Denafrips is a bargain, it plays well above its price. I bought Venus but then upgraded to Terminator.
Looking for a DAC to pair w/ Jay's transport mk2
I've been posting some general questions on several threads recently. I've received lots of good opinions and advice. I have a concluded that my DAC needs a boost to catch up with my system.I have an Aesthetix, Mimas integrated amp with their $1,200 DAC board.I'd to warm things up and might even consider a tube DAC. Budget $2-3K. I'm fine with used gear.
The Denafrips Pontus 15 has my attention...
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I'm very pleased indeed with my Denafrips Pontus Gen 15, if that's any help. I posted a review of it in this forum on 11/13 which you may find useful. It plays extremely well indeed with my Shanling ET3 CD transport, and I expect your Jay's Audio transport will be a significant step up from the Shanling. However, this newest iteration of the Pontus plays more like the previous Venus DAC, emphasizing clarity and detail. It doesn't lack for musical appeal, but earlier versions of the Pontus were, by all accounts, quite a bit warmer sounding, if a bit less refined. |
One advantage going with a Denafrips DAC -- it would allow you to take advantage of I2S connections. The comments by @cooper52 are consistent with other comparisons I've encountered regarding the differences between the Pontus 12 and Pontus 15. Keep in mind that many tube DACs these days are not that warm. Many are voiced to accentuate upper mids and highs. LTA Aero is one example. Of course, "warm" is relative. You'll have to listen to some to discover what pleases you. The Canadian ANK tube DACs have a reputation for more overt warmth and they offer a trial period/return policy. You might take advantage of that to see if you really want to go in that direction. You could also check TMR to see if they have any used tube DACs in stock. Be aware that you'll have to pay a restock fee with them. My 2 cents. |
@cooper52, with the Denafrips Pontus 15th and the Shanling ET3 CD transport did you have to configure the internal pinout settings of the Denafrips Pontus 15th when using the I2S cable? Or did you have to use a custom I2S cable? Also what I2S cable do you use? I am planning on getting a Revelation Audio Labs ’Prophecy’ CryoSilver™ Reference HDMI I2S Digital Link cable and don't know if I should get a custom build or not. Thanks. |
@tyray If you send Brad the pinout for your DAC he will design it accordingly. That’s what I did. It’s in their Denafrips online manual. Mine is done and ships Tuesday. I will be selling my Tubulus Argentus. |
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