Denafrips Ares 2 Review - Not really NOS, but lovely!
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- The Denafrips Ares 2 is an affordable R2R dac with a lot to offer....and some questionable aspects.
Correction: 768khz is 16x 48khz, not 32x!
Full measurements here: goldensound.audio/2021/07/13/...
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Denafrips Ares 2: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
SMSL VMV D1SE: apos.audio/products/smsl-vmv-...
Intro Song: "Awake" by Electric Guest
Testing Tracks:
101 Eastbound - Fourplay - song.link/gb/i/1305715762
Dissolve (Acoustic) - Absofacto - song.link/gb/i/1455616840
Ugly Boy - Die Antwoord - song.link/gb/i/871804919
Need Somebody - Boogie Belgique - song.link/gb/i/1148145824
These Drugs - Sugar Pine 7 - song.link/gb/i/1453710912
0:00 - Intro
1:39 - Build and Aesthetics
2:44 - I/O
3:09 - Internals
9:30 - Sound
23:35 - Not actually NOS!
31:20 - Impulse response quirk
32:28 - Conclusion
33:55 - Channel Stuff
The GoldenSound youtube channel, and all content is created and owned by GoldenSound LTD - Розваги
I really enjoyed this video. I’ve owned this DAC for about a year now. I have to admit I started watching this video with reservations and my defenses up. But it was so thorough and on point with excellent description of how the Ares II performs. You really well articulated why I love this DAC so much. Keep up these great videos. I’m going to patron now.
Thanks man, I really appreciate that!
Good to know my findings align with what you're hearing too
He really is doing a wonderful job at what he does. It shouldn’t matter though, if his findings truly align with your own, but how thorough, technical, and consistent he is with his reviews. He doesn’t just understand what he’s hearing, but he also demonstrates that he has a fundamental understanding of the hardware and how it translates to their technical capabilities. Subjective findings can vary from user to user. But if you can find someone that’s this thorough with his reviews, regardless of how perceptions align, you can really get a relationship in perceptions and have confidence in the review that he’s putting out and how it will translate to your own perceptual findings.
Wonderful! Which Amp have you paired it with and which headphones are you loving them with it?
Golden sound is just one of the best audio reviewers, he covers everything with exquisite detail
@@GoldenSound DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP ME FIND A DAC
Thank you for including gamers in your review.
The amount details in this review was quite nice; well done. The way you produce your content is enjoyable to watch, always waiting with a little anticipation for the next one.
Your content is consistently of really high quality. Please keep it up.
I gotta say that I really enjoy your music "recommendations" that you use for testing. It gives me a chance to explore new artists and songs I hadn't heard before.
You produce chill, high quality content. Appreciate it.
Very interesting what you mention about NOS mode. On my Holo Audio Spring I always used to listen in NOS mode. Now on the Denafrips T+ I am happy with OS. Good to hear that lots of the virtues of a ladder DAC shine through in the more ‘budget’ offering.
Fab video, you are so great at getting complex theory across in a really engaging and easy to understand way - loved it!
Big props to going in depth with the oversampling modes. I don't know any reviewer that does this.
I purchased this in march, plugged it in, set up and have hardly touched it since. It's a joy. I'm glad I've not personally heard better, that way I can simply enjoy it without endlessly chasing my tail.
Thank you! You review just saved me a lot of money and frustration. I was planning on buying the Ares II for my home theater setup, but the changeing input delay is a deal breaker for me. So glad I found this video!
Can't wait for the VMV D1se review. I already decided I wanted to buy the Ares 2, but if the VMV D1se is on par with it I have to wait for the review, as I felt your recommendations quite nicely fit my personal preferences, so your opinion definitely holds more weight for me than other reviewers.
Just to say huge props for the Boogie Belgique recommendation! Love it, never heard before, no idea electro swing was even a thing, but now obsessed!! Cheers
I set oversampling and filter once but I switch phase several times per listening session. For me the design makes sense. Lots of great info in your review!
Great review! I really liked the easy explanation why this unit is different than others in same price range and who should choose what. Its much easier to choose correct dac than with just a lot technical data while looking website reviews.
Small favor to ask please please do review Denafrips Pontus II. I would really like to see what you think about that below 2k price category :)
You are spot on. It’s a great review. Honest with comparisons that give viewers a reference point. TQ!
I've got this as well as the Gustard X16 and love them both and IMO I definitely agree with the acoustical music for the Ares II. I like the Gustard more for electronic and the Ares for the acoustical. But love both DACs.
Very glad you mentioned that delay, big deal for some of us who use it for things other than just music. Would have liked more comparison vs. the SGD1 though!
A great entry into r2r resistor ladders.
I picked up my first r2r via spring 3 kte. Hoping you do a review of that dac at some point. Preferably before mine arrives in a couple months lol.
Keep it up Cam Jam
Great review with detailed objective+subjective information and why it matters. Was thinking of the Schiit BiFrost 2, but now it seems to be outclassed by some of your latest
You are the only one that found this out! Can't wait for the Holo Spring 3 review!😊
another amazing review!
Best and most useful Ares 2 review I've heard. Knowing the output drive limitations was news to me and means I can reconfigure my set up to get better performance. Thanks.
Only referred to the balanced outputs
Have you tried high impedance amps/pre-amps to see if the Ares II sounds better with them? I am using a Topping A90 with my Ares II which on paper is the worst possible match; I'm wondering how big a difference could be experienced with a different amp.
@@MistaLova-Lova I was running the Ares into a pot at the power amp. I inserted a high input Z buffer stage in between and it made a great improvement. That was on the Ares RCA outputs.
Just bought the VMV D1se and it's on its way. I'm really looking forward to your review of it :)
I’ve been in market for a DAC & have narrowed it down to the Denafrips Ares II at the top of my list. This video was really an informative one & will help me in my decision.
Love the technical and data driven approach. While subjective observations are fine, in this digital world data driven objective observations are also helpful, especially if the marketing is pushing something inaccurate.
A shame about that buffer delay, you are the only reviewer who has mentioned it. Makes it impossible for my use case.
Just what I was thinking. I'm glad I didn't buy one.
It can be lowered
FWIW I've had my Ares 2 for about a year now and I use it as my primary dac for music, movies and gaming (literally use it for everything). The buffer delay is only an issue when first plugging it in or immediately after switching inputs. If you stay on the same input (I'm on USB 100% of the time) it likely won't be an issue, at least it hasn't been for me.
I dont mind. Got SMSL SU-9 DAC for movies. This (Ares II) is for the STAX set.
100% agree, saved me from getting this for music production/studio use. I wish he’d also mention in every review the maximum output voltage on SE and balanced, if the XLR and RCA are active simultaneously, the output impedance of both, and the quality and range of the volume control (i.e. if the DAC can be used as a pre basically).
Hands down the best audio review channel out here.
Your reviews are such addictive!! to watch that I cant wait for your next review upcoming video. Great review as always Golden. Btw have you tried Gustard X16? Seems… interesting?
Truly an excellent review, combining in depth listening impression with in depth technical explanation and measurements. I am very surprised to see a tube amplifier in the background. Can we expect a review of this beauty?
I very much appreciate your videos. I have been going back and forth between the Ares II and the D1se for the past few months and your analysis helped me decide on the D1se. I have now put about 16 hours into my new dac and it is a perfect match for my system. Thank you so much! The slightly more analytical sound matches very well with my Parasound Newclassic 200 integrated and Linton 85th Where I am now sure the Ares II would have been too warm. This was a huge upgrade for my overall sound. I was running a Node 2i running as a Roon enpoint. Now I just run the NUC straight into the USB on the DAC. HUGE improvement! Thank you thank you!
Hi! I currently purchased D1se, i wanted to ask, is it worth to burn in it? Strait from the box it sound a little bit edgy on highs, and a bass a little bit bloated...
@@andjeyvolikov3508 I just received mine which sounds amazing right out of the box. This also means that I cannot comment on how the sound will change over time. I believe there is some amount of burn but I feel it is probably far less than something like working in a leather baseball glove. I always say your pairings are far more important than any amount of burn in that may occur. How you equipment works together should be the journey and goal… hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. If I change from here it will be a whole new system. I feel any gains past what I have are going to be minimal unless I change to a whole new setup. My system is built for music enjoyment. I could have leaned towards resolution and clarity but I feel I get plenty of refinement without losing the warmth that I chose the components for
@@MichaelSamuelson99 Thank you for the answer, i pair it with Topping A30 pro amplifier(which is much better than A90 in my opionion), interesting what is the best pairin for this dac as headphone amp. A90, Singxer SA-1 i did not like, i own previously flux labs amplifiers, i think they add to the sound too much of their own character... This dac has greate layering, the best i've ever heard from dacs, but i think the bass could be more accurate, and sounstage just a little bit bigger... Actualy 24h of burn in, don't know if unit burned on, or my ears, but it is not edgy anymore:)
One more interesting question, is it worth to connect to modern digital interfaces like gustard u18, singxer su-6, is it worth it?
I wish they build up top headphone amplifier for this line, not speakers amp
@@andjeyvolikov3508 the headphone amp market is too congested at the price point maybe?
Great review. Maybe youre the best audio reviewer on youtube right now, so much information in your review that other cant provide. Awsome!
Please please review the AudioGD R1 and compare it to Ares2, Audiogd still a myth, someone love it someone hate it so much. But from what i read their product very interesting and different.
Thank you
I checked out Boogie Belgique based on your recommendation on the community page and was not disappointed. Great album, I'll echo the recommendation 🙂
This maybe the external DAC for my Node 2i I’m looking for. Great review and all reviews seem to be consistent for this product.
Are you going to review Pontus II ? I have Ares II and I just love it since I first tried it, but I'm curious about the more expensive Denafrips DACs.
Such an interesting review. Some high praise coming through on SMSL VMV D1SE, but not for the new Topping D90SE.
Interesting review. You have provided valuable insight about the delay in the processing within the Denafrips dac. I had the Terminator in my setup and I tried to perform room calibration for my stereo 2 channel set up using Trinnov Amethyst, the Trinnov kept complaining about not being able to complete the measurements. I never encounter this issue with any other dac in my set up even with the Dave and Mscaler. Nonetheless the Ares2 and Terminator are great sounding dac but I found Chord Dac to be more natural sounding than the Denafrips. I think that the DSP inside are lifting the treble and bass frequencies and a touch of reverb for wider soundstage.
Yes great review Thanks Golden!
Wow, your videos are so good and your knowledge is so extremely valuable. Wish you would have brought this video out months ago.
I had this DAC and I tried to set it up with a miniDSP that has a four Channel output, into two separate DACs so that I could send high pass filter to the speakers, and a low pass filter to my subwoofer. I'm fairly new at doing this stuff so.... You can imagine the problems I had when I finally figured out the random delay output from this DAC would change. It took me weeks of trying to figure out that I wasn't doing anything wrong, but the DAC was creating the problem.
I think you are the only reviewer that mentioned this problem.... Please keep up the outstanding work.
🤣 That sucks. I can see myself doing that. Just get a Bluesound Node. It has digital outs for the DAC AND! a Sub out for hi/lo pass filtering (and it's DAC doesn't suck either).
I can not see how the delay would interfere with the functioning of the miniDSP - the delay only matters in real time gaming & video playback.
@@BogdanWeisslet me try and explain. The miniDSP I was using is digital output only(SHD Studio) and requires a DAC or even 2 DACs for what I wanted to do. The miniDSP has 4 channel output, so for example.... you can output a 80hz and above signal to your 2 main speakers using one DAC(the Aries in my case). And then use the 3rd channel output with both left and right audio combined with only bass frequencies.....sent to a second DAC and then a subwoofer. The problem is, the denafrips random delay makes it impossible to align the mains sound with the subwoofer. Phase and everything will be way off....and it will sound completely messed up. Make sense?
I'm doing a similar 2.2 ch set up with HQPlayer and RME Digiface USB. I would like to know whether Pontus/Venus demonstrate similar random delay.
I can’t wait for your review on the Spring 3 with preamp, which is the main candidate to replace my integrated dac/preamp in the living room. I actually have the Merason Frerot (with Matrix spdif 2) in my desktop setup, which seems to be one of the best allrounding dacs in this price category. It handles music very natural, but also delivers modern music very well. It is a hybrid dac, so would be curious to see you review that DAC with you technical knowledge.
I own this and I think it is wonderful! GREAT REVIEW!
Perfect review. Very well done. Thank you.
Great Job just found your channel
Subscribed very impressed !
I’ve had the ares as a loaner unit from vinshine and yup it definitely sounds good tonally but the main peeve I had with it was maybe it sounded a bit more muddy and less dynamic than the spring 2. At that time I was trying to decide between the May and the Terminator. With the additional downside from the latency, I decided to go for the May.
One additional benefit that denafrips has over the May though is repairability. Vinshine audio has informed me before that the parts are easily replaced. Once they troubleshoot what went wrong in the dac over a call or other forms of communication, they would ship out the pcb and all you need to do is to replace the pcb, rather than shipping the dac to them.
Bit of a new audiophile.... why does this matter?
@@motorcaster57 Why does what matter? The latency or repairability?
The one DAC that you don't mention, that you have reviewed, and the Schiit Bifrost 2.
Very interesting analysis on the NOS. And the comparison of the Slow and Fast filters is excellent. I concur that Fast/Sharp is best - Slow has an emphasis on sibilance and string plucks, and vocals sound like they have a bright sounding mic.
Have you listened to the ARES II or only the Bifrost 2? If you have, how would you describe your experience comparing the two DACs?
@@sambalsamurai9672 I own both, and I use the Ares II in my main system. The Bifrost 2 is a bit better in the bass, but I like the space and separation and clarity of the Ares II.
If you need no delay, like watching video, or editing, then the Ares II won't work for you.
Many of those cheap amps have low input impedence and like you said make it sound way too soft. Use hqplayer to oversample the ares ii to get rid of the warmth and pair it with a fa-10 + hard to drive planar. Timbre is important, interesting how the low end r2r starts at the level of the top Ds dac but certain people will say all dacs sound the same :)
Thank you for showing how a review can be worth watching. No marketing fluff, no “audiophile” sweet talk - just pure information. Plus someone who actually knows how a real instrument sounds. Thank you 🙏
At the end of the day isn’t it just about how the damn thing sounds, and if you do that with a range of products honestly and in well produced way, job done. When the reviewer says the person will get a good result with the jitter, what if the person likes the tone to think it’s a fantastic result. The technical spec means nothing. How would knowing if the product has an output stage or high output impedance, or not, decide whether it sounds better or not in a subjective way? I just hate the way people make hifi , which is a means to an end of music - which is entertainment, boring with technicality. When he says it objectively does well. How do you rate all the technical factors to all those of another to know if it objectively sounds good.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 “sounds good” and “tastes good” are my two favourite nonsenses. The none-technical side is great for story telling but frankly useless to make decision. You can’t make decision only based on the technical aspect either. As of the jitter - some people also like auto-tune vocals… what can I say :) To expand on why I like his reviews - I always learn something new even after I watched 15 other reviews of the Same product - that enough for me. (Yes, these 15 others are about the airiness and fluffiness and the Bugatti of the last generation of good old cars…)
@@miroslavbazitov183 I don’t think that’s right. Your job is to work out on hearing thoughts if you agree with them or not, on trying yourself. And that can only come from the fluff as you call it. The subjective part of the review, which is always comparison based. Sadly I think people think that on UA-cam, if someone appears to know the technicality of things, they are a good reviewer. And I’m not saying he isn’t but what I’m making a point to, is that technical understanding has little semblance on how something sounds because it’s impossible to weigh up all the technical factors to come to SQ. It makes the review only subjective based on comparison, and that trying to suggest a product works well based on technicality will never work.
Great video, very thorough. Will you be doing a review of the Pass Labs preamp for headphone applications? I think that would a very enlightening video because of how well you relate technical data to real world audio experiences. Thanks!
Good review :-) Have a great year!
What do you mean by 'new apos'?
Great video. As a new Ares 2 owner this was very interesting stuff! And want to echo your sentiments on Alvin at Vinshine Audio, what a stand up guy he is!
Fantastic review, you are really standing out from the bunch!
I wonder if the delay issue and the NOS (or lack of) feature also in the bigger brother Pontus 2, any thoughts?
Thank you for this interesting review. I did not know some of the things you mention. I am going to use a relay-based passive preamp but with 2K+Ω input- and 300Ω output impedance. I think that will be ok. What is the maximum XLR cable length you recommend for this DAC? Have a nice summer.
Love this review, such a breath of fresh air int erms of reviews in general and kudos for referencing the music used, definitely keeping those in my library.
Btw WHat would you suggest as a headphone pairing? im using the rupert neve RNHP with the ares 2 and i cant be happier.
Glad to see you get your thoughts out on video about this DAC, I remember a few months back when you reported on SG about the NOS (or lack thereof), and was curious when a review would release.
Great review! Have you noticed a difference in sound quality between using the USB input and the coax input? Which sounds better? Or because of the re-clocker, it won't make a difference? The reason I ask is it seems the Ares II do not galvanically isolate the USB input. Thanks!
Great review! It would be sooo good if you would cover the Musician audio Draco DAC also and do some comparations!!!
Hi, thank you for the awesome reviews, your objective and subjective opinions in a single video are just priceless. I use a headphone amp with 20k impedance over balanced and that falls below the recommended 10x rule. Should I be concerned that my ares 2 isn’t being fully utilized?
I am enjoying the way you do your reviews. You throw in a little bit about measurements and square wave views on a scope screen even though I don’t rely on measurements but viewing square wave response is a reliable Picture of what will happen to music especially sounds that are close to impulse response and you know your way around the circuitry. Keep up the good work.
Yep! Measurements and objective testing can tell us quite a bit about what's going on. But having 120dB SINAD etc is no guarantee that something is actually going to sound good!
Thank you about explaining delay aspect, didn't even think about it.
I game and realize that it's a no-go.
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!
That's interesting. I am looking into buying a new DAC and I am leaning towards Ares II. I am also considering Bifrost 2 and D1SE. What would you say about this choice?
@@martijnbos9873 I don't know the D1SE, but if you noticed why do Schiit and Denfrips NOT have MQA? Also why are there many high-end DACs with no MQA...I think it's more fiction than fact. Check out iiWi Reviews, his Earmen Tradutto review elaborates on the Ares II with pluses and minuses.
@@martijnbos9873 Goedemorgen Martijn, I have the exact same dilemma! Have narrowed down my search to two DACs: Schiit Bifrost 2 or ARES II... But which one to go for?
@@sambalsamurai9672 I decided to get the Ares II and OH MY GOD this thing is amazing! I have never heard the Bifrost 2, so for what it is worth, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Ares II. It indeed sounds very analogue and real. The reviews I found from people who have heard both basically all recomment the Ares II btw.
Curious what you'd think of the ifi neo iDSD as a stand-alone DAC! Also check out things like the Bloodborne, Nier or the Bayonetta OST. Very busy neo-classical movements that really put my gear to work.
Good review as always! But could you make a video about NOS DACs in general as you did about DDCs?
I have a mini series of videos in the works at the moment which will explain how every step of a DAC works. NOS dacs will be included in that :)
@@GoldenSound very much looking forwards to that.
@@GoldenSound cant wait for that vid
Thx for another great review. Around 19:25 you mentioned the Singxer sa1, do you have hands-on experience with this or is a review to be expected ?
Fantastic review.
Waiting for the review of d1se in the back, maybe even a little comparison to ares, too? Just purchased d1se, waiting for it to arrive. Thank you for explaining what it is consisting of, like to a 5 year old.
Great and comprehensive review. I quite liked it. Question: you mentioned issues with some female voices but did not elaborate. Would you care to add a note on that ?
I tested a Pontus I a few weeks ago and Patricia Barber voice sounded “disembodied”, like coming out from a small hole in the stereo image. And in these days I am extensively testing a Pegasus vs Topping D70S, Pegasus showing which a tone / coloration issue with some female voices in the 400-800 Hz region, which sound a bit recessed / hollow / with more “breath” than “vocal cords” energy. Pegasus has little to do with Pontus, maybe it has some overlap with the Ares, but my question relates to such effect being recognizable in the Ares II - like a sort of house-signature.
Thanks, really enjoying your reviews - honest, analytical, but not tedious.
Tell me, have you had a chance to demo the Sonnet Morpheus? If so, any reflections?
Thanks.
Great review very true. Also very true regarding the pre amp. I have a clip on my youtube connected up to my Elac Navis actives. I currently want to purchase the topping pre 90. Also true about the listening electronic music. Great review and new sub !!!
You must be the first reviewer to prefer sharp filter (most are slow and some NOS). Wondering if sharp measuring more correct, informed your listening experience 🤔 One small thing, I would refrain from absolutes like “you will not be disappointed what so ever”. Especially on a product with a no return policy. I own the Ares II and it’s sitting on the shelf for a reason. In any case, superb review, really enjoyed it!!! 👍
Great review with the best detail I've seen i think. Fascinating what you've discovered regarding NOS. Seems strange Denafrips seems like an open company on the surface. It's interesting what you've said about the slow filter. Most reviews I've seen on this dac say it sounds best in slow filter, why might that be? I just used the slow because that what people said sounded best. But I think I prefer the fast after trying it. My system is relatively neutral to me. Arcam a49, fyne audio f502sp. There's more detail with the fast filter to my ears. Maybe on bright setups this could be slightly fatiguing
Actually, I was doing the same as you because all reviewers just directed us to slow filter (without explanation)... I had found the NOS mode unlistenable btw... But even in OS mode, in my system, the sound had become fatiguing.. isssy to the point of distraction from enjoyment. I was actually contemplating looking at other DACs... even thought I liked my Toping e30 better!!... When I saw that dent in the wave, I just saw the isss I was hearring. I just switched to sharp filter and that isss is gone. Funny that I had started with sharp filter at the beginning and had no complaints. I encourage you to try back and forth at high level with Supertramp's logical song... or anything else for that matter. Cheers. That reviewer just saved my DAC (and my purchase)
Thanks so much for these videos
Excellent review; thanks very much. One question: could you please provide some brief insight into your thoughts on the Pontus?
Excellent video! +1 and Subscribed. Are those capacitors ALSO surface mounted?
Or is everything EXCEPT the capacitors surface mounted?
In other words, if 1 capator goes bad over time OR if one sould wish to change the capacitors, can one swap them (provided good precise soldering iron) or is swapping Capacitors virtually impossible on this PCB?
I've been thinking about R2R for a while, but the contrast to the VMV D1SE makes it quite alluring.
Thank you for another great video! Will you make a review of the Spring 3? I want to upgrade my Sony TA-ZH1ES to a dedicated dac and I'm between the May and Spring 3 KTE.
Thank you so much for this video! I also hate false Marketing! I am never ever going to support a company that deceive their customers. I still dont know which DAC will be my next one, but now I know from which company it wont be
FWIW I made a MuMetal shield around the transformer (around the perimeter and on top), just to seal it off away from everything else. It made no difference that I could discern, but I'm still happy I did it. Makes me feel like it's a bit more complete.
Super impressive review! Am using Ares into passive driving 33K. In theory, is a buffer preamp worth trying?
Did you compare the oversampling versus non oversampling modes? For example did they measure differently? Or the number of steps were there more or less than 32? Did you hear a difference? Did you guess as to why they sounded different? Thanks
Thanks for your review- I would love to hear your take on the Denafrips Ares 12-1
Another nice review! Are you going to review the Spring 3 before their prices change? Trying to decide between the Spring 3 KTE and the May L2
Review might not be out before then. Both are great but L2 may is definitely better
@@GoldenSound thanks for your valuable reviews!I was actually going to ask the same question, there is still a significant price difference between the spring 3 KTE and the May lev2. Do you think that the difference is substantial enough to grant going for the May? Thanks a lot
Nice. Like that you can do the really nitty gritty and forensic on the NOSsies.
Great video, thanks! Burson composer x3 DAC coming up?
Great Job. Could You compare Venus 2 with Terminator 2? I own The Pontus 2 and I'm thinking about upgrading and I'm not sure how high should i aim.
Looking forward to the Holo Spring 3 review..
best ares 2 review... and i've seen tonnes of them.
Great video, but I have to ask, what’s the keyboard you’ve got there? I love the look
Great review, one of the reasons why I pulled the trigger on the Ares II to complement (and now maybe simply replace) my Topping D90.
I'm not going to argue with objective measurements indicating that something "dodgy" might be going on inside; however, to anyone who's followed the above advice and stuck the DAC in OS/Fast(Sharp) mode and is not fully convinced - this is actually the mode I like the least of all three. It takes away some of the airy highs, shinks the soundstage (or the perception thereof) a bit and sounds artificially aggresive (perhaps good for headphones lacking slam/punch, but overkill for others).
OS/Slow sounds a little less punchy (or at least the punch is less direct), but introduces beautiful airy highs and phenomenal, holographic soundstage.
NOS is great for non-fatigue listening (long sessions, or when you have a headache etc.) - it doesn't have the highs of the OS/Slow but is more natural and balanced than OS/Fast, which in turn sounds quite "hermetic", albeit punchy and precise.
All in all, this DAC messed with me to begin with as I found it annoying being unable to decide which mode I liked the best, but I really like the two mentioned above and switching between them ensures music is always fun and engaging.
Your descriptions on how Ares II sounds per each filtering mode fit my experience as well. Personally I find OS/Slow sounds more musically pleasing to my ears than that of OS/Sharp mode. This is another example of a device/mode that may be a bit more technically "accurate" (albeit only at a certain point of measurement) but musically lacking.
Could you enlighten us a little more on the impulse response quirk. You also have the Denafrips Terminator, does that also show the impulse response quirk? Or it's only particular to the Ares DAC. I went through the measurements of Terminator on your site. But could not find anything on the impulse response issue. I've just bought the Denafrips Pontus and very eager to find out should I use fast filter or the slow filter.
Ares II here, along with the Iris DDC, Denafrips Hades preamp and Thallo amplifier. Running the KLH Model 5 speakers… Neeest Bluesound Node feeding the music…
I have not enjoyed listening to music like I am now able to in YEARS!
Those chip DACs and other chip based gear, UGH!
Music now sounds like MUSIC! Not some clinical presentation of noise, as that is what I have been hearing for all of these years with this modern gear.
It is so nice to just sit down and relax and enjoy what I am hearing. I am even exploring new music, something I have not done in many years.
Denafrips saved the day! I’ll take this natural sound of the Ares over all of that detail of these chip DACs.
They just released a new firmware update for this. Unfortunately I didn't think to check before the update, but after the update, NOS mode definitely looks stair-steppy on the scope.
Interesting review! I recently bought an Ares II to replace my Chord Qutest, and what you describe chimes with my experience - it has less treble sparkle which I missed initially, but the timbre of acoustic instruments is very nice indeed. I actually think the Chord is more resolving, so it’s a slight downgrade but there’s a richness to the sound which is quite beguiling. Maybe I should have gone for the Pontus II… it’s always about trade-offs.
still happy with your Ares II ? I am currently pondering moving from an ESS Sabre based DAC to an ARES II or a Qutest and can't decide - no chance to audition in my system either. Thing about the ARES II that worries me is that I do like sparkly treble and lots of detail, but at the same time the idea of a rich, almost more analog sound also appeals to me. Aaagh ! Sounds like I want a combo of Qutest + Ares II. Pontus II might be answer but it is X2 price of Ares II.
@@dingbat19 Hi mate, I actually sent the Ares II back in the end. Then I tried an RME ADI-2 FS DAC, and was disappointed. Not really any better/different from the ESS DAC in my Yamaha AS-801. Like you, I want clarity and detail/resolution but with some soul. I actually regret selling the Qutest - for me it was much better than the Ares II. I then considered saving up for a Hugo TT2, but then came across the little known Musical Fidelity MX-DAC; got one for under £500 not expecting much, but I have to say it is really very very good. I'm keeping it - it's got the smoothness of the Ares II, but with plenty of bite and treble sparkle. I think it's a bargain. Beautifully made too. So Ares II wasn't for me, and I think the Qutest is better. Maybe Pontus II is worth it. But... I'm sticking with my Musical Fidelity MX-DAC for now - good luck with your search!
@@SteveMallen Thanks very much. I note Simon from 13th note audio made a very positive YT video review of the MX-DAC. I nearly bought one before I got my current DAC, a Mytek Liberty, but at the time nobody in the UK could source the MX-DAC, even though companies took my money (that's a different story for another time)
I think Buying a DAC is the most difficult think I ever bought haha I think I want the ares 2 but next day I think the bifrost it's better for me ,next day is other one haha
Love this hobby btw, I told my girlfriend that I needed a DAC an she looked at me intrigued thinking: you just spent 600 in a pair of speakers ,wtf is wrong with you?? But I can hear something it's not going well as it should in my system 🤣
fantastic review. just curious, how do you know so much about the electrical components/design? are you an electrical engineer?
And here I am, hesitating between this one and a bifrost 2/64 (the newer multibit version) to go with a burson soloist 3XP... both looks so good it's impossible to choose ><
Very nice video nonetheless, just discovered the channel and I'm enchanted.
Hi just seen your video on this DAC
Makes me want to save up and buy one and stops messing about in the £ 200 . Pool
Quick question was what was that software interface you used for your music ?
Kind regards
Gordon
Nice review. I have a dac based on the Phillips tda-1541 chip. Is that an r2r on a chip? Is that a better or worse r2r design than the ladder in the Ares?
The power isn't autoranging. You have to choose voltage at a switch in the bottom of the unit.
1. Where do you find your music from? its an amazing selection
2. How does this compare to the Dac Magic 200m?
I have this DAC have been using it for several months now. my 2ch setup also pulls movie duty. I have noticed no problems with input lag. In fact i checked several times the first day and again a moment ago. I have never seen the input lag over 13.5ms
Thanks! I was worried about that because I use my system for movies too and I want to get an ares 2
Are you only using your home theatre in stereo?
I am surprised you have not compared it with bifrost 2. Would love to hear your thoughts .
Great review. Do you still plan on reviewing the Asgard 3?