DENAFRIPS DAC ---- Owner Impressions, Feedback, General Discussion, Questions and more....
Denafrips Terminator II review by The Computer Audiophile / Audiophile Style: https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/denafrips-terminator-ii-review-and-comparison-r1036/ |
Dick Olsher / The Absolute Sound review of the Denafrips Terminator DAC: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/denafrips-terminator-dac |
Your categorization of the Qutest, Yggy and Pontus aligns with my experience. I would say that the Ares has a bit more harshness than the Pontus. I'm pretty sensitive to digital glare and have avoided listening to much digital audio for the last 32 years for that reason. But the Pontus II doesn't seem to induce much if any listening fatigue for me. Measures that I've taken to reduce digital harshness include:
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just so folks don’t misunderstand my earlier post, the denafrips pontus voicing is quite middle of the road in terms of treble energy, it is quite balanced top to bottom overall as @twoleftears said, the bp unit is one of the most rolled off sounding dacs out there, and in my system it did this to the detriment of conveying inner detail and air (something the pontus does exceptionally well) i will do this now, quickly, from memory - i will basically put the various standalone dacs i have tried over the past 18-24 months into three tiers of brightness/forwardness of treble - this is just for this single dimension only, one of several sonic criteria for choosing a dac to work well in a good, highly resolving system there are subtle variations in tonal balance within each group, but for sake of simplicity i force them all into the 3 tiers a - most energetic treble/fast and forward chord qutest 2qute hugo tt2 rme adi 2 topping d90 schiit yggy musical fidelity trivista ps audio digital link (cullen) mytek brooklyn b - relatively balanced, medium treble energy denafrips pontus, ares, venus, term (nos) ayre codex jolida black ice tube dac metrum pavane jade amethyst schiit gumby mhdt various, modded sonnet morpheus ava hybrid fet tube w4s various chord mojo c - most rolled off/smooth understated treble border patrol audio mirror tubador mhdt various, unmodded musical paradise neko d100-2 psa direct stream (pre sunlight firmware) metrum octave hope this helps some readers here trying to buy the right dac for them (am sure i may have left out a few still) |
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Agreed. And just because the Pontus’ presentation may be less warm than that of the Border Patrol doesn’t necessarily mean I won’t like it. I wouldn’t have purchased it if I thought that were true. The only way to know is to listen, and that’s what I’ll do. It’s just that when I see the word “bright”, especially where digital playback is concerned I get a little worried. |
the pontus will have a brighter more revealing presentation than the border patrol as well as tauter deeper bass... still nice dimensionality and body in the mids and bass but the pontus will provide somewhat more up-front detail, sharper cleaner edges to transients and more ’air’ in the treble region |
I ordered the Pontus II a few days ago. I really like my current DAC, the Border Patrol SEi. I just got curious after years with the BP. I'm trying not to bring any bias to my evaluation of the Pontus but I'll be surprised if I prefer it to my BP. The BP has a warm, organic quality that I really like. Plus, Gary Dews of BP provides great customer support. I hesitated to make the purchase once I realized I couldn't return it. If it doesn't work out I'm hoping I'll be able to sell it. But I'll certainly give it a fair chance. |
Hey guys, The latest licensed Thesycon Driver (For Windows PC) v5.12.0 is available to download here: link. https://www.denafrips.com/support TUSBAudio - Thesycon USB Audio 2.0 Class Driver for Windows Revision History: http://www.thesycon.de/usbaudio/TUSBAudio_history.txt |
I live in Toronto Canada. Here is my Journey to the Terminator II. . I boght the Denaflips Ares II first. Wow ! sounded very good. I sold it 3 months later and bought the Venus II .. wow ! Wow ! It sounded better :) around 5 months later i sold it and bought the Terminator II ...and I just love it ... The Terminator II is an amazing DAC.. it sounds extremely linear. I hear somethings that I had never heard before especially from the low frequency. .. the soundstage is huge and holographic with very good image and details. .even when I listen at very low volumn at late night, I can still hear everything I just mentioned above. .. I bought my Terminator II from Singapore, from vinshine Audio, and Alvin is the distributor. He is a very honest, straightforward and very fast in response to any of my questions . Happy listening !!! Henry |
Hey guys, Ares II and Iris come with a power cord. The rest of the models aren't. Cheers, Alvin @ https://www.vinshineaudio.com/ |
Dave McNair / Part-Time Audiophile review of the Pontus II DAC: https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2021/02/12/denafrips-pontus-ii-dac-review/ |
Thank you @atmfrank01. Ares II is an incredible DAC :)
Enjoy the music! Many thanks, Alvin Chee www.vinshineaudio.com |
New ARES II owner here. Just arrived today. LOVE. What made me buy it? Having variety I suppose. My beloved Burson 3R (2x9038q2m) comes pretty close, but the immediacy and increased dynamics on the ARES II is instantly recognizable. OS/sharp, 16/44 and 24/96 local FLAC streams. Charlie Haden live: hear the performance & audience in 3D, every little cough and sniffle. Other DAC's in service: SMSL SU-9, Chord Mojo, TDA1387 (all mid-tier/budget) Thank you Denafrips team. |
Hello guys, The latest licensed Thesycon Driver ( For Windows PC ) v5.0.0 is available to download here: link. The history file with changes can be downloaded at: http://www.thesycon.de/usbaudio/TUSBAudio_history.txt Many thanks, Alvin @ Vinshine Audio |
I have just sold my Audio Note DAC One signature edition and now looking for a new DAC. Denafrips is at the top of my shortlist. Based on the prices, the Ares II seems to be a downgrade but I’m of the opinion that DAC technology has progressed tremendously and a lower priced modern DAC may be better than an older higher priced DAC. I hope someone can give me some opinions on the following: yes in my experience with both the pontus is definitely more refined than the ares 2, which had a troublesome sibilance (to my ears, in my system) in the lower treble i have not tried the venus, but i have tried a terminator also, and in my opinion the pontus is the sweet spot in the line for performance for $ |
Video review and comparison that may answer some questions... From: Jay / The Next Best Thing Studio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuoBAodEI5w&feature=youtu.be |
I have just sold my Audio Note DAC One signature edition and now looking for a new DAC. Denafrips is at the top of my shortlist. Based on the prices, the Ares II seems to be a downgrade but I’m of the opinion that DAC technology has progressed tremendously and a lower priced modern DAC may be better than an older higher priced DAC. I hope someone can give me some opinions on the following: 1. Is there an audible difference between the Ares and Pontus? My ears are not great and I don’t and won’t use expensive cables. 2. Are they a good match for my 300b tube amp and floor standing speakers with aluminium ribbon tweeters? 3. I’m toying with the the idea of buying two DACs - an Ares II and a delta sigma one (one of those Topping, SMSL or Gustard DACs that measures very well and can decode MQA) so that I can switch between them depending on my moods. Or should I go all in on a Pontus? Thank you in advance. |
Hey Don, I just replied to your email, sorry for the time zone differences. We shall advice the next course of action via email. Thanks! In general, please contact us via the Support Page: https://www.vinshineaudio.com/support • USA Repair/Warranty Supports • 1. Repair/Warranty Authorizations are required for all services 2. Kindly write to us by using the Contact Support form above. We are committed to respond within 24-48hrs. 3. The Authorization Number will be provided once the service request is approved. 4. Please ship the product in its original box with tracking to the appointed service center. 5. Refer to our TERMS page for the warranty terms & conditions. Many thanks. Best, Alvin Cheewww.vinshineaudio.com |
I just received my Ares II yesterday and the left channel is not working through the single ended output. I’ve emailed Alvin but no response yet. I’m wondering if I need to wait for him to tell me to ship it to the closest support center or if I should contact them directly and get the process underway. Not concerned about whether it will be covered, just the appropriate order of things. Thanks, |
Two U.S. service reps / centers announced by Alvin of Vinshine Audio: https://www.vinshineaudio.com/support?utm_campaign=8f7f0166-623f-4132-a545-8c92ae1d342e&utm_sour... |
I recently changed out speakers and started using HQPlayer (I've been a Roon lifetime subscriber for years) and my usage of digital playback and file streaming is way up. So yesterday I decided to buy a used Ares II. I just want to see how it sounds and then, hopefully, upgrade to a Venus II down the road. My former DAC was a Convert-2 which was fantastic but it was also pretty obviously tilted to a specific kind of presentation. Right now I am using a Benchmark DAC3L and while I think it's an excellent DAC, I want to test the Denafrips waters and the 3L also has some things in the preamp function I'm not necessarily a fan of. I'll be pairing the Ares II with a Schiit Freya+ whenever it comes off backorder, so I can use balanced in and out from digital sources to my amp. Really excited - I've had an R2R DAC in the past and really enjoyed its presentation, so seeing what one can do that can also handle some serious upsampling from HQPlayer should be a treat. |
I've got the bug for a new DAC. My Hegel HD30 is "very good" (and resolves more detail than you'd think 16/44.1 redbook could capture). But I'm hoping to get a more organic/liquid midrange and that sense of solidity from an R2R (or comparable) DAC. Besides the challenge of auditioning Denafrips DACs is one other challenge my system has... no preamp. And I've spent $$ on cables that I'd hate to have to buy a pre-amp *and* another set of cables just to be able to enjoy a fixed-output dac. The Rockna wavedream and wavelight both can be purchased with variable output (and analog at that... not digital attenuation). I'm looking for input from you guys... both to see if anyone has a thought about these two dac families (Denafrips vs Rockna... has anyone compared??) but also, given my lack preamp at present, what's a wiser way to spend. My audio is 100% digital source. Thanks! |
Will make this short and sweet. Have had my Ares II for a couple weeks now, and am incredibly pleased. Some say analog-like. Not quite sure about that, but it is incredibly engaging to listen through, and does not sound ‘digital’ either. Soundstage and imaging is wonderful. Not something I said about my previous DAC. Good, but not like the Ares. Now, like almost everyone else who has purchased the Ares, perhaps I should have sprung for the Pontus instead. But, no regrets. Easy and quick to sell if I decide to do that. |
Hans Beekhuyzen video review of the Terminator-Plus R-2R ladder DAC Impressive!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xS8_iWwtCs |
Yep, we decided not to include the generic power cord as most of the audiophiles would have their preferred power cord to use already. The generic power will likely end up in trash instead.
We've published the basic setup guides for PC/Mac computer audiophiles who use DENAFRIPS DAC via the USB input, feel free to check it out: Cheers, Alvin Chee |
i am interested in the Pontus, but noticed that a power cord is not included? how can this be? anyway what after market cords are recommended. Rega makes a good one. i also have a Rega Brio amplifier and Rega RS1 speakers. wonder if this DAC would be overkill for my current system. will replace a NAD D1050 DAC that still sound very good even though its 7 years old. |
I cant claim golden ears or any definitive last word on DACS but I purchased an Ares and liked it. I also auditioned a MSL400 Also good but with a remote, a viewing screen and more filter option. I sold the Ares to a guy who went nuts for it and returned the MSL 400. These were both good units but I wound up with a Schiit Gugnier Multibit. Nice DAC and I'm happy. I use an Audiolab CDT 6000 transport and after going through a bunch of COAX cables, I like the Kimber 30 for a reasonable $95. It is easier to listen to than my silver Kimber D60 that retails for $450. So all in My digital front end is right at $2k. About the max what I want to spend. I've been doing the audiophile thing for over 40 years and I have to put the brakes on equipment creep. Pretty soon the cost of my system would double and I would not sure how I got there or if it is really any better than what I had before. |
Over the past few months, we published dozens of owners' feedback here: https://www.denafrips.com/news It has been a challenging year for everybody. However, we are flattered by your strong support. Thank you! We are grateful. Take care and stay safe! Many thanks. Alvin Chee http://www.vinshineaudio.com/ |
I just replaced my Terminator (with the new DSP board) with the Terminator Plus. In spite of how good the Terminator is, the Plus just brings more in terms of quietness and detail. Particularly the bass notes are better delineated. I also added the Denafrips Iris, once the I2S was properly set up it brings more detail and air in the high end- kind of holographic with instruments almost directly left and right of my listening position. Once I enabled the clock out from the TP to the Iris- holy cow. So musical. Leading edges of bass notes jump out and then reverb and decay with such detail. Adding the Iris transformed the USB output from my Innuos Statement which I did not think was possible as I thought it was so good previously. I am a bit dumbfounded at how much I was missing. |
05-21-2018 5:01am@viablex1 I'm copying your post from a thread you initiated:
Per Denafrips Warranty policy (referenced below) there should be no cost for you to ship back for warranty work within the first 30 days. "36 Months Warranty, Peace of MindComprehensive Warranty Coverage: All DENAFRIPS products are covered under this policy. Warranty covers non-man-made defects. Customer shall bear the import duties and taxes whenever applicable. 30 Days: DENAFRIPS to bear both way shipping fee.31-365 Days: Customer to bear one way shipping fee. DENAFRIPS to repair and cover return shipping fee. 366-1095 Days: Customer to bear both way shipping fee. DENAFRIPS to repair at free labor and parts at no cost. 1096 Days Onwards: Customer to bear both way shipping cost. DENAFRIPS to provide repair and/or maintenance services at cost." copy and past all you want I have my own valid experience and it could have gone smoother |
Srajan Ebaen's review (Part 1) of the Denafrips Terminator-Plus. From 6Moons: https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/denafrips7/ |
I use HDMI I2S from the Soundaware D300REF (roon bridge) primarily, the said issue has never occurred to me. Seems like it's an USB sync/handshake problem. I will try the SOtM sms-200ultra / Sonore uRendu on my end and get back. Cheers, Alvin www.vinshineaudio.com |
@jaytor Perhaps we can triangulate the cause, I am streaming through USB from an SOTM Trifacta stack into Roon, upsampling using PCM power of 2. I think we can safely eliminate the streamer since we are all using different ones. It happens when I stream both Tidal and Qobuz, so it's not streaming service specific. The commonality is Terminator, USB, and Roon upsampling right now it seems. @73max What type of setup are you running when experiencing this issue? |
