Denafrips ares ii vs terminator. No returns doesnot offer much of a security blanket.
Denafrips ares ii vs terminator Aug 25, 2020 · This month, I am reporting on two more DACs, both made by Denafrips: the $4498 Terminator, until recently their flagship DAC, and the $768 Ares II, the company's least expensive model. Ares II back in operational mode Jul 18, 2021 · I haven't heard the Ares II, but have owned a Terminator and currently own the Terminator Plus, which I think have a fairly similar presentation to the Ares II. Goldensound also eludes to it in his measurements for Denafrips DACs. Right out of the box, it fell short of my Yggdrasil, but it really started to improve after a few hundred hours. ? How about Terminator vs DirectStream Senior? Thanks for 1. Dec 20, 2019 · Having more hrs on the Ares I found the "S" sounds maybe a smidgen not as clean as Qutest. Chord seems to offer better imaging/ detail May 3, 2024 · Hi Drgn95, I have a VenusII too. The Denafrips Pontus II DAC is the new and updated model for 2021, with improvements to the power supply, DSP board and circuit tweaks. Denafrips Terminator Plus, Venus, Ares, as many other R-2R converters isn’t coming with a preamplifier circuit, there’s no way way to control its volume, as it outputs a steady 4V on its XLR and a lower 2V on its RCA output. TERMINATOR-PLUS. This reviewer also reviewed the Denafrips Terminator Plus and gave it the same score, so it would be logical to assume he’d prefer the Gustard to the Pontus ll 12th Anniversary as the Terminator is a couple models up in the Denafrips line and is considerably more expensive. 005% high precision resistors. Then you press the Mute button once to enter configuration mode and da LED lights from CO1 to I2S will flicker on and off. Based on the entry-level model Ares II (recently renamed to Enyo), the Ares 12th-1 is Denafrips’ Anniversary Edition DAC, offering various improvements over the Ares Mar 20, 2023 · Well, here’s a well-written review of the R26 that he gave an overall score of 94. Regular Price $8,599. Not enough difference for the cost. Hearing the beautifully fast and articulate bass and the crisp transients with the Pontus II also confirms that the Ares II can indeed sometimes sound slightly round Apr 26, 2024 · It can been seen in the measurements here and JA eludes to it in one of the anomalies seen. See full list on hifi-advice. Why? If this is common, then is there a way around such? Jan 19, 2022 · What you get as you move up the Denafrips DAC lineup — the ARES II sits at the entry level, then comes PONTUS II, VENUS II, Terminator II, and at the tippy top the Terminator Plus — is better and more. There was no signal at all going to either Preamp. next year maybe a Oct 8, 2021 · I love taking risks, especially when they pay off and I am surprised along thejourney. Maybe Ares a smidgen sunnier. I have heard the Border Patrol in my system, but this was shortly before I go the Terminator (early last year), so the direct comparison was with an Yggy A2. denafrips venus 15th dac Featuring a new-generation circuit architecture, enhanced with flagship-level technology, the system achieves deep and accurate sound reproduction Order Aug 17, 2021 · In technical terms I have a number of must have's for a DAC and my search led me to the Denafrips Terminator II. Subtle differences. But surprisingly Ares sounds more analog & less like bits strung together. . Denafrips Ares 2 review, Denafrips pontus review and nowThis is the long waited review of the Denafrips Terminator and Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC. and preferred the Pontus II/Iris combo using an I2S connection. its NOS by default. I’m in the market for a DAC and these are what I’m looking at: Metrum Pavane Level 3 Denafrips Terminator Denafrips Venus Holo Audio Spring 2 KTE Lumin T2 Haven’t heard any other DACs mentioned above. But heard the Metrum Amethyst and loved it’s sound signature DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR PLUS 15TH DAC. In the Denafrips range, you generally see a progression of warm/analog to more resolving. I wanted to try to send the output of this DAC to 2 different preamps, and used Y Splitter Cables at the rear of the DAC. The DDC will help but even more marginally. Nov 26, 2021 · @nopoweradeinusa On the Qutest vs R2R, it’s definitely a question of choice. Is exactly the Terminator12 plus , just look at the 2 even the Oven clock say Terminator Plus Clearly on it . Press the Mute button once to enter configuration mode. Of course we took some recordings for you! Enjoy this interesting comparison of Dec 12, 2022 · I had the Ares II and Spring2 KTE. Jul 30, 2024 · I. com/category/all-productsSound Stage: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐ Nov 8, 2019 · The Denafrips Ares 2. Fig. The slow/ fast filters only work in OS mode so you need to ensure da OS/NOS led light is off, indicating that NOS is off . denafrips. Feb 13, 2016 · Indeed even the manufacturer says this. From my side I started with two Qutest (one in each system). In fact, compare these two images of the recent Pontus generations: 1. Its exciting at first but gets annoying Apr 8, 2019 · thank you so much for sharing your comments regarding Venus vs Terminator. No returns doesnot offer much of a security blanket. Aug 2, 2021 · In April 2021 I wrote about the Denafrips Terminator and getting the most from this lauded digital to analog converter, including using ultra high PCM sample rates of 1,411 kHz and 1,536 kHz (link). Better parts quality and more of ‘em. you'll find major differences in the number and quality of the resistors (as each resistor is inspected and tested by hand to determine quality), number of R2R ladders (four instead of two), capacitiors Jun 3, 2024 · From the Denafrips website, the "Pontus 15th" does indeed look like Venus 12th. Still, enough reviewers had praised thesound, construction and customer service to take a chance. He paints his car, dog, and horse pictures while listening through a pair of dusty, paint-spattered Klipsch La Scala horns sitting on Sep 9, 2022 · Denafrips Ares II, Pontus II, Venus II, and Terminator Plus - Hi-Fi Advice The review reads like it was auto-generated by AI full of audiophile buzzwords - it's nonsense from start to finish without a single measurement across four pages and endless blather about all the amazing differences switching from a $2,000 DAC to a $7,000 DAC can bring. 4. 1kHz tone at 0dBFS (left blue, right cyan) into 100k ohms with data sampled at 44. Terminator Plus in a loudspeaker setup. Have read and seen video reviews on comparisons but still confused. Aug 25, 2020 · I am fascinated by DACs and the shifting sands of today's digital-audio marketplace. is a evolutionary upgrade, the New engineers thought the Enyo, Ares worth the upgrades , the Pontus,stepped into the Venus , and Terminator to the plus ,a great strategic move and save $1000s in engineering costs ,and the buyer benefits ,at least the ones who are technical ,that is why I pointed this out. Apr 5, 2024 · I am currently running the Venus II-12th with the Hermes 12th. Aug 13, 2021 · How does the Terminator Plus look? Compared to the small and inert looking Ares II and the medium sized Pontus II, the Terminator Plus is massive and intimidating looking: 430 mm (L) x 380 mm (W) x 105 mm (H), 19 Kg (17”x 15” x 4. Like the HoloAudio May DAC I described last month, both Denafrips converters employ R-2R conversion schemes, and both render DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR PLUS 15TH DAC. But not bright or grainy. Sep 9, 2023 · Hi everyone, I am eyeing on Denafrips DACs. The Denafrips ARES II has very good performance as an R2R DAC. 13”, 42 lbs). 4 Denafrips Terminator & Ares II, OS Sharp mode, wideband spectrum of white noise at –4dBFS (left channel red, right magenta) and 19. After all, I was notspending many thousands of dollars like I would on audio gear of Jul 30, 2022 · i have spent much time with the pontus (and pontus ii) -- and also with the ares ii, as well as venus and terminator dacs. Nov 13, 2024 · I haven’t heard the Pontus 15, but can tell you that the original Terminator is FAR superior to the Pontus II. State of the art fourth generation discrete resistor 26Bit R-2R for PCM decoding, 6Bit DSD hardware decoding with 32 steps FIR filters, a total breakthrough of the traditional integrated chip constraints. I concur, if using OS, I use the ‘slow’ filter vs ‘sharp’. I take a look and see how much extra performance you get over the Ares II Denafrips Ares 15th DAC⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½ Price: 1200USD (Sep, 2024) https://www. Wait for 5s. My sources for the info below are Alvin and my own experience. Thes Terminator-level gold-silver-copper alloy high-power O-type transformer， paired with carefully selected imported filtering capacitors and custom audiophile-grade capacitors, provides the entire system with a stable, reliable， and pure power source Mar 6, 2018 · Yes, Denafrips will be in Room 1524 at AXPONA! Not just the Terminator but the full line: Ares, Pontus, Venus, and Terminator. (It looks somewhat like a greatly enlarged version of the Pontus II. I like the Ares II better. Dec 29, 2016 · Is this over the top? I read the ARES review, but was wondering if it's already so good , how much better could the terminator be? At what point do Denafrips DACS sound the SAME? Jan 1, 2022 · The Pegasus is closest to the Pontus II, but the overall comparison to the Pontus II, Venus II and the Terminator Plus is a non starter. ‘Sharp’ is just too ‘digital sounding’ for me. I suspect the Ares II has some of the same break-in Dec 31, 2024 · I’m not too familiar with the brand and would love to hear from anyone who has used DENAFRIPS products, particularly the Terminator Plus. May 17, 2022 · II. With all the hype that new versions of Denafrips DAC’s are as good as the prior versions next step up it’s even more difficult to compare original models to current models. DDC and I am happy to stay put there after auditioning the Terminator II Plus 12th. No Pontus. I took a risk with my first Denafrips purchase, the Ares II DAC. ----- TERMINATOR 15TH. I’m now at no more Qutest, the last one having been replaced by a Denafrips Pontus 2. Jun 1, 2023 · In 5/2023 I bought the Denafrips Ares II 12th, in 9/2023 I added the Denafrips Iris 12th wow. The Handbook is slightly confusing in that regard . The R26 produces so much 3d illusions and renders a timbre that is almost hair raising, its its own thing. Press the Opt1 momentarily - Opt1 On = NOS - Opt1 Off = OS. MW: What did you want to achieve when you designed the Ares II, and were your expectations met? AC: Ares II, despite being the entry model of DENAFRIPS, it is built with a goal in mind – to achieve the highest sound quality within the price constraints. TERMINATOR 15TH. 00. Before we go on, a quick word about NOS. Chord seems to offer better imaging/ detail Am considering purchasing a DAC and am confused between Denafrip Ares and Chord Qutest. World Sep 26, 2024 · So, yes, I have an RME ADI-2 FS and a Terminator II. 2. Good thing that is not the case here as that is just an excuse. Pre-Order Aug 23, 2023 · I have the Ares II, not the Terminator. For people who can have experience with Denafrips Ares II, do you think that Ares II R2R dac is good enough to challenge next price range chip DAC such as BDA-3 or PS audio directstream Jr. Mar 16, 2022 · The Pontus II is darker than the Ares II and also a little darker in an absolute sense, although the Ares II also feels a little tipped up in the treble because its bass is leaner. But following the latest firmware updates, I actually prefer NOS mode, which does not use the filters at all. The Terminator II’s ladder DAC is comprised of 1,000 0. Pontus 15th (Denafrips website) vs Pontus 12th (online image). Mar 28, 2022 · Have a question about an oddity I've noted with my Terminator II DAC. com Jul 26, 2021 · We are going to take a look at what the Chinese Denafrips has to offer. May 30, 2020 · I've recently acquired a Denafrips Terminator (about six weeks ago) and am now really loving it. AMP I thought I'd contact you directly about my sincere feelings about an Ares II I bought on the used market here in Canada Am considering purchasing a DAC and am confused between Denafrip Ares and Chord Qutest. Most reviews suggest Ares is more organic (analog like) some suggest it compromises on detail. Much of this is trickle-down technology from their flagship Terminator DAC, which is very highly regarded and sells for roughly three times the cost of Pontus II. Dec 12, 2022 · I had the Ares II and Spring2 KTE. What's more, they will be all hooked up to the same system and can be switched in for a real-time comparison! So come and hear them for yourself so see if they live up to the hype. Now look at the Venus II 12th-1 (Denafrips website The DENAFRIPS Terminator II is a trickle down of the Terminator Plus DAC. Ive tried the OS and I dont care for it. Nov 28, 2022 · I have owned three Denafrips dacs to date -- started with Ares II, moved up to Pontus II, and currently own Terminator 2. in their hierarchy the pontus is relatively unique in that it is voiced with the warmest, fullest midrange and midbass, while preserving the major denafrips strength of vast and specific imaging with a relatively smooth sound May 3, 2022 · Joe is an all-in Denafrips guy (footnote 1) who currently uses an Ares II in his bedroom system and a Terminator in his big studio system, to which he listens while he works, typically for 10 hours per day. PONTUS 15TH. I personally find the R2R to be more analog sounding. Aug 25, 2020 · After listening with the Denafrips Terminator for three weeks, I expected to be disappointed when I switched to the Ares II, but from the first music I played with the Ares II, Miles Davis's improvised soundtrack to Louis Malle's Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (24/96 FLAC Fontana/Qobuz), I was amazed. What seems to sound very marginally better depends more on the total system than just a DAC upgrade. 1kHz (20dB/vertical div. ) To commemorate DENAFRIPS’s 15 years of digital audio excellence, the Terminator 15th Anniversary Edition features performance enhancements one would never thought possible. How does the sound quality compare in real-world use? Is it worth the investment? Also, how do other models (like the Ares II or Pontus II) perform? Would love to hear your experiences and insights. HESTIA. I then bought a used Pontus II for $1600 and believe it or not sold it for $1600 after a couple of months. And now after about a 1000 hours, I think it's finally reached its full potential. Then I went to one Qutest and one Denafrips Terminator. I was very curious to the sound as I only had experienced 'chip-based' dacs up until now. 3. I bought the Ares II for $850 and sold it for $725 after three months since I wanted to move up the chain. I didn't hear much of an improvement from one Delta-sigma to another and they gave me ear fatigue after an hour, so for R2R technology I didn't want to risk too much so I started with the Denafrips Ares II 12th instead of the Denafrips Pontus II 12th. Highly recommended 😊 Jun 8, 2024 · At first glance, it seems quite an unusual model name, but there’s a good reason for the strange nomenclature: to celebrate Denafrips’ 12 years of digital audio expertisFe. And its faults if any, should not be audible. This month, I am reporting on two more DACs, both made by Denafrips: the $4498 Terminator, until recently their flagship DAC, and the $768 Ares II, the company's least expensive model. They all do a good job of sounding ‘less digital’ than DS DACs, but there are differences: Mar 18, 2024 · The Gen 15. And that may sound crazy, but that makes the Denafrips Venus II actually the lesser choice of these three. So if you are itching to have an R2R/custom boutique DAC, the ARES II makes a good candidates. Both with respect to the Ares II and with respect to the Terminator Plus. It is a good entry point for the customers to have a feel of the DENAFRIPS house-sound. My biggest critique on this unit is that it makes some tracks totally unpleasant. My list: Robust linear power supply, very high quality clocks, configurable I2S as there are multiple implementations, excellent jitter management for inputs, fully balanced, able to accept high bit rates as well as native DSD on USB and I2S, Linux support as well as Windows Yet: we miss some calmness with the Denafrips Venus II. 00 Sale Price $8,099. Nov 14, 2022 · The Denafrips Ares II has a beguiling color. A Pontus II (whichever model it is) is just a unique DAC that is incredibly musical, fun, and engaging. The package: I have been listening for 3 days now, comparing it to my Bel Canto Dac 3. If you’re a music lover and you want the best listening experience, one of the key ingredients in the quality of your sound is the digital-to-analog converter or DAC. The Bel Canto is about 10 years old (using a burr brown 1792 chip), it's retail price was about 4 times the price of the Denafrips Ares. While the Ares II sounds a little darker and less big; the Venus II has a slightly more restless feel to it. At the time of my review, Denafrips was in the middle of a soft launch of the Terminator II. VENUS 15TH. AMP. I bought a slightly used Terminator 1 for a bit over $3k and i was Blown Away with it! No comparison to the Ares II in any way. Every moody note of this lyric masterpiece is a ARES 15TH. It is filled with our years of R&D achievement in it. Great bargain for sure. I’ve done my homework though. Mar 15, 2022 · Terminator Plus. Jul 20, 2021 · We were able to directly compare the Denafrips Terminator Plus, Denafrips Venus II and the Denafrips Ares II. Gramophone Dreams #40: Denafrips Terminator & Ares II Measurements Hope that makes sense Oct 3, 2021 · I borrowed a Pontus 2, wasn't impressed to be honest, a nice listen but a bit overhyped, but at the time I was comparing it with a more expensive R2R unit in the form of an Aqua La Voce S3 that I was able to buy at near enough the same price as the Pontus the Aqua won and was a world apart from the Pontus. We put the Ares II, Venus II and the Terminator Plus side by side. They did a few regulator upgrades and a few small upgrades, Just look on the Terminator page Quietly says FlagShip. ). Am now selling the Denafrips products , the New Terminator -15. Compared to the Venus II, at more than double the price, the Terminator Plus offers a full-size, very heavy, and very sturdy casing, and a much more elaborate power supply, containing more capacitors than I can count. The Terminator's OS is a feature you have to turn on. Terminator Plus 15 – Denafrips’ first DAC with a triple-transformer power Jun 3, 2024 · A couple of points as a long time Denafrips Pontus II owner (1) I am one who directly compared a Pontus II/Iris DDC combination versus the Venus in my system. Dec 1, 2022 · Denafrips even designed their own proprietary USB audio receiver rather than relying on the usual suspects like XMOS or Amanero. The Terminator Plus is Denafrips’ top DA Converter. If you zoom in on the P-15th you’ll see "FVenus 12th" etched onto the board. dzyonlwffqctjeruobvrwfeubfaenfdvkfwoeaszdaungi