Denafrips Ares II DAC review. Amazing budget DAC?
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
- #hifi #DAC #audiophile #stereo #audioreviews
Sound Demo Time Stamp
Ares II 12:40
Musical Paradise 13:38
Denafrips is distributed worldwide through Vinshine Audio
www.denafrips....
My take on why the $700 USD Denafrips Ares II is such a well-reviewed DAC. In this video, I compared it to the $500 USD Musical Paradise MP-D1 MK3 Dac.
I especially enjoyed using this DAC with the Focal Sopra 2, Pioneer S3EX and Q acoustics 3050i speakers. With the Triangle Br03, it was very special since we are using a speaker that has a lot of midrange texture with a DAC having also a lot of midrange texture.
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Sound Demo Time Stamp
Ares II 12:40
Musical Paradise 13:38
I forgot to mention that you need to change the tubes in the Musical Paradise DAC to 6922 to bring out its potential. You will have to factor that into the cost.
I hope you will compare AresII to Topping d90 one day..Same price and both have solid reviews.Like what youre doing and youre very objective thats why i want to hear about Topping d90 from you.
I remb the tubes from your Musical Pardice review, that i watched several times 😆
@@vinylseeker867 For me Topping D90, Ares II and Musical Paradise are the three most interesting DACs at this time. I was considering the Ares but after hearing Thomas' sound demo I'm not so sure it would be the best choice for my current system. I do however understand why he says it's a good match for the Borea BR03.
@@vinylseeker867 Yeah I am very interested in the Topping DAC myself and almost bought the D30 just to try. Perhaps once I finished reviewing all the gear I have, I will reach out to them.
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Yeah, with the Musical Paradise, changing the tubes is a must.
I really like the short sound demo at the end. Specially the short section that demonstrate the stark difference between the two. Short, precise, and effective! Speaking about the difference though...wow!
Not really a valid demo when done via RUclips encode>compress>decode.
And to think I'm endlessly seeing fruitbats saying all dacs are the same as long as they measure well; showing they were designed OK.
Great video, Thomas!
You really have a knack for capturing the nuances of equipment.
I'm always left with a good grasp of what to expect from the equipment you review.
I'm glad you take time to emphasize how important gear synergy is.
It's easy to get excited about something and forget that you need to think about the system you're putting it into.
I am still very happy with my Musical Paradise D1. With the right tubes it sounds very good.
The sound demo was interesting. Yes, I know it's RUclips, but I liked the bass on the Aires.
However, the MP-D1 did sound more analog.
Yeah, if you are enjoying what you have, then don't bother trying other stuff. The MP DAC is also a great DAC.
Love the demo section. Really do helps on pin pointing the criteria that you have mention in your assessment. The difference is quite obvious between the two.
Glad you enjoyed it, I will try to use that demo going forward whenever I can since it is copyright free.
@@ThomasAndStereo yeah it is really good for hearing differences... Normally I can never hear the difference between DACs
Wow! I follow various HiFi review channels, from Steve to Zero Fidelity and your channel is becoming the one that stands out. The music comparison at the end is a home run. Lot of good advise in this video too. You are becoming the HiFi Sensei!
Thanks for the compliment. We all offer something different and glad you enjoyed my content.
To me Ares II sounds better more airy and better soundstage, while the second dac was sounding more like a closed in sound much more narrow according to my hd800
Huge difference to me. Ares II far more clear and expansive.
Wow listening to the sound check at the end it apparent what a big yet detailed sound the denafrips has very impresive -thank you Thomas.
Constructive criticism: For your spoken word, the audio is VERY quiet. Even with a volume booster, I have my MBP turned up to 2/3. When I switch to other videos by other YT'ers, I have to remember to turn the volume down or I'll get BLASTED with sound!
For $700, it is a great way to experience R2R. Ordered today. Amazing review and thoughts.
@Sean MacDonald it is. I like how it handles super high rates easily. I can use Audirvana upsampling. And of course all the Audiophile jargon... separation of instruments, etc
I just purchased the Ares II... Game changer for me. Paired with the Model 5 speakers, I went back in time. There was that sound I grew up with, those records on the record player.
I heard an immediate difference in SQ upon installing the Ares II in my system. Dean Martin and his orchestra sounded like it should, like it would have back in the Las Vegas Sands showroom, which I have been too.
That bite from the chip DACs was now gone. The shrillness of the horns, gone. Dean's voice was silky smooth, like I expect it to sound. Even Frank Sinatra sounded good, LOL! The Ares II took that live recording to another level vs my Gungnir and or Cambridge DACs.
Yep, game changer. And here I thought it was my system, no it was the DAC. So, if you are sitting and listening to music, even casually, and find it is no longer enjoyable and you just can't put your finger on what is wrong, maybe give the Ares II a look.
Is it the best DAC in the world? Hell, I don't know. What I do know, is that I can now sit and listen to my tunes without getting a headache.
Night and day difference between the two dacs. Quite surprising though just how large the gap. I own the Ares II and agree with your findings completely, but would like to add that its not uncommon for me to jump, contort, finger-snap and attempt to boogie while listening. It's not pretty.
I have the same experience too, the best way to hear the technologies is to try the entry level products, the higher end you go the more things that sound similar.
After listening to several reviews about this Denafrips Ares, I ordered one since it is not expensive, and my new Denon CD player sucks! I used to use a $4K CD player. The old CD player has problem with the laser, and they cannot fix the laser anymore. Therefore, on July 3rd I placed an order directly to Denafrips in Singapore, and this morning I received the Denafrips Ares II. I connected right away to my system. I cannot believe what I heard. It is a huge improvement in all aspects. The timbre of human voices or any musical instruments sound much better than what Denon CD player or my $4K CD Player can produce. I am REALLY happy with $738 that I spent on this DAC. I really recommend this DAC if you want to improve the quality of your CD player without spending a lot of money.
Hi Selmer, thanks for taking the time to let me know and share your experience! I am really happy the Ares II really worked for you.
Thks for the review Thomas and I have the Denafrips Ares II. The sound demo comparison was very useful and I do prefer the Ares II over the MP-D1 MK3. The latter sounded softer, more laid back and less dynamic.
There's a bass resonance at the end of the third note from the synth (left channel only). Not sure if it's really there because the Ares reproduces it and the Musical Paradise does not. That being said, I sort of prefer that the Musical Paradise sits back a little bit from the images. Sounds more refined. That being said, you really can't go wrong with either of these.
Hi Thomas. I now had the Denafrips Ares2 for about four weeks. I can confirm that this is an excellent DAC , with excellent soundstage, and in my system with the Innuos ZEN3, Yamaha A-S3000, and the Canton Ref.8K , and Mogami and Canare cabling, it is producing the sound I prefer, especially on classical music and jazz. I must say....not for the price, but at any price, it is a fantastic DAC in the right room and system!
Thanks for sharing!
You're DEEP! And like good wine---for which I've also had some great recipes over the years :)---you keep getting better. The Ares was on my radar a few months ago, BUT, I also had a need for some sort of preamp to go with my new Neurochrome power amp. I ended up with the Singxer SDA-2 after looking at a few others in that category. The decision was heavily influenced by availability and delivery time. It's not bad and it'll hold me over for a year or 2 as I build my dream system. Ultimately, I want to end up with the Denafrips Terminator...combined with a balanced tube preamp; speakers utilizing a sophisticated electronic crossover; and a SWARM-style bass array. In the meantime, thanks for providing first-class entertainment as I travel the path.
Thanks, yeah I like to check out their Terminator one day too and how it compares to the $4k DAC that I have tried. Maybe some time in the future. Now I noticed the Singxer measured really well on audiosciencereview but how does it sound? Are you satisfied and what DAC are you comparing it to?
@@ThomasAndStereo Every instrument is accounted for on the Singxer. Very detailed. To the point of sounding a bit edgy. It may be that the Singxer could use a little more breaking in. My old MyDAC is smoother and more well rounded. A friend's Topping DX7Pro is also a lot smoother and more homogenized than the Singxer. On the other hand, I had a couple of days of bliss with the Singxer when I switched from Daphile to Euphony OS. The sound became absolutely sumptuous, and all that detail in the Singxer found a reason for being. That was expecially true when natively playing DSD recorded selections. The bigger the file the better it seems. The bliss didn't last because the Euphony started skipping very badly. Apparently all that ArchLinux-based software needs a lot more processing power than my little Celeron-equipped Partaker mini computer is capable of partaking in.:) I'm now back to Daphile, the unbreakable one. It can't go toe-to-tow with Euphony, or Audiophile Linux, BUT, it's always there when you need it.
I'll update my impressions once I've had a few months of pounding on the Singxer.
Tough call, good review. For me what is important is for the DAC to be the least digital and the most analog sounding. If that means softening or rolling off the highs then so be it.
So you don't want a verbatim master tape?
wow the ares crushed it in the demo for me
It did. But how accurate can my TV audio be? Pretty cool though. Worth a real demo.
Your own dac was crushing it. You can’t really hear a dac out of another dac 😆
You should take a look at the Topping D90. It has received a very favorable review compared with the Aries II.
D90 is not as good imo
@@joeybrooks5625 Please read the reviews of both by Soundnews. This guy has the most comprehensive DAC RUclips reviews. He compares the Denafrips Venus to the D90. The Aries II simply cannot keep up with very fast attacking music the way the D90 can, nor can it come close to matching the bass of the D90. My have strong bass, but not too tight. However the D90 gives my speakers much greater control in the low end. Also the D90 requires at least 100 hours of break in to hear its full potential.
@@joeybrooks5625 agree 100%, not a fan of the D90, not that it’s a bad DAC but doesn’t have the attributes of the Ares II.
Excellent Review +1 subbed
Comparisons Intro Voice Siblance Crystals Base
Denafrips Ares II 12:41 12:56 13:04 13:19 13:28
Musical Paradise 13:41 13:55 14:03 14:18 14:30
Thanks; have been anticipating this one for a while; wanted to see how your review and Jay’s compared.
You need to review the mid tier Venus II or Pontus and test those different settings. Most reviewers are finding there is a clear difference
I thought id like the Ares more but i found myself "chair dancing" to the musical paradise. Go Figure.
Me too! :)
Chair dancing on the paradise but not on the Ares!
(I like Naim gear)
I would love a comparative review of the Denefrips and the Bifrost 2...are you up to the challenge? Cheers
I just ordered this dac this morning. It's going to replace a Schitt Modi Uber and I can't wait to break it in. Thanks for the review Thomas!
Hi Leo, How are you finding the Dac?
Thomas you got me all worked up for a new DAC! Didnt want to spend more than 500$ CAD. Just got an 8 year old PS Audio digital link 3 of CAM for well below my maximum budget and man, compared to my old Cambridge DAC magic it's a game changer!! I get the feeling that when it comes to DACs, used is the way to go.
Do you like the PS audio DAC you got? If yes, enjoy it!
@@ThomasAndStereo yup, big improvement in every metric over the old DAC magic I had......and for 400$ it's probably alot of DAC for the $!
What an excellent review, and where you hit the point: comparison with other gears and how synergy is important when choosing whats the best for you, and if something is "the best thing up to X money"!
Other reviewers, even Stereophile, do not give enough emphasis on comparisons so its much harder to guess if something would work good in particular system.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, I guess partially is because my videos are not actual 'reviews' but a chat with friends. So there is no limitation on what I have to do in my videos. For example, I don't go over the specifications sometimes in my videos.
I get the point you were making, and it is very true in many ways, that being said: There most certainly is a "best" dac at any price range. Whether it the best sounding, or the one you like the most, is something entirely different. I really wish people, especially in HiFi could learn do understand objective vs subjective evaluation.
I get what you are saying. For example , DAC A can have the best tightest bass out of all the DAC in the $700 zone. However, will DAC A have the best instrument separation out of all the DAC in the $700 zone. If not, then is it still the best? This is a great question to chat over beer.
Thanks for another great video Thomas. It's very informative and wonderful sound demo.
👍💪🤗 well this is the fastest 14 minutes that ever went by in my life LOL I've been waiting for this a very long time thank you, very much I've made up my mind I'm going for ares i have musical Paradise Mark 3 i think this is a good mix keep up the great work please stay safe we need you Thomas a big fan...
Steve Costello🙏🙏👌👌🤗
Steve, want to sell the musical paradise to me ?? :) message me.
Now, you have to change the tubes in the MP to 6922, get some good ones and you will see it will level up.
Hi Thomas, that demo in the end is really nice. Also helped that you pointed out the differences what we could try to listen. Apart from soundstage (which is impossible to compare with headphones) I think I agree with Brightness and bass comments at least. Difference is audible and I dont know which one to prefer, musical paradise seem easier maybe to listen for this song. Keep it up with great content and hopefully these comparisons in other videos as well - together if you could tell what to listen in those. Obviously just demos as our systems vary but I think at least I can teach myself to try to understand what to listen!
Thanks, I will try to include a small clip if possible in the future.
First video of yours I've watched and really enjoyed your insights. I was sold on the Ares. Then I heard the demo and I found the vocals on the MP "smoother"? and more appealing. Also, the intro on the Ares more detailed but a bit too much in the high end. I'm def no audiophile but the difference surprised me. So now I've got a conundrum lol. Regardless, subbed.
I ordered my ares 5 weeks ago..can’t wait to get it in my system ...
I just received mine., this DAC sounds so good, no regrets.
I was one of those people waiting for this review and was on the fence between these two. I took leap on the Musical Paradise and am pretty sure it was the right choice. Great review and thanks for including the sound demo!!!
Congrats, make sure you change to better 6922 tubes.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you, any ones in particular Gold Lions or something else
Ares 2 sounds very different in OS and NOS modes. You have basically two different DACs. I found that for my electrostatic headphones the NOS mode lacked detail. Although, for some other drivers that are less revealing that mode may be sufficient. OS, however, brings up the detail level without making the DAC sound too digital.
Best review as always, loving the sound demo, it sounds like music playing from outdoors I love it! Great stuff.
Thanks for the demo. Just got a chance to hear it.
The one left in this range might the NME API-2 with filter and eq. Now that sounds as if it's versatile to tailor the sound
I use an Ares II with a Schiit Freya + and that combo is a match made in heaven in my system ( Bluesound node 2 - Schiit Aegir x2- B&W Matrix 3 series 2 and 2xRythmik F12SE)
Using NOS or OS fast/slow?
Dilyaev : OS slow is my preference.
I bet you have a pretty airy and wide soundstage with that setup. Do your pair of Schiit Aegir run warm or hot? I’m considering them since they cost about $1600 a pair and are on Stereophile’s class A recommended list, along with the likes of the $3000/pr PS Audio Stellar m700 monoblocks. But I worry about the wattage not being enough. I heard they can drive KEF LS50 pretty well and sound good together, but that Magnepan LRS can clip using the Aegir. So, long-term, if I ever end up with less sensitive speakers and need more power, I’m concerned the Aegirs won’t be as “future proof”.
@@StefanUrkel Soundstage is phenomenal and sound cohesion exceeds my expectations. This B&W model likes a lot of current, which is a problem for Aegir. I have one good Aegir which can drive both speakers full range without issues, but the other was replaced 3 times and still can't do that. My initial intention was to vertically bi-amp but given the circumstances, I''ve had to compromise and use the weaker Aegir to drive both tweeters, while my good Aegir runs the mid range (down to 70Hz). Oddly enough, the good Aegir works harder and never gets hot, while the weaker Aegir is always hot even if it's only driving tweeters! I use an active Bryston 10B Crossover to send the low bass to the subs. The Bryston uses Butterworth crossovers (same as B&W) No issues with this set up and I can play as loud as my ears can tolerate (average 90dB). The take away here is that, there's a consistency issue with Aegir, so your mileage may vary... however, their sound is truly charming and their uncanny ability to retrieve details is what got them on the A list recommendation.
@@joenogueira2801 Seems like a consistency issue in their production if you had to replace one of the Aegir 3x and it still can’t drive the speakers full range but the other one can. Thanks for the input. Did the Schiit technicians give you any idea why you are experiencing that inconsistency?
I've got one at the moment Thomas and I agree with you about the tone and soundstage which are terrific but I think the treble is spot on and not bright, plus it is very accurate in treble. I'm using with the KEF LS50 metas / Monitor Audio Gold 100 and my Hegel and PMC's. Against the Qutest the soundstage is less but the Qutest is double the money and the Chord's MO. Also an RME ADI-2 DAC FS outperforms both for its detailed and balanced approach but again 30-40% more money. I think my overall impression is the Ares II suits someone who wants to trade detail for tone (its plus 2 with bass on the tone dial) because on all accounts something like a CA DAC Magic 200M will be more searing this way with detail. I agree it does perform well with a caveat that detail is reigned in, in the midrange. But it is for people who want lush tones, no sibilance, or who are sensitive to this, or have a HiFi system which isn't hugely resolving and where any shortfall in detail will not be limiting. Or for people who like Vinyl, or those who want to tame brightness in a HiFi. If you've got a really good HiFi I would recommend the Venus II I reviewed instead as the detail AND tone are all there.
I like how precise you are with your assessment. I need to try RDI one day, thanks for sharing your observations.
Thomas & Stereo i’d lend you mine but postage wise might me too high. Shame we didn’t live closer.
Well done on approaching with a scientific method. ie. No such thing as best. Just different. And what is best for you is dependent on your system and tastes.
I have a Topping D90 and love the sound but miss the depth of imaging I've had with other DACs. The Ares II would definitely improve on that but my system needs all the punch it can get, and the treble needs to be tamed. So no Ares II for me.
When you get a chance, review the SMSL VMV D1se
Thomas, as always great review. Nice to "test" different gear by hearing your sound demos first. Gives a good a good indication to follow up on. In this case I prefer the ..... . As I wrote at your SMSL M400 review, I am looking at 3 dacs (Ares 2, M400 and Musical Paradise MK3). In your demo I slightly prefer the Musical Paridise, as it sounds a little warmer, less bright.
Yeah, only thing is for the MK3, you need to change tubes. Having said that, to really test, I need to run all 3 DACs with the same frontend and speakers to really compare. Sadly I no longer have the ARES2 and M400.
For your readers to consider. The Ares II does provided NOS and OS, the latter with slow or sharp filters. These 3 variations on the sound do make a difference and should be experimented with if you need to match to a particular system characteristic, that is to say if your system is on the bright side of neutral or on the warm side, as Tomas laments during the entire review. Even going from recording to a recording, on a micro level you can even use these filters to improve the recording from one another, simply push a button. So “two button” toggling to me sounds pretty innocuous especially when the manufacturer went through the added costs and giving the end users these flavor options at such a modest price point. All for around $700US. Is it a $4,000 dac? No. Does one need to spend that much money in 2020 to get really good sound? Nope! Dacs have come a long way.
I'd really be curious to hear a comparison to the Chord Qutest.
I have the qutest and the ares2.. ares 2 is more holographic, qutest is more precise. I prefer ares 2 for music, and i use qutest for gaming because of the ares2 buffer delay.
Hi Luke,
I have owned the Ares II now for a couple of weeks and I am VERY IMPRESSED! Having owned the Chord Hugo, the Ares II prompted me to sell the Chord. MAGIC!!
@@OrganNLou Interesting. Can you compare and contrast at all? Do you listen with headphones or a 2 channel setup?
@@lwwells Hi Luke, Chord do make excellent dacs that produce hyper detail (often a little forward-flat in perspective). The denafrips dac has a very natural, but detailed sound. Massed strings which can sound rather artificial through most dacs, sound so smooth and dynamic with the Ares II. Voices are handled with body (presence). Staging is extraordinarily good! My system is 2 channel, (GoldenEar speakers,VTL Pre,Pass Amp, Nordost cables)
@@OrganNLou Thank you for your thoughts.
Hi thomas, the ares II was a very good dac wished i'd had a bit more time with it:) of the the bat it was a fun dac the high end wasnt to bad nothing a cable couldnt adjust, the bass welll a sub can fix that. But yes the textures were good gave depth to the instruments. As usual very informative to listen to your review ! Ooh and i think your roasted on an other youtube channel,you should look into that:)
Yep! Cables as tone controls. I've rolled several different cable recipes over the years and I'm a firm believer.
Haha, I chat with Sean and Jay frequently so it is all in good fun. I will get back at them...someday :) Yeah, I am glad I got to try it in your system as I try to share as much of my real-life experience with my viewers. I like to try it at different locations and different systems to get a better idea of how it performs in the real world.
I would try MIT 330 shotgun interconnect with that dac, the 330 has a rolloff on the top end.
Nice looking unit, nice price tag. Clicked on the Denafrips link, impressive looking build quality! I am in the market for a DAC. Will definitely consider this one. Thank You for another great detailed, comprehensive review. Have a great one Thomas!
Yeah, the inside looks pretty cool.
The different setting make a big difference on this DAC. It is easy to make it more analogue and warm or more detailed. I found it strange that you did not check it out.. Great channel by the way.
Thanks for sharing!
Thx Thomas. Sound demo helpful, Ares crushes it for me (my taste). Was curious how much MP dac was, but I can look it up
Thank you for the sound demos. I can clearly hear the difference between the 2 DACs.
At least you're knowledgeable enough to provide sound demos unlike that dude over at Zero Fidelity who wears a Under Armour cap all the time.
🤣 that dig on zero fidelity though 🤣
what happened between them?
@@Viewer13128 the Denafrips sounded punchy, no? Granted, it was only over my home audio. Thomas made it clear, it'll impress on the right entry level system.
Yeah, I also have noticed that dude with a baseball cap at Zero Fidelity channel. What is he doing there anyway? 😂
I chat with Sean from Zero Fidelity frequently and I do agree sound demo can be misleading. I include it because I find it more 'fun' but please, never use it to evaluate any gear. Let me tell you 2 stories.
1) Someone left a comment that they bought the Elac Debut 6.2 because of my sound demo and was disappointed in the bass when he got it home.
2) Someone told me he thought the Denafrips Ares II sucked because he heard it in a sound demo. When he came to my home to listen to the Ares II, he was shocked and was impressed.
So I do understand why Sean does not endorse sound demo, I am ok with it as long as we all know it is just for entertainment purpose and I can keep doing them as long people are aware.
Thanks for the video Thomas, definitely heard great things about the Ares II. Something happened to the soundstage when I bypassed my Woo Audio WA7 tube headphone preamp, R2R is just incredible! Cheers
Yeah, I need to try more R2R DACs.
If you listen large symphonic pieces you'll like the Ares. Also reproduces grand piano like nothing else.
What does the Ares do well with Large symphonic pieces?
of course, just relative comparison but MP sounds compressed, that is why the Aries comes out as brigter but more impressive.
Luna? Is off topic. How about a review on the carver crimson 275 as compared to pprimaluna
Sure, if they reach out to me.
I'd be interested in a head to head with the Bifrost 2 Thomas. Another DAC that's getting great reviews with its multibit and unison USB tech.
By the way the video production is really coming on and bullet point comparison between other products is really useful. I guess you also have to factor in after sales service and return policy should you have any issues.
@@jamesdwright Thanks! The Bifrost 2 is interesting but unless Schiit reaches out to me, I don't think I will get one. I have fun filming and trying to improve my videos, the only downside is it takes time.
@@ThomasAndStereo they'd be crazy not to send Thomas a unit for review! Anyway I'm on the lookout for a new DAC as I had to send the MP back; just didn't work for me. Kept crashing over usb so I need something I can leave on all the time.
It will be interesting to compare denafrips dacs with chord dacs.
Hello Thomas, if you go to OS mode, slow filter, it's a completely different Dac. And in my opinion the best setting of the Ares2. So try does buttons, vinshine has instruction vids😜
Thanks for the tips!
I own this same Aries II and love the sound it produces with my PrimaLuna integrated, nice review !
Nice, I had tried the older Prima Luna Dialogue before and it is great.
Hi Alan are you using a pre amp?
So now you need to review the Denafrips Terminator :)
I own and have lived with the Schiit Bifrost 2 for almost 2 years so I am truly familiar with its particular sound. It has a crisp, clear and open presentation that can be quite palpable at times with music and video. With all the favorable reviews of the Ares II I decided to purchase the unit thinking I would replace my Bifrost. Well, that didn't go as planned. I found the Ares ll great for long listening sessions and yes it's smooth and analog like. What I found lacking in particular was in the treble region..no clarity or openness like the Bifrost. It was especially noticeable with videos which allow the recording to come alive or fleshed out or in other words lacking air. My two cents!
You post this comment everywhere?
Which of the two DACs gave you the most pleasing, concinving authentic believable enjoyable musical experience in the end?
I for one value your honest, unbiased, non-commercial personal view, talking from your own personal experience, comparing the Schiit Bitfrost 2 vs ARES II.
Im aon the verge of buying one of the two but don't know which one. I've seen hundreds of DAC reviews and have narrowed down my scope into these two.
Which of these two have you kept in the end or have you upgraded to a different DAC? Thank in advance for your advise!
I have a pretty bright headphone and for me female/male vocals are the most important region I'm sensitive to.
@@sambalsamurai9672 I don't use headphones only loudspeakers. If you think you are going to change components then the following may not apply. Since you mentioned bright headphones and seeking the most musical experience, I would choose the Ares. If you are looking for what I consider more accurate I would choose the Bifrost. The images are sharper and faster like the real thing...negatives are a flatter less dimensional presentation which can be added with tube amplification.
@@DistroUser Interesting! Somewhere online I read in a review that its asif ARES II adds a filter altering the original music making it more fun to listen to, while other high end DACS are truer to the source. Is that what you mean by "like the real thing"? What DAC do you use now? I am sensitive to the treble portions of songs. Which one the Bifrost 2 or the Ares II sounds more edgy/digital/artificial in the treble sibling regions of Vocals pronouncing "Ssss-es" by singers? Thanks!
@@sambalsamurai9672 I already mentioned to you about the treble and which to pick in my opinion. I sold my Ares II and kept my Bifrost FYI. The real thing is not always pleasant and of course it depends on the quality of your recordings. Search RUclips for Bifrost 2 reviews. No more questions, Cheers!
Thomas, great review. Thank you.
Well listening to this through Focal Clear headphones running balanced to a Auralic Gemini 2000. I'll be getting the Denafrips for my speaker system, it sounds so analogue, i love it!
Make sure you read a few more reviews because sound demo should be use for fun though and not as evaluation.
Thomas & Stereo thanks Thomas, certainly will be! Unfortunately living in Tasmania I have to take a short plane ride to demo nearly anything. One proper HiFi shop in the state and they don’t stock a real lot of gear.
A big thanx for the review. Between you, Steve G and John D I am truly intrigued by this brand and its R2R DACs. It would appear that they have hit upon a sound that resonates with reviewers a customers alike. Just had a conversation with the U.K. Supplier I can't even borrow on to A/B with my current DAC. Simply because customers are 'borrowing the demo model and buying them so the supplier can't even keep one. He also has a high end rig which had a Terminator in it, in his opinion the Ares 2 is so good that was very little point in keeping the Terminator so he sold it.
The only downside is that it 6-8 weeks (Covid 19 notwithstanding) for each batch to arrive in the UK :(:(:(. Oh well......
Wow, that is incredible that the customers are buying the Demo unit. I am thinking to ask if I can buy this unit myself off Denafrips. There is also Jay @ the next best thing studio who has reviewed this unit.
I wanted to hear your opinion on this. Its difficult to find the right DAC, because it is as you state dependent on the system and taste. I would consider this because spatial separation is very important to me. Thanks Thomas. You are my favorite reviewer. Regards Geir😊
Thanks!
Hi, Thomas, I'm a subscriber to your channel and considering buying a Pontus.
However, I have read that improvements from the Ares, which I now have,
are accompanied by a loss of warmth. I have Klipsch IV speakers. If
there is a loss of warmth upgrading to the Pontus, depending on the
amount, it might impact my system's SQ adversely. I would very much
appreciate your thoughts on this. Your channel is a must-read for me.
Many thanks.
Own take; sounds analogue without sounding as though it's trying to sound analogue! I believe Willow Tree Audio in UK are dealing in Denafrips.
Interesting comparison, and I guess tube pre could warm the sound of the Denafrips.
Its already very warm sounding.
@@aleksandarstojceski3139 I think it's warmish, though I floated the idea as Thomas deems it bright against Musical Paradise, leading to quite a few comments doing the rounds that Ares is bright!
Where is the budget DAC mentioned in the title ? Cheers thaynamite :)))
Damn 850 is budget... I'm too darn broke I guess ha. Thanks for video!!! Love them
Great review Sir. I really like how you set the stage the first 2 min. and the overall knowledge and impression I get from this review. (One note for you: the sound level when you speak is very low)
I appreciate that!
Hey Thomas - I’m playing this video in my car and have the volume on the stereo turned up to 100% maximum and can still barely hear you. You really need to start using a limiter on the audio mix of your videos to normalize/maximize the overall volume/level closer to the RUclips LUFS standard. It makes it very difficult (and dangerous) to watch your videos. If I forget to turn the volume back down before the next video starts playing, I will literally damage the speakers in my car.
... i think what makes it dangerous actually is watching/listening to youtube while your driving... 😂
I am waiting for the review of the new Denafrips Ares 15th
Hi Thomas,
Happy new year.. another year of enjoying the music and hopefully ending the pandemic, I have a question regarding the Lumin D2 verus bluesound node 2i/denefripp Aries II, which do you believe would be superior. Thanks!
Thomas, you should try an r2r dac closer to the exa's price. I'm curious to see if it remains your endgame dac.
I am sure if I look hard enough, there are plenty of DAC that will perform amazing at that price. That is the beauty of this hobby, so many choices.
Ares is really bright. MP is smooth as baby bottom.
Well relatively speaking but Ares could be the right brightness in your system. It depends on your speaker.
Hey Thomas alright !! You know I been waiting for this one ! You hit on alot of good points and when you talk about pairing synergy different combinations amp/dac/speaker/pre this makes reviews even easier, you get a good since of the sound charcter ,
I could go either way with these DACs
I bet the LSIM would prefer the R2R
But the JBL 580s would like the MP 😆
Over all with my Audio gear .
Thanks Thomas ! Really appricate the review !
You got it pretty good! The Ares II should work better with the LSIM given it is a darker speaker relatively speaking. I should give it a try again since i don't remember how it paired. Appreciate you leaving a comment.
@@ThomasAndStereo appricate your hard work with your videos ,Thanks Thomas 😆
Hello Thomas , firstly thanks for a review. A little general question. When we decide either the dac (for example) is bright or dark sounding, do we take in consideration the interconnect cables ? In my case I have AQ King Kobra and Nordost Purple ... And they change so much tonallity of any system I tryed. The same I can say for speaker cables. And I would say I am so tired beacause of this change of sound made by interconnects. I have no found the one I like. If there was the good solution all in one like Marantz PM7000N but better sound quality I would go with this. Also, if the audio was like the computer where there is a standard interfaces and intefchangable modules it would be so good. Imagine only, Like you upgrade graphic card in your desktop, the same way you upgrade and put module dac of any company in your audio box. And there is not any interconnect cables 🙂👍
You need to try the Denafrips Terminator, it's several levels above. Did you try different cables? The brightness might be your silver cables
Yes, I did try different cables so I was able to get it to sound the way I like with them. Terminator? Maybe some day.
Excellent review Thomas. Had you the chance to test Denafrips Ares !! vs Topping D90?
Thanks.
Unfortunately not
u should audition the new Tannoy gold monitors if you ever see them.
Why would he review or even audition a studio monitor when all of his other speakers are clearly passive?
Your suggestion makes no sense.
No no, I am open to trying all kind of gear. I did have a few active speakers and many people had suggested I give studio Monitor a try and eventually I will.
Soncoz LA-QXD1 looks extremely good for the money. Measures incredibly well too
I have had the Ares II a while. Like you said, the synergy of the DAC with the rest of the system is very important. Right now, I have a Blusound Node IIi, the Ares II, a BAT VK-3ix preamp , the Modwright KWA 100SE and ZU Omen Defs. I never thought I'd settle for a solid state amp, but this match up is amazing.
Hi John, just curious how you Denfrips sounds without your Pre amp? The reason im asking i have a blue sound node connected to a Denafrips Ares 2 (XLR) into my Elac Navis ARB51s and its doesn’t sound any different than just having the Bluesound Node on its own. Im thinking i need a pre amp. Thanks Nathan
@@ohnonate I havent tried it. I’ll see if its possible.
@@veniceog Thank John appreciate it.
@@ohnonate I decided not to try it. I feel there is a risk that my Bluesound may send full gain to my power amp via the DAC. If the DAC had a gain control, I'd feel safer. I dont want to blow my speakers. Sorry.
@@veniceog hi John, good point. Thanks for getting back to me. I also was wondering do you use the Blue sound EQ? or the EQ from Spotify or your streaming provider? Im trying to figure out how to best mange my sound. I have both Bluesound Node EQ off and Spotify connect EQ of has been pretty clean. Cheers
I hope you review dacs from Questyle soon. Thanks
I have both DAC’s and Thomas is spot on.
Hello Thomas,
I would be gratefull if you would consider adding a sound demo of the node 2i to the end of this video. Since I have a 2i It would help me set a comparison to what I have first hand experience with.
By the way, personally I find your non-reviews very helpfull, since they focus around system integration and possible personal preferences. Which is what building a hifi set is all about, if you ask me.
Thanks, see my response to Nemo Propaganda in the comment below where I talk about the difference. I will see if I can record another sound demo when I have time, for now, my whole system is already setup to review the next piece of gear.
@@ThomasAndStereo
Thanks. Have read it and it makes sense. You get what you pay for.
Good video. I had strongly considered buying the Ares II or stepping up and getting the Terminator. Due to the back order status of the Denafrips models, I ended up buying a new Yggdrasil Analog 2. I’m really happy with the pairing (I run a Parasound JC2/JC5 combo with Sopra 2).
The DS DACs I have tried/owned haven’t been the ideal match for the rest of my gear. I had the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ for better part of a year but it only sounded good with great recordings. I have a Parasound ZDAC which is DS but uses a chip from another company and I find it less fatiguing than the Mytek.
There’s a tonal quality to the Yggy (and to a lesser degree a 20 year old R2R Goldmund/Job NOS unit I have) which I like. Synergy is really important.
I had the Parasound ZDAC 2nd gen as well and think it sounds very similar to the ARES II presentation in the sound demo. I am hoping the MP D1 will be the upgrade in sound I am looking for, it's ordered already but yet to ship.
Make sure you upgrade to better 6922 tubes, it will make a world of difference.
As soon as I heard bright I decided not for me, can you review the $999 musical paradise dac?
He did a full review. Are you referring to another MP tho?
CCWNYC yes MP has a bigger and better version for $500 more. Check out their website, looks like a crazy dac
Perhaps eventually I will. Regarding bright, it is relative. It might work well in your system.
I would call it open but not bright. It's not like B&W bright .
Hi Thomas, informative as always. Being familiar with the Buchard S400’s warmish top end, how do you feel it would combine with the ares 2? Was thinking that plus the Billie amp further down the line and budget, ha. Curious about your thoughts!
With the S400, I don't have good success myself with class D so no sure how it wil perform with the Billie. You will have to ask Jay at the next best thing studio. I wish I have a S400 so I can try it with the Ares II but Jay would be better at answering this question.
Thomas & Stereo Thanks so much, I’ll reach out Jay!
Thomas, could you comment on how you expect Ares ii to sound with Willsenton R8 driving LS50 Thanks
Thomas Im wondering if you have ever listened to any Metrum Acoustics DACs. R2R NOS. They use their own proprietary R2R modules with FPGA logic. I have what was their flagship the Metrum Pavane. It is a dual mono design or differential, however you would say it, with 4 DACs (modules) per channel. One toroid for power an one toroid for each DAC board. It is very smooth and detailed. Excellent build quality. They do it right in the Netherlands. Im feeding with a Metrum Ambre Roon streamer via I2S. If you ever get a chance I suggest you give one a listen. I think their Amethyst DAC may be a comparable R2R to the Aries for a review. Anyway good vid as usual. I like when you include sound clips.
Thanks, I never heard them but if I ever come across one, I will pay attention. Yeah, I find including sound clip fun but it should only be for entertainment purpose :)
Thought we were getting a focal review. Anyhow this dac is very interesting I like the way it's built.
It will be delayed cause Mr Kanta took it to his home to try. So the Sopra review will be delayed as I wanted his opinion also after trying at his place.
@@ThomasAndStereo cool no problem it's always good to get a range of opinion.
Wow big difference in the sound demos, the Aries is definitely brighter and more lively but the paradise is softer and creamier. Actually been looking at these two to add as an external dac to my Lumin T2. Know will be different but been wondering if it will it will improve on the dual sabre pro dac inside. Time to start doing some AB.
I have the Lumin D2 at my place and I would say it will not improve the sound by adding those DAC to your $7k streamer! If anything, you will lose fidelity!
That demo was very obvious but i wonder if in person, it sounds a little too forward and "harsh" to pair with Klipsch or other horn based speakers?
Thank you for the sound demo . very useful. MP wins easily for me. more analog. more bass would be even better. please review upper MP DAC's
Thx for the review!
I've always held back on buying an external DAC as I primarily play CDs.
You again, ignited this curiousity with this review esp on the Musical Paradise DP-1. I wonder if you could help me out if it would make a significant improvement if I'm using a Musical Paradise MP-301 Mk3 amp and a Pioneer PD-D6-J for my CD player then PURCHASE the MP-D1 and use the pioneer for just transport? Thanks! Always love your reviews, I just wish you could make more and release them more often.
I would say it depends on your system Sure , the higher end DAC will sound different but you might want to spend you rmoney first on something else that will give you more of a performance boost. I say this because you have running a MP-301, it would not make sense to get a DAC that is twice the price of your Integrated amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks! I'll probably just settle with my system for now. I'm quite okay with the MP-301 for now as it's driving High Effeciency speakers and have dual subs connected via high-level output as well.
Keep up the good work sir
Hey Thomas....great review. Do you have a suggestion for a stand alone streamer to pair with the Denafrips AresII or Pontus?
Curious to see how the $99 Schitt Modi compares. Hard for me to justify spending a lot of $ on a DAC which will be obsolete within a couple of years.
Only way to know is to AB test it.
This was helpful. Seems worth testing if it hits Amazon for returns. I'm hoping you test the Bluesound Powernode 2i. Kinda a departure review though for your channel, but curious.
I did try the Node 2i and I am not sure if the Powernode 2i will sound significantly different. I can ask for a review sample but I need someone to confirm to me that they sound really different before asking for a review sample. Else, there is no point.
Thomas & Stereo Hi Thomas, do you think the Ares 2 dac significantly sound different from the built in dac of a node 2i? I have a vintage jbl l96 with an tube pre amp and a audio research solid state power amp.
@@drod491 I think you should post this question as a fresh one for Thomas to see.
He sure likes Ares.
Hello Thomas it's been awhile I have an excellent question for you
In one of your videos you mentioned monitor audio how the speakers are bright I also have an Onkyo receiver which is probably bright so my question is what type of DAC would smooth things out
IFI Neo, denafrips, ladder schumann but you might get more return by getting a smoother poweramp. If you lack power and missing bass, it will naturally sound brighter.
@@ThomasAndStereo
Would vtv 2 channel tube / opamp
Amp connected to my Onkyo would work?
Do you have affiliate link
Hi, I have a Marantz NA-11S1, do you think this Denafrips Ares II DAC are better in sound and quality? do you think is a good idea to replaced with this one? Thanks and let me know.