Ignore that last post
EverSolo DMP-A8 with Denafrips Pontus 15th, both have i2S
For the past couple of years I’ve been using a Bluesound NODE (N130) with a Denafrips ARES II DAC (USB). I liked it very much!
Well, I got the itch to not leave well enough alone, if you know what I mean!
I purchased an EverSolo DMP-A8, thinking this all-in-one could replace what I had. It sounds pretty good, but, started missing my Denafrips DAC (which I sold). A couple days ago I ordered from audioman58 (Thank you!), a Pontus 15th Edition, can’t wait to get it!
This brings me to my question please. The DMP-A8 has i2S Output, which I plan on using to input i2S on the Pontus 15th (I hope for compatibility?). Is there still a reason to get a Denafrips DDC? Or, am I most of the way there with i2S on both my streamer and DAC?
Thanks,
Tom
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- 54 posts total
Thanks. I have the A8 and initially had it feeding my PrimaLuna pre into Quicksilver midmonos. Sounded superb. I then removed the pre and now feed the QS amps directly from the A8. Surprising to me that set up also sounds really detailed and full bodied. I have an Ares II in another system so am comfortable with the Denafrips sound. The Pontus looks like a great deal so I’m doing my homework. |
tom899, I have the same setup as you. I just plugged everything in a few days ago, and i have to say that I find the Pontus too bright for my ears. I bought the Pontus because although I found the A8 to have a rich, smooth and detailed sound, I wanted a little more life in the treble. But now I feel like there is too much and I get fatigued when I listen. Did you encounter a burn in period? Did the treble smooth out with less glare? I'm just wondering if I should return mine before the return window closes. |
@pkthesublime Give the Pontus at least 200 hours to burn in if it’s new before making any conclusions. Also, while individual tastes can vary this is a little odd as the Pontus is not considered to be a bright sounding DAC going by both reviews and owner feedback so it may be coming from elsewhere in your system. One thing is If you’re using i2S make sure you have the optimal pin setting on the Pontus although I kinda doubt that’s the issue but something to check nonetheless. What’s the rest of your equipment and what cables are you using? |
Denafrips DAC's require a minimum of 200 hours before they start to settle down. By 500 hours they really don't change much, and they have ebbs and flows along the way. But yes. brightness is common early. My Terminator 15th was a bit bright at first, it took quite a while to smooth out. Along the way bass got better, soundstage grew and the midrange smoothed out too. I had a Venus II before the Terminator, which is pretty much what the Pontus 15th is now. I loved that DAC, it's very good. Just give the Pontus time. |
- 54 posts total