube complement, including the 813 DHTs and E280F drivers, you should be prepared for the maintenance costs and technical requirements associated with sourcing and biasing high-performance vacuum tubes.
While it features standard RCA inputs, the Diana Forte is a highly transparent component that will reveal the characteristics of everything upstream. To fully realize its potential for lifelike reproduction, it is best paired with a high-resolution preamplifier and source that match its level of sonic refinement.
With 60W of SE Class A power and a massive 1,800VA power transformer, the Diana Forte is capable of driving a wide range of speakers. However, due to its specific design, it performs best when matched with speakers that complement its power delivery and impedance settings; careful system matching is essential to achieving optimal results.
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$33369