Denafrips Ares II vs MHDT Orchid

to me the orchid is superior, more musical overall

the ares 2 had a persistent sibilance problem, despite trying different connections and settings

the orchid does not present detail in as forward a manner, but it has a more analog quality to its sound, which is richer, smoother, more full -- btw the orchid allows tube rolling, and using tube adapters, a very wide range of tubes can be used in the buffer section, to further shape the sound to be sweeter, or more transparent/impactful etc etc

for these reasons, i have kept my mhdt dacs and sold the ares long ago

Denafrips Ares II MHDT Orchid AN Border Patrol Leaning towards the Orchid at the moment, with the Ares II very close.

mycardstatement

@jjss49 Funny you mention sibilance issues because I found this discussion again after searching for a fix. I was teetering on upgrading the Ares II with a Pontus II or the Orchid and moving the Ares to a second system of mine.

I listen to my speakers at 1.6m away from the tweeters. I am on a desktop here, but i have a pretty large desk. I feel like I hear every single nuance to a song, but with that present some issues from the Ares II. Using the Doge 10 MK3 as my amplifier as well. I’m keeping an eye on the used market for an Orchid. Appreciate your response. Wish I would’ve seen it earlier.

Love my Orchid.