Dude you got it right on the money 💰 I am glad to hear that others agree my impression of the denifrep line of affordable choice for an audio DAC at this level and price point ☝️
One thing I found with the Ares II... Denafrips advertises their DACs as "Primitive" technology, the reason I keep mine, it gives me that vinyl analog sound of the 60's and 70's I grew up with. I bought the Ares II and fell in love with it immediately. If you want a vinyl sound out of the Ares II or any R2R DAC, you need to pair it with the right gear downstream. The preamp and amp. I found the best sound, to my ear, is pure Class A, no boost or gain. Rich and buttery smooth, without the pops, something my previous chip DACs could never achieve. Anyone want to buy a Gungnir?
As an owner for over a year, you nailed it. As an aside, one of my fellow Cheapaudioman patron friends (also an Ares2 owner) says the Geschelli Labs J2 Dac using an AKM chip bests the Ares but only with an aftermarket linear power supply. ✌
I made a comment on cheapaudioman also, I compared my Geschelli J2 AKM to my Pontus II, they are both fantastic and sound incredibly similar. The J2 is significantly cheaper and is thus the bargain winner. I am going to try the linear power upgrade, that might make it the giant killer.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Ares II. I’m using one connected to my Cambridge Audio CD transport and MacBook, Peachtree Nova 150 and Wharfedale Lintons and must say I’m very happy with my setup. I’ve had to ditch a few CD’s that were terrible, however.
Nice review. I also use the Node 2i/Ares 2 combo and I enjoy it. Everything you said about selecting modes/filters is correct. I suspect that most users will settle on a setting that they enjoy and won't have to mess with it again so it may not be a persistent issue for most. A feature that I like on this DAC is that in addition to the USB input it has two coaxial and two optical inputs, a feature set that is rare on DACs at any price. Also, and I'm being picky here, the buttons on the front labeled OPT1 and OPT2 refer to the optical inputs, not "Option 1" and "Option 2". Subscribed ;-)
@@morespinach9832 Now why is that? It is a digital signal, what does the Limetree do to the signal to make it sound better, or change the sound over the Node, or any streamer for that matter? I can see something like a $50 streamer having sound issues for obvious reasons, build quality, cheaper internals, noisy power supply, etc. But when you get into Node territory, at this price range you are getting the engineering, QC, internals, etc... I have CD's that I play next to the new Node, and I cannot hear any sonic difference. A bad recording on the Node sounds just as bad as the CD on my Oppo. The same can be said with a very good recording, I cannot hear a difference, and it is easy to A/B test on my setup. No one has been able to give me a tangible reason as to what the streamers do to the sound to improve it over the CD. I'm using Mogami XLR cables and Audioquest Cinnamon digital, USB and Coax cables, along with Pangea MKII power cords, all at the same 6 foot length through the Emotiva CMX-6 Power Distribution System.
I second that. I went from bluesound node (2021) to the Ifi Zen stream and the difference is striking. Especially when using a nice usb cable from the Zen to Ares II. I am not taking about nuances, I am taking about Spotify vs Tidal differences in clarity.
Very good review, I have the Ares II with the Iris DDC using the new Node. On the SACD/CD side, my trusty Oppo BDP-83 using the GeerFab digital breakout box to strip that DSD signal out to the Ares II, the sound is just nuts, huge soundstage. I use the Cinnamon coax to feed the Ares II from the GeerFab unit, along with Cinnamon HDMI cable from the Oppo to the GF unit. My favorite hybrid SACD is Grace Mahya, Last Live at DUG Tokyo, just a rocking and fun CD, worth a purchase in my book. I have everything running through the Denafrips Hades preamp and Thallo amplifier, feeding the KLH Model 5's... A pair of SVS SB3000 subs handling the bass, though the 5's really do not need them, it sure enhances the sound. I have been thinking of upgrading to the Pontus II, but really am enjoying what the Ares II is doing, took me back in time to the 70's when everyone was bringing back those killer sound systems from Nam... Audio Nirvana. ;-)
Very interesting and informative. I have the Aries 2 as well and the Oppo 105 transport. I currently enjoy the SACD format via the dedicated circuitry and dual Sabre DAC chips within the Oppo 105 but could not output DSD to the Aries 2 to compare. You just showed me how! I wonder if there will be enough of a difference to warrant the cost of the GeerFab Breakout Box.
@@kimplumacher2342 I got an HDMI to I2S box for $60 online - search Amazon and elsewhere. I haven't done a comparison of this to the coax out (with CD material) yet, to see if the box is any good regarding jitter etc. I have my Oppo 105D connected with coax and I2S so I really must do this. I'll post here when I've done it, maybe tomorrow.
@@nacarp2000 The reason for the i2s box is to strip the digital signal out of the recording, vs going through the internal DAC of the Oppo player. I find the Ares II to be a superior sounding DAC to the one in my Oppo. And, I can get the full DSD signal, granted via coax, direct to the Ares II. Very vinyl.
Recently got the Denafrips Ares 12th, and with an Audiolabs 6000CDT over coax, and USB from my main PC digital music has definitely taken on a new value and enjoyment for me. It simply sounds less digital for both of the inputs I have connected. I have not gone light pipe yet. The selection/configuration process is something from a Doctor Who episode I think. It is very wibbly-wobbly, at best.
I've recently got into streaming with a Bluesound Node, so was interested in your comments on adding the Ares II. I think the Node's internal DAC is pretty decent with good soundstaging and an airy top end but can sound a bit thin on less than top quality recordings. What you say about the analogue sound qualities of the Ares makes me think that it could be a worthwhile addition to my system paired with the Node.
I'm using the new node 2 (n130) with the denafrips ares ii. I'm currently using the USB connection so that the ares ii clock controls the timing of the stream, but I've had great results with both SPDIF (coax) and USB. It's been some time since I've listened to the DAC in the node, but it would be interesting now that the ares has been my daily driver for at least 4 months. From what I recall, the switch was noticeably smoother and clearer when I first made the switch. Now you have me thinking to try the node direct to my preamp and compare again.
I would recommend the Ares II and Node pairing. The Ares II is so enjoyable to listen to, it really does do the job of taking digital to a true 70's analog sound, at least to my ear. These chip DACs, like the internal Node DAC, I cannot listen to, the fatigue is almost immediate, the Ares II was the best money I have spent on any audio gear in a long time. It really changed the way I enjoy, and listen to music.
I bought into the R2R format, and I am quite happy with my Ares II sound quality. I did a 2 week comparison with the Ares II and a TOTL Cambridge 200M. The Ares II sounded better across the board, to me and everyone who auditioned both. Sound is less harsh than the 200M, with better soundstage. I am happy with the sound. I have had some issues with the quality for the price. My unit was missing one silicone foot pad, and more importantly, on several occasions the DAC has lost audio, crackled and all LEDs lit simultaneously. I have not received a serious response from Denafrips about resolving this flaw. This potential lack of support was a major concern when I purchased the unit, and now it seems to be a problem. Hoping for the best!
I had a lightning strike resulting in some left channel static with my Denafrips. Todd, with Tek Audio in Texas did my repairs quickly and returned it as good as new. Vinshine had responded quickly with Todd’s information. I would not hesitate to purchase more Denafrips equipment.
"The VINYL Attack" reviews a DAC?! Interesting. I have three dacs and just use them with my pad and my phone to listen to music while I'm doing something else in my workshop or in the house. The most expensive one was $80, and I'm good with all of them. They work.
ive had the frips for about 6 months now so whatever break in that needs to occur has occurred. while i really like it over my previous dac (a hat from Allo for my RPi) i cant say it is $750 better. Where it excels for me above and beyond my previous DAC (besides what Chris covered here) is how well the upscaling performs on spotify and youtube music streaming from my TV. Maybe other OS DACs do this as well as the frips idk but i can enjoy lossy without fomo now lol. regardless of whether it is "worth" the price, it certainly performs in the realm of what you want as an analog fan from a DAC. and it does that without gimmicks, just well built & well established tech. this will be my DAC till it falls apart and what more do you really want from a piece of kit in 2022?
Great program! And climbing that audiophile ladder! Can't wait to hear about the monster Rotel. About dacs, might you have a moment to field a question? I am pulling the trigger on a Schiit stack for my planers, and find myself wondering about the dac. Everything in my front end is bristling with dacs. Nearly every piece. Do I just add another, or do I somehow shut them off? 🤔 With the loving wife out of town for the weekend, Dana has been rocking! Unbelievably, last night I dug out Back in Black! Way too much! Nice to see you back, I hope the new job treats you well. Updates on the Schiit stack as it grows, maybe let it trickle in one piece at a time, and the Mrs won't even know...😜
It's really going to depends on your preference in sound. Like phono pre-amps, generally speaking, an outboard DAC will perform at a higher level due to the amount of room for the quality parts to do their thing. You talking about an entire box dedicated to one purpose, as opposed to one small section of an amp.
While the Ares II is a bit rich for my blood I do use a ladder dac in my system. Definitely takes the digital “edge” off my previous dac combined with a Cambridge Audio CD transport. Great, if old, tech. Thanks, Chris.
i almost pulled the trigger on the ares 12th+iris but changed my mind and bought the border patrol se i dac for the same money it's handwired in usa sounds amazing. the ares looks like a generic cable box from china.
Someday I’ll start upgrading my digital side, and a Denifrips is indeed how I’ll start. But for now the analog side is what I’m most interested in spending money on. Speaking of which, I just bought an industrial ultrasonic cleaner with one of those motorized disc spinners, and some lab grade surfactant. It works pretty damn well. I cleaned a few records and there was a lot of gunk floating in the water afterwards
It is really easy to add a filtration system where the water goes from your tank to 2 filters. One 1-micron filter for the main stuff, and then directly to a .35 micron filter to do a really thorough job and keep your ultrasonic chemistry is great shape. Of course, you run a tube from the .35 micron filter back into your tank. With a good pump motor, one used by beer makers is perfect, it cycles the water out of the tank in about a minute. So, I run this process for about 20 minutes or so while the 6 records I just cleaned and rinsed are drying 😊 I made a 4 part video here on UA-cam about how I built it, the extensive research I did concerning the chemistry and temperature and rotation speed, and how I have the filter system set up. And, I am NOT one of these DIY wizards by any means, but the secret is being able to control the amount of records, the spacing between them, the temperature, the chemistry, and the rotation speed. So far I've probably done well over 1000 of my albums and they have all come out really great! With respect to our host here and with his permission, I'll just say that my videos I think can be found under my user name here. In the title I use the phrases, 'DIY iSonic Ultrasonic' and 'Same tank Kirmuss uses' This way you spend about half what you would for the Kirmuss system, you can do more records at a time, and you can control all those other parameters that I mentioned previously, which you can't do with MUCH more expensive commercial ultrasonic RCMs 👍
@@jeremyr722 It's not the water that's the issue. It's the power of those industrial-type cleaners. They also generate a lot of heat very quickly, so keep an eye on that.
I'm like you Chris, my main listening or rather all my formal listening is vinyl and CD. There is a place for streaming of course, but I use that for background and research. I would like to try a R2R DAC sometime (sadly not physically possible these days though) as I might like it better than the blasted Delta Sigma DACs most of us are buried under. I don't care about MQA (snake oil), DSD, High Rez, etc. I also can't tell any differences between Delta Sigma DACs themselves. I've tried all that and find no differences between them or to CD. So my experience with digital is somewhat equal to yours. That said, I would love to try an outboard DAC (an R2R in particular) for my CD player as I think I might like the sound better. Not that the current sound with what I have is bad, hardly, I have my final system incarnation, I am more curious than looking for some kind of fix to a problem. (Looking at the recent cost of CD players, I am extremely fortunate to have what I have! Yikes!) I have heard nothing but praise about the Ares 2 and have looked into it and spoken with Denafrips and I feel they could have designed it better without incurring almost any cost. To me they cut some corners that did not need to be cut. For example, they could have made the interface far easier than a bunch of confusing button combinations nobody without a photographic memory will remember and no indicator lights letting one know what mode one is in. That could have been designed right into the chassis. No remote needed. None the less, I'd still like to hear one, because I might prefer it. I don't listen to "audiophile recordings" because there is no such thing in my opinion. A recording is good or bad, period and fortunately, there are more good recordings than bad ones. That said, though I will never get an opportunity to try an R2R DAC. I can't buy things and try to sell them if I don't like them, that is a very costly way to try stuff.
@@thevinylattack It does seem like I would like the sound of it and though I have never heard it, I can't stand its design. I also have no recourse if it did not work out. So the Ares 2 specifically would not be for me unless they improve the design so that one could operate it. Maybe they will come out with the Ares 3 with those improvements?
A very affordable R2R DAC is the Cayin RU6, around $250, it is a dongle DAC, but will give you the R2R sound, and with a few inexpensive cables you can attach it to anything.
@@michaelwright1602 I can't use dongle DACs in my main system. I don't use my PC for music, which is where a Dongle DAC would go. I can wait until either Denafrips improves their design (an unlikely event) or someone comes out with a well designed R2R Dac at an "affordable" price (also an unlikely event unless sanctions get lifted).
Just noticed how many exec producers/producers you have…it takes that make people to run your channel? However you channel top tier pretty much in any way. I watch your videos even if it’s something im not even interested in.
Thanks for a very well done review. I wish you could have auditioned it into a balanced preamp and compared the results. I currently stream to a DAC that is in an old Integra Research DVD player that only has single ended outputs. The rest of my rig is all BAT gear that are all balanced. My DAC is the weak li know in the chain so I am watching intently. You are welcome to test here….
You would be surprised, your pro audio cables would probably work pretty well. I have some home made cables made with Mogami microphone cables and some Nordost Fry cables, not a huge difference. Using single ended cables I find the Nordost are much better than my home built single ended cables.
I've used this DAC for only around 3 weeks, and while it did make a huge difference to my music, it just wouldn't bode well certain PC games I play. Using it caused a handful of my games I like to play into becoming a stuttery mess.
@@thevinylattack yes generally true. Just a streamer needed.. and these days even that’s not needed. But I find at least with me the streamer made a huge difference; the DACs didn’t do all that much relative to each other, but marginally better than internal DAC. So I have a streamer and RME ADE II for German manufacturing and remote control.
I bought this DAC in respect of watching numerous videos about said product. In all of the video’s viewed not one of you UA-cam reviewers have once discussed what settings you are using. So one has to themselves “is the review of said product BS (FLUFF)?” …I’m just saying
I used all of the settings during my review, but if memory serves I liked the oversampling mode on as well as the slow filter. For what it's worth, the few reviewers I watch all mentioned what setting they used in their videos. I was one of the few that didn't (not that I see it matters too much).
Dude you got it right on the money 💰 I am glad to hear that others agree my impression of the denifrep line of affordable choice for an audio DAC at this level and price point ☝️
I was quite impressed with it.
One thing I found with the Ares II... Denafrips advertises their DACs as "Primitive" technology, the reason I keep mine, it gives me that vinyl analog sound of the 60's and 70's I grew up with. I bought the Ares II and fell in love with it immediately.
If you want a vinyl sound out of the Ares II or any R2R DAC, you need to pair it with the right gear downstream. The preamp and amp. I found the best sound, to my ear, is pure Class A, no boost or gain. Rich and buttery smooth, without the pops, something my previous chip DACs could never achieve. Anyone want to buy a Gungnir?
The tech they use is indeed of an older variety, but I prefer its sound so that's all good with me.
@@thevinylattack In the end, the sound is all that matters.
Loved the title btw! 😂👍🏼
Thanks.
Im a 95% digital guy and i found out that this ARES II is truly a gateway to "analog sound". The soundstage is the biggest magic trick what it does.
It certainly seemed that way to me.
As an owner for over a year, you nailed it. As an aside, one of my fellow Cheapaudioman patron friends (also an Ares2 owner) says the Geschelli Labs J2 Dac using an AKM chip bests the Ares but only with an aftermarket linear power supply. ✌
I have a feeling this will be as deep a dive I go with digital for a while. It's fun, but it's just not my passion.
@@thevinylattack So you bought it? I’ve only had the Schiit Modi so inserting this was a huge jump and Im done as well.
@@louiesipes2257 I didn't. It's just on loan for review.
I made a comment on cheapaudioman also, I compared my Geschelli J2 AKM to my Pontus II, they are both fantastic and sound incredibly similar. The J2 is significantly cheaper and is thus the bargain winner. I am going to try the linear power upgrade, that might make it the giant killer.
@@nacarp2000 😊 I know what I’m buying if my Aries dies
Great video!
Thanks!
Thanks for your thoughts on the Ares II. I’m using one connected to my Cambridge Audio CD transport and MacBook, Peachtree Nova 150 and Wharfedale Lintons and must say I’m very happy with my setup. I’ve had to ditch a few CD’s that were terrible, however.
Sounds like a solid setup.
Nice review. I also use the Node 2i/Ares 2 combo and I enjoy it. Everything you said about selecting modes/filters is correct. I suspect that most users will settle on a setting that they enjoy and won't have to mess with it again so it may not be a persistent issue for most.
A feature that I like on this DAC is that in addition to the USB input it has two coaxial and two optical inputs, a feature set that is rare on DACs at any price.
Also, and I'm being picky here, the buttons on the front labeled OPT1 and OPT2 refer to the optical inputs, not "Option 1" and "Option 2".
Subscribed ;-)
Welcome aboard!
Node 2 - you’ll notice a meaningful upgrade by moving up to Limetree Bridge II or some slightly more capable streamer.
@@morespinach9832 Now why is that? It is a digital signal, what does the Limetree do to the signal to make it sound better, or change the sound over the Node, or any streamer for that matter? I can see something like a $50 streamer having sound issues for obvious reasons, build quality, cheaper internals, noisy power supply, etc. But when you get into Node territory, at this price range you are getting the engineering, QC, internals, etc... I have CD's that I play next to the new Node, and I cannot hear any sonic difference. A bad recording on the Node sounds just as bad as the CD on my Oppo. The same can be said with a very good recording, I cannot hear a difference, and it is easy to A/B test on my setup. No one has been able to give me a tangible reason as to what the streamers do to the sound to improve it over the CD. I'm using Mogami XLR cables and Audioquest Cinnamon digital, USB and Coax cables, along with Pangea MKII power cords, all at the same 6 foot length through the Emotiva CMX-6 Power Distribution System.
I second that. I went from bluesound node (2021) to the Ifi Zen stream and the difference is striking.
Especially when using a nice usb cable from the Zen to Ares II.
I am not taking about nuances, I am taking about Spotify vs Tidal differences in clarity.
@@s37en_gr which cable do you use?
Excellent Vid Chris. Thank you.
Thanks for watching.
Just found your channel great stuff
Welcome aboard!
Very good review, I have the Ares II with the Iris DDC using the new Node. On the SACD/CD side, my trusty Oppo BDP-83 using the GeerFab digital breakout box to strip that DSD signal out to the Ares II, the sound is just nuts, huge soundstage. I use the Cinnamon coax to feed the Ares II from the GeerFab unit, along with Cinnamon HDMI cable from the Oppo to the GF unit. My favorite hybrid SACD is Grace Mahya, Last Live at DUG Tokyo, just a rocking and fun CD, worth a purchase in my book.
I have everything running through the Denafrips Hades preamp and Thallo amplifier, feeding the KLH Model 5's... A pair of SVS SB3000 subs handling the bass, though the 5's really do not need them, it sure enhances the sound. I have been thinking of upgrading to the Pontus II, but really am enjoying what the Ares II is doing, took me back in time to the 70's when everyone was bringing back those killer sound systems from Nam... Audio Nirvana. ;-)
Very interesting and informative. I have the Aries 2 as well and the Oppo 105 transport.
I currently enjoy the SACD format via the dedicated circuitry and dual Sabre DAC chips within the Oppo 105 but could not output DSD to the Aries 2 to compare.
You just showed me how! I wonder if there will be enough of a difference to warrant the cost of the GeerFab Breakout Box.
@@kimplumacher2342 should be able to find the Chinese converter box for $60 or so. Check out poetryonplastic’s review on UA-cam.
@@tanyet Thank you
@@kimplumacher2342 I got an HDMI to I2S box for $60 online - search Amazon and elsewhere. I haven't done a comparison of this to the coax out (with CD material) yet, to see if the box is any good regarding jitter etc. I have my Oppo 105D connected with coax and I2S so I really must do this. I'll post here when I've done it, maybe tomorrow.
@@nacarp2000 The reason for the i2s box is to strip the digital signal out of the recording, vs going through the internal DAC of the Oppo player. I find the Ares II to be a superior sounding DAC to the one in my Oppo. And, I can get the full DSD signal, granted via coax, direct to the Ares II. Very vinyl.
i use a Kimber power cord with mine, ditched the stock power cord. big difference.
I have a couple of Audioquest cords here for review. I think that will be my next stop.
Recently got the Denafrips Ares 12th, and with an Audiolabs 6000CDT over coax, and USB from my main PC digital music has definitely taken on a new value and enjoyment for me. It simply sounds less digital for both of the inputs I have connected. I have not gone light pipe yet. The selection/configuration process is something from a Doctor Who episode I think. It is very wibbly-wobbly, at best.
I've recently got into streaming with a Bluesound Node, so was interested in your comments on adding the Ares II. I think the Node's internal DAC is pretty decent with good soundstaging and an airy top end but can sound a bit thin on less than top quality recordings. What you say about the analogue sound qualities of the Ares makes me think that it could be a worthwhile addition to my system paired with the Node.
I found it to be a good pair, that's for sure.
I'm using the new node 2 (n130) with the denafrips ares ii. I'm currently using the USB connection so that the ares ii clock controls the timing of the stream, but I've had great results with both SPDIF (coax) and USB.
It's been some time since I've listened to the DAC in the node, but it would be interesting now that the ares has been my daily driver for at least 4 months. From what I recall, the switch was noticeably smoother and clearer when I first made the switch.
Now you have me thinking to try the node direct to my preamp and compare again.
@@erics.4113 It's always fun to compare and see.
I would recommend the Ares II and Node pairing. The Ares II is so enjoyable to listen to, it really does do the job of taking digital to a true 70's analog sound, at least to my ear. These chip DACs, like the internal Node DAC, I cannot listen to, the fatigue is almost immediate, the Ares II was the best money I have spent on any audio gear in a long time. It really changed the way I enjoy, and listen to music.
I bought into the R2R format, and I am quite happy with my Ares II sound quality. I did a 2 week comparison with the Ares II and a TOTL Cambridge 200M. The Ares II sounded better across the board, to me and everyone who auditioned both. Sound is less harsh than the 200M, with better soundstage. I am happy with the sound. I have had some issues with the quality for the price. My unit was missing one silicone foot pad, and more importantly, on several occasions the DAC has lost audio, crackled and all LEDs lit simultaneously. I have not received a serious response from Denafrips about resolving this flaw. This potential lack of support was a major concern when I purchased the unit, and now it seems to be a problem. Hoping for the best!
Try reaching out to Todd at www.tekaudiospecialties.com He does the service work for Vinshine audio (the global distributor of Denafrips) stateside.
I had a lightning strike resulting in some left channel static with my Denafrips. Todd, with Tek Audio in Texas did my repairs quickly and returned it as good as new. Vinshine had responded quickly with Todd’s information. I would not hesitate to purchase more Denafrips equipment.
I've been saving up my dollars for the Ares 2. Great review, can't wait to land one soon.
I think you'll be quite happy.
"The VINYL Attack" reviews a DAC?! Interesting. I have three dacs and just use them with my pad and my phone to listen to music while I'm doing something else in my workshop or in the house. The most expensive one was $80, and I'm good with all of them. They work.
No one was more surprised than I was.
ive had the frips for about 6 months now so whatever break in that needs to occur has occurred. while i really like it over my previous dac (a hat from Allo for my RPi) i cant say it is $750 better. Where it excels for me above and beyond my previous DAC (besides what Chris covered here) is how well the upscaling performs on spotify and youtube music streaming from my TV. Maybe other OS DACs do this as well as the frips idk but i can enjoy lossy without fomo now lol. regardless of whether it is "worth" the price, it certainly performs in the realm of what you want as an analog fan from a DAC. and it does that without gimmicks, just well built & well established tech. this will be my DAC till it falls apart and what more do you really want from a piece of kit in 2022?
Worth the price is only relative to the person who owns it. If you're happy, it was worth it.
Great program! And climbing that audiophile ladder! Can't wait to hear about the monster Rotel.
About dacs, might you have a moment to field a question?
I am pulling the trigger on a Schiit stack for my planers, and find myself wondering about the dac. Everything in my front end is bristling with dacs. Nearly every piece. Do I just add another, or do I somehow shut them off? 🤔
With the loving wife out of town for the weekend, Dana has been rocking! Unbelievably, last night I dug out Back in Black! Way too much!
Nice to see you back, I hope the new job treats you well.
Updates on the Schiit stack as it grows, maybe let it trickle in one piece at a time, and the Mrs won't even know...😜
It's really going to depends on your preference in sound. Like phono pre-amps, generally speaking, an outboard DAC will perform at a higher level due to the amount of room for the quality parts to do their thing. You talking about an entire box dedicated to one purpose, as opposed to one small section of an amp.
While the Ares II is a bit rich for my blood I do use a ladder dac in my system. Definitely takes the digital “edge” off my previous dac combined with a Cambridge Audio CD transport. Great, if old, tech. Thanks, Chris.
Sometimes the old tech is just the way to go.
i almost pulled the trigger on the ares 12th+iris but changed my mind and bought the border patrol se i dac for the same money it's handwired in usa sounds amazing. the ares looks like a generic cable box from china.
Someday I’ll start upgrading my digital side, and a Denifrips is indeed how I’ll start. But for now the analog side is what I’m most interested in spending money on. Speaking of which, I just bought an industrial ultrasonic cleaner with one of those motorized disc spinners, and some lab grade surfactant. It works pretty damn well. I cleaned a few records and there was a lot of gunk floating in the water afterwards
Be careful with those. The gunk floating in the water can end up being your vinyl.
Ah, that’s good to know. I plan on always using a fresh tank of distilled water for each cleaning session
It is really easy to add a filtration system where the water goes from your tank to 2 filters. One 1-micron filter for the main stuff, and then directly to a .35 micron filter to do a really thorough job and keep your ultrasonic chemistry is great shape. Of course, you run a tube from the .35 micron filter back into your tank. With a good pump motor, one used by beer makers is perfect, it cycles the water out of the tank in about a minute. So, I run this process for about 20 minutes or so while the 6 records I just cleaned and rinsed are drying 😊
I made a 4 part video here on UA-cam about how I built it, the extensive research I did concerning the chemistry and temperature and rotation speed, and how I have the filter system set up. And, I am NOT one of these DIY wizards by any means, but the secret is being able to control the amount of records, the spacing between them, the temperature, the chemistry, and the rotation speed. So far I've probably done well over 1000 of my albums and they have all come out really great! With respect to our host here and with his permission, I'll just say that my videos I think can be found under my user name here. In the title I use the phrases, 'DIY iSonic Ultrasonic' and 'Same tank Kirmuss uses' This way you spend about half what you would for the Kirmuss system, you can do more records at a time, and you can control all those other parameters that I mentioned previously, which you can't do with MUCH more expensive commercial ultrasonic RCMs 👍
@@jeremyr722 It's not the water that's the issue. It's the power of those industrial-type cleaners. They also generate a lot of heat very quickly, so keep an eye on that.
Yep, thanks Chris
I'm like you Chris, my main listening or rather all my formal listening is vinyl and CD. There is a place for streaming of course, but I use that for background and research. I would like to try a R2R DAC sometime (sadly not physically possible these days though) as I might like it better than the blasted Delta Sigma DACs most of us are buried under. I don't care about MQA (snake oil), DSD, High Rez, etc. I also can't tell any differences between Delta Sigma DACs themselves. I've tried all that and find no differences between them or to CD. So my experience with digital is somewhat equal to yours. That said, I would love to try an outboard DAC (an R2R in particular) for my CD player as I think I might like the sound better. Not that the current sound with what I have is bad, hardly, I have my final system incarnation, I am more curious than looking for some kind of fix to a problem. (Looking at the recent cost of CD players, I am extremely fortunate to have what I have! Yikes!)
I have heard nothing but praise about the Ares 2 and have looked into it and spoken with Denafrips and I feel they could have designed it better without incurring almost any cost. To me they cut some corners that did not need to be cut. For example, they could have made the interface far easier than a bunch of confusing button combinations nobody without a photographic memory will remember and no indicator lights letting one know what mode one is in. That could have been designed right into the chassis. No remote needed. None the less, I'd still like to hear one, because I might prefer it. I don't listen to "audiophile recordings" because there is no such thing in my opinion. A recording is good or bad, period and fortunately, there are more good recordings than bad ones. That said, though I will never get an opportunity to try an R2R DAC. I can't buy things and try to sell them if I don't like them, that is a very costly way to try stuff.
I would recommend the Ares if you're able to swing it. It sounds like just what you're looking for.
@@thevinylattack It does seem like I would like the sound of it and though I have never heard it, I can't stand its design. I also have no recourse if it did not work out. So the Ares 2 specifically would not be for me unless they improve the design so that one could operate it. Maybe they will come out with the Ares 3 with those improvements?
A very affordable R2R DAC is the Cayin RU6, around $250, it is a dongle DAC, but will give you the R2R sound, and with a few inexpensive cables you can attach it to anything.
@@michaelwright1602 I can't use dongle DACs in my main system. I don't use my PC for music, which is where a Dongle DAC would go. I can wait until either Denafrips improves their design (an unlikely event) or someone comes out with a well designed R2R Dac at an "affordable" price (also an unlikely event unless sanctions get lifted).
@@ericelliott227 Look up that RU6, you can use XLR or RCA with it.
Excellent review Chris, but you didn't told us if you prefer OS or Non OS mode, I know there are different opinions about!
I generally liked the OS mode more. The NOS seemed just a little soft for my tastes.
Just noticed how many exec producers/producers you have…it takes that make people to run your channel? However you channel top tier pretty much in any way. I watch your videos even if it’s something im not even interested in.
Those are my fantastic Patrons who help support the show.
Can't find the cube site nor on your web store?
My apologies. www.ubecube.com I'll be sure to include a link in the description. It somehow slipped through the cracks.
What do you think of the new King's X release?
I'm ashamed to admit I haven't heard it yet as I've been working. It's on my list today.
Thanks for a very well done review. I wish you could have auditioned it into a balanced preamp and compared the results. I currently stream to a DAC that is in an old Integra Research DVD player that only has single ended outputs. The rest of my rig is all BAT gear that are all balanced. My DAC is the weak li know in the chain so I am watching intently. You are welcome to test here….
I definitely need to get my hands on a pair of quality xlr cables. The only ones I have in my house are 25 feet long and meant for live audio.
You would be surprised, your pro audio cables would probably work pretty well. I have some home made cables made with Mogami microphone cables and some Nordost Fry cables, not a huge difference. Using single ended cables I find the Nordost are much better than my home built single ended cables.
@@thevinylattack Worlds Best Cables on Amazon... I'm here in Plymouth, I'll drop a pair off if you like. Right down the street from you.
@@michaelwright1602 I appreciate the offer. I may indeed take you up on that at some point.
I've used this DAC for only around 3 weeks, and while it did make a huge difference to my music, it just wouldn't bode well certain PC games I play. Using it caused a handful of my games I like to play into becoming a stuttery mess.
Not meant for gaming or movies, unfortunately. Not the reason I purchased the Ares II. Gaming, try Schiit.
So I guess this guy was the last one who hadnt reviewed this yet
We'll have to wait and see.
Looks like vinyl got attacked by a Denafrips! 😜
"Don't be alarmed if my light pipe slips out!"
It happens...
Pretty sure Cliff was using a Stingray at the time. Perhaps there was no difference to be heard :-/
You might be right. Good call.
"Light pipe." Great. I'll never call it TOSLINK again. ;)
Good for old passive speakers. Useless with modern DSP powered speakers.
I feel like people who are looking for powered speakers are trying to get away from extra 'boxes' in their setup anyway though.
@@thevinylattack yes generally true. Just a streamer needed.. and these days even that’s not needed. But I find at least with me the streamer made a huge difference; the DACs didn’t do all that much relative to each other, but marginally better than internal DAC. So I have a streamer and RME ADE II for German manufacturing and remote control.
Must be the last person in the wold to review this dac.
That could very well be true.
I bought this DAC in respect of watching numerous videos about said product. In all of the video’s viewed not one of you UA-cam reviewers have once discussed what settings you are using. So one has to themselves “is the review of said product BS (FLUFF)?” …I’m just saying
I used all of the settings during my review, but if memory serves I liked the oversampling mode on as well as the slow filter. For what it's worth, the few reviewers I watch all mentioned what setting they used in their videos. I was one of the few that didn't (not that I see it matters too much).
I bought a ubecube. But no way to let them know you sent me…
That's okay. I don't get a kickback and I'm sure they appreciate the purchase all the same.