I’ve owned the Pontus ll for about a year now, Alvin. For the money, it simply can not be beat. I’ve heard many high end dac’s and this guy can “hang” with a lot of them. I stream Qobuz and unit has performed flawlessly! Truly happy with my purchase from you. Thanks again
Thank you so much for explaining the differences between all the different versions of the Pontus DAC. I bought a Pontus on Craigslist in California and the bottom is extended downwards to accommodate the larger transformers. Yet it’s not marked as Pontus II. It only says Pontus. The guy assured me that it was the exact same thing as the Pontus II and that it was manufactured after the changes were made but about 6 months before the name was changed to Pontus II. The guy also said the DSP board is the same as the Pontus II. Now I feel better after learning more about it from the actual dealer. Than you Alvin! 👍
I had a pontus 2 once and now have a Bricasti. I was blown away by the Pontus 2 and the Service from Alvin, just amazing. Wonder if I go back to Denafrips in the near future... tempting
Greetings Alvin. I currently have an Ares 12th. Would you say It would make most sense to upgrade to a Pontus II/12th or to get an IRIS to go with my Ares? My system is Graham Chartwell ls3/5 and line magnetic tube amp. Thanks
Thanks for explanations, but what influences did the upgrades have on the sound ? Less „warm“ from original unit to Pontus II. ? and further on to Pontus 12th….. what changed / improved ?
Здравствуйте! Вопрос к автору!) Скажите пожалуйста какой ЦАП будет оптимальным для Акустических систем Yamaha NS 1000x , интегрального Усилителя Denon PMA SX 11, слушаю различную музыку hi-res и CD качества с компьютера, использую ЦАП Gustard Audalytic AH90. Спасибо.
Hi, nice explanation & another good video! My system is.. Bluesound note130, Denon PMA A110, ELAC 244.3. Using the A110 interner DAC. Which Denafrips DAC would suit my system, may I ask. Mostly Morden Jazz, female vocal & smooth music. Thank you in advance!
I do think I will buy the Pontus 12th in 2 months or so. I already contacted Denafrips Europe about it. I have a decent (not amazing) NAD pre- and poweramp set with speakers that used to be top class in 1996, but I seriously am missing something in the sound. It needs more body and warmth, not to mention soundstage. The bass sounds quite boxy. It does have a lot of impact, but no presence even though it does go down till 30Hz. I miss a lot of detail. My Steinberg UR12 DAC probably doesn't do miracles with the sound so I think replacing that should make huge improvements.
Hi Marcel, i have to clarify that DENAFRIPS.EU is not authorised. They are operated by KVS Audio without our permission. Please contact sales@vinshineaudio.com for more info
Dear Mr Alvin. I'm owner of a Pontus II and Hermes. Is it an idea to make a video how to handle when inserting a USB cable into the Hermes since there are some static electric problems sometimes. Thanks Jakob ( Netherlands)
I had serious static problems with the Pontus 2. The input lights jumped around and within weeks the usb and both coaxial inputs died. I didn't buy from Vinshine but sent me at cost a replacement board. The inputs now work but a mild static issue still exists. Sounds good though.
Hello Alvin, I am currently considering upgrading my hi-fi system with a DAC as I want to achieve better quality when streaming. I have a Brinkmann integrated amplifier, Ecouton Audiolabor LQL200 speakers and a Marantz CD-10. Which DAC from Denafrips would you recommend? I am planning to purchase a Wiim Pro Plus as a streaming source. Thank you very much for your support! Best regards Ulrich
Hello, I have teac nt 505 as a digital source and looking for dac. What can you recommend out of your range of dacs? Also consider chord quest and higher to complete my system.
The best implementation of r2r DAC is Naim DAC, you can find white paper and read about it , maybe next generation they can make like that ,. It had shark DSP 40bit floating, with noise level-140dB . Read white paper explains more , i have Naim DAC it sound very good , up to day I can't find better , compare to other chip based DAC. The resistor ladder you can make like MBS in metal case to decrease noise floor.
@@jakobgooijer signal decay will stands longer in dynamic music with sensitive speaker , see more in ASR site , you need at least -130dB for high res music.
Depends on the rest of your equipment but IMO you wont hear much of a difference between the Ares and Pontus unless the rest of your gear is above about the $7500 range. My gear is midfi with a Rotel amp and Elac speakers and I heard no difference when I upgraded.
@@drewpknutz1410 Thanks Drew. I have a 2A 3 SET amp, with a Conrad Johnson Classic ll SE tube preamp, and Klipsch Heresy lV. Also, I live in a quiet suburbs and listen late at night a lot, like now....4:16 am. Anymore comments are welcome. BTW, I am satisfied with what I hear now.
@@chrish.4067 I just asked the same question of the British Audiophile but about going from Pontus to Venus and he said I'd hear the difference with my Decware SET amp cause it has tubes.
@@davidwald2938 Your Decware is a sweet amp with tons of resolution and insight into the music. I always say that I could have quit my audiophiliac journey with the Decware Zen and saved myself tons of money and energy. Have you ordered the Venus? I'll know soon as my Pontus II 12th is in transit. I'll post back here how it compares if that helps other fence sitters.
Verdict. I have had the new Pontus for a few months now. It cost me roughly $1000 after selling my like new Ares ll. If you have the money to spend do it. The Pontus gives more harmonic detail than the Ares. But if you're young and have a family or have other things in life to pay for, know that the Ares gets you 95% there compared to the Pontus and enjoy the music.
I’ve owned the Pontus ll for about a year now, Alvin. For the money, it simply can not be beat. I’ve heard many high end dac’s and this guy can “hang” with a lot of them. I stream Qobuz and unit has performed flawlessly! Truly happy with my purchase from you.
Thanks again
Excellent and very detailed comparison!! Very good information, Denafrips is a brand that many others want to copy now a days.
Hi Alvin, can you do the same analysis for the Terminator? FYI, we appreciate the time you take to show us the evolution of Denafrips products.
Your Awesome Alvin!!! looking forward to that firmware teaser at the end of the year👏 Products that improve on themselves are important these days🎼
You’re a genius I love your products!!!
Great video Alvin. Ty for taking the time. Love the pointers from your daughter!
Thanks Alvin, subbed! Pontus II 12th Edition on my list :-)
I have a venus II and would love a update installer for the fpga so we dont have to send them across the ocean anymore
Thank you so much for explaining the differences between all the different versions of the Pontus DAC. I bought a Pontus on Craigslist in California and the bottom is extended downwards to accommodate the larger transformers. Yet it’s not marked as Pontus II. It only says Pontus. The guy assured me that it was the exact same thing as the Pontus II and that it was manufactured after the changes were made but about 6 months before the name was changed to Pontus II. The guy also said the DSP board is the same as the Pontus II. Now I feel better after learning more about it from the actual dealer. Than you Alvin! 👍
Thank you. Hope you’re enjoying the sound quality of the Pontus DAC!
Thank you, Alvin! Any FW updates or future hardware updates of the GAIA DDC?
I had a pontus 2 once and now have a Bricasti. I was blown away by the Pontus 2 and the Service from Alvin, just amazing. Wonder if I go back to Denafrips in the near future... tempting
Thank you for the kind words, Andre. I appreciate it! It’s my pleasure to be of service to you :)
Greetings Alvin. I currently have an Ares 12th. Would you say It would make most sense to upgrade to a Pontus II/12th or to get an IRIS to go with my Ares? My system is Graham Chartwell ls3/5 and line magnetic tube amp. Thanks
Thanks. Nice job 👍.
Thank you for the compliments, I appreciate it!
Thanks for explanations, but what influences did the upgrades have on the sound ? Less „warm“ from original unit to Pontus II. ? and further on to Pontus 12th….. what changed / improved ?
Здравствуйте! Вопрос к автору!) Скажите пожалуйста какой ЦАП будет оптимальным для Акустических систем Yamaha NS 1000x , интегрального Усилителя Denon PMA SX 11, слушаю различную музыку hi-res и CD качества с компьютера, использую ЦАП Gustard Audalytic AH90. Спасибо.
Hi, nice explanation & another good video!
My system is.. Bluesound note130, Denon PMA A110, ELAC 244.3.
Using the A110 interner DAC.
Which Denafrips DAC would suit my system, may I ask.
Mostly Morden Jazz, female vocal & smooth music. Thank you in advance!
Hi Sky, glad you like the video. You may consider Ares 12th / Pontus II 12th. Both DACs should fit your system well :)
@@VinshineAudio Thabk you Alvin.
What are the big bois on the top and bottom of the rack?
Kinki Studio flagship pre/power :)
I do think I will buy the Pontus 12th in 2 months or so.
I already contacted Denafrips Europe about it.
I have a decent (not amazing) NAD pre- and poweramp set with speakers that used to be top class in 1996, but I seriously am missing something in the sound. It needs more body and warmth, not to mention soundstage. The bass sounds quite boxy. It does have a lot of impact, but no presence even though it does go down till 30Hz. I miss a lot of detail.
My Steinberg UR12 DAC probably doesn't do miracles with the sound so I think replacing that should make huge improvements.
Hi Marcel, i have to clarify that DENAFRIPS.EU is not authorised. They are operated by KVS Audio without our permission. Please contact sales@vinshineaudio.com for more info
@@VinshineAudio Oh wow, seriously?
I did ask them something that I wanted to have verified. I will send you an e-mail right away!
What are the feet under the Terminator plus? Any advice for footer? Thanks!
You may like to try IsoAcoustic :)
@@VinshineAudio Thanks for the tip!
Dear Mr Alvin.
I'm owner of a Pontus II and Hermes.
Is it an idea to make a video how to handle when inserting a USB cable into the Hermes since there are some static electric problems sometimes.
Thanks
Jakob ( Netherlands)
I had serious static problems with the Pontus 2. The input lights jumped around and within weeks the usb and both coaxial inputs died. I didn't buy from Vinshine but sent me at cost a replacement board.
The inputs now work but a mild static issue still exists.
Sounds good though.
Is it optimal to use balance out to pre amp?
Hello Alvin,
I am currently considering upgrading my hi-fi system with a DAC as I want to achieve better quality when streaming.
I have a Brinkmann integrated amplifier, Ecouton Audiolabor LQL200 speakers and a Marantz CD-10.
Which DAC from Denafrips would you recommend?
I am planning to purchase a Wiim Pro Plus as a streaming source.
Thank you very much for your support!
Best regards
Ulrich
Great video.
I have never understood the need for companies to have so many different models. Less models, more quality. Maybe ?
Thank you for the compliments, I appreciate it!
Hello, I have teac nt 505 as a digital source and looking for dac. What can you recommend out of your range of dacs? Also consider chord quest and higher to complete my system.
Pontus II 12th it is!
please give us new r2r dac with preamp. i need volume control in dac. plz!!
Please consider DENAFRIPS preamp :)
The best implementation of r2r DAC is Naim DAC, you can find white paper and read about it , maybe next generation they can make like that ,. It had shark DSP 40bit floating, with noise level-140dB . Read white paper explains more , i have Naim DAC it sound very good , up to day I can't find better , compare to other chip based DAC. The resistor ladder you can make like MBS in metal case to decrease noise floor.
Where do you need a noise level of 140db for , since the noise level of a quiet room is approximately 30 dB.
@@jakobgooijer signal decay will stands longer in dynamic music with sensitive speaker , see more in ASR site , you need at least -130dB for high res music.
Nice Video😄. Still no remote control?
No changes to the powersupply?
I stream Qobuz using a Bluesound Node through an Ares ll, will I hear a big difference upgrading to the Pontus? Thank you anyone for your opinion.
Depends on the rest of your equipment but IMO you wont hear much of a difference between the Ares and Pontus unless the rest of your gear is above about the $7500 range. My gear is midfi with a Rotel amp and Elac speakers and I heard no difference when I upgraded.
@@drewpknutz1410 Thanks Drew. I have a 2A 3 SET amp, with a Conrad Johnson Classic ll SE tube preamp, and Klipsch Heresy lV. Also, I live in a quiet suburbs and listen late at night a lot, like now....4:16 am. Anymore comments are welcome. BTW, I am satisfied with what I hear now.
@@chrish.4067 I just asked the same question of the British Audiophile but about going from Pontus to Venus and he said I'd hear the difference with my Decware SET amp cause it has tubes.
@@davidwald2938 Your Decware is a sweet amp with tons of resolution and insight into the music. I always say that I could have quit my audiophiliac journey with the Decware Zen and saved myself tons of money and energy.
Have you ordered the Venus? I'll know soon as my Pontus II 12th is in transit. I'll post back here how it compares if that helps other fence sitters.
Verdict. I have had the new Pontus for a few months now. It cost me roughly $1000 after selling my like new Ares ll. If you have the money to spend do it. The Pontus gives more harmonic detail than the Ares. But if you're young and have a family or have other things in life to pay for, know that the Ares gets you 95% there compared to the Pontus and enjoy the music.