After watching so many videos, reviews, and other sources, I fell into the DAC addiction since CDs are my only source. Denafrips is not a hoax. Their DACs are truly amazing for the money. I started with Pontus II and I was blown away. Sold it and got Venus II. A mild incremental improvement over Pontus. I knew my wife will be pissed, but took a huge gamble sold that and got the Terminator II. Wowsa is correct. T2 sound quality is simply jaw droppingly good! But I agree with many. You must have good components to reveal its almighty detail. My source is Jay's Audio CDT2-MK3 Transport via i2s output to T2. Then it goes to my Kinki EX-M1+ Integrated Amplifier. Then it goes to the Q Acoustics Concept 500 Speakers. I am very happy, but tapped out! 😎 IMHO, Pontus II is absolutely Denafrips' bang for the buck DAC in their lineup. But if you can afford T2, it's another huge jump especially if you have great components to make it shine.
Great review Steve. Oh-my... A crystal oscillator oven with temp control... Used to work on communications gear back in the 80's that used this technology to ensure VHF / UHF frequency stability. Cool to see this type of solution used in an audio DAC along with the other engineering choices like the fully balance discrete R2R network.
If anyone is wondering what Denafrips stands for - Dynamic , Exquisite , Natural , Attractive , Fidelity , Refined , Intoxicating , Pure , Sophisticated lol. There you go , it does mean something.
+1 for the car honk in the background. Lol. My number one love of audio has to be the art of silence. Once you master the listening environment then you have nothing left but black and white listening experience. And I’m too old for Colour anyway. Lol
Many thanks for the review & in particular for pointing to the MA free audiphile highrez files. My Volumio RPi streamer won't play the WAV files but after converting them to Ogg Vorbis I could still enjoy some of the greatness of these recordings. I stream to a RME ADI-2 DAC and then to my venerable Accuphase e-305.
So. Buena Vista Social Club! I'm listening to them on my Node 2i. Yamaha CA-1000 and some Acoustic Energy AE2's and. Polk sub via Tidal. The 25th Anniversary Edition. Great call, Steve! Thank you! Have a great weekend. James
I use a CD player/DAC for TV audio and 2.0 blu-ray audio. I am always switching between inputs, e.g. during TV commericals I play music. So no remote control is a deal breaker.
Great DACs. Couldn’t quite justify a Terminator but loving the Venus II, which is most of the way to a Terminator without the price. Especially using I2S with the JA CD2T mk3 :)
Love the video. Great description on your aural experience with the headphones and a good recording. That effortless sound, extra wide and 3D like, it does freak you out when it happens. I'm using a Schiit Bifrost 2 Dac, and it's a R2R ladder type dac also, but would love to try out the denafrips.
Great name, beautiful looking huge unit. Neil Young is great live anytime. I was lucky enough to hear him perform in the spring of 2018. He brings his own sound system. A cd of his that I listen to the most is “Sugar Mountain” from 1968 right after Buffalo Springfield. Just him no harmonica in a tiny venue. Very humorous and entertaining with excellent sound.
I had in home terminator 2(earlier i had pontus 2). For the money Terminator is a great dac but he have very mellow all signature sound with not enough contour on highs(to soft highs) electronic and hard rock music sounds too pollite and just NOT wright(in all filters slow/sharp). But with Jazz, vocals this dac is just amazing
@@YuengsNwings I think you're onto something. I just did an Audiogon search and there is a Terminator+ (not sure of the difference) for sale 1.5 hours from me (Madison, WI). Seller is asking $6,000.00 YIKES!😳 AT That price, I'll be happy with my Burr-Brown DAC contained within the Node2i.
@@YuengsNwings I felt secure buying the Ares2 from Vinshine since second hand ones were selling for higher prices on eBay. I won't be selling it anytime soon! With the different filters and "NOS" option its a little treasure. Well maybe if they came out with a remote and silver faceplate... 🎶🤫🎶
I'm happy to be listening to the Ares 2. Very satisfied with Denafrips lightning fast shipping and customer support via WhatsApp 🙂. Thanks Alvin. No one seems to comment on the phase switching on these DACs...and the mode switching between "NOS" , OS and filters is frankly a nuisance! A remote would be so much more convenient for deciding which setting you want on the fly. To change phase I might as well just go and listen from behind my Maggies! I can forgive the Ares2 but T2? 🎶🤫🎶
The only other DACs that are discrete R2R ladder that I am aware of are from Holo Audio. And both these company's DACs are *very* highly rated by virtually everybody who has reviewed them. Holo Audio is an American company, and they have a remote. And they cost in the same general range. I have a Denafrips Ares II, and I love it. At $800-900, there is no other DAC I am aware of that is as good.
@@stevezeidman7224 Right, the law of diminishing returns, takes over somewhere along the line between the Ares II and the top of the line Denafrips Terminator II. Personally, I want to hear the DACs at the next price point up, from Denafrips, Holo Audio, and Schiit.
Thank you Steve for once again, bringing to light a TRUE STEREO recording such as MA's minimal 2 channel scheme. I have been pushing this for a LONG time over at PS-Audio's Octave Records. For some reason, they deploy many mikes for their recordings some of them very close to the musicians! I have actually been in contact with two key persons at Octave, and they agree that they are not recording in true stereo, though, they have many opportunities to have done so. My words go on ignored, sad to say. My live orchestral recordings have always been in true stereo, no mixing, no studio toys. I capture the loudest passage during rehearsals, set the level there, and never touch a thing until the last of the applause has concluded. We need more TRUE STEREO recordings from engineers whom can keep their hands off the knobs and the studio toys! ....thanks for the Telarc nod, and Mr. Murray, the recording company's organist of choice throughout their series of organ performance recordings. Hear, here !!
While researching "True Stereo" the images show the two mics in a typical binaural arrangement. Two cardioids close together angled in different directions. forward. Yes this does pick up "stereo" as it would be heard to someone sitting at that location. Extremely effective for headphone listening because the mics are picking up the environment the ears would. And it can have good styereo effect in a speaker based system as well. The Harry James "King James Version" was mic'd that way in a small chapel and is incredible! But that mic'ing does not represent what sound is present at locations a set of home speakers would be at if they were the portals for the sound from the source. A set of mics would need to be placed at a similar distance apart, say 8'- 12' perhaps is common in home stereos? Then the stereo pair would be picking up the sounds from the locations the speakers will be reproducing them from. Especially in a larger group being recorded, a wider stage, the arrival times at each mic from the different parts of the stage would be very different than in a center binaural pair. But this tends to be very problematic for center sources as a solid mono center which a binaural would get close to, is gone. So a center mic is often mixed in.
@@glenncurry3041 Interesting thought, thanks for the reply. (I am not meaning to sound self centered here by any means). For pipe organ recordings, I have used the 'spaced omni' config. Big stereo wash of sound, not so dependant on speaker placement widths back in the listening room. The need to pinpoint the location of the musicians on a stage don't apply here. Later, went onto an ORTF scheme for the body of my recordings. This would be for solo piano/violin or chorale ensembles. Now, I use a single point, Mid-Side, I run this 'wide' and have NO problem capturing plenty of natural room acoustics as well as the 'gentle' location of performers on stage. In these recordings, I am always looking for the audience perspective, so the mike is always 20 to 30' from the musicians. This also creates a nice 'center' as well. My Martin Logan's are 14' apart and my seating area is 20' back. There is just something about a true TWO channel recording and having plenty of air and space back in our listening rooms if we can afford it. I am very fortunate to have one of those rooms.
@@glenncurry3041 Oops, I ment to suggest that the ORTF mike placement you mentioned is NOT Binaural. True binaural placement is the mike elements placed where your eardrums are located. Usually found on a dummy head with 'ears'. David Chesky recordings have had this off to a T for years. Ok, there you have it (O:
@@garysmith8455 Exactly, mic capsule placement distance, 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙨 hrtf head shadow (you get this, just clarifying for everyone). It's refreshing encountering mic'ing discussion etc, as a long time recordist, both during my live FOH gigs, but also I've been capturing sound effects recordings as far back as the 70's as a teen. The bulk of my work was executed via ORTF 120°, but I've experimented with everything. Spaced omnis is ideal with the right source, as pointed out above. I experimented w/Crown's SASS, but never achieved the sound I was after. Recently, I got some superb results w/Shure's KSMsomething, matched pair, small diaphragm killer results, quite inexpensive. And the mics came with Shure's clever stereo mic multi-mount holder apparatus... just ideal. These days resources are plentiful with all the products and research work mfrs. like DPA are doing, choices are many. Neumann's dummy-heads, 3Dio, etc, approaches to stereo recording are many. I prefer most all my captures to be experienced via loudspeakers. Your less wide/more distant Martin Logan setup sounds intriguing, I'm sure it can be fantastic. Thanks (btw, my big Samsung phone places it's mics about 6.5" apart, and I've discovered stunning realism simply from videoing our dog barking indoors, listened via my Westone in-ears!)
@@FOH3663 Thanks so much for adding your thoughts to the 'thread'. Sounds like you have tried many mic configs as well. It is interesting to see how they actually differ. The Crown SASS, I hung around with another fellow that was recording (as I was) in churches. He had one of those when it was brand new on the market. I think he found it interesting, but not so much his 'go to' stereo mic after a while. I was trying to remember the short comings. Didn't that have elements in it similar to their 'boundry' PZ's? Perhaps you could refresh me with your experienes? Funny thing is, I am using a Shure 'field' mic, which is used mainly for news reporting by the pros. I don't tell anyone, I just invite them to listen and they report that it sounds good. After a listening session, I bring out the zippered storage bag and let them see what captured the 70 piece symphony orchestra! It's always good for a surprise and a laugh afterward (O:
Hey Steve, like you I stream with Bluesound Node 2i but recently tried an IFI Zen Streamer and OMG, the clarity and soundstage difference is obviously better, most likely a result of better noise isolation tech they've put in it. Give it a go and I'm sure you won't go back to the Node. Cheers!
I've had a Venus II for around a year and a half. It's very good. However, I recently bought a new Audio-gd R1 and I like it even better. The R1 is also about $1k, shipped to the US, instead of like $2800 that I spent on the Venus. I only use it for headphones. Steve, you should review some Audio-gd grear! I also bought a Master 19 and it is a little different, but on par with my Audiovalve Solaris.
@@keplermission4947 I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing a post which doesn't push my blood pressure to catastrophic levels and cause me to emit steam from my ears. I even found it interesting except for perhaps it being potentially disparaging about plumbers, a noble and incredibly useful group of people. Respect due. I look forward to hearing more. I'm trying to have a calming day.
@@sincity3141592654 What’s the point of having a DDC if the source is I2S e.g. Soundaware D300Ref? Clock of the DDC is bypassed to use external clock of the T2 anyway
i still love my 8 year old NAD D1050 and you can find them used for $300+! i use mine with the new IFI Zen Stream. i think DAC development plateaued 8 years ago. anything after 2013 will sound very good. you do not need spend a small fortune. i would like to hear from anyone who upgraded from the NAD?
@@thomasward00 Absolute nonsense! I've owned DACs at both extremes and can most assuredly say that you have no clue. Also, snake oil is the legitimate article, the real thing! Since I'm in an educational mode, beemers/beamers aren't BMW cars, they are motorcycles.
So the Terminator 2 comes with added Humanity ? Is that power supply related or more to do with resistor quality ? The crazy thing and the one which makes me think I may have fallen too far down the audiophile rabbit hole is that I kind of know exactly what you mean 😉
DAC …three letters that encompass a lot of hope and in some cases magically transforms what you tolerated into something new and interesting.🍻 P.s…I think I need a better DAC 🥳
This would be my choice if I were putting together an end-goal, cost is no object system (Klipschhorns, 300b mono blocks, room treatments). I have the Ares Mini II which was a huge upgrade compared to other chip based sub $500 DACs. Very natural sound. For me, with Heresys, a REL T5i sub, and a smallish/medium room I think that the Ares is on the right side of diminishing returns.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt For sure there are more expensive systems out there but for me I just love the sound of giant Klipsch speakers. I heard them in Japanese listening bar and they completely blew me away. Never heard anything sound so close to live music come from a speaker.
@@marcgabor9690 I'm not a Klipsch fan but I feel the Klipsch Jubilee speaker to be better than the Khorn. Perhaps one day you may come across a properly set up pair of the Jubilees as I think they would be your end game speaker over the Khorn.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt you’re probably right Carlos! By end game I don’t mean the best that’s out there I just mean that I wouldn’t be wondering what else I need to listen to. I love my heresy ii (with rel sub) so much in my room I almost already get that feeling. I have swapped out more neutral speakers, speakers with more low end extension, speakers with a bigger soundstage but nothing I’ve heard brings out the feeling in the music like klipsch. Honestly I think anything Cornwall and up would be good enough for me :)
Currently using a Venus II, however I only use headphones since living in an apartment limits me from owning premium loudspeakers. Would upgrading really provide a monumental difference? Using mainly Susvara and HE1000SE. Update: My crazy ass went out and bought the Terminator Plus. Ridiculous sounding dac and a clear step up from the Venus II.
Chord Dave owner here, also apartment dweller. Honestly I think quality DACs are even more noticeable on headphones, you can dig into and concentrate on those details which may get lost in sound dispersion through a room.
Great looking DAC at a deal of a price for what it has. Great review. With this DAC it appears DENAFRIPS is on a parallel course with diyaudio. R2R, isolation and reclocking, oven controlled clock (hopefully with very low phase) and supercapacitors on the power supplies. My guess is most of what you are hearing in the improvement came from the clock and the supercaps. As the clock phase noise lowers, soundstage expands, gets more 3d and precise. The dynamics improve and bass tightens up. Everything sounds more natural and airy. The supercaps just add punch to the notes and quiet between the notes. My DAC has all this stuff, and I too use MA Recordings to just let it wash over me. :)
Do you need a premium power cord to improve dynamics even further? Does it have any influence on the output stage? I was thinking of the AudioQuest NRG Thunder but that might be overkill
It seems like all the Denafrips DACs are exceptional. I could never justify $4500 for a DAC, so I wonder how close the Ares comes to what you are describing with the Terminator?
Hi Steve, sorry if you have mentioned this and I missed it, but how is the T2 comparing with the Terminator Plus? You reviewed the TP some times ago, but it seemed you didn't really like it. If money is no object, which one is better the TP or the T2?
if no need the clock output, is there any difference of sound quality between terminator II and terminator plus? is there any necessary to pay more to have the teminator plus based on price?
Yes, the Terminator-Plus has all the features of the Terminator II while still being the technically-better DAC, but the II and the Plus are very close to each other in terms of specifications and may not justify the cost to you. There is a custom-modded version called the Terminator-Plus DE that clearly sets it self apart from the Terminator II and the Terminator-Plus (that I am a happy owner of), but it is vastly more expensive and is only available in Korea.
Steve, great review! Could I ask about those pink speaker (flat) cables hooked to your monitors? Also, where do you source your acoustic panels? Thanks!
Random ? Steve - can you please share your thoughts on turntable mats? Do they matter? Should I just keep the felt version that came with my Rega Planar 3 and move on?? Love the channel so thanks a ton for doing it!
Great review! Is there any chance you might review the more affordable Denafrips Pontus II DAC, possibly a joint review along with Denafrips Iris DDC? This audiophile on a budget would love to hear your thoughts on both of those. Currently, I'm using the DAC in my Oppo UDP-205 4K player that, while accurate is infamous for its unforgiving nature. Thank again for all you do!
maybe you could try to review some Venture Electronic, which is also from China, especially the higher priced stuff like the Enterprise E Lite which is an electrostatic amp that costs $2,560 USD
Steve, since so many people are streaming Tidal and Quobuz through their DAC’s have you considered reviewing streamers? It seems like this would be a popular topic. I’ve noticed a limited number of reviews across the internet on this topic.
Can’t really afford the Terminator after buying the Kef metas n stands. Maybe the Pontus 2 which is above the Ares 2. Denafrips seems to know what they are doing interms of DACs.
@@DeAudiofilosyLocos I only listen to Apple Music atm , using my IPhone as the streamer. Haven’t really considered going back to CDs or vinyls for the time being. And Qobus and Tidal is not available here in China. But Chifi is a bit cheaper here by 15%-20%.
Dear Steve! Can you compare the the TII to the well known dac foreexample Gryphon, Aurender? How can you position of the sound quality in the highend DAC market? Thank You!
The Mola Tambaqui dac is the only recent higher end dac I’ve reviewed in the last few years. It is in every way better than the terminator. Not even close
Thats true, i have in home terminator 2. Its a great dac but he have very mellow signature sound with not enough contour on highs(to soft highs) electronic and hard rock music sounds too pollite and just NOT wright(in all filters slow/sharp)
Lmao I've done it and nothing bad happens. It just sounds slightly better if you don't.👍👍 Thank God there's no MQA, no remote=exercise. No display, is it in braille?
Is there anything such as holographic speakers yet, where the band or person seems to appear in front of you while you listen and play just for you? Is there such a thing as holographic sound yet?
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for the reply Steve! Mind if I ask about the I2s Cable you use? I just put the PS Audio SACD which sounds expansive and am planning on a new DAC and wondering if the move to I2s is worth it? BTW- great stuff on You tube - always looking for each and every new review
I am on a budget so the Terminator is beyond my means but I was able to get an Ares II and I love it, even the entry-level Denaphrips is an amazing piece of gear, it has revitalized my music.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac what about with the m-scaler the Dave, and the denafrips, have you tried an M scaler with the denafrips? Should work very well An interesting comparison how does the denafrips compared to the Lavry blue 4496-12 I would have thought the Lavry is a lot better?
Don’t have the terminator but do have the Dave, it lives up to the hype but it definitely needs careful synergy matching. I find R2Rs seem to play well with a wider variety of gear.
1:59 Denafrips recommends you don't use the XLR and RCA at the same time The reason for that is that all balanced lines turn into unbalanced when summed together. If you have ANY unbalanced lines in your system the entire chain becomes unbalanced. Is the quality worse? Not really. You balance electronics for other benefits. All electronics are unbalanced internally. If you can get the signal there without any degradation, balanced XLR offers no advantage.
I think I can "resist" the urge to buy that unit regardless. Sticking with the Bryston and the forever warranty and somebody to call other than in freaking Singapore. Granted that audio mall in Singapore is pretty amazing.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk If you're talking about Bryston digital gear, it doesn't have a "forever" warranty - it has a 5 year warranty. Only their analog gear has a 20 year warranty.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk Back in the day I used to be a Bryston dealer. Still have 4 units left (4B, 4B, 3B, 2B) and they are pushing 35 years old. Outside of a few cap upgrades they still sound supreme and are pulling heavy duty.
After watching so many videos, reviews, and other sources, I fell into the DAC addiction since CDs are my only source.
Denafrips is not a hoax.
Their DACs are truly amazing for the money.
I started with Pontus II and I was blown away.
Sold it and got Venus II.
A mild incremental improvement over Pontus.
I knew my wife will be pissed, but took a huge gamble sold that and got the Terminator II.
Wowsa is correct. T2 sound quality is simply jaw droppingly good!
But I agree with many.
You must have good components to reveal its almighty detail.
My source is Jay's Audio CDT2-MK3 Transport via i2s output to T2. Then it goes to my Kinki EX-M1+ Integrated Amplifier. Then it goes to the Q Acoustics Concept 500 Speakers.
I am very happy, but tapped out! 😎
IMHO, Pontus II is absolutely Denafrips' bang for the buck DAC in their lineup.
But if you can afford T2, it's another huge jump especially if you have great components to make it shine.
Terminator 2 - I'll be DAC!
Good one !
Deserves to be higher!
That is superb.
Excellent!!!
OMG I see Eraserhead album in the right corner. That was one very strange movie
Great review Steve. Oh-my... A crystal oscillator oven with temp control... Used to work on communications gear back in the 80's that used this technology to ensure VHF / UHF frequency stability. Cool to see this type of solution used in an audio DAC along with the other engineering choices like the fully balance discrete R2R network.
Wow, that viewer system is top notch!
Thanks - it's been a long process but when you a passionate about something time is not an issue. I hope to add Kensington GR's one day
I have a Holo Audio May Kitsune Edition coming in 2 weeks .. but a Terminator 2 + is on my wish list to try .as well as a Mola Mola
If anyone is wondering what Denafrips stands for - Dynamic , Exquisite , Natural , Attractive , Fidelity , Refined , Intoxicating , Pure , Sophisticated lol. There you go , it does mean something.
I love my Pontus 1, right now connected to AR sp16 pre, Cary V12i amp, and Heresy 3’s with KEF sub.
I love the cable management in this video.
Hey, this is a working reviewer's system, meaning it gets put together and taken apart every few days. No time to make it look pretty for pictures.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac just messing with the Audiophiliac. Loved the review. You should see the cable management on my desk setup. Yikes!
@@jim9930 I do it as it makes it easier the get my swifter under them for dusting the floor. We get a lot of dust out here in the Southwest
Haha clearly op was trying to make a funny, I laughed because I noticed the cables too. So serious lol
I have own the original Terminator for 2 and half years now and I absolutely love it ! Thank you Steve for the video-review 😍
you sold me with this review, Subscribed !
WOW! Skip is a LUCKY GUY!…I loved that wave-form wall art on the left wall in the 1st image!
Thanks for the music!!!…as always! 👍🏼
+1 for the car honk in the background. Lol. My number one love of audio has to be the art of silence. Once you master the listening environment then you have nothing left but black and white listening experience. And I’m too old for Colour anyway. Lol
Lovin my Terminator!!!
Many thanks for the review & in particular for pointing to the MA free audiphile highrez files. My Volumio RPi streamer won't play the WAV files but after converting them to Ogg Vorbis I could still enjoy some of the greatness of these recordings. I stream to a RME ADI-2 DAC and then to my venerable Accuphase e-305.
Excellemt Review , thank you very much !
So. Buena Vista Social Club! I'm listening to them on my Node 2i. Yamaha CA-1000 and some Acoustic Energy AE2's and. Polk sub via Tidal. The 25th Anniversary Edition. Great call, Steve! Thank you! Have a great weekend. James
Also a Schitt DAC
I love all the downsides.
No MQA.
No display.
Invisible LEDs.
Sublime.
Exactly! No gimmicks here just music.
hear hear!
MQA can be processed by Roon anyway 😉
Me too. I like no display, no remote, very little light and printed words...😃😀
I use a CD player/DAC for TV audio and 2.0 blu-ray audio. I am always switching between inputs, e.g. during TV commericals I play music. So no remote control is a deal breaker.
Great DACs. Couldn’t quite justify a Terminator but loving the Venus II, which is most of the way to a Terminator without the price. Especially using I2S with the JA CD2T mk3 :)
Would love to see you do a comparison of the Terminator II versus the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE or Level 2 DACs.
Love the video. Great description on your aural experience with the headphones and a good recording. That effortless sound, extra wide and 3D like, it does freak you out when it happens. I'm using a Schiit Bifrost 2 Dac, and it's a R2R ladder type dac also, but would love to try out the denafrips.
Great name, beautiful looking huge unit. Neil Young is great live anytime. I was lucky enough to hear him perform in the spring of 2018. He brings his own sound system. A cd of his that I listen to the most is “Sugar Mountain” from 1968 right after Buffalo Springfield. Just him no harmonica in a tiny venue. Very humorous and entertaining with excellent sound.
Great to see a DAC with red leds, the bule ones.... to bright for late leasening.
I had in home terminator 2(earlier i had pontus 2). For the money Terminator is a great dac but he have very mellow all signature sound with not enough contour on highs(to soft highs) electronic and hard rock music sounds too pollite and just NOT wright(in all filters slow/sharp). But with Jazz, vocals this dac is just amazing
Now the wait is on for those upgrading from the original Terminator. Would love to scoop up the older unit for a good deal!
Great video, Steve!
@@YuengsNwings I think you're onto something. I just did an Audiogon search and there is a Terminator+ (not sure of the difference) for sale 1.5 hours from me (Madison, WI). Seller is asking $6,000.00
YIKES!😳
AT That price, I'll be happy with my Burr-Brown DAC contained within the Node2i.
@@YuengsNwings
I felt secure buying the Ares2 from Vinshine since second hand ones were selling for higher prices on eBay.
I won't be selling it anytime soon!
With the different filters and "NOS" option its a little treasure.
Well maybe if they came out with a remote and silver faceplate...
🎶🤫🎶
Steve! I will like the video 3 times, if you get a better digital source for streaming 👍
The Gaia would be a good investment for him
He should use a Soundaware D300Ref streamer connected with I2S + clock-out to the T2
I'm happy to be listening to the Ares 2. Very satisfied with Denafrips lightning fast shipping and customer support via WhatsApp 🙂.
Thanks Alvin.
No one seems to comment on the phase switching on these DACs...and the mode switching between "NOS" , OS and filters is frankly a nuisance!
A remote would be so much more convenient for deciding which setting you want on the fly. To change phase I might as well just go and listen from behind my Maggies!
I can forgive the Ares2 but T2?
🎶🤫🎶
I entirely agree, Carlos. At your advanced age I wouldn't want to have to put my furry slippers on and walk all the way across the room either. 😉
@@jimfarrell4635
That's what happens to a person who succumbs to streaming music instead of playing his records, my friend;-)
The only other DACs that are discrete R2R ladder that I am aware of are from Holo Audio. And both these company's DACs are *very* highly rated by virtually everybody who has reviewed them.
Holo Audio is an American company, and they have a remote. And they cost in the same general range.
I have a Denafrips Ares II, and I love it. At $800-900, there is no other DAC I am aware of that is as good.
Hey Neil, I’m with you on the Ares II. I don’t think I’d pony up for something this costly.
@@stevezeidman7224 Right, the law of diminishing returns, takes over somewhere along the line between the Ares II and the top of the line Denafrips Terminator II.
Personally, I want to hear the DACs at the next price point up, from Denafrips, Holo Audio, and Schiit.
I think Denafrips has one called Pontus. It was less than $2k. Don’t know exactly how much it is now.
Try Netherlands 🇳🇱 ecdesigns power DAC fr 1000 dollar .., terminator will pale ..
Holo Audio DACs are not made in the US. At least they were not when I was looking at them.
Thank you Steve for once again, bringing to light a TRUE STEREO recording such as MA's minimal 2 channel scheme. I have been pushing this for a LONG time over at PS-Audio's Octave Records. For some reason, they deploy many mikes for their recordings some of them very close to the musicians!
I have actually been in contact with two key persons at Octave, and they agree that they are not recording in true stereo, though, they have many opportunities to have done so. My words go on ignored, sad to say.
My live orchestral recordings have always been in true stereo, no mixing, no studio toys. I capture the loudest passage during rehearsals, set the level there, and never touch a thing until the last of the applause has concluded. We need more TRUE STEREO recordings from engineers whom can keep their hands off the knobs and the studio toys!
....thanks for the Telarc nod, and Mr. Murray, the recording company's organist of choice throughout their series of organ performance recordings. Hear, here !!
While researching "True Stereo" the images show the two mics in a typical binaural arrangement. Two cardioids close together angled in different directions. forward. Yes this does pick up "stereo" as it would be heard to someone sitting at that location. Extremely effective for headphone listening because the mics are picking up the environment the ears would. And it can have good styereo effect in a speaker based system as well. The Harry James "King James Version" was mic'd that way in a small chapel and is incredible!
But that mic'ing does not represent what sound is present at locations a set of home speakers would be at if they were the portals for the sound from the source. A set of mics would need to be placed at a similar distance apart, say 8'- 12' perhaps is common in home stereos? Then the stereo pair would be picking up the sounds from the locations the speakers will be reproducing them from. Especially in a larger group being recorded, a wider stage, the arrival times at each mic from the different parts of the stage would be very different than in a center binaural pair. But this tends to be very problematic for center sources as a solid mono center which a binaural would get close to, is gone. So a center mic is often mixed in.
@@glenncurry3041 Interesting thought, thanks for the reply. (I am not meaning to sound self centered here by any means).
For pipe organ recordings, I have used the 'spaced omni' config. Big stereo wash of sound, not so dependant on speaker placement widths back in the listening room. The need to pinpoint the location of the musicians on a stage don't apply here.
Later, went onto an ORTF scheme for the body of my recordings. This would be for solo piano/violin or chorale ensembles. Now, I use a single point, Mid-Side, I run this 'wide' and have NO problem capturing plenty of natural room acoustics as well as the 'gentle' location of performers on stage. In these recordings, I am always looking for the audience perspective, so the mike is always 20 to 30' from the musicians. This also creates a nice 'center' as well.
My Martin Logan's are 14' apart and my seating area is 20' back. There is just something about a true TWO channel recording and having plenty of air and space back in our listening rooms if we can afford it. I am very fortunate to have one of those rooms.
@@glenncurry3041 Oops, I ment to suggest that the ORTF mike placement you mentioned is NOT Binaural. True binaural placement is the mike elements placed where your eardrums are located. Usually found on a dummy head with 'ears'. David Chesky recordings have had this off to a T for years. Ok, there you have it (O:
@@garysmith8455
Exactly, mic capsule placement distance, 𝙥𝙡𝙪𝙨 hrtf head shadow (you get this, just clarifying for everyone).
It's refreshing encountering mic'ing discussion etc, as a long time recordist, both during my live FOH gigs, but also I've been capturing sound effects recordings as far back as the 70's as a teen.
The bulk of my work was executed via ORTF 120°, but I've experimented with everything. Spaced omnis is ideal with the right source, as pointed out above.
I experimented w/Crown's SASS, but never achieved the sound I was after.
Recently, I got some superb results w/Shure's KSMsomething, matched pair, small diaphragm killer results, quite inexpensive. And the mics came with Shure's clever stereo mic multi-mount holder apparatus... just ideal.
These days resources are plentiful with all the products and research work mfrs. like DPA are doing, choices are many. Neumann's dummy-heads, 3Dio, etc, approaches to stereo recording are many.
I prefer most all my captures to be experienced via loudspeakers. Your less wide/more distant Martin Logan setup sounds intriguing, I'm sure it can be fantastic.
Thanks
(btw, my big Samsung phone places it's mics about 6.5" apart, and I've discovered stunning realism simply from videoing our dog barking indoors, listened via my Westone in-ears!)
@@FOH3663 Thanks so much for adding your thoughts to the 'thread'. Sounds like you have tried many mic configs as well. It is interesting to see how they actually differ. The Crown SASS, I hung around with another fellow that was recording (as I was) in churches. He had one of those when it was brand new on the market. I think he found it interesting, but not so much his 'go to' stereo mic after a while. I was trying to remember the short comings. Didn't that have elements in it similar to their 'boundry' PZ's? Perhaps you could refresh me with your experienes?
Funny thing is, I am using a Shure 'field' mic, which is used mainly for news reporting by the pros. I don't tell anyone, I just invite them to listen and they report that it sounds good. After a listening session, I bring out the zippered storage bag and let them see what captured the 70 piece symphony orchestra! It's always good for a surprise and a laugh afterward (O:
Hey Steve, like you I stream with Bluesound Node 2i but recently tried an IFI Zen Streamer and OMG, the clarity and soundstage difference is obviously better, most likely a result of better noise isolation tech they've put in it. Give it a go and I'm sure you won't go back to the Node. Cheers!
I'm curious. We're you using the analog output of the bluesound or digital to a dac?
What model Ifi streamer ?
@@drwavedawg There is only one, IFI streamer.
@@SqueamishPuppet using digital out (AQ carbon coax). IFI streamer has 2 options - USB or Coax. Using Ares II dac.
Looks like we need a series ON types of DAC ect
Would love if you try holo may... thx for the vid
Nice review.. have you tried the Holo audio spring 3 kte?
I've had a Venus II for around a year and a half. It's very good.
However, I recently bought a new Audio-gd R1 and I like it even better. The R1 is also about $1k, shipped to the US, instead of like $2800 that I spent on the Venus. I only use it for headphones.
Steve, you should review some Audio-gd grear! I also bought a Master 19 and it is a little different, but on par with my Audiovalve Solaris.
@@keplermission4947 You're close. I'm a mechanic. And the only one I know who wears hearing protection. Go figure.
@@keplermission4947 I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing a post which doesn't push my blood pressure to catastrophic levels and cause me to emit steam from my ears. I even found it interesting except for perhaps it being potentially disparaging about plumbers, a noble and incredibly useful group of people. Respect due. I look forward to hearing more.
I'm trying to have a calming day.
Underwood HiFi sells Audio-gd
Damn i don't know why but this is a man I would trust! no wonder he was a salesman! Thank you for your insight and content it is amazing!
Steve get Mr Chee to send you the Gaia DDC. It takes that TII up several notches. I have this exact combination and it is awesome.
Me too! I have the Gaia DDC and T2 combo with I2s silver cable. SOOOO COOOOL!
@@sincity3141592654 What’s the point of having a DDC if the source is I2S e.g. Soundaware D300Ref? Clock of the DDC is bypassed to use external clock of the T2 anyway
I’ve a Lumin X1. These R2R dacs are interesting.
i still love my 8 year old NAD D1050 and you can find them used for $300+! i use mine with the new IFI Zen Stream. i think DAC development plateaued 8 years ago. anything after 2013 will sound very good. you do not need spend a small fortune. i would like to hear from anyone who upgraded from the NAD?
Not true.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt will when Singapore opens up again i will stop for a listen on my way back to Bali. can't get in now.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Past say $300 for a DAC is just snake oil.
@@thomasward00 Absolute nonsense! I've owned DACs at both extremes and can most assuredly say that you have no clue. Also, snake oil is the legitimate article, the real thing!
Since I'm in an educational mode, beemers/beamers aren't BMW cars, they are motorcycles.
+1 on not true
Interesting that in your CONS not a single audible one. Remote control? Small LEDs?
Hii Steve I love this videos brother keep them coming
So the Terminator 2 comes with added Humanity ? Is that power supply related or more to do with resistor quality ?
The crazy thing and the one which makes me think I may have fallen too far down the audiophile rabbit hole is that I kind of know exactly what you mean 😉
DAC …three letters that encompass a lot of hope and in some cases magically transforms what you tolerated into something new and interesting.🍻
P.s…I think I need a better DAC 🥳
I learned something two minutes ago. McIntosh makes a turntable which includes amplification. The MTI100. Have you heard it?
No
Steve! Please don’t ever tell the manufacturer that their gear is underpriced. I already can’t afford them.
This would be my choice if I were putting together an end-goal, cost is no object system (Klipschhorns, 300b mono blocks, room treatments). I have the Ares Mini II which was a huge upgrade compared to other chip based sub $500 DACs. Very natural sound. For me, with Heresys, a REL T5i sub, and a smallish/medium room I think that the Ares is on the right side of diminishing returns.
No offense intended, but your cost no object system is rather cost restricted. You need to dream bigger! 😋
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt For sure there are more expensive systems out there but for me I just love the sound of giant Klipsch speakers. I heard them in Japanese listening bar and they completely blew me away. Never heard anything sound so close to live music come from a speaker.
@@marcgabor9690 I'm not a Klipsch fan but I feel the Klipsch Jubilee speaker to be better than the Khorn. Perhaps one day you may come across a properly set up pair of the Jubilees as I think they would be your end game speaker over the Khorn.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt you’re probably right Carlos! By end game I don’t mean the best that’s out there I just mean that I wouldn’t be wondering what else I need to listen to. I love my heresy ii (with rel sub) so much in my room I almost already get that feeling. I have swapped out more neutral speakers, speakers with more low end extension, speakers with a bigger soundstage but nothing I’ve heard brings out the feeling in the music like klipsch. Honestly I think anything Cornwall and up would be good enough for me :)
Currently using a Venus II, however I only use headphones since living in an apartment limits me from owning premium loudspeakers. Would upgrading really provide a monumental difference? Using mainly Susvara and HE1000SE.
Update: My crazy ass went out and bought the Terminator Plus. Ridiculous sounding dac and a clear step up from the Venus II.
Chord Dave owner here, also apartment dweller. Honestly I think quality DACs are even more noticeable on headphones, you can dig into and concentrate on those details which may get lost in sound dispersion through a room.
Great looking DAC at a deal of a price for what it has. Great review.
With this DAC it appears DENAFRIPS is on a parallel course with diyaudio. R2R, isolation and reclocking, oven controlled clock (hopefully with very low phase) and supercapacitors on the power supplies. My guess is most of what you are hearing in the improvement came from the clock and the supercaps. As the clock phase noise lowers, soundstage expands, gets more 3d and precise. The dynamics improve and bass tightens up. Everything sounds more natural and airy. The supercaps just add punch to the notes and quiet between the notes.
My DAC has all this stuff, and I too use MA Recordings to just let it wash over me. :)
Is your DAC a kit?
Do you need a premium power cord to improve dynamics even further? Does it have any influence on the output stage? I was thinking of the AudioQuest NRG Thunder but that might be overkill
Terminator II... is it made out of liquid metal?
I hear the Terminator 3 will be better looking.
It seems like all the Denafrips DACs are exceptional. I could never justify $4500 for a DAC, so I wonder how close the Ares comes to what you are describing with the Terminator?
How close? Not really, but the ARES is freakin' terrific!
I use a t-1000 Yamaha radio tuner only because of the name....to think I just got the terminator plus 4 months ago
I operate mine at night with a headlamp and magnifying glass to see the labels and LEDs
John Mellencamps, no better then this is a very good recording on my tube system......yes I know it's old but so am i.....
Hi Steve, sorry if you have mentioned this and I missed it, but how is the T2 comparing with the Terminator Plus? You reviewed the TP some times ago, but it seemed you didn't really like it. If money is no object, which one is better the TP or the T2?
Great question, I’d love to have Steve reply on this one
It’s called, interaction with your music.
My god Skips setup makes me drool
Thanks - I only focus on the two channel. There is a 5.1 with Klipsch and Denon for TV and movies. This is why you see two sofas ..
Guns and Roses 'You could be mine'?
No, ok I'll show myself out.
if no need the clock output, is there any difference of sound quality between terminator II and terminator plus? is there any necessary to pay more to have the teminator plus based on price?
After watching i noticed i had a lot of smoke up my arse
How many hours from new does it take to smooth out ? I heard at 75 hours a bit bright
Also no review with I2S hook up , or clock syncing
Just try the Soundaware D300Ref (I2S + clock sync to the T2) and you’ll amazed!
Thanks great video.. Does this come in above the terminator+ , I see on the website its less expensive. So the + should be a "better" DAC?
Yes, the Terminator-Plus has all the features of the Terminator II while still being the technically-better DAC, but the II and the Plus are very close to each other in terms of specifications and may not justify the cost to you. There is a custom-modded version called the Terminator-Plus DE that clearly sets it self apart from the Terminator II and the Terminator-Plus (that I am a happy owner of), but it is vastly more expensive and is only available in Korea.
Seems if you have the I no need to 'upgrade' to the II
How do you determine which DAC you liked the most and what kind of sound is your favorite
Steve, can you tell us who makes those black diffusers hanging behind you?
GIK Acoustics
Is there a Skynet input?
No
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks Steve. Even without the Skynet facility, could it still become self-aware and choose its own settings?
@@mikeuk4130 🤣
Love Steve. He has to be sponsored by Klipsch.
The outer limits for a dac you cannot audition or return.
Steve, great review! Could I ask about those pink speaker (flat) cables hooked to your monitors? Also, where do you source your acoustic panels? Thanks!
Steve must love those Klipsch! He could afford a lot more expensive speakers.
Random ? Steve - can you please share your thoughts on turntable mats? Do they matter? Should I just keep the felt version that came with my Rega Planar 3 and move on?? Love the channel so thanks a ton for doing it!
Makes sense and thx, Mark
Does t2 work with a roon core?
Great review! Is there any chance you might review the more affordable Denafrips Pontus II DAC, possibly a joint review along with Denafrips Iris DDC? This audiophile on a budget would love to hear your thoughts on both of those. Currently, I'm using the DAC in my Oppo UDP-205 4K player that, while accurate is infamous for its unforgiving nature. Thank again for all you do!
maybe you could try to review some Venture Electronic, which is also from China, especially the higher priced stuff like the Enterprise E Lite
which is an electrostatic amp that costs $2,560 USD
or even their earbuds like the zen 2.0
Steve, since so many people are streaming Tidal and Quobuz through their DAC’s have you considered reviewing streamers? It seems like this would be a popular topic. I’ve noticed a limited number of reviews across the internet on this topic.
Can’t really afford the Terminator after buying the Kef metas n stands. Maybe the Pontus 2 which is above the Ares 2. Denafrips seems to know what they are doing interms of DACs.
the pontus 2 is great and also has i2s connection for sacd connection
@@DeAudiofilosyLocos I only listen to Apple Music atm , using my IPhone as the streamer. Haven’t really considered going back to CDs or vinyls for the time being. And Qobus and Tidal is not available here in China. But Chifi is a bit cheaper here by 15%-20%.
Review this Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter
Dear Steve!
Can you compare the the TII to the well known dac foreexample Gryphon, Aurender? How can you position of the sound quality in the highend DAC market? Thank You!
The Mola Tambaqui dac is the only recent higher end dac I’ve reviewed in the last few years. It is in every way better than the terminator. Not even close
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you for your answer. I use the "TII and the Gaia DDC / clock synced" with satisfaction.
Denafrips Dacs sounds to soft and fine details of
the Music are missing compared ti my T+A Dac 8dsd.
Out of interest which Denafrips DAC did you hear?
@@MusicLover-01 My Brothers Venus 2 and a Terminator from a friend,all on the warm side..
Thats true, i have in home terminator 2. Its a great dac but he have very mellow signature sound with not enough contour on highs(to soft highs) electronic and hard rock music sounds too pollite and just NOT wright(in all filters slow/sharp)
Lmao I've done it and nothing bad happens. It just sounds slightly better if you don't.👍👍 Thank God there's no MQA, no remote=exercise. No display, is it in braille?
Is there anything such as holographic speakers yet, where the band or person seems to appear in front of you while you listen and play just for you? Is there such a thing as holographic sound yet?
No Display.... That's the best Bit.....
Awesome Bach recommendations beautiful also beunovista social club thanks for the reminder.
Eraserhead!!!
Steve, didn’t you compare thus to the Terminator v1 before, and choose not to upgrade?
I believe that was the Terminator Plus vs original Terminator.
Steve any notes on the I2s inputs and how they sound ??
I used only one, the the vertical I2S input, which definitely sounded better than the AES/EBU XLR inpyt with the Jay's Audio transport.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for the reply Steve! Mind if I ask about the I2s Cable you use? I just put the PS Audio SACD which sounds expansive and am planning on a new DAC and wondering if the move to I2s is worth it? BTW- great stuff on You tube - always looking for each and every new review
2:08 really? or is it so minute it is a non-issue..
A real riot! 😂
More of Neil Young's humanity came across on one DAC vs the other?
How does it compare to the Tambaqui?
Tambaqui is MUCH BETTER in every way.
Hi there. The link to the sampler, i can't find! Help, please 🙏✌️🇩🇰
Sold me at "No MQA!"
I am on a budget so the Terminator is beyond my means but I was able to get an Ares II and I love it, even the entry-level Denaphrips is an amazing piece of gear, it has revitalized my music.
how do you like it compared to your reference: border patrol?
Denafrips is MUCH clearer and dynamic
Mr. Guttenberg,
What exactly are you using as audio rack? Looks like a “commercial” storage rack with a plank of wood as an add-on?
how does it compare to the Dave
I reviewed DAVE years ago, it's good, but doesn't have the soul of the Terminator.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac what about with the m-scaler the Dave, and the denafrips, have you tried an M scaler with the denafrips? Should work very well
An interesting comparison how does the denafrips compared to the Lavry blue 4496-12 I would have thought the Lavry is a lot better?
Don’t have the terminator but do have the Dave, it lives up to the hype but it definitely needs careful synergy matching. I find R2Rs seem to play well with a wider variety of gear.
Is this DAC new or old?
The Terminator II is the new version
Strictly speaking, it is not a digital-to-analog converter, it’s a buffer……
1:59 Denafrips recommends you don't use the XLR and RCA at the same time
The reason for that is that all balanced lines turn into unbalanced when summed together. If you have ANY unbalanced lines in your system the entire chain becomes unbalanced. Is the quality worse? Not really. You balance electronics for other benefits.
All electronics are unbalanced internally. If you can get the signal there without any degradation, balanced XLR offers no advantage.
I think I can "resist" the urge to buy that unit regardless. Sticking with the Bryston and the forever warranty and somebody to call other than in freaking Singapore. Granted that audio mall in Singapore is pretty amazing.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk If you're talking about Bryston digital gear, it doesn't have a "forever" warranty - it has a 5 year warranty. Only their analog gear has a 20 year warranty.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk Back in the day I used to be a Bryston dealer. Still have 4 units left (4B, 4B, 3B, 2B) and they are pushing 35 years old. Outside of a few cap upgrades they still sound supreme and are pulling heavy duty.
No HDMI input? You’re going to need that for SACD play from today’s Sony UBP Players.
There is one HDMI input, but only for I²S LVDS.
Holo audio May dac KTE full spec betters the Terminator plus imho.
🙄😏the bill is aber auch Wowsa..🤌😎✌
What I2S Transport do you use?
Jays Audio CDT Mk3