*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*
I bought the original Ares II based on your original video. It feeds a McIntosh MA2275 all tube integrated and Cornwall IV's. I stream to it from my home media server with approximately 6000 FLAC files from my personal CD collection. The sound is flat out gorgeous. It is so musical and definitely always leaves me wanting to listen to the next track. I have watched and listened closely over the past several years and heeded your advice. I have been a $4 low buck patron. I have never looked back. I cannot thank you enough.
My 2 cents: I just purchased and installed an Ares 12-1 into my system. A Bluesound Node with its internal DAC had been feeding my Willsenton R8. I was pleased yet curious about an external DAC. The addition of the Ares 12-1 in OS slow filter mode has brought a significant improvement expressing itself in a soundtage that now has expanded well outside the boundaries of the speakers while adding height and depth as well. The speakers have now disappeared! Vocals seem to have found their proper place in the mix. Upper midrange has lost the chip based glare that disappointed me slightly with the Node. Gypsy violins no longer do the nails on a chalkboard thing. Call me crazy but percussion seems less mechanical now becoming more organically rhythmic. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the video. I bought the Ares II a few years back based on your original review of the Ares II. I have come to realize that the hard to see LEDs are a feature not a bug. Most electronics today feature ultrabright LEDs which can get annoying if you dim the lights and want to chill. Kudos to Vinshine for designing this product with LEDs that are almost unnoticeable during normal operation. Yes, you have to get up close to see them to change the settings but no should be changing the settings very often. I use OS with the fast filter which most reviewers preferred.
Thanks for this review Steve, well done. It would be great if you could review Geshelli Labs $250.00 JNOG2 [J2] and see how it compares to the 12th Anniversary, and or Ares II?
Wow…Ella and Duke at the Cote D’Azure - It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing is mind blowing for the absolute joy that all of the musicians convey. They’re having the time of their life and they bring the listener in amongst it all. I’ve listened to this recording hundreds of times and it never gets old. It’s the song that I plan to have playing when I leave this world. Thanks for featuring the album…more people need to experience this tune!
If a reviewer likes jazz, that's helps me out a lot since I like jazz. If a DAC sounds good with jazz then, it's one that I definitely want to check out.
I bought the RME -adi-2 dac which I like. I am now considering the Pontus II, 1) surposely better sounding and 2) mostly because of the i2s input ( one can connect a SACD player to it ) So now the Ares 12th has that input as well and cheaper than the Pontus II... would love a review comparing the Ares 12th anni vs Pontus II.
Thanks for being honest Steve. Very refreshing. Anyone that's been in this game long enough knows that a digital to analog converter can vary somewhat but it's not going to be big differences. Plus those differences are going to be a matter of subjective taste. Not everyone's going to pick the same ice cream flavor at Baskin Robbins.
Hi Steve, is it would be super helpful if you could list the music you tested with in the description or a pinned comment. I love checking out what you discover and it would be so much easier if there was a link or text to copy 😊
Great review…not only interested in this dac, but adore your choice of recordings for this. Also love that you brought in Mehldau’s new project. Thank you for addressing the whole critics against jazz musicians playing the Beatles dilemma. Goes back to the 90’s when it was kind of a thing. Some were bad, but many did such a good job with it. Especially those on the level of Mark Turner and Brad Mehldau. 🙏🏼
Good review Steve. When you continually want to listen to the music on your setup you have arrived. I also like the Cut of the Jib of the Border Patrol DAC.
I don't know if the 12th Anniversary version had the latest firmware update. But Alvin just released/is releasing firmware updates for all the DACs. I updated my Enoy (Ares II) this weekend and heard a very clear improvement in everything. Others are hearing the improvement and posting their results on the forums. It was really big because my wife actually noticed it (I think I put her to sleep when I talk about audiophile stuff). 🤣 Thanks for bringing back the memories of when I was a teen in the 70's and would go into the HiFi shops just to listen to and dream about owning the new gear and speak to the sales reps. And thanks so much for the great reviews and the suggestions for new music to listen to. 👍 I bought the Anoy based primarily on your review and Cheap Audio Man's.
You (and others) mentioned that the front panel lights are very small and very hard to see on the Denarfrips DACs. You say that as if it is a negative. From my point of view that is absolutely a positive! I usually listen to music (and watch movies) with the lights down low, and I don't want to see any lights off in the corner of the room where my equipment rack is (it's along the front wall with the front speakers and TV monitor, but in the corner a few feet away from the left front speaker). I have taped black paper over the power LEDs on the front of my gear that has such (that is, all of it) so I don't have to see those glaring lights. Most of my equipment can dim the lights to "off," which I appreciate. My Belles Aria receiver does not have any dimming capabilities, though, so I hang a piece of cloth over the area where the bright LEDs are that show the input selection. So the fact that the Ares DAC has LEDs that are difficult to see is, for me, excellent. I wish more manufacturers were that thoughtful. In any case, thanks for this review! I have been hemming and hawing between the Ares 12th Anniversary edition versus the Enyo (the renamed Ares II), and you've given me more to think about.
Thanks Steve for re-stimulating my curiosity about the Denafrips Ares. Was looking to purchase DAC several years back and was making choice between Ares and MHDT Orchid. Had a hard time deciding but came across a good deal on the Orchid and went that route. Have been very satisfied with Audio Labs 6000 transport\ Orchid combination, but there is still that itch to hear what Ares might offer. Maybe someday I`ll have to scratch that itch!
I’ve had the Ares ii for around 4 years now. I love it. I’m kinda toying with the idea of upgrading to the Pontus ii, idk yet. I heard it sounds pretty bad ass but for double the price I don’t think you’re getting twice the bad ass-ness of sound, but I could live with that. My ares2 is a solid little thing. It’s got very satisfying heft to it. I’m currently using the Marantz ND8006 CD/ media streamer but I don’t use its dac (ares2 smokes it). I also use the Anthem AVM-70 (using xlr) and don’t use its dac. I’ve had the marantz sr8012 (beast)avm receiver, the DAC in that bowed down to the ARESii. I’m currently using b&w 705s2, with a rel s510 sub. I’m waiting for the sonus faber sonetto viii’s to arrive any day now. ❤ Bowers are a tad bit too articulate for some music which could feel harsh to the ears and make you wanna lower the tunes man. So I might sell them or put them in another room because I do like them. Nah I’ll sell them experience something different. 😊
Thanks for a great DAC review, Steve. Nice to see that part of the audio system get some attention from you again. One question: you briefly mention the Terminator toward the end of this review. I think in previous reviews you mentioned it is your reference DAC. Is that still true, or have you moved on to something else for reference purposes? Of course it also makes me wonder how close the 12th anniversary Ares gets to the top-of-the-line Terminator. There's quite a large price difference, so just wondered about how close they've come. For context, I'm a huge fan of the Schiit DAC lineup, precisely because of their smooth-while-detailed presentation. I've had the Bifrost 2 for quite a while, and recently had it upgraded to the Bifrost 2+. I also have (in my main system) a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC. When I got the Bifrost upgraded to the current spec, I was really impressed with how close it comes to the flagship Yggdrasil now. That's why I was looking for your thoughts about the Ares-to-Terminator relationship now that the 12th anniversary model is available. I've been tempted to try one of the Denifrips models based on your reviews, but haven't pulled the trigger on that just yet. Thanks again for an informative review. I also have been enjoying that Brad Mehldau release of Beatles covers... well recorded and interesting arrangements of those very familiar songs.
Your reviews Steve are greatly appreciated. I'm not into DAD'S but to review Frank Zappas Yellow Shark is his best nod to all that is Frank..and yes its recording is right up front.Steve Guttenberg is thee AUDIOPHILLIAC accept no other.
Steve, For the sake of getting a reference point, would this unit be your preference in any way vs. the much more expensive and also very "musical" Tambaqui you reviewed a little while back?
Dear Steve I love your CZcams Channel and watch it since you started it. I have a question, maybe you could be so kind an answer it. You mentioned you have the Oppo 105. I think the Oppo has a little bit of a digital glare. I would like to step up. Is it a noticeable upgrade to get the denafrips aries when you like a musical and smooth sound with a deep and wide soundstage? Or do I have to get a Dac higher in price for a real upgrade and what else would you recommend? I have Piega 70 Coax Speakers and they are really very revealing in the mids and highs. Thank you Tobias
Hey Steve! I really love your reviews! They are different to most (internet) reviews. You always succeed in transporting your emotions you had while you were listening, and in my options this is much more important than "the high sounded like this, the highs like...", because in the end it is the question if the system we are listening to is creating emotions when we are listening to music. I like Denafrips a lot and think they are great. But if everything works out well I'll buy a used less than one year old Tambaqui this weekend! I'm happy and inpatient like a child waiting for Christmas! Thank you Steve, thank you very much! Warm regards, Matthias
@@lsaideOK I know he's not about measurements and I am not expecting him to be so. If he were, a lot of HiFi stereo companies would be out of business.
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 then I don't know what you mean by your first comment and I'm not quite sure what you mean by this one either. Why would companies go out of business if he shared measurements?
Yo Steve - gotta call out something here.. In your comparison, you reviewed the new Denefrips version dac, yet you did not review and compare to the newer Schiit Bifrost 2/64 dac to make it a fair apples-to-apples comparison. Please do, Thank You!
Steve, I have to say that I follow you as much for your music choices as for the reviews. For once, I was ahead of you. Long time fan of Brad Mehldau. The Beatles covers are (mostly) great and the recording is excellent.
If you going to use a DAC then one that supports 4 SPDIF/TOSLINK inputs and outputs via two balanced R2R networks so you can have a CD Transport,DVD Player,Blu-Ray player and a DAT machine and mabe use SPDIF connection as the TOSLINK input can break i.e the little flap and associated spring can disappear never to be found again and this has happened to me and the TOSLINK cables won't stay in place.
I have a Beolab 5000 that has three channels I do not use it right now but it plays stereo and the sound beats my a007 Luxman but I can not figure out what the therd Chanel is for i had a idea to use it for my tv with a center speaker. The Maschine is the most compact amp I newer felt.
Hi Steve, your evaluation of the original Ares II was what prompted me to add one to my system. I do have one question...does the 12th Anniversary edition have an oversampling toggle and associated slow/fast filters like the original Ares II? If so, were your comparison tests done with the oversampling engaged, and at slow or fast filtering? Thanks in advance...
Thanks for watching Paul. Yes, there's a oversampling/non oversampling button. Easy to toggle back and forth. Sharp and slow filters, nope. You access the filters with the Mute and OPT buttons.
Hi Steve. Thanks so much for the videos been watching you a couple years now . I'm finally getting my dream speakers. I've been listening to vintage Klipsch cornwalls and KG3's. I've sold my house and I'm purchasing two Klipsch horns and a Klipsch Belle. I intend on using the cornwalls and the KG3s as my effect speakers. . I am a musician I like to pretend I'm in the orchestra playing.. I was planning on purchasing a Yamaha RX- A6A. I need help on everything else. What would you recommend? I was thinking a tube three channel for the main soundstage. I've never heard one. Just going off comments on my Facebook groups. Thanks again 😎
I tell you that's a pretty good size dac. you know I've said it before and I'll say it again small dacs can satisfy but oftentimes there's nothing that satiates the appetite quite like a real big dac. for a long time in my life I had used small dacs and I moved through the world wondering to myself why oh why was I not as satisfied as I knew I could be, and then on a whim a friend introduced me to a buddy of his who has a truly humongous dac, so big you couldn't hold it in one hand . since that time and I hate to seems snobbish but it's only Big dacs for this audiophile.
I am still not convinced that the signals coming out of the separate DAC is of the purest sound possible. I hope they make a device that processes the signals coming out of the DAC called a Twin 2 DAC 2 eDAC Plus XFS before being amplified.
If pure sound you mentioned means "authentic", I'm afraid there is no way to achieve it because the DAC designers/developers have no way to know the sound in the original production. Even they are able to get original musicians and producer's help and successfully reconstruct the authentic sound for their music, same methods/algorithm/dsp/whatever cannot be used for other digitalized music.
Thanks for your review. I am thinking of getting this. Just wanted to check this eco system with you - Chromecast Audio(tidal) + Denafrip Dac + Marantz NR 1200 + Audes 116. Will the Marantz 1200 be able to do justice to the Denafrip Dac? Or I need to upgrade the amp?
Thanks Steve. A good video. Don’t have the Ares but tried out the Pontus ii. I thought it was better than my Accuphase dp450. But I felt there was something missing. So I returned the Pontus ii and bother Aqua La Scala dac. It’s maybe an unfair comparison as the La Scala is four times the price. I can say the La Scala is 100% better. As you correctly note the issue is how the dac affects you. So you can understand the Accuphase is 50%; the Pontus 2 75%, but the La Scala is 95% to 100%. Listen yourself and decide.
Nice review Steve. Love those music tips. Last year you reviewed Mola Mola’s Tambaqui DAC, that must be the ultimate DAC you tested. The new PS Audio Directstream DAC MK2 seems to be amazing as well (though different price league then those in this video).
Hey Steve check out @Holly Bowling. She's a wonderful pianist that does interpretations of old Grateful Dead and Beatles I would imagine. I just wanted to show Holly some well deserved love and I hope you give her a listen. Anyway thanks for all the great content! Hubbs
Hi Steve! Love your videos! Are there other affordable Dacs that you find musically engaging? I have an Aries ii and I'm thinking of going pontus 12 or Venus 12 but wondering if there's other options thanks!
I’m tempted to give Dinafrips a try. Just very hesitant because Chinese companies from my experience put technical support at the bottom of their priority and it’s difficult to get things fixed if broken.
Denafrips is a proper company that gives a shit about their customers. Also, primarily Singapore based. The manufacturing plant is in China. There are plenty of British and American companies that are far worse.
DAC’s are like speakers nowadays, so many makes and models to choose from and the only thing audiophiles can all agree on is that sound quality of them all is ultimately flawed. Spending 5-6 figures $$$$$$ per component gets arguably flawless sound reproduction however the sucker factor increases exponentially the more dollars spent on Hi-Fi, I like the Chinese attitude towards Hi-Fi, don’t be a sucker and demand more for your money or stay in the cheap market. That’s Chi-Fi wisdom! ❤
DACs are all flawed!?! Why pick on them, aren't all speakers, amplifiers, and turntables flawed? And by the way the most flawed of all are the recordings themselves. So we should pick our system not based on striving for perfection, but for a sound that we can enjoy.
I agree, DAC technology, current generations, is overall great, digital refinement continues to make progress, I think the streaming side of the equation could be improved. I think the clock is key, digital sq is highly dependent on the timing, I think the one thing that all audiophiles can agree on is that the best possible time domains from the source to the listening position are highly desirable and universal. Personally I think the biggest flaw in 2-channel Hi-Fi reproduction is the listening room. I think all audiophiles hate refrigerators and ambient background noise pollution, I do
Great Review. Sort of like watching 'John Travolta' dance through your role as the most valuable audio critic in the nation! ''remember if I didn't have something nice to say, why waste time saying anything at all.' 🙂
@@onionknight9431 you need to pay attention to geo political affairs a little more. Chinese people are great, I have Chinese’s relatives still in China. The CCP Chinese Communist Party has ruined the great Chinese culture and stripped all personal freedoms. By your comment looks like you are the one to stereo type and insult people. By the way I’m a Northerner!
I thought for i2s you needed to use an extra box for USB digital filtering. And i2s is the update on this Aries. Is that correct? Steve doesn't explain how he's hooking up to this DAC.
I2S doesn't require n extra box, just a source, usually a CD transport with an I2S digital output. For this review I only used the 12th Anniversary's coax digital input.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I2S is a bit messy as the pin outs are not standardized. I have yet to see any reviewer do a deep dive on I2S for DSD playback on an SACD... and it's caveats especially between different brands on SACD transports and DSD Capable DACs.
Any chance you will be review the new Terminator Plus 12th Anniversary.? To my ears, I felt the 12th Annv. Terminator+ was quite a lot better than the previous Terminator+ version... to my ears at least. And they should be for a bit of a jump in price increase.
@@robk5745 Do you consider the Gustard a big upgrade on every aspect over the Ares ii? Specially on the 3D soundstage and realism of the instruments/voices? Does the R26 make the Ares ii feel like 2D in comparison? Thanks so much!
I also have this question. Money is not a problem, but if you don't get that much from the extra dollars, why not save it. The problem I have is my current dac is Auralic Altair G1 streamer dac, which is quite competent, and I dont know how Ares 2 compares to its dac part.
@Crazy prayingmantis problem is that usually you don't have a chance to listen to them both in your system, thus you have to search online or ask the others if they have the experience.
@crazy prayingmantis Then what is the point of a review? I understand the subjective nature of any review I was just asking Steve if he had a preference? Why the negativity?
almost pulled the trigger on the ares 12th+iris ddc but in the last minute went for the border patrol se i for the same money .i prefer a more beautiful tone over uber detail. this dac was assembled just for me in usa ,comes stock with a nos rectifier tube they don't even mention the nos part on the website compare that to denafrips's gibberish about parts no one cares about. all the denafrips dacs are built for marketing and measuring great impressive oversized everything no elegance there bad looking designs no real pride of ownership with generic boxes the ares looks like some cable tv box compare the level of engineering and design to a dave or a qutest from ten years ago...
Wow! $1350 dac! Is it 100x better than $110 Sanskrit 2? 10x? Twice? Probably 5% to 10%. I wonder if Amir will measure it. I wish I was rich or didn't have a house and wife. No, I like having a house and wife. My entire system is under $1350 (used speakers). Damn, I wonder why I'm so bitter.
Thats not the way it works in hifi, spending twice the money or more wont get you twice the perfomence, 100 dollar dac Will be a poorly sounding dac if you have revealing system, the difference would proably be around 25-35% if you use a good system but if you use cheap amplifier or speakers it wont matter much of what dac you are using even 10% improvment is huge in audio terms
Your system is not revelaing enough to reveal differences in dacs i have had a system that cost just about more and it could not reveal much differences in recordings or audio equipment
its frustrating for bricks and mortar dealers not able to sell these direct sales products and its annoying that you guys sing there praises shiit denafrips and all alike products why sell this way ?
Ah, but dealers need margin to pay the rent in their employees! So inevitably when those products would be sold through dealers, the retail prices have to be significantly higher than direct sale companies offer. Customers want it all, service, low prices, the ability to hear the product before they buy it, I get it, but you got a pay more for that! That system is failing, and not just in the audio business very sad.
Pretty convinced to go ahead for a new buy....I think it would be a great addition to my Atoll IN200 signature...I guess the next step is to look for a decent transport..first on my shortlist is any Audiolab model
@larrysaideman76 I got it from a friend of mine who is Italian, I had it pre-ordered and prepaid of course delivered to his home address, and he shipped it from his place. It was much easier this way, so If you have someone you really trust, money and purchase wise go ahead and you will not regret it. I replaced a Hegel H190 and never looked back
There's US distribution of Atoll. And Canadian too. Audio Excellent in Illinois is the US distributior I'm pretty sure. And there's dealers all over the US. I'm sure there's a way to order one, if you're too far from a dealer. ✌️
@@amb3cog I didn't find much availability in my limited research. Too bad it's not sold in the larger internet stores like crutchfield. Would be good to buy with a return window.
@@lsaideOK There's dealers that do the 60 day return thing nowadays too. And do internet sales too. Don't assume you can't get everything you want from one of these places. At least look at their websites, and/or call them. Worse case they can't help you. But maybe they know who can? Best case. You get one to try for 60 days. It's definitely worth a few minutes of your time to at least try IMHO. I never give up easily, and usually get exactly what I'm looking for, with a little patience of course. 😉 ✌️
*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*
Steve, thanks for showcasing my system as 'The Viewer System of the Day' - it is a thrilling honour and privilege to be showcased 👍
Awesome system 👍
I bought the original Ares II based on your original video. It feeds a McIntosh MA2275 all tube integrated and Cornwall IV's. I stream to it from my home media server with approximately 6000 FLAC files from my personal CD collection. The sound is flat out gorgeous. It is so musical and definitely always leaves me wanting to listen to the next track. I have watched and listened closely over the past several years and heeded your advice. I have been a $4 low buck patron. I have never looked back. I cannot thank you enough.
Nice to hear from you, Edward, thanks for the support.
Just a clarification, the original Ares was not the Ares II. The Ares II was, well, the second version. In any case, enjoy it!
My 2 cents:
I just purchased and installed an Ares 12-1 into my system. A Bluesound Node with its internal DAC had been feeding my Willsenton R8. I was pleased yet curious about an external DAC. The addition of the Ares 12-1 in OS slow filter mode has brought a significant improvement expressing itself in a soundtage that now has expanded well outside the boundaries of the speakers while adding height and depth as well. The speakers have now disappeared! Vocals seem to have found their proper place in the mix. Upper midrange has lost the chip based glare that disappointed me slightly with the Node. Gypsy violins no longer do the nails on a chalkboard thing. Call me crazy but percussion seems less mechanical now becoming more organically rhythmic.
Highly recommended.
Thanks for the video. I bought the Ares II a few years back based on your original review of the Ares II. I have come to realize that the hard to see LEDs are a feature not a bug. Most electronics today feature ultrabright LEDs which can get annoying if you dim the lights and want to chill. Kudos to Vinshine for designing this product with LEDs that are almost unnoticeable during normal operation. Yes, you have to get up close to see them to change the settings but no should be changing the settings very often. I use OS with the fast filter which most reviewers preferred.
The original review was of the first Ares, not the Ares II.
Thanks for this review Steve, well done. It would be great if you could review Geshelli Labs $250.00 JNOG2 [J2] and see how it compares to the 12th Anniversary, and or Ares II?
Wow…Ella and Duke at the Cote D’Azure - It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing is mind blowing for the absolute joy that all of the musicians convey. They’re having the time of their life and they bring the listener in amongst it all.
I’ve listened to this recording hundreds of times and it never gets old. It’s the song that I plan to have playing when I leave this world. Thanks for featuring the album…more people need to experience this tune!
If a reviewer likes jazz, that's helps me out a lot since I like jazz. If a DAC sounds good with jazz then, it's one that I definitely want to check out.
I bought the RME -adi-2 dac which I like. I am now considering the Pontus II, 1) surposely better sounding and 2) mostly because of the i2s input ( one can connect a SACD player to it ) So now the Ares 12th has that input as well and cheaper than the Pontus II... would love a review comparing the Ares 12th anni vs Pontus II.
RME is different sounding, I had Pontus 2 and had them on my house for a while, I prefer Pontus due to the soundstage and presentation
Both can be beaten by a cheap Chinese dac. Sad but very true.
I’m sticking with my Ares II.
I have used the Ares ii for several years, and it was really excellent; the 12th is stunningly beautiful.
Do you mean in sound?
So the 12th is the noticeably better than the two as well?. I think Steve was comparing it with the first version here.
@@chelillingworth9466 So was I.
Thanks for being honest Steve. Very refreshing. Anyone that's been in this game long enough knows that a digital to analog converter can vary somewhat but it's not going to be big differences. Plus those differences are going to be a matter of subjective taste. Not everyone's going to pick the same ice cream flavor at Baskin Robbins.
Probably all the DAC anyone would ever need.
Hi Steve, is it would be super helpful if you could list the music you tested with in the description or a pinned comment. I love checking out what you discover and it would be so much easier if there was a link or text to copy 😊
Great review…not only interested in this dac, but adore your choice of recordings for this. Also love that you brought in Mehldau’s new project. Thank you for addressing the whole critics against jazz musicians playing the Beatles dilemma. Goes back to the 90’s when it was kind of a thing. Some were bad, but many did such a good job with it. Especially those on the level of Mark Turner and Brad Mehldau. 🙏🏼
Al DiMeola did an incredible tribute recording to the Beatles. Paul McCartney went wild over it.
OT John Scofield did an excellent job with a Rolling Stones cover record. They must have liked it, their on it!
Good review Steve. When you continually want to listen to the music on your setup you have arrived. I also like the Cut of the Jib of the Border Patrol DAC.
I don't know if the 12th Anniversary version had the latest firmware update. But Alvin just released/is releasing firmware updates for all the DACs. I updated my Enoy (Ares II) this weekend and heard a very clear improvement in everything. Others are hearing the improvement and posting their results on the forums. It was really big because my wife actually noticed it (I think I put her to sleep when I talk about audiophile stuff). 🤣
Thanks for bringing back the memories of when I was a teen in the 70's and would go into the HiFi shops just to listen to and dream about owning the new gear and speak to the sales reps.
And thanks so much for the great reviews and the suggestions for new music to listen to. 👍 I bought the Anoy based primarily on your review and Cheap Audio Man's.
Did the firmware update a few days ago. Sounds like a much more expensive device. Great upgrade.
I can hear those Maggies screaming across the Atlantic for someone to come and set them free...
You (and others) mentioned that the front panel lights are very small and very hard to see on the Denarfrips DACs. You say that as if it is a negative. From my point of view that is absolutely a positive! I usually listen to music (and watch movies) with the lights down low, and I don't want to see any lights off in the corner of the room where my equipment rack is (it's along the front wall with the front speakers and TV monitor, but in the corner a few feet away from the left front speaker). I have taped black paper over the power LEDs on the front of my gear that has such (that is, all of it) so I don't have to see those glaring lights. Most of my equipment can dim the lights to "off," which I appreciate. My Belles Aria receiver does not have any dimming capabilities, though, so I hang a piece of cloth over the area where the bright LEDs are that show the input selection. So the fact that the Ares DAC has LEDs that are difficult to see is, for me, excellent. I wish more manufacturers were that thoughtful.
In any case, thanks for this review! I have been hemming and hawing between the Ares 12th Anniversary edition versus the Enyo (the renamed Ares II), and you've given me more to think about.
Thanks Steve for re-stimulating my curiosity about the Denafrips Ares. Was looking to purchase DAC several years back and was making choice between Ares and MHDT Orchid. Had a hard time deciding but came across a good deal on the Orchid and went that route. Have been very satisfied with Audio Labs 6000 transport\ Orchid combination, but there is still that itch to hear what Ares might offer. Maybe someday I`ll have to scratch that itch!
Would love you to review the latest Geshelli Labs DAC - it's a bit of a giant killer at only £400 including postage/taxes to the UK - made in the US.
I am waiting for the review of the new Denafrips Ares 15th
Is the sound spicy buttery smooth laidback? I like DACs that are spicy buttery smooth laidback.
Need a tube output dac for that. Ares is fairly neutral. ..or rub butter on your woofers and sprinkle spices on your tweeter;)
Al Di Meola’s Across the Universe is another strong Beatle’s jazz rendition
Thanks Steve, inspriring review.
I’ve had the Ares ii for around 4 years now. I love it. I’m kinda toying with the idea of upgrading to the Pontus ii, idk yet. I heard it sounds pretty bad ass but for double the price I don’t think you’re getting twice the bad ass-ness of sound, but I could live with that. My ares2 is a solid little thing. It’s got very satisfying heft to it. I’m currently using the Marantz ND8006 CD/ media streamer but I don’t use its dac (ares2 smokes it). I also use the Anthem AVM-70 (using xlr) and don’t use its dac. I’ve had the marantz sr8012 (beast)avm receiver, the DAC in that bowed down to the ARESii. I’m currently using b&w 705s2, with a rel s510 sub. I’m waiting for the sonus faber sonetto viii’s to arrive any day now. ❤ Bowers are a tad bit too articulate for some music which could feel harsh to the ears and make you wanna lower the tunes man. So I might sell them or put them in another room because I do like them. Nah I’ll sell them experience something different. 😊
I bought mine around Christmas time and it couldn't be happier. USB to my gaming PC and optical to an Audiolobs 6000CDT. Just Wow!
Thanks for a great DAC review, Steve. Nice to see that part of the audio system get some attention from you again. One question: you briefly mention the Terminator toward the end of this review. I think in previous reviews you mentioned it is your reference DAC. Is that still true, or have you moved on to something else for reference purposes? Of course it also makes me wonder how close the 12th anniversary Ares gets to the top-of-the-line Terminator. There's quite a large price difference, so just wondered about how close they've come.
For context, I'm a huge fan of the Schiit DAC lineup, precisely because of their smooth-while-detailed presentation. I've had the Bifrost 2 for quite a while, and recently had it upgraded to the Bifrost 2+. I also have (in my main system) a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC. When I got the Bifrost upgraded to the current spec, I was really impressed with how close it comes to the flagship Yggdrasil now. That's why I was looking for your thoughts about the Ares-to-Terminator relationship now that the 12th anniversary model is available. I've been tempted to try one of the Denifrips models based on your reviews, but haven't pulled the trigger on that just yet.
Thanks again for an informative review. I also have been enjoying that Brad Mehldau release of Beatles covers... well recorded and interesting arrangements of those very familiar songs.
Your reviews Steve are greatly appreciated. I'm not into DAD'S but to review Frank Zappas Yellow Shark is his best nod to all that is Frank..and yes its recording is right up front.Steve Guttenberg is thee AUDIOPHILLIAC accept no other.
I'm glad to hear you're not into Dad's 🤣
Steve, For the sake of getting a reference point, would this unit be your preference in any way vs. the much more expensive and also very "musical" Tambaqui you reviewed a little while back?
Dear Steve I love your CZcams Channel and watch it since you started it.
I have a question, maybe you could be so kind an answer it.
You mentioned you have the Oppo 105. I think the Oppo has a little bit of a digital glare. I would like to step up.
Is it a noticeable upgrade to get the denafrips aries when you like a musical and smooth sound with a deep and wide soundstage? Or do I have to get a Dac higher in price for a real upgrade and what else would you recommend? I have Piega 70 Coax Speakers and they are really very revealing in the mids and highs. Thank you Tobias
Thanks for the Bob Mehldau tip. A definite buy for me.
Hey Steve! I really love your reviews! They are different to most (internet) reviews. You always succeed in transporting your emotions you had while you were listening, and in my options this is much more important than "the high sounded like this, the highs like...", because in the end it is the question if the system we are listening to is creating emotions when we are listening to music.
I like Denafrips a lot and think they are great. But if everything works out well I'll buy a used less than one year old Tambaqui this weekend! I'm happy and inpatient like a child waiting for Christmas! Thank you Steve, thank you very much!
Warm regards, Matthias
If only he had proper test equipment to make meaningful measurements to share.
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 He's explicitly not about measurements. You can get them elsewhere if you want
@@lsaideOK I know he's not about measurements and I am not expecting him to be so. If he were, a lot of HiFi stereo companies would be out of business.
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 then I don't know what you mean by your first comment and I'm not quite sure what you mean by this one either. Why would companies go out of business if he shared measurements?
@@lsaideOK If only he had measurements, we'd then truly have a better idea what to buy, instead of wasting money on overpriced gear.
Yo Steve - gotta call out something here.. In your comparison, you reviewed the new Denefrips version dac, yet you did not review and compare to the newer Schiit Bifrost 2/64 dac to make it a fair apples-to-apples comparison. Please do, Thank You!
480 resistors? What happens when one goes bad?
I like small pinpoint LED’s over bright ones any day
Doesn't seem quite fair that you should have the original as well as the 12th anniversary model! Ha!
Steve, I have to say that I follow you as much for your music choices as for the reviews. For once, I was ahead of you. Long time fan of Brad Mehldau. The Beatles covers are (mostly) great and the recording is excellent.
DUDE- check out the Pontus ll. One up from the Ares and it blows it away.
The Pontus ll is absolutely the best dac for the jack!
S, The Beatles music you recommended. It makes me feel, I'm falling over in slow motion. Took it off my play list. Best, D.
Sid should buy aftermarket feet that lift the maggies of the floor, they make a difference in sound .
i upgraded from the Ares to the new Pontus 12th. very happy
I'm considering the same upgrade. Can you elaborate on the difference please. Thanks
But how do those DACs compare to the Oppo 203's sound on its own?
All dacs at this price point should have adjustable filter settings so you can tweak them to suit your preference.
Because it's all about preference
Yes?
"NOS" / OS/ Fast/Slow filter settings on Ares2...
If you going to use a DAC then one that supports 4 SPDIF/TOSLINK inputs and outputs via two balanced R2R networks so you can have a CD Transport,DVD Player,Blu-Ray player and a DAT machine and mabe use SPDIF connection as the TOSLINK input can break i.e the little flap and associated spring can disappear never to be found again and this has happened to me and the TOSLINK cables won't stay in place.
I have a Beolab 5000 that has three channels I do not use it right now but it plays stereo and the sound beats my a007 Luxman but I can not figure out what the therd Chanel is for i had a idea to use it for my tv with a center speaker. The Maschine is the most compact amp I newer felt.
Hi Steve, your evaluation of the original Ares II was what prompted me to add one to my system. I do have one question...does the 12th Anniversary edition have an oversampling toggle and associated slow/fast filters like the original Ares II? If so, were your comparison tests done with the oversampling engaged, and at slow or fast filtering? Thanks in advance...
Thanks for watching Paul. Yes, there's a oversampling/non oversampling button. Easy to toggle back and forth. Sharp and slow filters, nope. You access the filters with the Mute and OPT buttons.
Hi Steve. Thanks so much for the videos been watching you a couple years now . I'm finally getting my dream speakers. I've been listening to vintage Klipsch cornwalls and KG3's. I've sold my house and I'm purchasing two Klipsch horns and a Klipsch Belle. I intend on using the cornwalls and the KG3s as my effect speakers. . I am a musician I like to pretend I'm in the orchestra playing.. I was planning on purchasing a Yamaha RX- A6A. I need help on everything else. What would you recommend? I was thinking a tube three channel for the main soundstage. I've never heard one. Just going off comments on my Facebook groups. Thanks again 😎
One of the first things that go is hearing, so what's the use philiac after being for so many years in Fidelity on Hi?
I tell you that's a pretty good size dac. you know I've said it before and I'll say it again small dacs can satisfy but oftentimes there's nothing that satiates the appetite quite like a real big dac.
for a long time in my life I had used small dacs and I moved through the world wondering to myself why oh why was I not as satisfied as I knew I could be, and then on a whim a friend introduced me to a buddy of his who has a truly humongous dac, so big you couldn't hold it in one hand . since that time and I hate to seems snobbish but it's only Big dacs for this audiophile.
Nothing like a good big dac to get your juices flowing 😉
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Tell me about it
Thank you
I am still not convinced that the signals coming out of the separate DAC is of the purest sound possible. I hope they make a device that processes the signals coming out of the DAC called a Twin 2 DAC 2 eDAC Plus XFS before being amplified.
If pure sound you mentioned means "authentic", I'm afraid there is no way to achieve it because the DAC designers/developers have no way to know the sound in the original production. Even they are able to get original musicians and producer's help and successfully reconstruct the authentic sound for their music, same methods/algorithm/dsp/whatever cannot be used for other digitalized music.
Thanks for your review. I am thinking of getting this. Just wanted to check this eco system with you -
Chromecast Audio(tidal) + Denafrip Dac + Marantz NR 1200 + Audes 116.
Will the Marantz 1200 be able to do justice to the Denafrip Dac? Or I need to upgrade the amp?
I'm not familiar with that Marantz, so I can't comment on its sound quality, but I'm not sure how you hook up Chromecast to a DAC.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacwill connect the chromecast audio via an optical cable to the DAC.
is it ok to leave this DAC on all day like I was told I can with the Schiit stuff? Or is it best to turn it off for better life?
Thanks Steve. A good video. Don’t have the Ares but tried out the Pontus ii. I thought it was better than my Accuphase dp450. But I felt there was something missing. So I returned the Pontus ii and bother Aqua La Scala dac. It’s maybe an unfair comparison as the La Scala is four times the price. I can say the La Scala is 100% better. As you correctly note the issue is how the dac affects you. So you can understand the Accuphase is 50%; the Pontus 2 75%, but the La Scala is 95% to 100%. Listen yourself and decide.
Does the Denafrips Ares is good for movies too, does its qualites of naturality and engagement hold true ?
Nice review Steve. Love those music tips. Last year you reviewed Mola Mola’s Tambaqui DAC, that must be the ultimate DAC you tested. The new PS Audio Directstream DAC MK2 seems to be amazing as well (though different price league then those in this video).
Hey Steve I was wondering your thoughts on a hybrid amp that has tube preamp solid state amp???
I'm curious about what special gear the Audiophiliac's 12th anniversary video will be about
I wish you would compair it against the Gustard R26. To me that would be a fair fight
Those Maggie’s in the viewer system of the day have to be the worst placed Maggie’s I’ve ever seen 🤦🏾♂️ what a waste
They may look it...but do sound fabulous 😘
@@MrSidMuff I bet they do. However, two subwoofers in that tiny space?
@@TheDanEdwards - they are crossed at 80Hz and gain is low...they just 'fill' out the sound really well, giving body and depth.
I'm looking at that Gustard R26...
Hey Steve check out @Holly Bowling. She's a wonderful pianist that does interpretations of old Grateful Dead and Beatles I would imagine. I just wanted to show Holly some well deserved love and I hope you give her a listen. Anyway thanks for all the great content!
Hubbs
maybe you could do a review of the Geshelli JNOG2 [J2]..i love this thing..
Hi Steve! Love your videos! Are there other affordable Dacs that you find musically engaging? I have an Aries ii and I'm thinking of going pontus 12 or Venus 12 but wondering if there's other options thanks!
Question, ares 2 or 12, if i can’t use the i2s?
Badass reviewers system. I want it with some Maggies.
I haven't been keeping up... this is no longer the "Audiophiliac Daily Show" like was previously often emphasized? 😉
Right, it hasn’t been the daily show for quite some time now! Welcome back.
I’m tempted to give Dinafrips a try. Just very hesitant because Chinese companies from my experience put technical support at the bottom of their priority and it’s difficult to get things fixed if broken.
Denafrips is the opposite, they have spectacular customer service and sometimes Alvin the owner will personally respond.
Denafrips is a proper company that gives a shit about their customers. Also, primarily Singapore based. The manufacturing plant is in China. There are plenty of British and American companies that are far worse.
@@drewpknutz1410 agreed! 👊
China junk
My Ares II needed repair, and the process was very easy. Great customer service.
How does it compare to the Pontus 2?
I never heard of the Border Patrol DAC, thanks for that. How do you submit a "system of the day?"
Audiophiliac@mail.com
Chord qutest dac or denafrips ares 2?
Thanks Steve, what streamer did you use please?
Blusound Node 2
DAC’s are like speakers nowadays, so many makes and models to choose from and the only thing audiophiles can all agree on is that sound quality of them all is ultimately flawed. Spending 5-6 figures $$$$$$ per component gets arguably flawless sound reproduction however the sucker factor increases exponentially the more dollars spent on Hi-Fi, I like the Chinese attitude towards Hi-Fi, don’t be a sucker and demand more for your money or stay in the cheap market. That’s Chi-Fi wisdom! ❤
DACs are all flawed!?! Why pick on them, aren't all speakers, amplifiers, and turntables flawed? And by the way the most flawed of all are the recordings themselves. So we should pick our system not based on striving for perfection, but for a sound that we can enjoy.
I agree, DAC technology, current generations, is overall great, digital refinement continues to make progress, I think the streaming side of the equation could be improved. I think the clock is key, digital sq is highly dependent on the timing, I think the one thing that all audiophiles can agree on is that the best possible time domains from the source to the listening position are highly desirable and universal. Personally I think the biggest flaw in 2-channel Hi-Fi reproduction is the listening room. I think all audiophiles hate refrigerators and ambient background noise pollution, I do
Anyone is these comments have a bluetooth DAC recommendation for a pair of Genelec 8030 speakers? Any thoughts/models welcome thanks
In a head to head I found the Merason Frerot better overall (even with mediocre wallwart power)
Can you explain Better? Please, i'm interested in the Merason F
Great Review. Sort of like watching 'John Travolta' dance through your role as the most valuable audio critic in the nation!
''remember if I didn't have something nice to say, why waste time saying anything at all.' 🙂
Thanks!
40th!!
Thanks for the review, did you use the NOS/OS button comparing no filter vs filter?
Yes I did. I slightly prefer NOS
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks, really appreciating your answer.
Maybe nearly all Beatles jazz covers do suck...Marc Ribot Happiness Is A Warm Gun does not suck.
How big can this space get.
So does it have Chinese CCP listening and recording capability?
No, but it does have the red neck hillbilly bigotry built in.
@@onionknight9431 you need to pay attention to geo political affairs a little more. Chinese people are great, I have Chinese’s relatives still in China. The CCP Chinese Communist Party has ruined the great Chinese culture and stripped all personal freedoms. By your comment looks like you are the one to stereo type and insult people. By the way I’m a Northerner!
I thought for i2s you needed to use an extra box for USB digital filtering. And i2s is the update on this Aries.
Is that correct? Steve doesn't explain how he's hooking up to this DAC.
I2S doesn't require n extra box, just a source, usually a CD transport with an I2S digital output. For this review I only used the 12th Anniversary's coax digital input.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I2S is a bit messy as the pin outs are not standardized. I have yet to see any reviewer do a deep dive on I2S for DSD playback on an SACD... and it's caveats especially between different brands on SACD transports and DSD Capable DACs.
I2S pin layout can be configured to match with the source component by the user.
@angelo4670 Sadly no
Why did they add the I2S input? Does it sound better?
How would the Denafrips Ares 12th anniversary dac compare to the following DACs.
Merason Frerot
Chord Qutest
Ideon Ayazi
Honestly think I'm getting a denafripes dac this year. I need a nice dac. I got multibit 2 and it's great but I'm ready.
You won't hear a difference
Unless the rest of your system is around $7500 and super resolving you will be disappointed because the difference will be very minor.
Nice unit but not nearly enough connectors.
When someone reviews an integrated amp about how it sounds, they are simply describing the DAC inside it ?
That's if it has a dac.
Integrated usually means pre amp and amp in one box, they may or may not have a dac section.
Any chance you will be review the new Terminator Plus 12th Anniversary.? To my ears, I felt the 12th Annv. Terminator+ was quite a lot better than the previous Terminator+ version... to my ears at least. And they should be for a bit of a jump in price increase.
A got and sold my ares 2 pretty quick, too soft and slow for my liking. Probably nice if you have an overly bright or sharp system though.
OK, cool, what DAC do you use now?
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac hi Steve. gustard r26 :), it’s on a different planet compared to ares 2 lol
@Rob K that one is on the bright side?
@@citytianyu no not at all bright. Airy and detailed but not bright, and you have filter settings to get it just right for you particular system
@@robk5745 Do you consider the Gustard a big upgrade on every aspect over the Ares ii? Specially on the 3D soundstage and realism of the instruments/voices? Does the R26 make the Ares ii feel like 2D in comparison? Thanks so much!
Ares or Pontus? Is my question. Any thoughts? The extra $ not an issue.
I also have this question. Money is not a problem, but if you don't get that much from the extra dollars, why not save it. The problem I have is my current dac is Auralic Altair G1 streamer dac, which is quite competent, and I dont know how Ares 2 compares to its dac part.
Nobody can tell you what you might "prefer"
Audio is subjective, I might prefer the Ares over the Pontus.
There's no objective good-better-best
@Crazy prayingmantis problem is that usually you don't have a chance to listen to them both in your system, thus you have to search online or ask the others if they have the experience.
@@citytianyu Pontus 12th is better!
@crazy prayingmantis Then what is the point of a review? I understand the subjective nature of any review I was just asking Steve if he had a preference? Why the negativity?
almost pulled the trigger on the ares 12th+iris ddc but in the last minute went for the border patrol se i for the same money .i prefer a more beautiful tone over uber detail. this dac was assembled just for me in usa ,comes stock with a nos rectifier tube they don't even mention the nos part on the website compare that to denafrips's gibberish about parts no one cares about. all the denafrips dacs are built for marketing and measuring great impressive oversized everything no elegance there bad looking designs no real pride of ownership with generic boxes the ares looks like some cable tv box compare the level of engineering and design to a dave or a qutest from ten years ago...
Wow! $1350 dac! Is it 100x better than $110 Sanskrit 2? 10x? Twice? Probably 5% to 10%. I wonder if Amir will measure it. I wish I was rich or didn't have a house and wife. No, I like having a house and wife. My entire system is under $1350 (used speakers). Damn, I wonder why I'm so bitter.
You're bitter because you follow ASR
Thats not the way it works in hifi, spending twice the money or more wont get you twice the perfomence, 100 dollar dac Will be a poorly sounding dac if you have revealing system, the difference would proably be around 25-35% if you use a good system but if you use cheap amplifier or speakers it wont matter much of what dac you are using even 10% improvment is huge in audio terms
Your system is not revelaing enough to reveal differences in dacs i have had a system that cost just about more and it could not reveal much differences in recordings or audio equipment
The problem with this brand... Not available in Sweden. Sure a great product, but...
You should review a hairstylist 💇
its frustrating for bricks and mortar dealers not able to sell these direct sales products and its annoying that you guys sing there praises shiit denafrips and all alike products why sell this way ?
Ah, but dealers need margin to pay the rent in their employees! So inevitably when those products would be sold through dealers, the retail prices have to be significantly higher than direct sale companies offer. Customers want it all, service, low prices, the ability to hear the product before they buy it, I get it, but you got a pay more for that! That system is failing, and not just in the audio business very sad.
if your saying bill frisells covers of the beatles is bad then you should stop listening to any type of musical note immediatly
Forgive me but, how do you pronounce these word ‘flips?’ Then why do you pronounce dena’frips’ as dena’frEps?
I cant stand the sound of the brand name.
I have that with the brand BorderPatrol …
First
But you are last in life
Pretty convinced to go ahead for a new buy....I think it would be a great addition to my Atoll IN200 signature...I guess the next step is to look for a decent transport..first on my shortlist is any Audiolab model
Where do you live? If in the US, how did you get your hands on that French amp?
@larrysaideman76 I got it from a friend of mine who is Italian, I had it pre-ordered and prepaid of course delivered to his home address, and he shipped it from his place. It was much easier this way, so If you have someone you really trust, money and purchase wise go ahead and you will not regret it. I replaced a Hegel H190 and never looked back
There's US distribution of Atoll. And Canadian too. Audio Excellent in Illinois is the US distributior I'm pretty sure. And there's dealers all over the US. I'm sure there's a way to order one, if you're too far from a dealer. ✌️
@@amb3cog I didn't find much availability in my limited research. Too bad it's not sold in the larger internet stores like crutchfield. Would be good to buy with a return window.
@@lsaideOK There's dealers that do the 60 day return thing nowadays too. And do internet sales too. Don't assume you can't get everything you want from one of these places. At least look at their websites, and/or call them. Worse case they can't help you. But maybe they know who can? Best case. You get one to try for 60 days.
It's definitely worth a few minutes of your time to at least try IMHO. I never give up easily, and usually get exactly what I'm looking for, with a little patience of course. 😉 ✌️