ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- Note: I had it wrong on the Topping D90 as it has a single AK4499 chip inside versus two. Thanks to the users who pointed that out in the comments.
Reference tracks:
midfiguy.com/mfgs-reference-t...
Test setup:
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- Roon with Tidal Hifi / hi-res tracks
- Windows 10 PC & macOs MBP
- HFM Arya, Senn HD800s, Meze Empyrean, ZMF Aeolus
- Drop 789, SMSL SP200, Violectric V280, Cayin HA-6A, Woo WA22
- Mogami XLR cables, Monoprice Premium RCA cables
Chapters:
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0:00 Intro
2:36 Denafrips ARES II
7:45 Topping D90
13:25 Schiit Bifrost 2
17:45 Schiit Gungnir
21:00 RME ADI-2 DAC
27:03 Chord Qutest
36:50 Pt 2 teaser
Equipment:
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Denafrips ARES II: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Topping D90: amzn.to/376h403
Schiit Bifrost 2: www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Schiit Gungnir: www.schiit.com/products/gungnir
RME ADI-2 DAC: amzn.to/2IQj6Zy
Chord Qutest: www.moon-audio.com/chord-qute...
Nobsound XLR Switcher: amzn.to/32Z2bv7
Info:
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Passion For Sound - Chord interview:
• Interview with Chord E... 
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Man, you have golden ears and if you lived near me, I would have just send you everything I have so you can help me review it. Thanks for the shout out!
Haha, thanks for the kind words! Maybe when the borders open back up we can meet in the middle for a video over Niagara Falls. 😂 Great to see you here buddy, big fan
@@MidFiGuy Cool cool! Keep it up, you will catch up to our sub count in no time.
You guys both do a terrific job ! I currently own a Schiit Modi Multibit, SMSL M300MKII, Teac UD-505, Gustard A18 and I received this week the Singxer SDA-6 with the upgrade option (Crystek 957 oscillators and German Mundorf film capacitors in the output). I will look to test those out on my main system shortly. So far I only did brief testing on a Violectric V200 amp with Beyerdynamic T1.1, the Singxer is the most musical among the bunch, combining an organic signature that is not usual for an AKM chip while retaining precision. My second favorite is the Gustard A18, very neutral and detailed. I believe you guys would be VERY impressed with the Singxer especially with strings and vocals.
Yeah . Thomas is one of the best .
I have golden ears too :p
Wow, impressive video! You're nuts for putting all of this content in just one video, but we viewers appreciate it. 👍
I'm still looking for midfi reviews...
One of the best reviews / comparison videos I have seen in a long time.... thanks
Thx for doing this vid! Couldn’t find an overall comprehensive review like this yet. Narrowing down my DAC selection getting easier 😉
I actually love the international descriptions in the native languages for each DAC. Very cool and creative!
Mostly Mandarin, unfortunately.
Great video! I love the calm presentation and the effort you went into getting all these units. Subscribed!
This was brutally good! So thorough and relevant. Fantastic balance between technology and well-communicated listening impressions. Bravo!
Absolutely the best video on DACs. Sold me that the Schiit is the answer for me. Between the Ares euphonics and the Topping precision.
One of the absolute BEST reviews on YT right now. Clear, detailed information, presented in a fairly quick format. I'm subscribing!
You have stolen my heart with this review. Subscribed :) Greetings from Poland.
One of the best dac 'demos' and breakdown I've probably ever watched. Thanks for all your informative insights and help. You've given me a lot to consider as I near my first major dac purchase
I’m so glad I found you. Wow... one of THE best reviews and the most helpful comparison. What I loved about this review is you actually choose to compile it up all my favorite considerations DAC’s in just 1 single video. Thank you! Actually wish to see you in person and thank you for this particular review. I myself own the ADI-2 paired up with Cayin A-88T, powering the Monitor Audio Golds and REL Sub. I exactly know what you are saying. A transparent lively DAC accompanied by a tube musical integrated amp. Pair made in heaven!
Thank you so much for publishing your reference tracks! I got lost in a wonderful rabbit trail of amazing music. Thank you for the wonderful evening!
Thx for doing a multi review like this, it was sought after, at least by me.
I fell in love with the Qutest the moment I heard it: loads of detail without any harshness. Exactly what i was looking for.
Incredibly valuable video to any of us looking into DACS. Simultaneously, really enjoyable!! Thanks :)
Great job on the comparisons! You're a lucky man being able to bring all those products together at the same time!
Hey man, HUGE fan of your channel! You always have the clearest and most unbiased view of products imo. Always look forward to your uploads. Thanks for the support as well!
What a fantastic review - if only other reviews were as good as yours. Great combination of specifications and real-world listening. I would not hesitate for a minute to base a purchase on any of your recommendations.
great video man, never expected such content flowed in one video!!!
keep up the great work.
Great video man! Thanks for sharing all this!
Finally, the DAC round up and comparison vid everyone’s been waiting for. Subscribed.
Great video, finally a sound quality showdown between some of the most popular DACs. None of the 'best we've heard', 'great for the money' or other BS caveats so many reviewers use to insulate themselves from having to share their real opinion on DACs.
Outstanding reviews! Many thanks for your exquisite impressions of all these DAC's.
Really enjoyed your comprehensive review. I bought my first DAC a couple months ago...(Topping D90) and really have nothing to compare it to other than my vinyl. Your review only reinforces that I made a decent choice. At some point I may venture into the higher end but for now I’m enjoying what I have and the limitless selection of music now as well as the ease of playing select tracks without leaving my chair. Subscribed
Great to hear! Try setting the D90's filter to slow if you think it sounds overly digital compared to vinyl. It may help take the edge off like a Scotch! :D
Rarely do I comment on videos.
Great review. Absolutely beautiful.
Sorry for the glowing words of praise.
Thx thoroughly enjoyed.
Haha thank you much! The words of encouragement seriously makes me want to focus on the channel more!
This is exactly the video I needed right now. Thank you for all your hard work! Straight information, I love it.
I am deeply impressed! Not even Thomas Stereo (Hi-Fi Sensei) have been able to come up with a review like this one! Congratulations, you are the man!
Thomas is a legend. We’re lucky to have so many great reviewers who all bring something different to the table
great video!:) comparisons are very important so that at least we get an idea of where the starting point of each discussion point is. :)
Great review! I’m very happy about my current system, which is qutest - gsx mini - Empyrean. Can’t wait for your next episode!
Thank you much!!
😍omg I have never seen anybody review this many Dac‘s at one time totally awesome I was really glued to your channel keep up the great work👍💪💪👍
Thank you. One of the most helpful reviews I’ve heard. Perfect for those of us still wandering in the wilderness of digital.
wahooooo... love it! nowhere else but here :-) Amazing effort in putting the line up together and great short reviews! Thank you
Wonderful review.
A million thanks for your effort.
Recently purchased Topping D90SE.
Would have opted for RME ADI
if I saw your comparison review earlier...
Anyway I am happy with Topping D90SE, being very Transparent and crystal clear which helps aging person's like me ( 55 yrs )...
Keep doing what you like most and do include comparison reviews as much as possible.🤗
Great job on the review and most of us will appreciate the comparisons, I know I do! Cheers
absolutely AWESOME review...This guy is an audio savant and fantastic video editor. I've found myself in the DAC rabbit hole watching countless reviews of just about every DAC worth considering. This is by FAR the best and most well thought-out and laid-out. Thank you!
I'm going to save myself some time and second this. Spot on.
Thanks for doing this. I am just starting to look for another DAC. Way too much tech and fluff out there. Really appreciate it!
What I also like about the Qutest is the no-bs interface. Just plug it in and it runs.
No remote. End of.
They all do that out of the box...
The video I have been waiting for. Thank you!
Amazing review and comparison mix, thank you for that passion and clarity. If possible please surprise all of us with a bit lower level DACS like ir: SMSL m400, vs SU-9 vs Topping d70s, whatever you want to add. Greeting from México.
saw this review when it came out.. revisiting it today. wanted to say this is a fantastic review/comparison. really top caliber stuff.
Wow, fantastic thorough reviews! Your presentation and delivery is engaging with perfect pacing. I own the Denafrips Ares 2 and just compared to Qutest and pretty much agree with all your findings. Keep up the great work and looking forward to more videos. Thanks so much!
Thank you kindly! I need to drink more coffee right before filming because on playback I feel I talk too slow thinking about the script haha
@@MidFiGuy I disagree. Your presentation was perfect. I can’t imagine it being any better.
Wow, your a natural and have the knack! Damn I wish I would have seen this before pulling the trigger on a iFI iDSD Pro which I just plugged in, using Tidal HiFi sub. All I can say is I’m very happy to date. Never heard my JBL 4429s sound so great with Rogue amplification.
Thanks for this review. You sounded so truthfull in your experience with dac's You really helped me with understanding in which way I want to go with new dac I'm looking for. This kind of review I really needed and I know that it is no easy to make it, much time, much effort, much love for music after all. Thanks bro. ;-)
Love, love, love this review/video (as well as your others). Well done. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words!!
Man you killed it in this video... awesome job!
Refreshing to get this amount of info in just one video. Subscribed 👍🏻
Awesome, and happy to hear it!!
This was an awesome video, fantastic work man. You have earned my sub!
Thank you for doing this comprehensive review. I ask folks to do a blind test to see if you really would choose the DAC's you believe are so great. You may be surprised in your choices.
This is a great review; I would say it's also rare to find one that covers so much ground so well. You have a way of describing differences and sound characteristics that is very nuanced and gives the viewer a detailed and rather thorough idea of what to expect. I purchased the Schiit Bifrost 2 and am very happy with the overall sound, its great reproduction of the timbre of different instruments, the sound stage, as well as the smoothness and level of detail. I also like the fact that it is upgradeable in certain ways. Thanks again for the great service you provide for those of us who don't have the chance to listen to a variety of audio equipment.
My experience as well!
Just found your channel. And I’m already diggin your style! And you’re reviewing a dac I have interest in! I suspect your subbies are going to grow quickly.
just stumbled upon your channel, great content and the multilingual product intro really is fun.
Thank you!
Nice video! Can‘t wait for part 2. I allready own an arya hp with a rme adi-2 dac, but I want to expand my collection with a meze empyrean, a ttube amp and a fitting dac. I will wait for part II before I decide what dac and amp I will get...
You had me at the pancakes and syrup. Wicked bait before breakfast (of course I was hooked by the tube amp background;-)
Subscribed.
Woah!! Amazing informative video man!! You have an entire lineup of products with you :)
Man I just love the feel of this review. Top notch!
Nice video! Love my Bifrost 2 and it fits on my desk.
Many reviewers will shy away what you done here. Great video and great presentation with an organic in it. Keep the good work and stay healthy.
Man, you’ve done your homework here. I’m looking to buy the Ares II and who would have thought that a large comparison video would give you enough usable info? However, you’ve really been helpful here and it’s clear that you know what to listen for.
When you have other respected reviewers and fellow audiophiles complementing you on your content then you’re doing some good work 👍🏻
That made me subscribe. Cant wait to see part 2.
The most useful review of almost all DAC reviews on RUclips. I know where my Gustard A22 ranks now.
@Xie, can you give your opinion on the A22 and its ranking compare to these DACs
one of the best DAC review I've heard. Very concise, choice of DACs are affordable and popular. These DACs are what I've been considering all along. Especially the Denafrips. From other reviews, I couldn't find a negative on R2R DACs. Now I know the cons on R2R. thanks.
Hello, do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)?
Also, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you
Outstanding video!! I almost pulled the trigger on the Ares II when I was looking for a DAC, several weeks ago. Ended up buying the D90 MQA because it was about $300 less expensive and I could get it in just a few days. I'm very pleased with its performance and expect it to provide years of listening enjoyment. If I decide to try an R2R DAC, the Ares II will be my first choice.
How did you find the Soundstage on the D90?
Great review. I was behind one of these.
Bro I keep re-visiting this review. It's awesome.
That's a really useful review, great job!
Great review. Happy RME ADI 2 FS owner here. ;) Comparison videos like this are very helpful for everyday users. Thankyou. I personally partner my RME ADI2 with a Firstwatt F7.. Sounds amazing IMO. I listen to a very broad range of music, IMO the RME is a good middle ground DAC that sounds excellent on most things,. The PEQ provides good options, and does sound better than Roon's EQ.
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so! I thought I'd be getting more flack from people saying software EQ should be the same or better since it's closer to the source. Though if you check Roon's Signal Path when using it's PEQ you'll see some bit depth conversion going on. RME just may do these type of conversion handlings better with dedicated hardware.
Excellent review midfiguy!!! You really know what are you talking about!! The best!! Regards!
AMAZING review! I currently have a Gungnir MB but am wanting to hear the ARES II, mainly bc it can do native DSD. Subbed!
Love that you include song titles, I give each one a try
Amazing video,,,amazing way you explain the difference.. thanks so much man
Thanks for the Blowback track suggestion. Wow, the separation of instruments, the vocals, and that bass! Listened to it on my Burson Soloist GT + Bifrost 2 + Meze Elite. Heavenly!
Purchased a Chord Qutest last Friday. It is scheduled for delivery this Monday! Excited to compare it to the Denafrips Ares 2 and Bifrost 2.
Thanks for these Reviews. Very helpful!
Hi Samuel, I have the Burson Soloist GT + Meze Elites also, linked up to the NAD M33 Amp/Streamer (with the ESS Sabre DAC chip). Am thinking to purchase a standalone DAC for headphone use with the Soloist. Good to hear you like the Bifrost 2. Was wondering what you thought of the Chord Qutest in your combo and/or the Ares 2, if you have tried that DAC as well...thanks!
Such a refreshing and really helpful perspective.
Great review. Lots of work and time put into this. 👍
Thank you for covering every dac on my mind and being considerate enough to put up warnings like "compared to the other dac, etc " on screen. I loved your review which is casual rather than analytical and easy to grasp what's going on. Everything right on point.
GREAT REVIEW! D90 arriving later this week. 8-D Can't wait! Upgrading my ageing signal cables at the same time to free up that reference class sound. All the best, Rob in Swsitzerland
Great comparisons. I just got the RME (ESS version) and totally love it. I already had an older Burson Conductor and I have a really hard time hearing a difference between them while using LCD-X, HD650, or TH900, even though the amp section of the Burson is much more powerful. I was worried it would be too cold or analytical sounding. But it's just a clean "natural" sound, true to the source as a DAC should be. The functionality of the RME is what I got it for. I love using parametric EQs just for minor adjustments and it's just great to be able to do it directly in the DAC instead of relying on Windows software (as good as PeaceEQ and Roon is).
The ability to sit back in a couch and boost or decrease bass/ treble from the remote when that poorly mastered track comes on is a sweet bonus. Enough rambling, it's a great DAC/ Amp packed with well thought out features.
Great review and comparison! Cannot wait for your next video. Please be hurry and indulge us!!
Amazing review! I understood how Gungnir differs from Bifrost2, but the comparison between Bifrost2 and Modi Multibit is very interesting
Thanks for publishing the review and going to all the effort of doing the comparison. I have a BMC PureDAC/Headphone amp, which has had very few reviews, so it is difficult to work out whether these DACs would represent an upgrade or not. I also have a Topping D10 for a second system which seems to do a serviceable job. I would probably shell out for an RME except that I have just ordered Buchardt A500s which have an inbuilt DAC, and am waiting for delivery. I'll try those first, they have had excellent reviews, but if I don't like them, I will send them back and stick with my existing system, potentially upgrading the DAC.
It's not a dumb video.. It's really HELPFUL.. Thank you 🙏👍
Loving Galimatias. New to me. Delving through their Tidal content right now.
Thank you! Much of those choices are from years of working with cool people much younger than me at the workplace 😂
Fantastic review, thank you! Nine month Bifrost 2 owner here, still love it!
Glad you enjoy it!
Hey, what music do you listen to? I am looking for a new dac and wondered which music Bifrost owners listened to.
@@MrGrosMamouth Hey. I don’t think the BF2 is colored in such a way that it lends itself to only certain types of music. I guess some describe it as sounding a little warmer maybe but I think that’s said because the high frequencies aren’t bright and the bass region is very full. All in all, I think it’s a very balanced, natural and quite resolute DAC. I personally listen to Jazz, Classical, Acoustic and Electronica however I think the BF2, like any neutral and balanced sounding DAC, will present any type of music quite well.
The best review of this year!
Thank you!! It was honestly a pain putting all of this info in one video but I wanted someone to do an all-DAC roundup
I could imaging. I would this vid will become something people played again and again. It roughly includes all the popular Dacs
I subscribed, because your review is exactly the kind I like. You and British Audiophile are my fav. I have moved on from others.
Awesome video, and lovely delivery - big fan! 👍
Right back at you! Love your channel. You're a natural for the camera
Wow! Huge thanks for making this comparative video
My pleasure!
Awesome. Really enjoyed this. Just got the Ares 2 and I'm probably keeping it too.
Thanks! Big fan of your channel, the kind words mean a lot. The Ares is just so smooth and satisfying, it honestly makes me want to make the jump to the Venus but the cost difference is astronomical, and it isn't even their top tier DAC!
@@MidFiGuy Ron at New Record day reviewed the Terminator and was really impressed. I think I’ll be happy with the Ares though
Great shootout! TQ. I like how you use the DAC ad voice over. 🤣😂
R2R has that warmth but as you say, you sacrifice some detail. I find R2R DACs to be a little fussy with pairing. Pair it right and it’s lovely, I can live with it even though I prefer the delta-sigma DACs generally.
I had a good result pairing the Denafrips Pontus with a Line Magnetic LM805ia.
I'd happily refer to that review as rocket science. Great info and detail. I hope you're right, as I'm considering buying one these. Thanks for the upload.
My vote for ADI-2. Parametric equalizer is huge overlooked advantage. Preamp feature with easy access to volume, treble and bass knobs again huge feature. Headphone and IEM are great. Don’t overlook the features for $1200 this is a great deal
Yes the parametric equaliser can make the ADI 2 sound like any dac you want it to with a little bit of work
I agree with everything you said about the ADI-2. It also has a great remote control that is very useful.
@@eddywaller1864 that's what I thought when I bought it ,along with my valve amp , I thought if I don't like my sound it would be my fault. Though partly because I love the sound and partly because I haven't dared touch it, I have not yet changed anything ( though I have used the EQ on my WiiM pro.)
Adi-2 is just superb device. I was using Bayerdynamic T1 headphones which were "extremely sensitive to source quality". I understood what that mean. At first those sounded bit too precise, too perfect let's say. Then I played with "crossfeed" setting on dac. Wow, after getting used to new sound characteristics I realized my headphones sound became so natural. Just an amazing dac! I sold Bayerdynamic but dac stayed. Now it acts as dac+preamp in my audio setup. I'm so happy with this purchase.
Awesome review.... keep doing it this way. Definitely deferent from the rest.
Really great review!!! Thank you so much. Got a like and a subscribe for this.
I don't know anything about sound, but your command of language and descriptions was very appealing. Now I want to know more about DAC conversion. I'm amazed at how long I have settled for bad sound.
I will love to see your review of the Burson Composer 3X. Thank you for this video 👌
One day! I really want to try Burson products
Excellent video review! You earned a new subscriber today. I sold my Benchmark DAC 3L and PS Audio Gain Cell DAC and purchased a Holo Audio Spring 2 KTE DAC. Very nice and I would like to see another shootout with the Holo Audio DACs in the mix. Thanks
Love your video. Subscribed!
Finally I find the test to compare all dac's others are shouting about. And then Cowboy Bebop...subscribed! Thanks!
Very brave attempt of testing chord dacs with schiit and other r2r dacs. Nobody has done that earlier at least in RUclips. 😀
Imagine for a moment that just one electrolytic capacitor in the Denafrips begins to leak... Probability is high, as there are so many in there. Nice review, BTW.
Well, I've discovered a new favorite audio channel randomly...