Best DAC under $1000. Ares 12th-1 vs Ares2 Enyo Review!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 гру 2023
- / discord
Ares 12th-1 DAC: www.vinshine.audio/product-pa...
Test Equipment:
Preamp & Power Amplifiers:
Kinki Studio EX-P7: www.kinki-studio.com/ex-p7
Kinki Studio EX-B7 mono blocks: www.kinki-studio.com/ex-b7
Hegel H190: www.hegel.com/en/products/int...
CHoco Sound EMEI: www.kinki-studio.com/product-...
Emotiva TA2: emotiva.com/products/basx-ta2...
Source: Bluesound Node 2i
www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en...
(all music is hi-res streamed from Tidal)
DAC: Denafrips Ares II or Ares 12th-1
www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Speaker & Power Cables: Maze Audio Ref4
www.mazeaudio.com/speaker-cabl...
(rest in peace Kent)
Interconnect Cables:
Analysis Plus Oval One RCA
Oyaide Tunami Terzo XX V2 XLR
analysis.plus/product/oval-on...
Your results may vary based on your ears, room, and associated equipment. - Наука та технологія
I recall when I acquired a Pontus II and fired it up for the first time that my first thought was - wow, the Ares II really IS a fantastic DAC. Ha. I still own the Pontus II and love it, and the improvements are there for sure but it made me appreciate just how good the Ares II is.
well said!
I purchased the DENAFRIPS ARES II / Enyo R2R DAC back in Feb. 2023 and I could not be happier. I have since installed the two updates as per Vinshine. I did some research and decided this DAC was good for me. The DAC is fed the output from my Cambridge CXC CD transport. I am one happy camper.
Thanks for this video Nemo. I know that I'm very satisfied with my Draco and my Bifrost 2. Love em' for different sources. The Draco for my streamer and the Bifrost for my CD transport. Keep those videos coming. Great job. Happy holidays
if you're happy/satisfied with what you have the best thing you can do is keep it! :). Too many people upgrade too often and never get to enjoy what they have because the upgrade becomes the hobby.
I have the Denafrips Ares 12th-1for 4 months now, and it's so good in my stereo system. I'll never go back to Delta-Sigma DAC's. I just love this R2R DAC.
100000% agree.
Great review.
I've had pretty extensive experience with DACs dating back 20 years from delta sigma (Topping, SMSL, Schiit, Geshelli, MSB, etc), R2R ladder (Parasound, Assemblage, Denafrips), Multi-bit (Schiit), Philips TDA154x non-OS based DACs (Red Wine Audio, Ack dAck, MHDT), Chord FPGA (Mojo), etc.
The older R2R and TDA154x based DACs were warm and polite which made for fatigue-free listening, but lacked resolution and had grain/muddiness. The delta sigma DACs were high resolution, but often sounded clinical. I think the Ares was the best combination of warm/natural organic sound with good resolution that I've owned.
I had the Ares II with original firmware, which I liked a lot. Denafrips released a FW update for it (1.6 for my FPGA chip) when the Ares 12th Anniv (not 12th-1) came out so I tried it out of curiosity. Better soundstage, but worse frequency balance IMO (tipped up top end). Then they released another FW update (1.8) when they released the 12th-1. This was not as tipped up in the top end as 1.6, but still not as natural sounding to my ears as the original firmware so I flashed it back to the original.
I have since sold the Ares II in favor of an original Ares I that I found on the used market for a great price. I actually think it sounds even better than the Ares II with original firmware. It's the most natural sounding IMO. Very hard to find though because they didn't produce many before updating to the Ares II. Steve Guttenberg has the only review I can find of it.
I believe soundnews also reivewed the original ares, that was the first one I saw.
I’ve got the WEISS DAC 204 and the Denafrips Venus 12th-1, love them both paired with ex-m1+ and Paradigm P95 🙌🎶
awesome! love the kinki amps!!!
Ares2 for the last couple of years.Love the tinbre and holographic presenation.
Before I upgrade the firmware to the free 12th version I'll compare with my Ares12th using my new Hestia12th/Bryston 3Bsst and all balanced XLR cables.
Waiting on the cables to arrive this week....
So far using single-ended cables I can vouch for the improvements described here.
,🎵🎶🤔👍🎶🎵
Thanks for the review, some dacs are crazy expensive and I belive in what you said in the begining we need something what you set once and you can use it many years,
and accept that yes there are better dacs but this one is good enaugh in best sence.
that's exactly what I wanted, I didn't want to fiddle with endless setting options, that kind of stuff really triggers my OCD and fomo. That's one of the main reasons I love denafrips dacs.
@@NemoPropaganda yes, absolutely,..if I take 3K dac which has to be perfect in every sence of tonality, imaging, soudstage and all the audiophile tweaks,, I am right there "ocd and fomo", by the way I believe aries does does things good, then depends also on the rest of the system,...I dont want to be definitive, maybee one day yes 3K, 10K, I wish so, but for now it could be trable
Thank you one more time for this fantastic review as always 👏🏻👏🏻.
I have a doubt and surely you can help me with it.
Do you think that the Ares II 12th and the Iris 12th DDC combo would be a better option than the Pontus II 12th alone?
Thank you very much. Cheers!
hi bro, unforutnately I don't use any USB connections so I have not tried using the iris ddc. But I think Vinshin Audio will be able to answer your question very easily!
@@NemoPropaganda I will do that. Thank you! 😉
Interesting review! I am looking to upgrade my DAC from a PS Audio Gain Cell DAC and I am sweating the Ares2, Pontius, Chord Qutest, and ?. I've been trying to get behind the Ares for it's cost and that I am picky but not a hardcore, detail oriented audiophile. Not sure I would notice a huge difference in quality among these.
the dac game is hard because for some people the differences are nuance (myself) and for other people the difference seems to be more prominent. I suppose it depends on the rest of your system but the Ares is the dac for me to the point I never think about dacs anymore. It was my one and done, set it and forget it and I couldn't be happier. If you're serious about detail the biggest upgrade you can make is room treatment at the first reflection points if that's an option for you.
Thanks NEMO,, ☀🌟👍❄☃❄👍🌟☀
Thanks for the review, I agree with you that the Ares 12 is a good enough DAC. I’m not an expert but I like the sound of the Ares 12 over the built in DAC in my McIntosh c50 preamp. Wider and deeper soundstage and a little more detailed in the highs and easier to pick out backup singers in some cases. Compared to my old Oppo 203 DAC, it’s a toss up. Both sound good to me, great details from both. I really like the Ares 12 with my cheap WiiM pro streamer! The WiiM + Ares is a toss up with the Oppo. I also have connected the Oppo to the Ares 12 via HDMI in hopes to hearing more into some SACD’s I own, but in all honesty not a big difference. I switch between 3 amps to keep it interesting, keep me from getting board with the same sound. I use a McIntosh mc352, Carver Crimson 275 tube amp and a couple of DIY class D mono blocks that sound fantastic in their own way. Speakers are Klipsch La Scala’s & Magnepan LRS. Two very different sounding speakers, again variety keeps life interesting for me! Great review!
Nice! I generally keep the same amp but have a few different speakers I run also to keep things fun. Anytime the weather changes I feel like I can't hear as well so up go the more open speakers, once those start to sound too analytical I switch back to the warmer stuff.
Hi Nemo! I just want to know if were able to here the Geshilli Labs J2 Dacs. Hoping you can give a review of their dacs as well. Happy New Year Nemo and more power to your channel.
I have a J2, what do you want to know?
@@NemoPropaganda Does the new ares 2 blows it away?
@@robertongjunco4121 that's a tough topic my bro, dac upgrades & comparisons are really difficult because one man may feel it's a very small difference while another man might feel like it's a huge upgrade. I think it will depend on the rest of your system and how you listen. Personally the Ares2 is what I use but if hypothetically I couldn't afford the ares2 I'd probably use the J2. Personally I'm on the side that feels DAC upgrades are more nuance and should be among the last links in the chain to get upgraded. Hope that helps.
Hi, thanks for great videos on this subject.
My headache, I've been considering trying a Denafrips Pontus II 12th for a long time, I've read good reviews on it, but I've also researched the web and seen lots of reviews and maybe an Ares II 12th will be enough for me. This has your review maybe given me an idea about :)
My system consists of a Hegel H190 with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers. I stream Roon direct to Hegel today. I have a Bluesound Node 2i lying in the drawer, which I will probably need if I choose a Denafrips? As I know I can't use the streamer function in Hegel for Denafrip's DAC?
Will my system benefit from going with a Pontus over an Ares? I can't deny that in the future I want to upgrade to a Hegel H390 and then maybe the answer will give itself?
Hi Jensen, the simple answer is yes, the Pontus2 is better than the Ares2 and the Pontus2 will sound better in any system compared to the Ares2. The question becomes is it worth it, what's good enough, where do you draw the line. And only you can answer those questions. I wish I could help but that's personal for everyone.
Hey buddy, love your content.!!
I'm really interested in how the Gustard R26 sound compares to the "Ares and the Pontus" 12th-1 in terms of sound signature. I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on this as I'm trying to decide which one to buy. Thanks!
sorry bro I have not heard any gustard products.
Sorry, I couldn't reply directly to the OP for some reason. Anyway, the R26 was a major step up in my main system, just a fantastic component. I loved it so much in my living room, I just bought another one ($1360 Amazon open box) to replace an Ares II in my office. I'd say the sound signature is similar. The R26 just brings more in every department, more instrument separation, more engrossing sounds that makes you lean in. Where the Ares II is quite pleasant in all respects, the r26 is a sexpot, but not in an overly fake way.
Very helpful confirmation especially for using it on inexpensive system, thanks Nemo. Did you find any meaningful differences when you pair it with Hestia pre compared to Kinki pre? also interested to know how massive differences in terms of soundstage once you step up to a dedicated DAC paired with a separate Pre againts a good DAC that has a decent pre (like SMSL DO 400/SU-10). Any personal view on this? thanks Man.
no difference with my kinki or the hestia. As far as soundstage the biggest impact is the speakers, setup, and room. I have not tested any of the preamps inside of DAC's but I'm sure some of them are good.
Thanks for video Nemo. Has there been improvement on Bass? People said that is where original Ares lacked. I'm about to pull trigger on 12-1, but I also like articulate bass.
I never felt the Ares2 was lacking in bass, sure the Pontus & Venus have slightly cleaner bass but I don't think the Ares2 or 12th has any problems in the bass region. I love everything about it and you know I'm obsessed with bass :). Of course if you are trying to recreate the realism of an orechestral cello performance then I don't know. I don't listen to music like that.
@@NemoPropaganda I know you are all about that bass ☺️ that's why the person to ask the question.
That puts my concern to rest. Thank you 🙏🏾
Man, this must be fate. I’m looking for a new dac and have tried a couple from SMSL and Topping. All were returned. I’ve been toying with the idea of the Topping DX9 Pro, but don’t need a headphone amp. I already spent $1600 on a pair of Adam Audio A7V (which I love) and don’t feel like dropping $1300 on another audio component. Ordering this Ares dac right now. Thanks so much, mate!!
awesome!!!!!!! if you're in the free discord give us an update on how you like it :)
@@NemoPropaganda You got it!
Hi there, thankyou for the review!
I'm wondering if you notice latency on the 12th-1 using the usb input, since i'm very tempted to buy this dac but i'm planning to use this on my computer.
I did not use it with any video, I suggest you contact vinshine audio.
I very much appreciate your videos, real and truthful! You mentioned “out of the box and go”. Do you know what the default settings are when the unit comes as is? Thank you.
I don't, I've messed with them in the past and came to the conclusion that the difference is minimal at best. I think maybe for headphone users the different filters will be more noticeable.
OS mode and Slow filter sounds best to me. The NOS mode is noticeable. Slow and fast filter in OS is less apparent but you'll hear it if you know your system, know the track, and know what to listen for
@@erics.4113 agree, I can hear the OS/NOS difference but not the filters. But even the OS/NOS is not that big of a difference to me, if you came over and changed it I'm not sure I'd notice right away.
@@NemoPropaganda haha same for me. I wouldn't notice either. I have to be repeatedly analyzing a specific track on a known setup to flush it out. And that's an annoying task I don't do that much. The DAC and system sounds great, I'd rather just plow through some music 😊
Great video as always! I have a question for you buddy, my son has Polk s15 bookshelves, I'm getting him a project T1 phono SB (mainly because of the detachable rca cables, which I can't stand the attached ones especially if damage happens then you're hosed! And the speed switching without moving the belt) and a Rega IO to power it all and I've already tested it for system synergy and you know what? It does pretty dam good! Ok, that's the background worth noting because the IO is an analog amp only. He likes to BT his music from his phone sometimes and I would like to run an optical from his TV instead of using the TVs dac inside like I am now for analog outs. So..... lol.... the question is, what would you say to use for a seperate dac that also has BT that's decent? I'm not holding you to the wall over this, just curious if you have any ideas at all. Thank you very much in advance if you do respond, if not, I get it and hope you keep making awesome videos for us! Have a great day!
Hi brother, so the DAC doesn't need BT because BT is a digital so if your son uses BT from his phone to the TV and you have a good dac going optical out from the TV to the stereo then the signal remains in digital until it sees the DAC and then converts to analog so I'd just add an inline DAC and use the TV's BT. I made a video on which DAC I use for TV duty that you can see here, lmk if you have any questions after watching this video: ua-cam.com/video/uPlioLreTOM/v-deo.htmlsi=y38yupNWW8xRW4IT
@NemoPropaganda so, the problem is... I'm using the 3.5mm headphone out of the TV to RCAs to the IO. The TV has an optical out as well (which I'd rather use than the dac in the TV) but the IO has no digital inputs/dac which is why I would like an outboard dac, preferably with BT since most nowadays have a higher codec like aptX and LDAC for BT since streaming it through the TV and 3.5mm out to RCAs is just in a word... garbage! Lol. I have an ifi Signature One in the garage setup, but just wondering if there's other options out there that would do the same trick that you might recommend? That modi is a good option, just wanted something with BT as well, thank you bro!
@@seano218 why not just ditch BT alltogether and go for one of those new inexpensive streamers like the Wiim Mini or Arylic Upstream (requires minor DIY). It has BT also if he still wants to use that and the DAC inside should be at minimum better than the TV and you can always add a nicer one later on.
Thanks for the review! I have ordered a Denafrips 12th and are waiting full of anticipation. I am trying to find out which streamer fits well with it, any thoughts? Amplifier is a Violectric v222. Don’t like bright so no eversolo.
Soooo, denafrips has a streamer that matches the Ares 12th!! That could be an awesome setup. I'm not sure if they are available for sale yet and I have not seen any reviews on them yet but I'm eagerly waiting to see what those are all about, if you need something temprarily just get a wiim mini, they're like $99 and everyone seems to love them.
The Bluesound NODE (current model) supports USB Audio output and that was a great match in my system.
Master edition or the A8 trough your dac would be great. Since I also avoid bright sounding equipment I can add that using eversolo a6 master edition with slow roll of filter doesn't sound bright. Match with gear always important of course. Just avoid the normal version that for some reason keeps getting the reviews 😉
@@wegardfjeld3789 Why bother paying more for the DMP-A6 master edition if you're going to be using an external DAC? Just get the standard DMP-A6.
I'm thinking about choosing between the original Denafrips Ares 2 or 12 Anniversary (price difference). I would like to ask if your Denafrips Ares 2 still has audio buffer delay if you watch movies or play games? Have you experienced this? Maybe it was fixed in an update? I listen to music from UA-cam and this is a critical issue for me. Like you I also appreciate warm sounds. I'm asking because my decision which version I will choose depends on it.
My Ares2 is very old and cannot be used for TV, I did not test the 12th-1 with TV. I have been told the enyo and 12th-1 don't have any delay but I think you should email Vinshine Audio this question so you can be 100% sure.
Hello Nemo,hope you're doing great. I have something to ask you. I ordered and just received a Chocosound Emei amp, and have barely 4 hours listening it. It's great but "Maybe " a little bit more warm for what i want. In your experience, adding this Denafrips Ares 12-1 , is going to make it more warm? Or less warm? Or what can i expect. Right now im undecided about keeping it or not, so im going to listen to it a few more days and then decide. Thanks Nemo.
depends on what dac you currently have, the internal dac on most streamers these days tend to lean more neutral/analytical so the Ares2 will not liven up the EMEI very much. I love denafrips but you may wish to search for a more analytical dac. Denafrips is not analytical. Also if possible try to listen for at least 30 days before you make any changes. Sometimes we just have to get used to the new sound. Going to a slightly darker sound sometimes is difficult but once we adjust it can really be amazing. I always have this problem when I review darker speakers, at first I don't like it, but after a couple weeks I start to love it :)
@@NemoPropaganda I don't have any DAC. I have connected a wiim pro directly to the CHoco. I don't know if it's possible to maintain the warm, musical signature of the CHoco, and add detail with for example a Topping d90 III, (analytical for what I searched) or even better add a Ares 12-1 and conserve the rich musical tonality, and add clarity? ( But not veil clarity further). Hahaha is difficult to me to put it in words 😊
In short I want your knowledge to know if it's possible to add more detail to the CHoco but not at the expense of musicality. Hope all this makes sense to you and thanks again. Also if you have other recommendation aside these two, please let me know. My budget is around 1000 and 1500 bucks.
I'd be interested in a comparison between the Enyo/Ares 12th-1 and the Geshelli J2 Socketed (AK4499 version), with Sparkos SS3602 op-amps.
maybe in the future, I really want to focus more on speakers & subwoofers.
I like my Ares II. I want to try the geshelli. J2AKM 4499. Do you plan to get a demo unit?
I have the J2 AKM 4493, it's great for its price point, kind of like a baby Ares but the real Ares is on another level.
@NemoPropaganda | Has your Ares II/Enyo been upgraded to the lastest firmware (v1.8 07/06/2023)? When Denafrips released v1.6 a few months earlier, the scuttlebutt was that it brought some of the improvements in the 12th down to the Enyo. Also, I was amazed at the Enyo sound quality improvement when I added a HiFiBerry DIGI2 Pro hat to my Pi4 Roon endpoints and used the coax output instead of USB. I experienced the classic "a veil was lifted". And, it is simple to toggle back and forth on the Enyo for A/B comparison.
Hi bro, I kept my Ares2 on its original firmware because I loved the sound so much I did not want any changes. Furthermore I think most people with an Ares2 are still on the original firmware so I felt this was the best way to keep things.
@@NemoPropaganda You can reflash to original firmware if found undesireable.
@@michaelsparrow4798 that's helpful to know but I really like my Ares2 as is :)
Hello, a lot of reviewers mention that although the denefrips is special, it lacks a little in the grip and definition in the bass. I like that and therefore lean toward buying a higher end chip DAC. Any comment? Thanks.
I think that's more a function of the amplifier, sure the original Ares2 bass was every so slightly on the fun side, the 12th-1 tightens it up a little bit but these are very nuance differences. I've never felt the Ares2 bass was lacking in any way.
Hi
Recent to your channel , liking the content very much. I predominantly listen to vinyl I have reasonably high end reference system, and only started to get into streaming. So I have the Bluesound Node X, sounds great, I want to add a great DAC, looked at all the usual suspects, choice is between Aqua de Scala which is effectively a £8k DAC and this, which reading the reviews and one recently by Steve Huff you can’t go working. My question is how does it sound with Bluesound ? Secondly what USB cable are using to connect the two together.
Many thanks
I can't speak to the Scala Dac as I have not heard it but if you can afford either one then you're lucky enough to try the cheaper one first and just sell it at a slight loss if its not a winner for you. With that said as much as I love the ares and use it in my personal system that sits around $12-$20k depending on how it's setup the Pontus2 or Venus2 or more on par with the rest of the equipment so you may way to consider those instead. Hope that helps.
also yes it works great with the node (I also use the node, older 2i version), as far as USB cables I just used a cheap one off of amazon. I'm not a cable denier per se but I also don't worry about cables too much. I usually just buy the pretty cable and that satisfies me enough to not tinker any futher. Hope that helps.
Thank you for the advice and yes, will look at the Pontus too as well. 8k DAC as I mentioned, what I forgot to say, I’m able to get for £4.5k. Still a lot of money, as you mentioned can’t go wrong with either DAC from Vinshine
@@nanduullegaddi2992 $4.5k is still a lot of money, have you tried emailing vinshine? Tell them about the rest of your gear and see what they recommend. For me they recommended Pontus2 or Venus2 but I cheaped out and got the Ares lol.
@@NemoPropaganda yes, will do. They recommended terminator, but I’m happy to go with Pontus as they said best really out if the bunch
I am curious if the tv lip sync issue (audio buffer delay) that was a problem for the Ares II is still present in the 12th ?
I believe that was solved on the ares2 awhile ago but you should email vinshine audio if you want to know for sure.
Newly subscribed after watching this video. Referred by ABX.
nice! abx is a good dude! welcome to the show!
Do you think the 12th pairs well with the Hegel H120? Is it really worth the upgrade over the internal DAC? I use Roon and the H120 is Roon Ready, so adding an external DAC entails adding an external streamer (I have the Zen Stream and a NUC - my Roon server - that would also do the job via USB. I'm happy with the sound of the H120 but your review made me wonder....Cheers
I've only heard the H190 but I think you're just experiencing a bit of fomo, if you like what you have save the money instead my bro! I feel the main selling point of the hegel amps are to have a very complete system without having to add to many other boxes. I think you will be much happier saving the money and when you really feel you want to ugprade you can simply sell the H120 and move to something like the H190 or H390, I think that will be more satisfying and more financially responsible :)
@@NemoPropaganda Thank you. That's very sensible advice. To be honest I've tested a few DACs and streamers and ended up using the H120 on its own. It's a very well sorted out AIO and the Roon integration is superb (which I'd also lose by using external digital gear). This saved me a few bucks, as I've moved the Zen Stream to a Head-fi desktop system, where it's doing a fine job. Anyway, keep doing your honest and informative reviews. Cheers
How does eversolo dmp-a6 sound with S400mk2? Does that combo would benefit from adding Aries in to the chain?
yes however S400 already has a good midrange so you may not feel it is as big an improvement compared to using a speaker that is leaner in the midrange. Personally I use Ares2 with my S400 MK2 and I love it.
I don’t comment on videos… ever, and I just want to thank you for such a timely video.
I do wish you tried out the 2 with the updated firmware vs 12 - I wonder if the sound differences are simply firmware vs the internal hardware changes (new resistors and caps).
I’m literally in the middle of deciding between the Ares 2, 12-1, and Musician Pegasus (which looks identical to the 12-1 internally fwiw). I was never happy with my system and found it just sharp and fatiguing at older volumes. Im trialing the Pegasus right now from Amazon and - wow - my system sounds like a hifi system now. Relaxing, comforting.
The difference between R2R and DS is like when you got your arm around your girl, and it just feels comfortable and you never wanna move from the couch. Just right and warm and comforting. Vs with DS DACs, it’s like the girl is just too skinny and the bones are poking your sides- you just can’t get too comfortable and have your arm around her for too long - it’s just tiring.
I appreciate your comment. I love my Ares2 as is so I don't want to change anything about it, hence leaving the firmware as is. Love the analogy by the way!
@@NemoPropaganda When the difference between the Ares 2 or Ares 12 is $500 ($850 CAD used vs $1350 new), do you think the difference is that big between the two models?
Also did you have a chance to try out the I2S? I wonder if it makes a big difference in sound.
Weirdest analogy ever lol
@@Coneman3 give us a better one.
@@Jayboulders no I don't think so. Personally I feel up to $200 maybe $250 more makes sense if you really need the i2s or really appreciate that nicer case work. If you're trying to keep the budget low go for the used Ares2.
Did you find any difference in SQ between using the XLR outputs vs RCAs? Thanks
that kind of difference is highly dependant on the rest of the connected equipment so I try to avoid talking about things like that because it would not be helpful to anyone. It's like telling people what settings I used on my subwoofer. Unless they had an identical home/room it would not be helpful.
How would this compare to the Cambridge Audio CXN-V2. I’m interested in this, but the V2 sounds pretty good to me.
I have not heard the CXN V2.
Hi. Have you ever try a Chord dac ? The Qutest for example ?
no, my understanding is Chord DAC are more detail focused and I'm not interested in that type of sound as my amplifiers already do that. Personally I'm looking for warmth & tone in a DAC.
Great video! Do You think Ares will work with Cambridge cxn streamer? I've heard something about clocks issues and I am little warried. I am pairing it with dyns special 40s. Cheers!
mmm, I have never used the CXN but when I reviewed the MXN10 streamer I used the Ares dac half the time without any problems. It was perfect. I suggest you email vinshine audio and see if they have any experience with that combination.
I have Kef R3 and they sound little bit dark, do you think the Ares2 will improve that?
mmm, little bit but not a lot, have you tried pulling them out from the walls a bit and pointing them towards you a bit? Also if you have tone controls add a smidgen to the treble.
I took a chance on the Ares 2.
Typical DACs are built around an $8 chip.
Looking forward to hearing a DAC that puts the listening experience first.
I’ll let you know when it lands…
enjoy!
I have an Eversolo DMP-A6 with Klipsch Forte IV’s and do not like the high frequency’s. Will an Ares cure this or should I get a new streamer ?
Hi bro! I love the Ares and it will help but it doesn't fix it. I suggest a different streamer that is more neutral. If you really want the Ares maybe you can get a really cheap streamer for now like a wiim mini and pair that with an Ares, that should sound better than a sub $1k streamer on it's own. Fair wraning I have not heard the wiim.
@@NemoPropaganda Awesome thank you!
Hi Nemo can I use the XLR and the RCA output in two different amplifiers?
I'm 90% sure both outputs are fulltime but I suggest you reach out to vinshine or denafrips directly to confirm it can be setup the exact way you plan to use it just to be on the safe side.
@@NemoPropaganda thank you Nemo I already checked they prefer not because I’m not gonna get the best sound of the DAC 🤷
So, I am kinda baffled. A couple years ago I boarded the hype train and bought an Ares 2. My first foray into a separate dac. I really liked its looks, build and the fact that it was just a dac. Hooked it up between a Node 2i and an older, basic Cambridge integrated and then into Totem Rainmaker speakers. What I heard was none of the glowing praise that is heaped on the unit by reviewers and forum contributors. All I heard was a slight difference, not better not worse, just a very small difference in sound that I really had to strain to hear. It was time to upgrade the entire system so I moved on to a Moon 240 and Totem Signature speakers, still using the Node. Lovely, pleasing sound from this set up. Putting the Ares in the chain, still nothing, nada, zip. Eventually sold the Ares and carried on with the great sound from the new system. I am still dac curious and wonder if a Pontus, Gustard, or ??? would improve to the overall sound I now enjoy but I am very reluctant to drop the cash. What is a guy to do?
Hi Steve, dac upgrades are interpreted one of two ways, some people find them to be a huge improvement while others feel it is much more nuance. Personally I'm on the nuance side. You may also be on the nuance side perhaps to the extreme. Nothing wrong with that, it's possible you're just not sensitive to the areas the Ares2 improves or perhaps your system is already great in those regions. Ares2 notably improves staging, holographics, and midrang tone. But if your system is already really good at those things you may feel its not doing much. My systems midrange was rather cool due my kinki studio amps so the midrange improvement was fairly noticeable for me. Denafrips dacs are more about tonality & holographics, moving up the chain may not do very much for you. Perhaps try a more analytical DAC like a D90 and see if that makes a difference. My system already has tons of detail so I never experimented with an analytical DAC and instead always focused on ones that improve tone.
@@NemoPropagandaThanks for the suggestion, I have considered the D90le. Maybe I will take a closer look.
Maybe pay more attention to set up and room acoustic treatment first?
This will help you hear subtle differences in presentation.
A good room is an investment!
It would have been nice if you had reviewed THE biggest change that can affect sound quality vs Ares 2.....the I2S input. You need to get the Iris DDC for this and I can highly recommend it. By the way, the 12th version has also been measured for this NOS claim and just like ALL the other Denafrips models past and present, it is still NOT NOS. I personally prefer OS anyway, but it's a real shame that Denafrips continues to insist on using this shameful misleading claim. Please consider gettting a way to test the I2S so that your review is properly complete. Regards.
I have an Iris here, is it really a big upgrade?
Ares II is solid along with Bf2, mhdt orchid, and gustard r26. Some solid dacs in that price range
How many versions of their DACs are Denafrips going to make?
as many as they want.
What about a good balanced headphone amp paired with this?
I don't know anything about headphone or desktop audio.
Very interesting Nemo "Out of Box" ??? I don't review professionally some of the poroblems mentioned are caused by input level mismatched ( sometimes one has to trim or increase dbm or dbv ) .5 -6
I don't review professionally either :)
@@NemoPropaganda Kool !!! I'm just saying some not all of the newest equipment Input or Output adjustment for line level and XLR...
It's not a tweak that comes to mind for most but can smooth out the top end & refine mid to low frequencies.
The details live in those small places.
@@thinkIndependent2024 I don't even know how I would make those kinds of adjustments. I don't use any EQ or DSP, I take a less is more approach to my system so I don't have any adjustment.
@@NemoPropaganda
Got it makes sense for most.
But "Propaganda" is the RIAA +- 40db curve that is built into Vinyl it was all way equalized most just didn't know it.
Some of your equipment has the adjustable line inputs according to your list on UA-cam.
The "Kinky Preamp" inputs XLR states it tops out @ 3.6vrms while the spec for XLR is typically 5vrms that would be "hot" on that equipment input. (install guide would not download)
Coincidentally Audio Science Review mentioned this topic today in his discussion of DAC specifications .
Personally before COVID I had not purchased any new audio equipment since the mid 90s due to work schedule and travel have the time jumped into the deep end learning about DACs putting to work my 30+years of electronics.
(Basically some DACs can give a too high or low signal to the AMP) that part is not always (plug&play)
Could you get Alvin to send you an Iris to see what difference that makes to the Ares?
I have an Iris here, just need to get around to trying it.
Is it necesary to use an DDC between the Eversolo Dmp A6 and Denafrips Ares 12th-1 ?
@@cristinel-andreipanduru1536 no but many people feel it is a worthy upgrade.
@@NemoPropaganda thank you for your onest answer.
GM ☕️❄️💊 I’M SOLD !
I just ordered one for my headphone stack ..and it’s probably going to be my endgame DAC for me .
hell yeah! I don't have any experience with headfi but I hope you love it as much as I do :)
I hope so also 🫡
Will probably make this the heart of any system going on from here.
Try fr Netherlands 🇳🇱 based ecdesigns DAC BX model retails fr 1000-1100 dollars.. it outclass DAC even 20-30 thousands .. Only toslink input .. no DSD .. does 16/24 bit . Only goes 192khz but even gives top vinyl run fr money
I've never heard of that.
Ares II = daily driver ❤❤😊
100%
ABX is one of the best with a mission!!! As a non-profit when I started this hobby there was no Internet just bookstores with HIFI magazines now one doesn't need a mission they can just serve a bunch of Groupies that can't wait for them to say something that has been said 100s of times in other places ( safe place therapy)
ABX I look forward to your future content like Orchard Audio.Leo is from the "Life Safety" field like myself and takes electronics seriously because these same circuits ( amp/speakers/wiring) are used to save lives in our daily work, I'm sure that encouraged Leo to create his company.
I like how you speak. Isn't it the purpose of music? Just getting lost in what you feel. That's why music was made, that's why musicians play. to express themselves and share it to the others, what else is music about... You can listen to the tinest detail, but well, if you don't try to understand the message music says then why are you listening to music for? It's like going to the cinema and beiing amazed by pixels of the screen, well you are missing the point my friend! After that review I wanna buy that 12th aniversary haha
Yes sir!! I think part of the audiophile journey is making mistakes and one of the mistakes we all make at some point of the journey is start to obsess over the gear instead of enjoying the music, most people settle back down though and get back to enjoying the experience :)
@@NemoPropaganda indeed and I have to say I got caught in the same trap at the beginning of my journey (ennjoying more technical presentations, but It was more checking what was happening than getting lost in it) in a technical aspect it's cool, (even as a musician you can pick up more clearly what's going on, if you want to right the music down for example) but I lost that sense of getting lost in the music. Don't let the industry ruin the purpose of your purpose guys! Haha... Anyway wanted to ask you about that denafrips, what do you think about the bass/low dynamics and clarity/separation from the rest of the frequency on the ares 12th? I am missing a bit of it on my system. Thanks for the review, have a good one!
@@Amadis37 it just depends what you're comparing it to, it's not like the chinese chip dacs that are all about clarity, Ares2 is more about its tone, detail focused audiophiles may not be able to appreciate that but my system was mostly neutral/clarity focused and what I was missing was some body & warmth in the midrange and the ares fixed that for me.
How does it compare to R26?
I preferred the R26 to the pontus 2
I don't know, I have not reviewed any gustard products.
i prefered the X26 over the R26 over the Pontus2 and Ares 12th
@@SantanKGhey1234 that's good because the R26 is really ugly.
@@NemoPropagandathe X26 is a better match in my system with all Mcintosh gear. im also running the U18 reclocker