You are the best audiophile here on the Tube, honest, direct, to the point and objective - all without the typical fluff so common among other audio reviewers.
Thanks Tarun for explaining, in just the right level of detail, the true changes between the Ares 2 and 12th. You have a rare ability to break down tech details into layman vocabulary words, which is one of the reasons why I love this channel! 👌
That Alterra chip is actually an FPGA not a DSP - it can be configured as a DSP like in this case but it allows complete software reconfigurability of what one is trying to do - so it greatly benefits from any software algorithm upgrades. Great video as usual. This is my goto high end audio channel now due to the fabulous job you are doing Tarun.
Hi Tarun. Great channel. I swapped my Ares 2 for a Musician Pegasus r2r, but never had the chance to back to back audition them in my set up. If you’d like to review another c£1k Chinese DAC I’m happy to loan you. I’m in West London
@@nk6098 thank you. That is very kind of you. 👍 I am always reluctant to borrow viewers gear. The life of a hifi reviewer involves constantly moving boxes. There is always risk of damage even though I am very careful 😊
"You don't miss won't you haven't got" is good advice for audiophiles always itching to upgrade. Just enjoy the music! I use USB mostly now with my Schiit DACs and their Unision USB implementation.
Some non-audiophile but technically proficient people have claimed that jitter doesn't matter and the problem is highly exaggerated. NOT true. I remember accusing my guitarist of being out of tune, and needlessly making him re-record things, which made him angry. He said he couldn't hear an issue. Then one day I was listening to music between my PC and external Firepod, and it sounded off, until 'whip whoop' it sounded like someone making those silly 'DJ' noises with an LP record. I was like 'KNEW it. It wasn't just my imagination!' If it hadn't been for that brief but large sound of the clock playing catch up, I would never have realized I had a jitter problem. I actually do notice jitter. And jitter is the devil. Thank you A British Audiophile for pointing out that Denafrips DACs have fantastic internal clocks. I hope one day to have the money to buy a Denafrips. Still working on it. But sadly, as a minimum wage worker, I may never do it. I already spent my life savings on a pair of headphones and a a cheaper DAC that you reviewed :P
It’s not that jitter does not matter. It only matters at the very last step - very deep inside of the DAC when digital is converted to analog. Anything before that buffers the data. Musician made recording some time ago (you are not listening real time performance) - and that data is buffered (stored) on say hard drive for Tidal. As Tidal send these bytes, they are buffered and error corrected in routers and switches on the internet. When this data arrives to your steamer, it buffers it again, by storing in RAM. Then it’s send this data over USB to DAC and DAC buffers it again. Finally DAC picks up the data from RAM and send it to actual conversion and that’s the only step where jitter and clock stability matters.
Danny, a much cheaper DAC is the AUNE X8 xviii (it's an FPGA model), coming in at around £250 if you don't need the bluetooth version. The great thing about it is that one can upgrade as and when funds are available to a Sparkos SS3602 dual discrete op-amp (around £100). One can even add the Aune's own dedicated linear power supply (again, c. £100) later. This is what I have done, for a total of around £450, and I am extremely happy with its performance. I hope Tarun will forgive my mentioning another reviewer, Srboljub at iiwi reviews, who rates the Aune + Sparkos combination on a par with DACs at around £1000. It doesn't have a remote, but once I found the filter that sounded best for me, I didn't need one. It can also act as a pre-amp and has balanced as well as RCA outputs in that mode, though personally I use the fixed RCA output. It sounds better than my currently £800 Tradutto DAC, at any rate.
Jitter sound really nasty. Blended, a bit aggressive, cloudy. Just listen to a standard 1980s CD recording from analogue and compare it to a remaster from 1995 or newer. But there’s a drawback. In 1980s you often have the better analogue playback equipment and lousy, high jitter ADCs, in newer times the analog equipment often is of a bit lower quality and the ADCs are far far better.
What you are describing is not jitter my friends. Victor has his story right except for the DAC isn't usually rebuffering or reclocking the input signal. In a perfect world that is where it would happen but it's an expensive and complicated process to get it right. Thus external gear is required.
Tarun, I so enjoy your channel. Clear concise reviews and this was no exception. And you have created such a great community, sharing the joy of this hobby.
again an extraordinary and clear explanation of digital information. Because of your reviews I bought a Pontus2 and Hermes last year. I chose the Hermes because I also wanted a CD transport connected to it. Apart from the fact that streaming has taken a big step in the musically right direction, CDs have also acquired an extra musical character. Thanks !
Honestly, the manner in which you explain how dedicated components can reduce jitter really brings all this into focus. And is very much appreciated! I’m torn between the Gustard and the Ares 12th. Using a Pi2 Design DDC/streamer over here in the U.S. Don’t know how that might compare to the Iris. Maybe part way there in combo with the Denafrips 🙏🏼👍🏼
I swapped my pontus II for an R26 and have experienced a significant upgrade in doing so. Using Hermes ddc. I thought I was headed to a T2 but this R26 is really great...just listening to the music now.
Thank you John. Much appreciated. The Denafrips DACs have a different presentation to typical delta-sigma types. The Gustard R26 is in between the two with it’s sonic signature. The choice will be a matter of personal taste 😊👍
A wealth of information, presented i in such a glorious, relatable way. Not forgetting (of course) a healthy dose of wit and charm! Thanks Tarun, I'm proud to be a patreon 😁😁😁
Thank you so much again for taking time and making the effort to review this equipment. So many DACs, so little money. Should I go with 'good enough' or save for eternity to get a 'good DAC'? I also have my 'GAS', (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), to deal with too. I will just keep watching you and hopefully something in my 'affordable' price range will appear. All the very best, Sir, and keep up the great work.
Look at used gear brother, I have bagged some gorgeous gear for 30 to 70% off retail. If you want the Ares II sound for roughly $250 to $300 look at the Cayin RU6 dongle DAC, it kicked my Ares II all over the room! And pissed me off! It sounds incredible for the money in my stereo system. I ran it with a $50 adapter and a set of $40 XLR cables into my Denafrips Hades preamp and out to their Thallo amp and was crying! You can pick up a used one for probably $100 to $150 and then just get a cable and plug it in to your system. This stupid little DAC blew me away. I am not parting with mine. And I do not own any headphones.
I would have loved to see the Pontus 12 included in this review. Giving from what I am seeing and hearing, possibly the better choice would be the Aries 12/ Iris combination over a standalone Pontus 12 and saving some money. Outstanding description of the differences between digital inputs and how they may effect one’s sound quality.
Thank you for the review! As for digital connection, I use the USB with a AudioQuest Jitterbug filter and I perceive it to be noise-free. It is perhaps worth mentioning that my source is a transport in the form of a Silent Angel Munich M1T, which is significantly less noisy than a regular PC.
Thank you Tarun, the usual high standard of review one comes to expect from you. As for the DAC reviewed, I don't know why Denafrips don't have a remote controller. No volume control isn't a bother but not being able to select inputs without having to get up and walk across the room would probably only appeal to turntable enthusiasts. It's the one reason I would not buy a Denafrips DAC when there are plenty of great DACs that have a remote. Surely the cost can't be that prohivetive.
Thank you Terry, much appreciated. You are right it is not cost. None of their DACs have remote controls. I suspect it is because they believe the IR sensor for the remote is a source of potential noise that can adversely effect the sensitive electronics inside the DAC 😊
Hi Taun, When you reviewed the Atoll IN 200, I went ahead and got myself one. (I was lucky to acquire a 2015 manufactured model in premium condition from a dear friend). Then, I saw your review of the REL T7x. I decided to purchase a pair of T5x to complement my Xaviaņ MIA! Bookshelves. Now, I've come across this review. I'm interested in trying an R2R DAC instead of a Sigma Delta DAC and have made up my mind to purchase this DAC to replace the (Qncoz LA QXD1) DAC I'm currently using when I decide to upgrade. My music listening experience has been greatly enhanced. So far, I haven't done any acoustic treatments or room correction for the system. I mention this because I was specifically looking for these particular sound characteristics in the equipment I wanted in my system, and your explanations about them were precise and detailed. This helped me make my decisions immediately. The purchases happened only after I saw your reviews on those products. Thanks for all your efforts in providing us with these informative videos.
Thank you Tarun! Delightful video. I'm using the pi2aes to feed my Pontus 2 via i2s and Burson Composer 3x via optical. I was surprised to hear how much noticeable the glare dropped when using that over MAC+Adiorvana/Roon via USB. Hope that one day you will have the chance to review the pi2aes.
Thank you very much Tarun for another excellent review. I've been waiting for this review since the Ares 12th Anniversary came out, as well as the R26 review and both reviews met my expectations. Last week I was going to buy the Ares 12th Anniversary, but unfortunately or fortunately, the seller gave me a 300 € discount on the Pontus II, due to the fact that he was going to receive the new models and I couldn't resist, so I ended up buying the Pontus II. I'm now doing the burn-in 😄.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun. How many hours does Tarun advise to do the burn-in (I have the Pontus connected to a second system before definitively placing it in the main system)?
Had an ARES II, now VENUS II. Both sound(ed) best when fed via USB, preferably a dedicated streamer. I use the Auralic Aries (original "pagoda" version 2015). SPDIF sounds worse with this very streamer, and cheaper streamers lose even more in sound quality (tried Primare NP5 and Argon Audio SOLO as digital inputs for the ARES II/VENUS II). Thanks for pointing out the importance of digital inputs for external DACs, most people (including me, until last year) assume that digital is digital and therefore perfect, no matter how the link into the DAC is done.
Did the same, Ares II to Venus II 12th... I went with the Pi2 Mercury V2 streamer running RoPieeeXL. The sound is fantastic. I actually find the AES is the superior connection vs USB or i2s. And I have an Iris DDC... One thing I did add to the system was a $42 NetGear switch, their 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108Ev3). This is the same switch you will find in the $500+ "audiophile" network switches. I would highly recommend giving this $42 switch a look. If it doesn't do anything for you, send it back. One area it cleaned up was the bass, I still cannot get over what this stupid switch did to the sound of not only my stereo, but the TV with the $150 Polk sound bar and bass module.
@@michaelwright1602 Interesting, that switch thing. I stream only Stereo directly from my fibre optic router (FritzBox) over WiFi into the Auralic streamer. BTW, tried AES into the VENUS II as well, USB was still slightly better. Invested a little over 100 EUR / USD for a good USB cable.
Hey Tarun, good review as always. Interesting they’ve reduced the filter cap arrays, however, I’m guessing they wouldn’t have chosen sub standard replacements. Be good to know how long they’ll last too.
Thanks Mark. I was thinking along the same lines. I would like to find out more about the new cap supplier. There are some smaller Rubycons around the main PS caps, Elna Golds and little red rectangular caps (could be Wima) around the R2R ladder. As you know, those aren’t cheap parts 🤔
Thanks Tarun for another good and easy to digest review. I use the Denafrips Terminator plus with Gaia DDC. The T+ provides the clock to the Gaia over clock BNC cables. I use the RJ45 link to provide an I2S connection using a cable especially designed for I2S - hand made in the Netherlands. It just helps the T+ doing it’s job and gives a small sonic improvement:-)
I have a nearly identical setup. Are you using the Pink Faun Interlink I2S? I have the HDMI version. Pink Faun uses Furutech parts, another brand I love. I wonder if the PF engineers are thinking about updating their cables with the new RJ45 and HDMI Furutech NCF connectors. I have had excellent results with NCF technology in my all-Denafrips system. Greetings from the USA!
@@Centrist01 I went for their walk socket. I am using the Denafrips Athena with ATC active speakers. Denafrips is designed in the area in China where we used to live for 4 years - and where most Apple products seem to be manufactured too.
Good job Tarun. I have an ARES 12th arriving from Vinshine on Tuesday. I already have the Iris from my previous two Denafrips DAC purchases. Looking forward to having the Ares in my system again; Pontus II 12th was a disappointment.
Taking a nod from you recommending USB over SPDIF, I got a USB R•2R DAC that has OS / NOS w/ SE & XLR outputs. Even with its more complicated architecture, sound quality is much fuller than similar sigma-delta units, as you stated. R•2R seems to be the way to go.
A good review . I recently updated the firmware of my Aries 2. I was worried about potentially bricking the DAC, but took the gamble. It does seem to have improved it a little. The DAC was already good to start with. The firmware did sort out the usb input not working. I was originally feeding the DAC from my computer with a singxer f-1 to spdif, which I still think is good solution. Amp topping pa5 to triangle bro02. I get a detailed 3d airy non fatigue sound in my office setup. I also have a Dali smsl setup in the office which is more up front and direct sound wise. I sometimes prefer this setup for loud indie alternative rock.
Great review .. I was wondering seeing that you have the older Aries 2 would you consider a review after having that dac upgraded with the software update and then comparing it to the new Aries 12th edition .. I have the Ponts 2 and plan to get the software upgrade when it us available. Buy the way I have my Pontus connected from my Oppo 105D via the I2S to the Pontus using an after market converter with two 30cm runs of hdmi cable .. and it does sound better this way than using the SPDIF plus I can play SACD discs in DSD format.
Good coverage of CDs original jitter issue, in a very compact form. Which I lived through in real time and which was a very serious problem for the medium that bragged of Perfect Sound Forever". Myself I still feel resentful that digital sound reproduction must cost so much, compared with analog...
I have an Arcam irDac with an external Sbooster power supply & I also have the Denafrips Ares II, I haven’t done the upgrade yet. On both dac’s I use the SPDIF inputs.
I have the same arcam irdac and think to buy the enyo. Could you please coment if denafrips upgrade was a big one or not something that i should think about...
Hello Tarun, I wish my hearing was as good as yours! I have had the Ares 12 in my system for about a month. My CD/SACD player is an Oppo UDP 203. I connect the 203 to the Ares with an HDMI cord and a coaxial cable. I also run RCA cables from the 203 into my McIntosh c50 preamp using the DAC in the 203. My main speakers are 1990’s Klipsch La Scala’s with Crites crossovers. For Amplification I have McIntosh mc352 AB solid state, Carver Crimson 275 tube amp and a pair of class D amps that are DIY. I also have 2 REL Tzero subs and 2 NHT Ten subs, all 4 working together in stereo. In all honesty, to me,there’s little to no difference between the Ares and the DAC in the Oppo. When I compare the DAC in the McIntosh to the Ares and Oppo, the soundstage sounds squished between the speakers, as opposed to wider and deeper with the Ares and Oppo. When playing SACD disks I actually hear no difference between the Ares and Oppo. The big difference is between the HDMI connect and the coaxial cable. The coaxial has a reduced volume. I also have a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV speakers which sound great, but are out performed in every way by the 40yo upgraded Klipsch La Scala’s.
hi, great review as always. i almost bought the ares 12th+iris but changed my mind and got the border patrol se i for around the same price. it's handwired p2p in usa,r2r around an old philips chip, has a nos tube rectifier and internal i2s.sounds great so far(my reference is ifi idac 2 which is still nice) and i plan to add the ifi iusb 2 and ipurifier 3 as ddc since they use usb. i use usb connections with ifi cables and an isilencer from the pc.
The RU7 will be my first foray into R2R, being able to have that sort of sound in a portable format is incredible. If I end up enjoying R2R, I might end up replacing the RME with this!
Thanks Tarun. Always well done. Kindly suggesting a terminator II review (and if a ddc makes a difference for a dac with that quality internal clock, slave vs master etc.). Worth the upgrade for pontus II/ddc owners etc? You are hitting the denafrips stack nicely....next step T-town!
I use kernel stream output from Foobar, USB2 audio into an inexpensive TCXO controlled DDC then into a AD1865 based NOS R2R DAC with valve output and rectification. My digital chain is £400 in total and Foobar is free.
After this review I made the "mistake" of moving my Ares2 upstairs to the Living room system to try playing the HR files my older Mu-Fi DAC could not play... Ordered the 12th-1 Tuesday and it arrived in Montana on Friday! Amazing service Alvin 😊 Will compare the Ares2 and Ares12th after it's burnt in for 50 hours. Already persuaded that I should get the firmware updated to 12th on the Ares2. Btw the silver model looks bigger compared to the black '2. I prefer that. 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵
Mostly, I use a Canare USB cable to connect either my computer or my smartphone to a Lynx Hilo converter, and then, a TOS cable for connecting my Marantz CD player to the Hilo. I also own various portable DACs.
The saying about a DDC perfectly resembles your statement of- 'you don't miss what you haven't got' In my case, once a Gaia was slotted into the chain between a PC sourced system and my Pontus 2; the world changed and a DDC became perfectly as relevant as they sales pitched about. ... Excited to obtain their firmware update for the Pontus: they are winning long term customers with an unheard hardware (by definition) upgrade to a system that is already sold! Comparing it to the Gustard is always a fun boxing match, each trading blows. Went with Gustard's non-R2R 26 in my other system. Greatly dynamic, clean, but definitely less resolving and intricate for the soundstage depth, width, and tonality. Great content as always and cheers!
I have tried many DDCs and now have an external clock also. Lent my DDC to a friend to try for a few weeks and was happy with the sound of my system still. But when it went back into the chain it was like "WOW".
A couple of points. • the CD transport clock, while important, matters less than electrical noise. Improper ground paths and poor filtering create more noise than transport related jitter; • the "O" transformer is a toroidal transformer with its core edges rounded to reduce sharp bends on the wire for tighter, more uniform windings and magnetic field containment. With respect to source--CD vs files--I have yet to hear a file better the "lowly" CD when played through the same DAC. Not to say this may not one day be the case, but after listening to some rather highfalutin products in highfalutin systems--costing (ridiculously so) upward of US$500K--the physical medium has yet to be surpassed. And then there's tape and vinyl. . .
The Gustard R26 also benefits from a DDC. I use it with a Gustard U18 DDC (also via I2S), and the difference in sound is remarkable. It feels more "right, " relaxed, and natural with the U18. By adding an external clock, it could be improved even further, although I don't have one yet. I also own an Ares II and really like it. However, the R26 is on another level IMO. Thank you very much for your reviews, always extremely helpful and informative!
Thank you Roland. I agree. Adding a DDC to the R26 via IIS improves it considerably. I would get that firmware update for the Ares II. It is supposed to make quite a difference 😊
Pi2 Design Mercury V2 Streamer to Pontus II via I2S, so no DDC for me as Mike Kelly's Streamer uses the best overall components for the price (bar none). Wish you could get your hands on a Mercury v2 Streamer Tarun.
I upgraded my Pontus 2 for a Venus 2. On the Pontus, I found the quality and detail improved using an i2s connection over the coax. When I got the Venus, I never went back so….i2s it is. I’ve heard that pretty much all Denafrips DACs sound best using i2s….and I’d vouch for that as well.
Love your reviews, in-depth and to the point! I only have the Ares II, but I was disappointed how it ranked vs the internal dac in my Rotel 1592 MK2. Couldn't really pick up much of a difference between them, which I guess is a testament to the quality of the Rotel.
I like the I2S input - because the Iris is the same size chassis as the Ares 12. But I don't like the "loss" of the second coax input - on my Ares II, I always used both the coax inputs; one for my Node 2i and the other for my CDT-6000.
I have the CDT6000 also - excellent transport. In your case, you'd experience higher SQ running a Pi4 with Ropieee then USB out to the Iris. Your coax issue then ceases being an issue.
@@johnratcliffe6438 I appreciate your response. I should mention that I have upgraded the power supply in the Node 2i, to a linear 50W unit, and the sound quality took a huge leap up.
@@johnratcliffe6438 Yes, same kind of experiences for me - my current reference DAC (replacing the Ares II, even with the new firmware) is the Geshelli JNOG2 Socketed.
Hi ABA, Unfortunately, for me at least, there are two problems with Denafrips products. 1) Impossible to demo 2) Impossible to return if I'm not satisfied
I bought a Musician Pegasus. I had a slight issue (only happened twice for the month I had it) which turning it to standby and back on fixed. I just didn't want to take a risk with such a new product. However I feel like that staged leagues above my R26. The Pegasus It had a more realistic timbre and decay on a lot of interments that completely separated it from the speakers. However the quality ended there. It sounded rather bland (but realistic). The R26 seemed like the better dac from a technical standpoint. The R26 is equally as wide as the Pegasus, it just doesn't feel as holographic (no depth). I plan on buying the Pegasus again in the near future as I can't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed it. Hopefully after a few more years it'll work out some of the early kinks. From other reviews, the Pegasus seemed to have the edge on the Ares in multiple fronts in terms of sound. As it did already come with the I2S connection from the start. I also saw no delay when gaming or using it for any other types of media.
Hmm. Ty for the top tip. Fink I will get me a mojo1. I really need a bit more warmth in jack Johnson's guitar. After all its called wood and steel for a reason. BTW, Ace review. 😊
Hi Tarun, another great review and FINALLY a clear explanation of synchronous versus asynchronous connections to Dacs I have been looking for! One clarification: if using a DDC and i2S (synchronous) into the Ares2, does that mean the Ares2 clock is fully bypassed from the circuit and plays no role at all in the sound signal chain?
Thank you. As far as I am aware, not entirely. Denafrips DACs are a little different as all signals are fed through a FIFO buffer and reclocked internally. Naturally, this doesn’t help with jitter further upstream. The more you delve into these things them more complex it gets. I wanted to keep things simple for accessibility purposes in the video 😊
Do I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of Denafrips DDC? Thank you for this review! I have the Ares II and feel like it's a perfect match for my system; Line Magnetic tube integrated, Klipsch Heresy II (upgraded tweeter and x-over), pair of REL t5 subwoofers, mostly streaming Spotify via Node 2i and with occasional Technics 1200/Grado cart spins. My system (and my room) may not be resolving enough to truly appreciate higher end DACs (also not within my budget) but it has a very musical and engaging sound that I think is "good enough" and a lot of fun. I definitely heard a difference when I swapped my old Schiit Modius for the Ares. Ares wasn't better but different and like you described, it was closer to my vinyl set up, richer, thicker, without any loss of detail, deeper soundstage. This review left me a little confused as to whether you think the Ares 12th is an upgrade if you stick with SPDIF. Would I need to upgrade to the 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of incorporating the Denafrips DDC because of the i2s connection? Rather, would I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of DDC?
Hi Tarun, great review as usual. Just came back again to this review to brush up on your findings. Just took delivery of the Ares 12th-1 2 days ago. I know it not really long enough for critical listening. But my question is, I'm confused about the phase button. I know what it does but hear no difference at the moment. What is the usual default setting that it would normally be set at. In positive or negative phase. As in light on or off. Thanks again for a very detailed review. Sean.
Does the new Denafrips Arce streamer also act as a DDC and do that relevant cleaning and reclocking of the signal? As others have described, your reviews are incredibly insightful and a real treat. Cheers from Spain!
I've been using optical for 15 years now as I have my music collection on a computer, more specifically I run a small server with no moving parts that in its latest version uses around 8 watts of power and I'm using Slimserver as the music software - I can control playback with an app on my phone or using a browser from any computer on the network (including smart TV's). I like the optical connection since it means zero electrical connection between my HIFI and the computer parts, it gives me peace of mind knowing the "dirty" computer electronics isn't "touching" HIFI. As for jitter, from what I understand it has not been a real issue for a long time. Or at least I believe so as I understand modern DAC's all have a buffer, that means jitter is sorted out by the bits being buffered so they flow in a controlled stream. I I have misunderstood something then please do let me know. My DAC is a Cambridge Audio DacMagic which I am looking to replace with something better, which is what took me here 🙂
Thank you for sharing. An optical connection will eliminate noise on the ground plane but the optical converts at each can be a source of noise, if poorly implemented. There are many sources of jitter both externally and internally. USB audio and fifo buffers will help manage external sources of jitter but in reality do not eliminate them entirely 😊
Hi Tarun, I like the details you present in such an easy way...mesmerizing! Just curious: I heard Denafrips DACs are not quite suitable for snappy, quick and defined bass presentation (rock, electronic music) that we can get from any good desktop solution like Edifier active speakers. How true is that for Ares 12th + Iris 12th combo?
Loving the review as always! I think I'm closer to picking up an Iris than I am to an Ares -- somewhat paradoxically. Personally I'd love to know your thoughts on the brand new KEF R3-Meta (successor to the R3) and in particular how it compares and contrasts with the Amphion Argon-1.
I’d sure love to hear you review the naim uniti atom, comparing the streamer/dac portion to the Aries 2 for dac purposes. My system is higher end linn, but I’d o listen a bit with headphones, and love to improve that system
Thanks for the review. I have the Ares II with the firmware upgrade. I have loved the sound of the Ares II but have been thinking about upgrading to the Pontus II or should I just add the Iris?
Enjoyable and informative as usual. Perhaps or or one of your knowledgeable follows can answer a question? I use the Ares II (enyo) withe my CD player and, primarily with a Bluesound node. I just installed the 12th annv. firmware update but haven't had a lot of time to make a judgement. I looked at the website info and manual for the Iris DDC. They mainly talk about improving the performance of computer sources. I don't generally use my PC directly as a source. Would you expect the DDC to also provide improvement from the streamer an CD player? I've also ordered the linear power supply and mode for the Node and hope to get it in the mail soon. Hum? What was it you said about being satisfied with what you have?
Thank you. The Iris DDC can only work with a USB source. The power supply upgrade to a linear one with the Node 2i should be a worthwhile improvement 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm relieved. With linear power supply and the replacement board to adapt it I think I'm rapidly reaching the point of diminishing returns.
Great review, Tarun….with tons of tech info! I am anxiously awaiting the firmware update for my Pontus II. Photos already taken! 📸. I have Qobuz streaming on a Mercury Streamer going I²S to my Pontus II. Would I benefit from an Iris (used market) or should I just step up to a Venus 12th?
Great review. The Aries 12th is really a reasonably priced DAC. Did you notice large improvement over the Chord Hugo? What types of devices have I2S output capability? I'm not familiar with this type of input.
Thank you for this (and for all of your incredible posts!). I own an Ares II. Really enjoying it. Do you recommend moving ahead with the July 2023 firmware update?
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Fantastic! Looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'm replacing current low end XLRs w/ some Nordost White Lightnings - that was as much as I could tolerate $$. Hopefully it will make a difference!
Thanks for the excellent review! I am a happy owner of the original Ares ii (No i2S connection) and recently did the firmware update and was really surprised of the improvement on clarity and soundstage depth and even width, but i was already planning to move up to what I consider maybe my top for now, the Pontus ii, my question is... do you think a ddc would be of any benefit in my case, using the coaxial input to the Ares ii? I have the opportunity to get a Denafrips Hermes at a very good price but I don’t know if it would be a mistake because my dac lacks the better input... Or would i have a greater benefit from the Pontus? Hope I was clear and thanks so much!
Recent interview with Rob Watts discussed I2S connection. Rob said there's still the (bigger) problem of how to handle a clock signal, which I2S does not solve.
What you didnot mention was that you will need both another decent power cord and hdmi cable For the upsampler which will add at least another 400 pounds or dollars ,+ the upsampler The Gustard has a great new upsampler for $500 that when used will leave the pontus -2-12th in the dust. If we want to start add ons .
That gets a bit complex Michael. Denafrips DACs have an internal FIFO buffer and re clocking on all inputs. This does not resolve jitter problems upstream 😊
Hi Tarun, very good review as usual. I always learn something new with your reviews. I have a question: currently i am using an audiolab 8300 cdq as a dac/preamp. Do you think that this ares 12th could be a significant improvement? (Just for the dac part, of course). Thanks a lot.
Great review Tarun - In the Mojo2 review you mentioned that it beats the original Denafrips Ares II (now Enyo), so how close the Mojo2 is to this Ares 12th edition you wager? thanks!
Thank you Gabriel. It was some time ago but I didn’t say that the Mojo 2 is better than the Ares II (Enyo). It will be a close call and I would need both DACs here to do AB comparisons to decide 😊
. I like the Cyan-2 for the "pure" DAC design it shares with the Ares too. However, I think the extra price is for the whole and complete separate DSD R2R ladder circuit inside. I'm not sold on DSD so I'm not paying for it. PCM will be fine. I wish there were a 'Made in the USA' competitor to these two DACs. Plus, when Fiber Optic connections are universally implemented next week, I'll be looking for the next DAC. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
I'm switching my VMV D1se to a Ares 12th for a headphone setup and hoping for improved SQ. I have the Iris already, and note the D1se works with the Iris' I2S but left and right channels get swapped.
Thanks Tarun, great insight as always, especially regarding USB. So with the Ares 12th and the Exposure 2510 what would be your highest speaker recommendation, £1-2k?
Outstanding review as always. Do you think that the Ares II would be overkill for my system, which is a Rega IO and Rogers LS4A speakers? I'm currently using a cheap DacMagic 100 and I 'm happy with it but I feel my system could perform much better with a better DAC
I also use the Rega io with CA DacMagic with Martin Logan 20i's speakers. I dont know the sound of your Rogers, but if they are to the warm side, it wouldnt be a good match
This is a big difference. It depends on your preamp input impedance. If you use a passive attenuator, or valve pre stage, the impedance will be mismatched. It is because the Ares has a very minimal output stage, which i actually prefer because you can use your own essentially. I made a balanced receiver module for my preamp. Ballanced out sounds better all round vs. the RCA outs.
Hello Tarun, Whilst discussing the new Ares 12 you mentioned some amplifier pairings. You hopefully still have the Willsenton R8 in your stable and did the same with it. I currently use a Bluesound Node with the Willsenton R8 and wonder if adding the Ares 12 is worth doing. Your opinion is appreciated. Thank you.😂
All the Denafrips DACs I have tried work very well with the R8. I haven’t tried the haven’t tried the Aries 12th as yet but I would expect the same as it has the Denafrips “house sound.”
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun. I guess a great follow-up question would be whether the Ares would be a sonically significant upgrade from the DAC inside the Node. The Bluesound Node is very popular and praised for its utility but opinion is mixed on the DAC. All Tarun's followers are welcome to chime in here. Thanks all.
I'm one of these people who thinks there's little or no difference between budget well regarded brands. However, I have only wanted to use them, using my CDPs as transport... so it's pretty one-dimensional, no games to connect or any digital source. The only audible difference is when it's connected to the Bluray player. This leads me to conclude the Dacs used in well-sorted CD players are very high quality. Dacs demoed: Arcam IRdac, Peachtree, Rega and briefly owned the original Cambridge DacMagic from about 15 years ago. I now own a Dac to connect the new TV to the amp: the new DacMagic 100. I think to satisfy my audio ego I need to go above the £1000 mark to hear a satisfactory improvement. But can I justify that sort of outlay, given my limited requirements? At the moment it has to be a resounding NO. Great review from Tarun BTW.
Hi Tarun, thank you once again for an excellent review. As i understand from you, I2S connection is synchronous so if you use such connection its not the dac, but the transport that is responsible for the timing of info. I believe there are dacs that can toggle clock setting or digital PLL response on and off. Does this mean that with this toggle feature of the dac, even an I2S connection can now be made asynchronous and make the dac handle the timing info instead of the ddc? Thanks! 🙏
My I-fi DAC Zen v2 is connected to my sub (Adam t10s) by balanced connection and then from there to my studio monitors (Adam t5v) by balanced connections. These are great. Before I had background noise from the computer components. Now I have absolutely none. To connect the computer to the dac I use the standard USB cable. This also powers the dac. There is option to add the I-fi low noise power supply for about 100 extra to power the dac instead of usb. Would you consider this a worthwhile upgrade?
Thank you for sharing Paul. I think the Zen would benefit from a low noise PS like the iFI. The Adam’s should be revealing enough to highlight the differences 😊
I’m pretty puzzled by all the love the Ares gets, given my own experience. My Ares II was pretty much a dud and I was happy to sell it off and take my old Rega DAC out of retirement. To me it was nowhere near the same class as the 2510. The Ares sounded kind of lean, often sharp, chaotic, hazy and uneasy, with very diffuse imaging and lacking fluidity and musical flow. I still wonder if there was something wrong with it or if it just did not like my buildings power or something. The far east sales setup unfortunately made it impossible to just try a different unit or return for a different product. I’ve just purchased a used Pontus II and first impressions is that it sounds very different to the Ares. Very resolving, full bodied, smooth, good flow/fludity and kind of “polite”. I can see why people compare it to analog. Ok maybe not the world’s biggest sound stage and imaging and space between instruments could be better and I’m not really sure about PRAT, but still very early days. All very puzzling 😅
It appears you may have had something wrong with your Ares. The Pontus is just a higher fidelity version of the Ares. The Ares is still arguably the best value for money in Denafrips range 🙂
Yes like the Man says, most likely some problem with your Ares because I haven't heard anyone else report such a diff in the sonic qualities of the 2 units, all other factors being equal.
SPDIF has one major advantage over USB : typically one of them, source or DAC will have separating transformer on output or input. Only one DAC below 2000$ has usb separator built into device. Otherwise all distortion that comes from source ground runs into DAC connected via USB. Sorry, usb is not superior to coax in most common use ( I mean limited to 192/24 and DoP64 ).
@@gleamtarrest6310 the U.K. distributor wasn’t interested in sending me anything to review. I did make contact with Scott McGowan a while back who was more responsive. I need to follow up on that but my schedule is packed for the foreseeable future 😊
I’m using an Ares II that has had the new 12th anniversary firmware update . It’s being fed by the Iris DDC via a quality coax Spdif cable from Triode Wire Labs. The Iris is fed from my streamer via usb. The combo has been great and the firmware update is a significant improvement in sound quality from the dac. However , as you said You don’t miss what you don’t know. I’m wondering how much of a gain there would be to replace the Ares II with the Ares 12th just to get the I2S input. Seems kind of crazy to replace the Ares II just for that input….but I’ve been called worse 😅
Hello friend! I’m on a similar scenario, I have an Ares ii now firmware updated (amazing difference) but was wondering if a ddc would bring a significant benefit considering I could only use coaxial as you. Thanks!
@@rodrigoarias390 I think it depends on the quality of your streamer / transport and the clock it supplies. I’m using a somewhat budget streamer so there are audible but subtle benefits to using the ddc in my case. With a very high end streamer it may be redundant.
Thanks for the review and the explanation of the digital inputs. I was not aware that the source clock is still used with i2s. Having a Pontus 12th and a Nuprime CDT-8 Pro, so far I was out of luck to use the i2s. I have to use coax. Not sure what the problem is. I compared the connection in the manuals. The Pontus (and I think the Ares too) can be configured which pin gets what signal. There are 7 or 8 i2c different pin combinations to select from. I hope it is ok to ask a question which is a little bit ot. In addition to the Pontus, I use the Denafrips Athena preamp (maybe an overkill?) together with an Atoll IN200SIG in path-though mode. I'm not sure but it could make sense to switch to 2 mono blocks power amps. My question is, is there any you could think of which is worth looking into? Then problem here is there are far less mono power amps as integrated amp.
You are the best audiophile here on the Tube, honest, direct, to the point and objective - all without the typical fluff so common among other audio reviewers.
Thank you. That is much appreciated 😊👍
@Vincent Provenzano ... +1 .. Agreed .. Taraun is the very best, tier one ... Always a good topic and listen. ..
Cheers, Vail, Colorado
@@michaelschneider- thank you kindly 😊👍
Thanks Tarun for explaining, in just the right level of detail, the true changes between the Ares 2 and 12th. You have a rare ability to break down tech details into layman vocabulary words, which is one of the reasons why I love this channel! 👌
Thank you Peter. Much appreciated 😊👍
That Alterra chip is actually an FPGA not a DSP - it can be configured as a DSP like in this case but it allows complete software reconfigurability of what one is trying to do - so it greatly benefits from any software algorithm upgrades. Great video as usual. This is my goto high end audio channel now due to the fabulous job you are doing Tarun.
Thank you. Much appreciated. Yes, it is an FPGA that handles the DSP. I could have made that clearer 😊👍
Hi Tarun. Great channel. I swapped my Ares 2 for a Musician Pegasus r2r, but never had the chance to back to back audition them in my set up. If you’d like to review another c£1k Chinese DAC I’m happy to loan you. I’m in West London
@@nk6098 thank you. That is very kind of you. 👍
I am always reluctant to borrow viewers gear. The life of a hifi reviewer involves constantly moving boxes. There is always risk of damage even though I am very careful 😊
"You don't miss won't you haven't got" is good advice for audiophiles always itching to upgrade. Just enjoy the music! I use USB mostly now with my Schiit DACs and their Unision USB implementation.
Which iteration of Yggy do you have?
@@johnratcliffe6438 None. I have a modius, modi multibit, and bifrost 2/64
Thanks Bryan 😊
Some non-audiophile but technically proficient people have claimed that jitter doesn't matter and the problem is highly exaggerated. NOT true. I remember accusing my guitarist of being out of tune, and needlessly making him re-record things, which made him angry. He said he couldn't hear an issue. Then one day I was listening to music between my PC and external Firepod, and it sounded off, until 'whip whoop' it sounded like someone making those silly 'DJ' noises with an LP record. I was like 'KNEW it. It wasn't just my imagination!' If it hadn't been for that brief but large sound of the clock playing catch up, I would never have realized I had a jitter problem. I actually do notice jitter. And jitter is the devil. Thank you A British Audiophile for pointing out that Denafrips DACs have fantastic internal clocks. I hope one day to have the money to buy a Denafrips. Still working on it. But sadly, as a minimum wage worker, I may never do it. I already spent my life savings on a pair of headphones and a a cheaper DAC that you reviewed :P
It’s not that jitter does not matter. It only matters at the very last step - very deep inside of the DAC when digital is converted to analog. Anything before that buffers the data. Musician made recording some time ago (you are not listening real time performance) - and that data is buffered (stored) on say hard drive for Tidal. As Tidal send these bytes, they are buffered and error corrected in routers and switches on the internet. When this data arrives to your steamer, it buffers it again, by storing in RAM. Then it’s send this data over USB to DAC and DAC buffers it again. Finally DAC picks up the data from RAM and send it to actual conversion and that’s the only step where jitter and clock stability matters.
Danny, a much cheaper DAC is the AUNE X8 xviii (it's an FPGA model), coming in at around £250 if you don't need the bluetooth version. The great thing about it is that one can upgrade as and when funds are available to a Sparkos SS3602 dual discrete op-amp (around £100). One can even add the Aune's own dedicated linear power supply (again, c. £100) later. This is what I have done, for a total of around £450, and I am extremely happy with its performance.
I hope Tarun will forgive my mentioning another reviewer, Srboljub at iiwi reviews, who rates the Aune + Sparkos combination on a par with DACs at around £1000. It doesn't have a remote, but once I found the filter that sounded best for me, I didn't need one. It can also act as a pre-amp and has balanced as well as RCA outputs in that mode, though personally I use the fixed RCA output. It sounds better than my currently £800 Tradutto DAC, at any rate.
Jitter sound really nasty. Blended, a bit aggressive, cloudy. Just listen to a standard 1980s CD recording from analogue and compare it to a remaster from 1995 or newer.
But there’s a drawback. In 1980s you often have the better analogue playback equipment and lousy, high jitter ADCs, in newer times the analog equipment often is of a bit lower quality and the ADCs are far far better.
What you are describing is not jitter my friends. Victor has his story right except for the DAC isn't usually rebuffering or reclocking the input signal. In a perfect world that is where it would happen but it's an expensive and complicated process to get it right. Thus external gear is required.
Thank you Danny 😊
Tarun, I so enjoy your channel. Clear concise reviews and this was no exception. And you have created such a great community, sharing the joy of this hobby.
Thank you kindly Gerald 😊👍
again an extraordinary and clear explanation of digital information. Because of your reviews I bought a Pontus2 and Hermes last year. I chose the Hermes because I also wanted a CD transport connected to it. Apart from the fact that streaming has taken a big step in the musically right direction, CDs have also acquired an extra musical character.
Thanks !
That is great Jakob 😊👍
I should also say that it would be really nice if Denafrips made a streamer; would be great to see what they could come up with!
Absolutely John! 👊
A DAC / Streamer Combo is what is needed
They’ve done it: “Arce”
Honestly, the manner in which you explain how dedicated components can reduce jitter really brings all this into focus. And is very much appreciated! I’m torn between the Gustard and the Ares 12th. Using a Pi2 Design DDC/streamer over here in the U.S. Don’t know how that might compare to the Iris. Maybe part way there in combo with the Denafrips 🙏🏼👍🏼
I swapped my pontus II for an R26 and have experienced a significant upgrade in doing so. Using Hermes ddc. I thought I was headed to a T2 but this R26 is really great...just listening to the music now.
Thank you John. Much appreciated. The Denafrips DACs have a different presentation to typical delta-sigma types. The Gustard R26 is in between the two with it’s sonic signature. The choice will be a matter of personal taste 😊👍
He doesn't even have to explain jitter... just the way he says "ji-tah" is awesome :-)
Very timely comparisons for the current market, much appreciated and will help inform my purchases.
Thank you 😊👍
A wealth of information, presented i in such a glorious, relatable way. Not forgetting (of course) a healthy dose of wit and charm! Thanks Tarun, I'm proud to be a patreon 😁😁😁
Thank you my friend. That is very much appreciated 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 you're very welcome! 👍😁👍
Thank you so much again for taking time and making the effort to review this equipment. So many DACs, so little money. Should I go with 'good enough' or save for eternity to get a 'good DAC'? I also have my 'GAS', (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), to deal with too. I will just keep watching you and hopefully something in my 'affordable' price range will appear. All the very best, Sir, and keep up the great work.
Look at used gear brother, I have bagged some gorgeous gear for 30 to 70% off retail. If you want the Ares II sound for roughly $250 to $300 look at the Cayin RU6 dongle DAC, it kicked my Ares II all over the room! And pissed me off! It sounds incredible for the money in my stereo system. I ran it with a $50 adapter and a set of $40 XLR cables into my Denafrips Hades preamp and out to their Thallo amp and was crying! You can pick up a used one for probably $100 to $150 and then just get a cable and plug it in to your system. This stupid little DAC blew me away. I am not parting with mine. And I do not own any headphones.
@@michaelwright1602 Thank you so much for your reply and great advice, Sir. Much appreciated. I shall keep looking.
Thank you Simon. There are some great accessible options these days 😊👍
I would have loved to see the Pontus 12 included in this review. Giving from what I am seeing and hearing, possibly the better choice would be the Aries 12/ Iris combination over a standalone Pontus 12 and saving some money. Outstanding description of the differences between digital inputs and how they may effect one’s sound quality.
Thank you Brian 😊👍
Thank you for the review!
As for digital connection, I use the USB with a AudioQuest Jitterbug filter and I perceive it to be noise-free. It is perhaps worth mentioning that my source is a transport in the form of a Silent Angel Munich M1T, which is significantly less noisy than a regular PC.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you Tarun, the usual high standard of review one comes to expect from you.
As for the DAC reviewed, I don't know why Denafrips don't have a remote controller. No volume control isn't a bother but not being able to select inputs without having to get up and walk across the room would probably only appeal to turntable enthusiasts. It's the one reason I would not buy a Denafrips DAC when there are plenty of great DACs that have a remote. Surely the cost can't be that prohivetive.
Thank you Terry, much appreciated. You are right it is not cost. None of their DACs have remote controls. I suspect it is because they believe the IR sensor for the remote is a source of potential noise that can adversely effect the sensitive electronics inside the DAC 😊
The TOPPING LA90 integrated amp would be an interesting review, thanks for your insightful reviews!
Thank you 😊
Hi Taun,
When you reviewed the Atoll IN 200, I went ahead and got myself one. (I was lucky to acquire a 2015 manufactured model in premium condition from a dear friend).
Then, I saw your review of the REL T7x. I decided to purchase a pair of T5x to complement my Xaviaņ MIA! Bookshelves.
Now, I've come across this review. I'm interested in trying an R2R DAC instead of a Sigma Delta DAC and have made up my mind to purchase this DAC to replace the (Qncoz LA QXD1) DAC I'm currently using when I decide to upgrade.
My music listening experience has been greatly enhanced. So far, I haven't done any acoustic treatments or room correction for the system. I mention this because I was specifically looking for these particular sound characteristics in the equipment I wanted in my system, and your explanations about them were precise and detailed. This helped me make my decisions immediately.
The purchases happened only after I saw your reviews on those products. Thanks for all your efforts in providing us with these informative videos.
Thank you kindly. Great to learn about your experiences 🙂 👍
An excellent and concise overview of spdif, i2S and USB -- which will become my reference for the future. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you kindly John 😊👍
Thank you Tarun! Delightful video. I'm using the pi2aes to feed my Pontus 2 via i2s and Burson Composer 3x via optical. I was surprised to hear how much noticeable the glare dropped when using that over MAC+Adiorvana/Roon via USB. Hope that one day you will have the chance to review the pi2aes.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Thank you very much Tarun for another excellent review. I've been waiting for this review since the Ares 12th Anniversary came out, as well as the R26 review and both reviews met my expectations.
Last week I was going to buy the Ares 12th Anniversary, but unfortunately or fortunately, the seller gave me a 300 € discount on the Pontus II, due to the fact that he was going to receive the new models and I couldn't resist, so I ended up buying the Pontus II. I'm now doing the burn-in 😄.
Thank you. Much appreciated. The Pontus II was a smart move 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun. How many hours does Tarun advise to do the burn-in (I have the Pontus connected to a second system before definitively placing it in the main system)?
@@PauloFerreira-hh6zv with the Pontus II, a couple of hundred ours of use. It sounds ridiculously long but all those caps take a while to burn-in 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun, I had thought of 10 days 24/7, but I can already see that maybe it's not enough 🙄.
Whats a better buy gustard R26 or Pontus ii 12th
Had an ARES II, now VENUS II.
Both sound(ed) best when fed via USB, preferably a dedicated streamer. I use the Auralic Aries (original "pagoda" version 2015).
SPDIF sounds worse with this very streamer, and cheaper streamers lose even more in sound quality (tried Primare NP5 and Argon Audio SOLO as digital inputs for the ARES II/VENUS II).
Thanks for pointing out the importance of digital inputs for external DACs, most people (including me, until last year) assume that digital is digital and therefore perfect, no matter how the link into the DAC is done.
Did the same, Ares II to Venus II 12th... I went with the Pi2 Mercury V2 streamer running RoPieeeXL. The sound is fantastic. I actually find the AES is the superior connection vs USB or i2s. And I have an Iris DDC... One thing I did add to the system was a $42 NetGear switch, their 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108Ev3). This is the same switch you will find in the $500+ "audiophile" network switches. I would highly recommend giving this $42 switch a look. If it doesn't do anything for you, send it back. One area it cleaned up was the bass, I still cannot get over what this stupid switch did to the sound of not only my stereo, but the TV with the $150 Polk sound bar and bass module.
@@michaelwright1602 Interesting, that switch thing.
I stream only Stereo directly from my fibre optic router (FritzBox) over WiFi into the Auralic streamer.
BTW, tried AES into the VENUS II as well, USB was still slightly better. Invested a little over 100 EUR / USD for a good USB cable.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Hey Tarun, good review as always. Interesting they’ve reduced the filter cap arrays, however, I’m guessing they wouldn’t have chosen sub standard replacements. Be good to know how long they’ll last too.
Thanks Mark. I was thinking along the same lines. I would like to find out more about the new cap supplier. There are some smaller Rubycons around the main PS caps, Elna Golds and little red rectangular caps (could be Wima) around the R2R ladder. As you know, those aren’t cheap parts 🤔
Thanks Tarun,, 👍⭐👍
Thank you 👍👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 ❤
Thanks Tarun for another good and easy to digest review. I use the Denafrips Terminator plus with Gaia DDC. The T+ provides the clock to the Gaia over clock BNC cables. I use the RJ45 link to provide an I2S connection using a cable especially designed for I2S - hand made in the Netherlands. It just helps the T+ doing it’s job and gives a small sonic improvement:-)
Thank you. Nice setup 👍
I have a nearly identical setup. Are you using the Pink Faun Interlink I2S? I have the HDMI version. Pink Faun uses Furutech parts, another brand I love. I wonder if the PF engineers are thinking about updating their cables with the new RJ45 and HDMI Furutech NCF connectors. I have had excellent results with NCF technology in my all-Denafrips system.
Greetings from the USA!
@@Centrist01 I do indeed! Very happy with the quality:-)
@@Centrist01 I went for their walk socket. I am using the Denafrips Athena with ATC active speakers.
Denafrips is designed in the area in China where we used to live for 4 years - and where most Apple products seem to be manufactured too.
@@wouterkolkman Excellent. I am also a big fan of the Athena preamplifier. It was how I discovered that every component truly matters.
Dear BA, I don't own a Denafrips, but you asked which digital connection the viewers use. I use AES-EBU.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Good job Tarun. I have an ARES 12th arriving from Vinshine on Tuesday. I already have the Iris from my previous two Denafrips DAC purchases. Looking forward to having the Ares in my system again; Pontus II 12th was a disappointment.
What was disappointing about the Pontus II 12th?
@rajivjoshi5714 It just wasn't much of an improvement over Ares II. It was competent, but it didn't wow me.
I have read quite a few forum comments stating the Pontus is not a huge upgrade, and Ares owners prefer the sonics from the venus and terminator.
Thank you John 😊
Taking a nod from you recommending USB over SPDIF, I got a USB R•2R DAC that has OS / NOS w/ SE & XLR outputs. Even with its more complicated architecture, sound quality is much fuller than similar sigma-delta units, as you stated. R•2R seems to be the way to go.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊
THANKS TARUN…HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL 🤗👍💚💚💚
Thank you 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 🤗👍
A good review . I recently updated the firmware of my Aries 2. I was worried about potentially bricking the DAC, but took the gamble. It does seem to have improved it a little. The DAC was already good to start with. The firmware did sort out the usb input not working. I was originally feeding the DAC from my computer with a singxer f-1 to spdif, which I still think is good solution. Amp topping pa5 to triangle bro02. I get a detailed 3d airy non fatigue sound in my office setup. I also have a Dali smsl setup in the office which is more up front and direct sound wise. I sometimes prefer this setup for loud indie alternative rock.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I use USB from my Nucelus to Ares ll, love the sound.
Cool 😎
Great review, as always. Simple , smooth and effective.
Thank you kindly Hirdesh 😊👍
Great review .. I was wondering seeing that you have the older Aries 2 would you consider a review after having that dac upgraded with the software update and then comparing it to the new Aries 12th edition .. I have the Ponts 2 and plan to get the software upgrade when it us available. Buy the way I have my Pontus connected from my Oppo 105D via the I2S to the Pontus using an after market converter with two 30cm runs of hdmi cable .. and it does sound better this way than using the SPDIF plus I can play SACD discs in DSD format.
Thank you for sharing. Unfortunately, the Ares II went back long ago 😊
Good coverage of CDs original jitter issue, in a very compact form. Which I lived through in real time and which was a very serious problem for the medium that bragged of Perfect Sound Forever".
Myself I still feel resentful that digital sound reproduction must cost so much, compared with analog...
Thank you for sharing 😊
I have an Arcam irDac with an external Sbooster power supply & I also have the Denafrips Ares II, I haven’t done the upgrade yet. On both dac’s I use the SPDIF inputs.
Thank you 😊
I have the same arcam irdac and think to buy the enyo. Could you please coment if denafrips upgrade was a big one or not something that i should think about...
Hello Tarun, I wish my hearing was as good as yours! I have had the Ares 12 in my system for about a month. My CD/SACD player is an Oppo UDP 203. I connect the 203 to the Ares with an HDMI cord and a coaxial cable. I also run RCA cables from the 203 into my McIntosh c50 preamp using the DAC in the 203. My main speakers are 1990’s Klipsch La Scala’s with Crites crossovers. For Amplification I have McIntosh mc352 AB solid state, Carver Crimson 275 tube amp and a pair of class D amps that are DIY. I also have 2 REL Tzero subs and 2 NHT Ten subs, all 4 working together in stereo. In all honesty, to me,there’s little to no difference between the Ares and the DAC in the Oppo. When I compare the DAC in the McIntosh to the Ares and Oppo, the soundstage sounds squished between the speakers, as opposed to wider and deeper with the Ares and Oppo. When playing SACD disks I actually hear no difference between the Ares and Oppo. The big difference is between the HDMI connect and the coaxial cable. The coaxial has a reduced volume. I also have a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV speakers which sound great, but are out performed in every way by the 40yo upgraded Klipsch La Scala’s.
Hi John, you ear are the ultimate test. It could be that the DAC in the Oppo is very good 😊
Excellent review, thanks 🙏 Tarun .
Thank you 😊
hi, great review as always. i almost bought the ares 12th+iris but changed my mind and got the border patrol se i for around the same price. it's handwired p2p in usa,r2r around an old philips chip, has a nos tube rectifier and internal i2s.sounds great so far(my reference is ifi idac 2 which is still nice) and i plan to add the ifi iusb 2 and ipurifier 3 as ddc since they use usb. i use usb connections with ifi cables and an isilencer from the pc.
Thank you for sharing 😊
The RU7 will be my first foray into R2R, being able to have that sort of sound in a portable format is incredible. If I end up enjoying R2R, I might end up replacing the RME with this!
Cool 😎
If only the RU-7 had a method to hook up to the WIIM PRO.
Thanks Tarun. Always well done. Kindly suggesting a terminator II review (and if a ddc makes a difference for a dac with that quality internal clock, slave vs master etc.). Worth the upgrade for pontus II/ddc owners etc? You are hitting the denafrips stack nicely....next step T-town!
Thank you. I hope to do that 👍
I use kernel stream output from Foobar, USB2 audio into an inexpensive TCXO controlled DDC then into a AD1865 based NOS R2R DAC with valve output and rectification. My digital chain is £400 in total and Foobar is free.
Thank you John 😊
After this review I made the "mistake" of moving my Ares2 upstairs to the Living room system to try playing the HR files my older Mu-Fi DAC could not play...
Ordered the 12th-1 Tuesday and it arrived in Montana on Friday!
Amazing service Alvin 😊
Will compare the Ares2 and Ares12th after it's burnt in for 50 hours.
Already persuaded that I should get the firmware updated to 12th on the Ares2.
Btw the silver model looks bigger compared to the black '2. I prefer that.
🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵
Cool 😎
Mostly, I use a Canare USB cable to connect either my computer or my smartphone to a Lynx Hilo converter, and then, a TOS cable for connecting my Marantz CD player to the Hilo.
I also own various portable DACs.
Thx for sharing 😊
Great review I’ve the gustard but I’d like to try the denafrips
Thank you 😊
The saying about a DDC perfectly resembles your statement of- 'you don't miss what you haven't got'
In my case, once a Gaia was slotted into the chain between a PC sourced system and my Pontus 2; the world changed and a DDC became perfectly as relevant as they sales pitched about.
...
Excited to obtain their firmware update for the Pontus: they are winning long term customers with an unheard hardware (by definition) upgrade to a system that is already sold!
Comparing it to the Gustard is always a fun boxing match, each trading blows. Went with Gustard's non-R2R 26 in my other system. Greatly dynamic, clean, but definitely less resolving and intricate for the soundstage depth, width, and tonality.
Great content as always and cheers!
I have tried many DDCs and now have an external clock also. Lent my DDC to a friend to try for a few weeks and was happy with the sound of my system still. But when it went back into the chain it was like "WOW".
Thank you Brad 👍
A couple of points.
• the CD transport clock, while important, matters less than electrical noise. Improper ground paths and poor filtering create more noise than transport related jitter;
• the "O" transformer is a toroidal transformer with its core edges rounded to reduce sharp bends on the wire for tighter, more uniform windings and magnetic field containment.
With respect to source--CD vs files--I have yet to hear a file better the "lowly" CD when played through the same DAC.
Not to say this may not one day be the case, but after listening to some rather highfalutin products in highfalutin systems--costing (ridiculously so) upward of US$500K--the physical medium has yet to be surpassed.
And then there's tape and vinyl. . .
Thank you for sharing 😊
The Gustard R26 also benefits from a DDC. I use it with a Gustard U18 DDC (also via I2S), and the difference in sound is remarkable. It feels more "right, " relaxed, and natural with the U18. By adding an external clock, it could be improved even further, although I don't have one yet. I also own an Ares II and really like it. However, the R26 is on another level IMO. Thank you very much for your reviews, always extremely helpful and informative!
Hello friend, have you updated your Ares ii firmware? If so, do you consider the R26 still far from what the upgraded Ares ii offer? Thanks!
Thank you Roland. I agree. Adding a DDC to the R26 via IIS improves it considerably. I would get that firmware update for the Ares II. It is supposed to make quite a difference 😊
Pi2 Design Mercury V2 Streamer to Pontus II via I2S, so no DDC for me as Mike Kelly's Streamer uses the best overall components for the price (bar none). Wish you could get your hands on a Mercury v2 Streamer Tarun.
Thank you John 😊
I upgraded my Pontus 2 for a Venus 2. On the Pontus, I found the quality and detail improved using an i2s connection over the coax.
When I got the Venus, I never went back so….i2s it is. I’ve heard that pretty much all Denafrips DACs sound best using i2s….and I’d vouch for that as well.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Love your reviews, in-depth and to the point! I only have the Ares II, but I was disappointed how it ranked vs the internal dac in my Rotel 1592 MK2. Couldn't really pick up much of a difference between them, which I guess is a testament to the quality of the Rotel.
Thank you. Much appreciated. System synergy also plays it’s role 😊👍
Same here, rotel a14mkii, internal
Dac is same or better
I like the I2S input - because the Iris is the same size chassis as the Ares 12. But I don't like the "loss" of the second coax input - on my Ares II, I always used both the coax inputs; one for my Node 2i and the other for my CDT-6000.
I have the CDT6000 also - excellent transport. In your case, you'd experience higher SQ running a Pi4 with Ropieee then USB out to the Iris. Your coax issue then ceases being an issue.
@@johnratcliffe6438 I appreciate your response. I should mention that I have upgraded the power supply in the Node 2i, to a linear 50W unit, and the sound quality took a huge leap up.
@NeilBlanchard A good move Neil. In my experience, linear supplies make most things sound better!
@@NeilBlanchard which power supply is this, please?
@@johnratcliffe6438 Yes, same kind of experiences for me - my current reference DAC (replacing the Ares II, even with the new firmware) is the Geshelli JNOG2 Socketed.
Great review as usual!
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Hi ABA, Unfortunately, for me at least, there are two problems with Denafrips products.
1) Impossible to demo
2) Impossible to return if I'm not satisfied
That is true. Maybe try a 2nd hand one which you can flip with minimal loss if it is not for you 😊
I bought a Musician Pegasus. I had a slight issue (only happened twice for the month I had it) which turning it to standby and back on fixed. I just didn't want to take a risk with such a new product. However I feel like that staged leagues above my R26. The Pegasus It had a more realistic timbre and decay on a lot of interments that completely separated it from the speakers. However the quality ended there. It sounded rather bland (but realistic). The R26 seemed like the better dac from a technical standpoint. The R26 is equally as wide as the Pegasus, it just doesn't feel as holographic (no depth). I plan on buying the Pegasus again in the near future as I can't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed it. Hopefully after a few more years it'll work out some of the early kinks. From other reviews, the Pegasus seemed to have the edge on the Ares in multiple fronts in terms of sound. As it did already come with the I2S connection from the start. I also saw no delay when gaming or using it for any other types of media.
Thank you for sharing. Great to learn about your experiences 😊
Hmm. Ty for the top tip. Fink I will get me a mojo1. I really need a bit more warmth in jack Johnson's guitar. After all its called wood and steel for a reason. BTW, Ace review. 😊
Thank you 😊
I am waiting for the review of the new Denafrips Ares 15th
@@Harvy75a thx. I need to find out what has changed before agreeing to review it 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I can't send the link... but there is the description in the official site.
Hi Tarun, another great review and FINALLY a clear explanation of synchronous versus asynchronous connections to Dacs I have been looking for! One clarification: if using a DDC and i2S (synchronous) into the Ares2, does that mean the Ares2 clock is fully bypassed from the circuit and plays no role at all in the sound signal chain?
Thank you. As far as I am aware, not entirely. Denafrips DACs are a little different as all signals are fed through a FIFO buffer and reclocked internally. Naturally, this doesn’t help with jitter further upstream. The more you delve into these things them more complex it gets. I wanted to keep things simple for accessibility purposes in the video 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks, I find your answers typically have an excellent balance between engineering and simplicity! :)
SOLD!
Ordered one this week 😎
Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊
So far ..pretty damn nice..then again I’m coming from a lower cost Topping DAC ..so it may indeed be my endgame.
Have a great weekend 🥃
@@carminedesanto6746 tip: get a couple of hundred hours of use before judging results 😉
Another very interesting video
Thank you 😊
Do I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of Denafrips DDC?
Thank you for this review! I have the Ares II and feel like it's a perfect match for my system; Line Magnetic tube integrated, Klipsch Heresy II (upgraded tweeter and x-over), pair of REL t5 subwoofers, mostly streaming Spotify via Node 2i and with occasional Technics 1200/Grado cart spins. My system (and my room) may not be resolving enough to truly appreciate higher end DACs (also not within my budget) but it has a very musical and engaging sound that I think is "good enough" and a lot of fun. I definitely heard a difference when I swapped my old Schiit Modius for the Ares. Ares wasn't better but different and like you described, it was closer to my vinyl set up, richer, thicker, without any loss of detail, deeper soundstage.
This review left me a little confused as to whether you think the Ares 12th is an upgrade if you stick with SPDIF. Would I need to upgrade to the 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of incorporating the Denafrips DDC because of the i2s connection? Rather, would I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of DDC?
I would stick with your Ares II and get Denafrips to send you the 12th Anniversary firmware update. It is free 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you, will do!
Hi Tarun, great review as usual. Just came back again to this review to brush up on your findings. Just took delivery of the Ares 12th-1 2 days ago. I know it not really long enough for critical listening. But my question is, I'm confused about the phase button. I know what it does but hear no difference at the moment. What is the usual default setting that it would normally be set at. In positive or negative phase. As in light on or off. Thanks again for a very detailed review. Sean.
Thx. I believe light on is positive phase 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you for the reply. So I'll leave it on default then, positive phase. Keep up the good work.
Does the new Denafrips Arce streamer also act as a DDC and do that relevant cleaning and reclocking of the signal?
As others have described, your reviews are incredibly insightful and a real treat. Cheers from Spain!
I will need to check if it has internal reclocking and galvanic or optical isolation 😊
I've been using optical for 15 years now as I have my music collection on a computer, more specifically I run a small server with no moving parts that in its latest version uses around 8 watts of power and I'm using Slimserver as the music software - I can control playback with an app on my phone or using a browser from any computer on the network (including smart TV's).
I like the optical connection since it means zero electrical connection between my HIFI and the computer parts, it gives me peace of mind knowing the "dirty" computer electronics isn't "touching" HIFI.
As for jitter, from what I understand it has not been a real issue for a long time. Or at least I believe so as I understand modern DAC's all have a buffer, that means jitter is sorted out by the bits being buffered so they flow in a controlled stream. I I have misunderstood something then please do let me know.
My DAC is a Cambridge Audio DacMagic which I am looking to replace with something better, which is what took me here 🙂
Thank you for sharing. An optical connection will eliminate noise on the ground plane but the optical converts at each can be a source of noise, if poorly implemented. There are many sources of jitter both externally and internally. USB audio and fifo buffers will help manage external sources of jitter but in reality do not eliminate them entirely 😊
Hi Tarun, I like the details you present in such an easy way...mesmerizing! Just curious: I heard Denafrips DACs are not quite suitable for snappy, quick and defined bass presentation (rock, electronic music) that we can get from any good desktop solution like Edifier active speakers. How true is that for Ares 12th + Iris 12th combo?
Another excellent review and explanations.
Thank you kindly. I hope the maths tuition is going well 😊👍
Loving the review as always! I think I'm closer to picking up an Iris than I am to an Ares -- somewhat paradoxically. Personally I'd love to know your thoughts on the brand new KEF R3-Meta (successor to the R3) and in particular how it compares and contrasts with the Amphion Argon-1.
Thank you. Unfortunately, Kef didn’t respond to my previous request to review the LS50 Meta 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Idiots. :/
I’d sure love to hear you review the naim uniti atom, comparing the streamer/dac portion to the Aries 2 for dac purposes. My system is higher end linn, but I’d o listen a bit with headphones, and love to improve that system
Thank you Jim. I hope to get to it in time 👍
Thanks for the review. I have the Ares II with the firmware upgrade. I have loved the sound of the Ares II but have been thinking about upgrading to the Pontus II or should I just add the Iris?
Thank you. That is a tough choice. Maybe Iris first and then Pontus 12th down the line 👍
Enjoyable and informative as usual. Perhaps or or one of your knowledgeable follows can answer a question? I use the Ares II (enyo) withe my CD player and, primarily with a Bluesound node. I just installed the 12th annv. firmware update but haven't had a lot of time to make a judgement. I looked at the website info and manual for the Iris DDC. They mainly talk about improving the performance of computer sources. I don't generally use my PC directly as a source. Would you expect the DDC to also provide improvement from the streamer an CD player?
I've also ordered the linear power supply and mode for the Node and hope to get it in the mail soon. Hum? What was it you said about being satisfied with what you have?
I'd like to know the answer to that as well? I'm wondering if Iris is worth adding to my Node 2i + Ares II setup
Thank you. The Iris DDC can only work with a USB source. The power supply upgrade to a linear one with the Node 2i should be a worthwhile improvement 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm relieved. With linear power supply and the replacement board to adapt it I think I'm rapidly reaching the point of diminishing returns.
Great review, Tarun….with tons of tech info! I am anxiously awaiting the firmware update for my Pontus II. Photos already taken! 📸. I have Qobuz streaming on a Mercury Streamer going I²S to my Pontus II.
Would I benefit from an Iris (used market) or should I just step up to a Venus 12th?
That is a tough choice. I would probably go with the Venus 12th 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 yes…all under one hood…fewer connections, etc. 👍🏼
I wonder how i2s compares to fiber optic(not toslink) like used by Playback Designs and Wadia
Well done.
Thank you 😊
Great review. The Aries 12th is really a reasonably priced DAC. Did you notice large improvement over the Chord Hugo? What types of devices have I2S output capability? I'm not familiar with this type of input.
Thank you. I haven’t tried the Hugo 2. I should use a DDC to run IIS 😊
Thank you for this (and for all of your incredible posts!). I own an Ares II. Really enjoying it. Do you recommend moving ahead with the July 2023 firmware update?
Thank you kindly. I am comparing the Firmware updates at the moment and plan to report my findings soon 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Fantastic! Looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'm replacing current low end XLRs w/ some Nordost White Lightnings - that was as much as I could tolerate $$. Hopefully it will make a difference!
Thanks for the excellent review! I am a happy owner of the original Ares ii (No i2S connection) and recently did the firmware update and was really surprised of the improvement on clarity and soundstage depth and even width, but i was already planning to move up to what I consider maybe my top for now, the Pontus ii, my question is... do you think a ddc would be of any benefit in my case, using the coaxial input to the Ares ii? I have the opportunity to get a Denafrips Hermes at a very good price but I don’t know if it would be a mistake because my dac lacks the better input... Or would i have a greater benefit from the Pontus? Hope I was clear and thanks so much!
Thank you. The improvement over coaxial and optical will be marginal. I would go for the Pontus II 👍
Recent interview with Rob Watts discussed I2S connection. Rob said there's still the (bigger) problem of how to handle a clock signal, which I2S does not solve.
True. It is a synchronous connection 😊
I use an HTPC running KODI for all my music, and even a really nice sound card with optical out is inferior to basic USB audio with my SA300.
Thank you for sharing 😊
What you didnot mention was that you will need both another decent power cord and hdmi cable
For the upsampler which will add at least another 400 pounds or dollars ,+ the upsampler
The Gustard has a great new upsampler for $500 that when used will leave the pontus -2-12th in the dust.
If we want to start add ons .
I changed my Pontus II + Iris for a R26 + U18. Way better !
Thank you for sharing 😊
So the ONLY inputs where the DAC's internal clock actually clocks incoming signals is Optical and USB? What about AES?
That gets a bit complex Michael. Denafrips DACs have an internal FIFO buffer and re clocking on all inputs. This does not resolve jitter problems upstream 😊
Hi Tarun, very good review as usual. I always learn something new with your reviews. I have a question: currently i am using an audiolab 8300 cdq as a dac/preamp. Do you think that this ares 12th could be a significant improvement? (Just for the dac part, of course). Thanks a lot.
Thank you. I will depend on the rest of your setup but potentially 😊
Great review Tarun - In the Mojo2 review you mentioned that it beats the original Denafrips Ares II (now Enyo), so how close the Mojo2 is to this Ares 12th edition you wager? thanks!
Thank you Gabriel. It was some time ago but I didn’t say that the Mojo 2 is better than the Ares II (Enyo). It will be a close call and I would need both DACs here to do AB comparisons to decide 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314thanks Tarun.
Holo Cyan 2 should blow both these away, review that.
. I like the Cyan-2 for the "pure" DAC design it shares with the Ares too. However, I think the extra price is for the whole and complete separate DSD R2R ladder circuit inside. I'm not sold on DSD so I'm not paying for it. PCM will be fine.
I wish there were a 'Made in the USA' competitor to these two DACs. Plus, when Fiber Optic connections are universally implemented next week, I'll be looking for the next DAC.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Can you please review the Billie MK2 amplifier made in Canada? Pretty please
What with sugar on top....
Thank you. I’ll look into it 😊
I'm switching my VMV D1se to a Ares 12th for a headphone setup and hoping for improved SQ. I have the Iris already, and note the D1se works with the Iris' I2S but left and right channels get swapped.
Please let me know how you get on 😊
Thanks Tarun, great insight as always, especially regarding USB. So with the Ares 12th and the Exposure 2510 what would be your highest speaker recommendation, £1-2k?
Thank you. It would be the Amphion Argon 1s but I would also be checking out the Dynaudio Evoke 20 and Dali Rubicon 2 😊
Outstanding review as always. Do you think that the Ares II would be overkill for my system, which is a Rega IO and Rogers LS4A speakers? I'm currently using a cheap DacMagic 100 and I 'm happy with it but I feel my system could perform much better with a better DAC
I also use the Rega io with CA DacMagic with Martin Logan 20i's speakers. I dont know the sound of your Rogers, but if they are to the warm side, it wouldnt be a good match
@@kostass3124 they are kinda of a cheaper version of the LS3/5a, so they have a distinctive tone but they are fairly neutral, neither warm nor cold
You will notice the improvement but even more if you upgrade amp and speakers down the line 😊
Great review als always. Would you at about the same price prefer the Pontus 2 or Ares 12th + the Iris Clock ? Thanks so much Tarun.
Thx. It would be close but the Pontus 12 th will probably edge it 😊
as always a reflected and based answer; thanks :)@@abritishaudiophile7314
I notice the output resistance of the Denafrips dacs is quite high. I wonder if this has any audible effect.
This is a big difference. It depends on your preamp input impedance. If you use a passive attenuator, or valve pre stage, the impedance will be mismatched. It is because the Ares has a very minimal output stage, which i actually prefer because you can use your own essentially. I made a balanced receiver module for my preamp. Ballanced out sounds better all round vs. the RCA outs.
Agreed. It should be fine with most active solid state preamps 😊
Hello Tarun,
Whilst discussing the new Ares 12 you mentioned some amplifier pairings. You hopefully still have the Willsenton R8 in your stable and did the same with it. I currently use a Bluesound Node with the Willsenton R8 and wonder if adding the Ares 12 is worth doing. Your opinion is appreciated. Thank you.😂
All the Denafrips DACs I have tried work very well with the R8. I haven’t tried the haven’t tried the Aries 12th as yet but I would expect the same as it has the Denafrips “house sound.”
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun. I guess a great follow-up question would be whether the Ares would be a sonically significant upgrade from the DAC inside the Node. The Bluesound Node is very popular and praised for its utility but opinion is mixed on the DAC. All Tarun's followers are welcome to chime in here. Thanks all.
@@downhillblur708 with the right speakers. Absolutely, worth the extra investment to add the Aries to the Bluesound 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Klipsch Forte IV (no haters please)
@@downhillblur708 nice, I think you will notice the improvement 😊
I'm one of these people who thinks there's little or no difference between budget well regarded brands. However, I have only wanted to use them, using my CDPs as transport... so it's pretty one-dimensional, no games to connect or any digital source.
The only audible difference is when it's connected to the Bluray player. This leads me to conclude the Dacs used in well-sorted CD players are very high quality.
Dacs demoed: Arcam IRdac, Peachtree, Rega and briefly owned the original Cambridge DacMagic from about 15 years ago.
I now own a Dac to connect the new TV to the amp: the new DacMagic 100.
I think to satisfy my audio ego I need to go above the £1000 mark to hear a satisfactory improvement. But can I justify that sort of outlay, given my limited requirements? At the moment it has to be a resounding NO.
Great review from Tarun BTW.
Thank you for sharing Richard 👍
Hi Tarun, thank you once again for an excellent review.
As i understand from you, I2S connection is synchronous so if you use such connection its not the dac, but the transport that is responsible for the timing of info.
I believe there are dacs that can toggle clock setting or digital PLL response on and off. Does this mean that with this toggle feature of the dac, even an I2S connection can now be made asynchronous and make the dac handle the timing info instead of the ddc? Thanks! 🙏
Thank you 👍 A PLL (phased locked loop) lock the phase of the output to the input but it isn’t an asynchronous connection 😊
Thanks so much Tarun for the clarification 🙏
My I-fi DAC Zen v2 is connected to my sub (Adam t10s) by balanced connection and then from there to my studio monitors (Adam t5v) by balanced connections. These are great. Before I had background noise from the computer components. Now I have absolutely none. To connect the computer to the dac I use the standard USB cable. This also powers the dac. There is option to add the I-fi low noise power supply for about 100 extra to power the dac instead of usb. Would you consider this a worthwhile upgrade?
Thank you for sharing Paul. I think the Zen would benefit from a low noise PS like the iFI. The Adam’s should be revealing enough to highlight the differences 😊
Thanks, Tarun, Ares 12 with Iris vs Pontus II??
Tarun gave us so much info, that he is generation all kinds of either/or questions. 😀
That would be close Jim. But is still suspect he Pontus may take it 🤔
I’m pretty puzzled by all the love the Ares gets, given my own experience. My Ares II was pretty much a dud and I was happy to sell it off and take my old Rega DAC out of retirement. To me it was nowhere near the same class as the 2510. The Ares sounded kind of lean, often sharp, chaotic, hazy and uneasy, with very diffuse imaging and lacking fluidity and musical flow. I still wonder if there was something wrong with it or if it just did not like my buildings power or something. The far east sales setup unfortunately made it impossible to just try a different unit or return for a different product. I’ve just purchased a used Pontus II and first impressions is that it sounds very different to the Ares. Very resolving, full bodied, smooth, good flow/fludity and kind of “polite”. I can see why people compare it to analog. Ok maybe not the world’s biggest sound stage and imaging and space between instruments could be better and I’m not really sure about PRAT, but still very early days. All very puzzling 😅
It appears you may have had something wrong with your Ares. The Pontus is just a higher fidelity version of the Ares. The Ares is still arguably the best value for money in Denafrips range 🙂
Yes like the Man says, most likely some problem with your Ares because I haven't heard anyone else report such a diff in the sonic qualities of the 2 units, all other factors being equal.
SPDIF has one major advantage over USB : typically one of them, source or DAC will have separating transformer on output or input. Only one DAC below 2000$ has usb separator built into device. Otherwise all distortion that comes from source ground runs into DAC connected via USB. Sorry, usb is not superior to coax in most common use ( I mean limited to 192/24 and DoP64 ).
I’m surprised that you didn’t compare the sound of the firmware-upgraded Ares II with the 12th. Do you not have the II on hand anymore?
...and what exactly the new firmware
brings to the regular Ares ll ?
The Ares II went back long ago 😊
I so wished you could do a comparison with Schiit Brifrost 2/64 $799.00....i am about to pull the trigger on one, but wouod like to see a comparison!
Thank you for the suggestion. Unfortunately, it is not readily available in the U.K. 😊
@abritishaudiophile7314 I know! Sorry... maybe they will pop up on ebay on day.
@@gleamtarrest6310 the U.K. distributor wasn’t interested in sending me anything to review. I did make contact with Scott McGowan a while back who was more responsive. I need to follow up on that but my schedule is packed for the foreseeable future 😊
I’m using an Ares II that has had the new 12th anniversary firmware update . It’s being fed by the Iris DDC via a quality coax Spdif cable from Triode Wire Labs. The Iris is fed from my streamer via usb. The combo has been great and the firmware update is a significant improvement in sound quality from the dac. However , as you said You don’t miss what you don’t know. I’m wondering how much of a gain there would be to replace the Ares II with the Ares 12th just to get the I2S input. Seems kind of crazy to replace the Ares II just for that input….but I’ve been called worse 😅
Hello friend! I’m on a similar scenario, I have an Ares ii now firmware updated (amazing difference) but was wondering if a ddc would bring a significant benefit considering I could only use coaxial as you. Thanks!
I would keep the Ares II until I could upgrade to the Pontus II and then use IIS 😊
@@rodrigoarias390 I think it depends on the quality of your streamer / transport and the clock it supplies. I’m using a somewhat budget streamer so there are audible but subtle benefits to using the ddc in my case. With a very high end streamer it may be redundant.
Thanks for the review and the explanation of the digital inputs. I was not aware that the source clock is still used with i2s. Having a Pontus 12th and a Nuprime CDT-8 Pro, so far I was out of luck to use the i2s. I have to use coax. Not sure what the problem is. I compared the connection in the manuals. The Pontus (and I think the Ares too) can be configured which pin gets what signal. There are 7 or 8 i2c different pin combinations to select from.
I hope it is ok to ask a question which is a little bit ot. In addition to the Pontus, I use the Denafrips Athena preamp (maybe an overkill?) together with an Atoll IN200SIG in path-though mode. I'm not sure but it could make sense to switch to 2 mono blocks power amps. My question is, is there any you could think of which is worth looking into? Then problem here is there are far less mono power amps as integrated amp.
Depends on the quality of the monoblocks but potentially they should give an improvement over the IN200 Signature used as a power amp 😊
They left out the inlet power filtering, that was present on the previous model...