Love your channel. I'm wanting to try an R2R Dac for streaming only. Currently using the RME ADI-2 for digital listening. I have no issues with the RME..I like the detail, slight midrange forwardness, dynamics, overall cleanness/clarity. Depth, separation is not as good as better dacs I've had in the past but the pro's outweigh the cons with the RME. Trying to decide between the Ares 15th & the R26. For the quality's I like in the RME is the 15th the better choice? R26? Or I could go used Pontus ii 12th. Any insight would be appreciated. I would be using a separate streamer if R26. From your descriptions the 15th might have the edges & inner detail I don't want to lose. But your original RME review you stated the R26 was easily superior to RME. Not asking you to make a decision for me but maybe some extra thoughts if possible. Thank you. Inflation has been horrible 3 years straight here in the states
@@sloboat55so do I! He is certainly one of the most eloquent and precise reviewers on UTube! I won’t consider a DAC or other items such as digital media players without checking in with his reviews!
@@TorToroPorco he is certainly one of the best reviewers on UTube his precision and eloquence are rarely if ever equaled! I won’t consider a DAC or digital media player and headphone amplifiers without consulting his reviews! He has the most amazing ears I’ve ever witnessed truly amazing auditory abilities.
Ooh, looks like a winner. I have the Ares II and just ordered a Cyan 2 a week ago. We shall see, uh, hear ! Ares 15 vs Cyan 2. For me, this is where it's at. High quality natural sound bang for your buck. Great review. Your analysis of sound quality is very good. Well presented and produced video.
I have received my ARES 15th one week ago and can confirm your findings I am very happy with its performance and for me this is my endgame DAC There may be some better sounding DACs on the market, but you will have to spend considerably more money for them in order to hear a real sonic improvement
Denafrips sound can be even better with a DDC. My Denafrips Ares II 12th and Pontus II 12th-1 sound even better with the Denafrips Iris 12th (ddc). source=Apple Music lossless My video ua-cam.com/video/G4IWhmkKsvM/v-deo.html
I have been trying to decide on an r2r for the longest time...still haven't pulled the trigger. When I saw the 15th for sale I wondered what the point was. The shop that carries them has 3 (or is it 4?) versions of the Ares now, each at increasing price and it just starts to look questionable to me :D So thank you for diving in and explaining the point of the 15th! Would love to see you review the Holo Cyan 2 which is pure NOS. Rumor has it, it's pretty great, and quite affordable, which sounds like it might be just up my alley. You are so good at comparing and contrasting the differences between dacs, especially, I'd especially love to hear your thoughts on it.
@@slidetek yes I would like to demo one, but it would be second choice to the Cyan 2 (I have no interest in the May). I have repeatedly heard it described as "big" and overall attention grabbing, and that's not really what I'm after. If the cyan sucks I may give it a go, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to suck ;)
I payed for the Ares 12th, but complained about its long delivery time in Europe. Then I offered to pay the price difference for the 15th, as it seemed that a first shipment of them was on the way. Instead I received a free upgrade to the 15th.
Once again, a review that covered all the key points thoroughly and clearly without jitter or fuzziness. Even gave us a new gauge for measuring inflation...Snickers escalation. Bravo!
Outstanding as always Srbojlub. My budget only allowed to get the Enyo 15th and I love it. It's my first R2R DAC and I really think it sounds much fuller and has more detail than the Topping it replaced. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Between Ares II and Ares 15 Denafrips actually introduced two upgrades - Ares 12 and Ares 12-1. For example the chassis was improved before 15th. version. Thus as an owner of Ares 12-1 I’m wandering if the sound improvement was made by Ares 15 or partially by Ares 15 and 12.
Hi! Great review (as always), I appreciate that you keep comparing many of these new DACs with the SU-10 which I have and love ❤️, I hope you can sometime soon review and compare the Gustard X30 (although it’s more than 3x the price of the SU-10) 😂. Keep it up and thanks for the hard work.
The problem is that the Ares 2 now has 3 interchangeable firmware updates which have significantly changed the sound from the original one. The latest update (1.8) has certainly brightened the sound and made everything faster and more detailed. So my question is... are we sure that those components improve the sound or are they just marketing that with a new firmware they change the sound as they want
This is probably the truth. I have the Ares 2, and had used Topping E50 before which had more detail retrieval but sounded less engaging. I was sold on the R2R catnip, but eventually learned that Denafrips does DSP in their DACs - so my go to explanation for the audible differences is that they predominantly reside in the DSP domain - while not conclusive, it makes a lot sense. Build quality is great and the firmware/DSP does something right, so I'm not complaining.
Srbojlub, as always awesome review, please compare with new Cyan II from Holo Audio and, if you can find, Soekris DAM 2541 DAC -it is more DIY stuff, but was also released as stanadlone device...
When I was DAC shopping years ago, Soekris were planning another batch of production. I emailed them multiple times, even tried different addresses. No response. Got an Ares 2 and I'm glad it worked out that way considering the customer support for Denafrips is excellent. Would still like to try a Soekris DAC!
You should try the Gustard R26 with an inexpensive external 10MHz clock (the approx £70 Bg7tbl oscillator). Ignore its GPS function and just use the 10MHz OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator) output. It connects to the R26 using a BNC male to BNC male pigtail coax RG316 Cable which costs £3.75 for the 30cm version at Ebay. I just bought one and it makes a noticeable difference for me. Love to hear what you might have to say about its effect on the R26! 🙂
@@SimoRama It adds a tough more air and improves the sound slightly across the range. All the fancy talk aside it really eeks out extra texture from the sound. Really sweet and cheap addition
@@onionknight9431 I just wish to have the opportunity to try one. I've made a big effort for get an R26, which is STUNNING as it is btw. Still try an external clock would be interesting. So bad that we are a pretty small community enjoying "entry level" hi-end audio.
@@Vamon_Kinctuarinwhe The previous one I had was the Ares II. The improvement is very noticeable, a bigger soundstage, with better localization and separation of instruments. The Ares II was much better with female voices than with male ones, the Harmony is much better in both. Also for electronic music it is very dynamic and fast.
I wonder how this compares to the Holo Audio Cyan2.... is US dollars, they are only one dollar different in cost. So this would be a perfect apples for apples, oranges for oranges comparison.
WOW! That Jon Gomm Song is GREAT…and very well recorded! 👍🏼 Expansive and deep soundstage….THANKS! The whole album is FANTASTIC….makes me really appreciate the efforts I made to create my system!!! You have been a part of that!
Well, I was looking at a Chord Qutest as a DAC upgrade and now the you bring us the 15th. Pretty much the same price where I am. Looks like I'm going to have to revisit your Qutest review to see if you compared it to the Mojo2.
Great descriptive review. I chose the Gustard R26 over the last Ares as well as some much pricier offerings. I’d be interested in a demonstration of the 15th. I don’t need all the bells and whistles of the R26, but it’s a wonderful match with my Focal Kanta No 2’s. Glad to see the 15th’s build quality is finally up to snuff.
@@robk5745Thank you! As fast as the technology is moving, I wouldn’t have been surprised if it was surpassed for less 2+ years later. I’m still impressed, and chose it over pricier Denafrips and Holo May. There’s a lot of great choices out there. ATB!
fantastic review. I was waiting on this. it's on my short list as I'm looking for an R2R dac but form factor is important and this fits. I hope you do a review on the Enyo 15th. I'm wondering what the difference is between the two. It looks like the Enyo 15th is a rebadged Ares 12-1 but would like to know for sure...
Excellent! Heads up: the Enyo is one and the same as the Ares 2, but released under its new name Enyo, but its still the same... What some of us may appreciate is that the Ares 2 / Enyo has more inputs, 2 coax plus 2 toslink, vs only one for both on all the other Denafrips models... Its a move I don't understand considering it limits our options for cables, but also limits the amount of devices you can hook up to the DAC.... atb, Gerlach Sven.
I am amazed with the improvement actually. I wish I had watched this review before your Topping D90 III Discrete review because I decided to pull the pin on the Topping which you crowned as the joint No.1 DAC together with the Cyan 2 under US$2K. I have since listened to the Ares 15th and I was shocked how extended it is just like a delta-sigma ESS chip DAC for example. Before I decided on the Topping, I was also thinking about the Pontus 15th and was concerned whether it might be too warm and rounded off for my system. If this is what the Ares has become, I would love to see you review the Pontus 15th. However, I have watched one Pontus 15th review with sound comparison, what I do know is its top end is not as extended as the Hollow Audio May.
I really enjoy your reviews and descriptions. It would be interesting if you could review, compare and contrast the other Denafrips 15 offerings with the competition.
Great review. It would be interesting and probably more relevant to compare this not to Mojo 2 but to Qutest; also, a comparison with units like SMSL M400, Burson Composer, and Topping D70/90 would be very useful.
Thank you for your review. I am very much interested to know your openion between Ares 15 vs Laiv Harmony DAC. Will be grateful if you kindly make a sound quality comparison between them. Thanks in advance.
What's your wall treatment? very good looking and matches my color scheme. Great review, would love a comparison with the Laiv Harmony and X30 someday!
Hi…;-)! A really good review, as always. I am choosing between the Denafrips Ares 15th, Gustard R26 ans Holo Audio Cyan 2. Which one would yoy recommend based on sound quality? Thanks!
First, thank you for again an incisive review. Balanced information that gives the listener a good evaluation of the product. A few questions comes to mind: how does it compare to the Musician Pegasus? Or the Draco? And the Ares, was it upgraded with the latest firmware? Again thank you for the review (and others). It helps many of us.
I love my Denafrips Ares II 12th, Pontus II 12th-1, and Iris 12th (ddc). --- Incredible how some people spend on highend gear then limit the sound quality with compressed Spotify. Instead, it's much better to use a lossless streaming source like Apple Music.
I don't have it with me anymore for a long time now. I've decided to keep R26 because it was bigger sounding and more resolving. Going by Memory, Schumann is softer, slightly darker, but less resolving than 15th. Similar soundstage.
@@iiWiReviews Denafrips sound can be even better with a DDC. My Denafrips Ares II 12th and Pontus II 12th-1 sound even better with the Denafrips Iris 12th (ddc). source=Apple Music lossless
With the Aries 15 you need over 300 hours to run in ,you don’t specify breakin time Also much bigger power supplies and dual transformers ,greatly respond to a decent quality Power cord .the Pangea Sig MK2 is $200 and I truly warms this signal up and a much deeper soundstage then the Gustard and night and day better built ,I have compared both as well as others in our audio club
@SimoRama, Sorry, but I couldn't seem to reply directly to you (the reply was deleted by UA-cam), but I'm hoping you will read this nonetheless. You ask how the inexpensive clock improves the Gustard R26. Well, I've only had it a couple of days, so this is subject to refinement, but I'd say it adds that crispness that Srboljub deemed better in the Ares 15th. It also seems to enhance the soundstage and generally makes for a more engrossing sound. I bought it on spec after listening to a UA-cam video on the HIfi Zone channel from about 7 months ago -- he mentions his sound impressions towards the end of that video.
Wonderful review. I listen to all of your reviews and find them very descriptive . I like your detailed analysis of the sound , stage etc. I will be purchasing as a result. Do you have a recommendation for a test track of acoustic guitar ?
Pozdrav! Great review, I really liked the comparison with other similar devices. What do you think would make more improvement on the sound quality, swapping op amps (Sparkos) on the dac (zd3) or amp (za3)
Thank you for reminding everyone that you can get a mojo2 for half the price of the Ares 15th plus you get an excellent headphone amp and first class 4 band eq… :)
Can you do a review of the rme adi 2 pro se vs A90D im very curious which is better. They're both end game, and im not sure which to get😅. I should also mention i have the senheiser 800s and the focal clears and would use both for gaming and for music listening, but mostly for music, and the gaming is a bonus.
It would be nice to watch a comparison of modern DACs in price range up to, say 4-5 K USD. And how much Denafrips Ares 15th is worse than a DAC that costs 4-5 times more.
Guess... always ut goes thru AD conversion nowadays. Except of few labels who do pure analog recording. It doesnt matter however. We need the best back end device for reproductuion and this channel is all about...
@@yellow_noise3 the thought is…if the sound has gone through AD conversion already…say a pro level RME…then we are flavoring the sound so it sounds more beautiful on our hifi…similar to tubes.
i've been looking for more information on the Enyo, but all i've been able to find is a video from the US distributor saying the Enyo *IS* the original Ares II, but it was renamed right before the release of the Ares 12th-1 to better differentiate the two. so that might be an option for anyone looking to save some money. i can't seem to find any reviews of it, but that might just be because, if it's just the Ares II in a new case, nobody who reviewed the original feels the need to review the same thing again.
Denafrips New 1+0 Dancing Man Graphic on their website is very cool! I use an Iris with a Pontus II (original firmware) and am still enjoying the combo. It’s great to know that Denafrips continues to evolve their products. One thing with the price, though. They removed their distributor (Vinshine), and went direct. Shouldn’t that have kept prices lower! (Sadly, this would not affect your Snickers Bar). 👉🏼😀
The Enyo was basically the Ares 2, but now they have a second edition out, the Enyo 15th. This may be preferable over the Gustard R26 for me since my preamp already adds some warmth to the system. (Or just use the R26 as a preamp if it matches the poweramp impedance wise) the real question building a system is were to use a neutral component and where to tune it to personal preference with some coloration. One persons color can be the others neutrality. What I most certainly do not want is too much brightness and sibilance. I prefer a sound I can feel just above the solar plexus, not moving up to the throat and head area. Too analytical and not grounded.
looking for a "general advise" Listening mainly to my Tidal Playlists, all types of Music (amp Pechtree nova 500, speakers Paradym 120). Looking to upgrade my DAC and PRE. Considered eversolo A6 master\8a ) following those perfect reviews (that actually speak my language) I find myself wonder - will I get better results with Schiit preya+ combined with Denafrips ares 15 dac r2r, please advise. (streaming in - by laptop) any remote to those systems ? thanks
I would go for Schiit Freya+ or Ladder Bach preamp and Ares 15th. Preamps in those all in one streamers are limiting factors and I would avoid using them if possible.
Yes, here: ua-cam.com/video/cu725CT25fY/v-deo.htmlsi=FqyyOK2MwiMrEzkV Just have in mind that remote situation is fixed and remote is now optional purchase.
Great review Srbo! I would say you're spoiling us a bit, and we're expecting the same level of quality elsewhere. Not getting the quality in most cases, unfortunately. One remark: I've had the pleasure of listening to your system on several occasions, and each time I admired the speciousness it produced. The depth of the sound image was incredible every time. So, when you're speaking of dimensions of the image a component you're reviewing is producing, how much of it is your system, and how much is the actual component's contribution?
Thanks Vlado! I belive that my system is capable of conveying great spaciousness and shows it every time a source can produce it. Some sources really can - like these good R2Rs, but if you would to listen to Matrix Mini-i 4 for example - most of that space would be gone because that DAC is not creating it really. So the rest of the system is not artificially adding it. BTW, the whole system is even more spacious these days thanks to some upgrades.
@iiWiReviews great... now I'm really curious as to what could be added to your system's imaging capabilities. Regarding the Matrix, I was tempted to try it out, but the reviews were not glowing, so I passed on it
Laiv Harmony has slightly warmer sound that's also more alive and punchy. Slightly richer tone timbre too. So Harmony is a better Sounding DAC. I guess some upmarket Denafrips model would be a more fair comparison.
@iiWiReviews I assume Laiv is definitely not 2.5 times better in performance considering price difference to Ares 15th. I think Ares has a better diminishing return. I ordered one myself 😊
Thanks for the review. I have D90le+A90D stack now, do you think Ares 15th would be an upgrade for me? I generally listen to pop music and like the feeling that I can pinpoint all the tiny details other than just vocal. I'm expecting some devices could provide maybe even better details(the D90le+A90D stack is already great on this IMO) and bigger soundstage.
I had the same stack as you. I bought the Aune S17 Pro and it was huge improve in sound quality and soundstage. Music is just more enjoyable on this amp. A90D sounds just boring and flat comparing to S17. Still have D90le as DAC and considering to upgrade to r2r dac for even more soundstage, but D90le sounds really good with this amp. Headphones I use are LCD-X 2021, HD650, Sundara and just ordered Aune ar5000. S17 Pro was huge improve to sound and it might the end game for me, sounds just great. All my connections are balanced, Topping stack sounds much better on balanced.
Why don’t you review the New Denafrips Pontus-15 dac ,I heard it it was much better then the Gustard And built night and day better at 23 lbs and around $2k
Woukd request you to please compare to internal dac. For example for someone with a Hegel H190, would this dac will be significant enough improvement, or should I move up to higher level models? The comparison to Gustard was helpful.
I'm thinking of upgrading to this, coming from only a DX3 Pro+ only.. Which amps do you recommend that would probably perfectly compliment this DAC? My headphones are DT 1990 Pros but that will change in the future.
It's a shame, Vinshine is a terrific company. Excellent user support. And the Ares 2 was only about 800 euro a few years ago and now nearly twice as much!
@@peterlarkin762 Yep Alvin is a great guy, he essentially helped build the Denafrips brand and the way he was thanked was loosing it as a dealer. Personally no matter how good the dac is I will look elsewhere. I’m not a fan of these business practices.
@@peterlarkin762 no, that's not true. Nearly 50 percent more than the ares 2 back in the days. Every hifi company raised their prises. Everything is more expensive now, the reviewer mentioned the inflation. And if someone wants to buy the ares 2(enyo), you can still buy it on their page for less money.
Now I like your videos before watching them 😂 you are a guarantee. What do you think about a comparison with the musican draco? I am very curious about your opinion, thanks
Hi! Have you tested the Denafrips Ares 15th with the Topping B200? What would your thoughts be on them as a pair? I'm looking for a DAC in the 800-1500 dollar range for the monos powering a pair of P-300 Buchardt's Thank you for the great B200 topping video as well.
I have a case of upgradetitis, is this a worthy upgrade to a Mojo 2, u said slightly better dynamics at both low/high end, is it significant enough to spend a grand+ on it ?
Hi, what I can't find anywhere...can you control the volume of the analog outputs using the remote control if mono blocks are used as amplifiers behind them?
Thanks for sharing. Do you try before musician pegasus II, it both specs are similar. But I having issue with musician pegasus II is when playing 2x and above up sampling file will dropping in sound quality on both format DSD and PCM. I wonder ares 15th having the same problem or not.
🤔Hi, would you be willing to do an extra video each year about the best 2 or 3 dacs below about $100, below $500, below $1000, and between $1000-$2000. That would be interesting on multiple levels.😉
Good review as usual But i don't agree on the power supply improvement (unless someone will supply evidence by measurements results). As i see it (in relation to ares 2) its more of a cost cutting rather than performance improvement. Instead of using many many smaller value japanese nichikon capacitors the use now much fewer but bigger values capacitors from other manufacturers (i think korean) (all capacitors in parallel) achieving the same total value, More capacitors in parallel is better than fewer because the total esr is lower which is better, toroidal transformer is the same. In the end i think it's a cost cutting and not power supply improvement. Other things that can improve sound are resistors accuracy (same on both 0.01 percent,and oscillator accuracy and temperature stability which is improvement on the ares 15. And of course the option to use an external clock. About the sound of the 15 I can't comment i didn't hear it but every time they changed the software (firmware) on my ares 2 ,the tonality changed from warm and full to resolving but less warm less full,to balanced in the middle of the road. They can change tonality without changing hardware very easily. Higher denafripd dacs uses more accurate ladder resistors ( 0.005) better power supply and better oscillator
Hello bro, I know you always prefer analog preamp rather than built-in preamp dac.. But if you have to choose between smsl sux and su 10 to use as preamp which one you would prefer? thanks
I haven't tried SU-X, only SU-10. Looking at internals, they appear to be the same design just newer DAC chips in X. Going by that I except them having the same preamp performance.
Great review. I got the Ares 15th a week ago and agree with everything you stated about it. I love it! This is my end all dac. The only thing i may do in the future is add an iris ddc. Would love to see you review that
Quick news: Denafrips has just approved a coupon code "iiWi" that'll give you an 8% discount.
Love your channel. I'm wanting to try an R2R Dac for streaming only. Currently using the RME ADI-2 for digital listening. I have no issues with the RME..I like the detail, slight midrange forwardness, dynamics, overall cleanness/clarity. Depth, separation is not as good as better dacs I've had in the past but the pro's outweigh the cons with the RME. Trying to decide between the Ares 15th & the R26. For the quality's I like in the RME is the 15th the better choice? R26? Or I could go used Pontus ii 12th. Any insight would be appreciated. I would be using a separate streamer if R26. From your descriptions the 15th might have the edges & inner detail I don't want to lose. But your original RME review you stated the R26 was easily superior to RME.
Not asking you to make a decision for me but maybe some extra thoughts if possible.
Thank you. Inflation has been horrible 3 years straight here in the states
This code didn't work for me in the UK, is it perhaps a regional discount?
Doesn’t work for me either (Denmark)
You’ve gotten so good at describing the sonic qualities of the equipment you review, definitely one of the best at reviewers at doing that.
Yes. I wanted to say the same. Awesome vocabular skill to explain the sound differences. Not an easy work!
I concur
@@sloboat55so do I! He is certainly one of the most eloquent and precise reviewers on UTube! I won’t consider a DAC or other items such as digital media players without checking in with his reviews!
+1
@@TorToroPorco he is certainly one of the best reviewers on UTube his precision and eloquence are rarely if ever equaled! I won’t consider a DAC or digital media player and headphone amplifiers without consulting his reviews! He has the most amazing ears I’ve ever witnessed truly amazing auditory abilities.
Ooh, looks like a winner. I have the Ares II and just ordered a Cyan 2 a week ago. We shall see, uh, hear !
Ares 15 vs Cyan 2. For me, this is where it's at. High quality natural sound bang for your buck.
Great review. Your analysis of sound quality is very good. Well presented and produced video.
Let us know!
Ditto...we're interested in the comparison.
Make sure to tell us the outcome!
How do they sound? I’m fairly sensitive to harsh high ends. So I’m leaning towards the cyan 2 more.
Hi
Don't forget give us some news about Cyan 2 😉👍.
Happy listening
I have received my ARES 15th one week ago and can confirm your findings
I am very happy with its performance and for me this is my endgame DAC
There may be some better sounding DACs on the market, but you will have to spend considerably more money for them in order to hear a real sonic improvement
Which amp are you using?
Denafrips sound can be even better with a DDC. My Denafrips Ares II 12th and Pontus II 12th-1 sound even better with the Denafrips Iris 12th (ddc).
source=Apple Music lossless
My video ua-cam.com/video/G4IWhmkKsvM/v-deo.html
@@tessie4204Pioneer A70
What is a DDC?
@@zombielandiii2711 Fixes jitter which I can hear the improved sound.
I have been trying to decide on an r2r for the longest time...still haven't pulled the trigger. When I saw the 15th for sale I wondered what the point was. The shop that carries them has 3 (or is it 4?) versions of the Ares now, each at increasing price and it just starts to look questionable to me :D So thank you for diving in and explaining the point of the 15th!
Would love to see you review the Holo Cyan 2 which is pure NOS. Rumor has it, it's pretty great, and quite affordable, which sounds like it might be just up my alley. You are so good at comparing and contrasting the differences between dacs, especially, I'd especially love to hear your thoughts on it.
Demo the Gustard R26 for sure. I chose it one the Holo May, and haven’t regretted my choice. The extra savings let me get an awesome phono preamp.
@@slidetek yes I would like to demo one, but it would be second choice to the Cyan 2 (I have no interest in the May). I have repeatedly heard it described as "big" and overall attention grabbing, and that's not really what I'm after. If the cyan sucks I may give it a go, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to suck ;)
@@is3commander right. it's twice the price and you just say "buy it" with ZERO explanation. that earns a big "nope!" from me .
I payed for the Ares 12th, but complained about its long delivery time in Europe. Then I offered to pay the price difference for the 15th, as it seemed that a first shipment of them was on the way. Instead I received a free upgrade to the 15th.
Once again, a review that covered all the key points thoroughly and clearly without jitter or fuzziness. Even gave us a new gauge for measuring inflation...Snickers escalation. Bravo!
Outstanding as always Srbojlub. My budget only allowed to get the Enyo 15th and I love it. It's my first R2R DAC and I really think it sounds much fuller and has more detail than the Topping it replaced. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Hi there, I've just ordered the enyo 15th. Can I ask one thing? How is it with video playback? Is there any latency issues?
Between Ares II and Ares 15 Denafrips actually introduced two upgrades - Ares 12 and Ares 12-1. For example the chassis was improved before 15th. version. Thus as an owner of Ares 12-1 I’m wandering if the sound improvement was made by Ares 15 or partially by Ares 15 and 12.
Hi! Great review (as always), I appreciate that you keep comparing many of these new DACs with the SU-10 which I have and love ❤️, I hope you can sometime soon review and compare the Gustard X30 (although it’s more than 3x the price of the SU-10) 😂. Keep it up and thanks for the hard work.
The problem is that the Ares 2 now has 3 interchangeable firmware updates which have significantly changed the sound from the original one. The latest update (1.8) has certainly brightened the sound and made everything faster and more detailed. So my question is... are we sure that those components improve the sound or are they just marketing that with a new firmware they change the sound as they want
I think the better clocks might be a huge change. We can upgrade our clocks on original Ares II with a third party kit.
This is probably the truth. I have the Ares 2, and had used Topping E50 before which had more detail retrieval but sounded less engaging. I was sold on the R2R catnip, but eventually learned that Denafrips does DSP in their DACs - so my go to explanation for the audible differences is that they predominantly reside in the DSP domain - while not conclusive, it makes a lot sense. Build quality is great and the firmware/DSP does something right, so I'm not complaining.
Thank you for the good review . It was very detailed and truthful especially in the comparison part.
Srbojlub, as always awesome review, please compare with new Cyan II from Holo Audio and, if you can find, Soekris DAM 2541 DAC -it is more DIY stuff, but was also released as stanadlone device...
When I was DAC shopping years ago, Soekris were planning another batch of production. I emailed them multiple times, even tried different addresses. No response. Got an Ares 2 and I'm glad it worked out that way considering the customer support for Denafrips is excellent. Would still like to try a Soekris DAC!
You should try the Gustard R26 with an inexpensive external 10MHz clock (the approx £70 Bg7tbl oscillator). Ignore its GPS function and just use the 10MHz OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator) output. It connects to the R26 using a BNC male to BNC male pigtail coax RG316 Cable which costs £3.75 for the 30cm version at Ebay.
I just bought one and it makes a noticeable difference for me. Love to hear what you might have to say about its effect on the R26! 🙂
Hi. What are your observations about with and without this cheap ext. Clock?
@@SimoRama It adds a tough more air and improves the sound slightly across the range. All the fancy talk aside it really eeks out extra texture from the sound. Really sweet and cheap addition
@@rvgr12 I second that. Worth the small extra cost. Hope this manages to post!
try lhy ock2, I can't live without it now
@@onionknight9431 I just wish to have the opportunity to try one. I've made a big effort for get an R26, which is STUNNING as it is btw. Still try an external clock would be interesting. So bad that we are a pretty small community enjoying "entry level" hi-end audio.
I got my Denafrips 12-1 …and I’m good 🙂
I may consider upgrading ..but not anytime soon.
Great video 👍👍
I've seen the HoloAudio - Cyan 2 around, it was my second choice after the Laiv Harmony. Let's see how the review goes.
How are you enjoying your Harmony?
@@Vamon_Kinctuarinwhe The previous one I had was the Ares II. The improvement is very noticeable, a bigger soundstage, with better localization and separation of instruments. The Ares II was much better with female voices than with male ones, the Harmony is much better in both. Also for electronic music it is very dynamic and fast.
I wonder how this compares to the Holo Audio Cyan2.... is US dollars, they are only one dollar different in cost. So this would be a perfect apples for apples, oranges for oranges comparison.
WOW! That Jon Gomm Song is GREAT…and very well recorded! 👍🏼
Expansive and deep soundstage….THANKS!
The whole album is FANTASTIC….makes me really appreciate the efforts I made to create my system!!! You have been a part of that!
Well, I was looking at a Chord Qutest as a DAC upgrade and now the you bring us the 15th. Pretty much the same price where I am. Looks like I'm going to have to revisit your Qutest review to see if you compared it to the Mojo2.
I like the candybar simile! 🤩
Great descriptive review. I chose the Gustard R26 over the last Ares as well as some much pricier offerings. I’d be interested in a demonstration of the 15th. I don’t need all the bells and whistles of the R26, but it’s a wonderful match with my Focal Kanta No 2’s. Glad to see the 15th’s build quality is finally up to snuff.
R26 is a far superior dac, you made the right choice sir, enjoy it
@@robk5745Thank you! As fast as the technology is moving, I wouldn’t have been surprised if it was surpassed for less 2+ years later. I’m still impressed, and chose it over pricier Denafrips and Holo May. There’s a lot of great choices out there. ATB!
@@slidetek just get the new gustard x30 when you’re ready for an upgrade that’s and end game dac
fantastic review. I was waiting on this. it's on my short list as I'm looking for an R2R dac but form factor is important and this fits. I hope you do a review on the Enyo 15th. I'm wondering what the difference is between the two. It looks like the Enyo 15th is a rebadged Ares 12-1 but would like to know for sure...
Excellent! Heads up: the Enyo is one and the same as the Ares 2, but released under its new name Enyo, but its still the same... What some of us may appreciate is that the Ares 2 / Enyo has more inputs, 2 coax plus 2 toslink, vs only one for both on all the other Denafrips models... Its a move I don't understand considering it limits our options for cables, but also limits the amount of devices you can hook up to the DAC.... atb, Gerlach Sven.
I am amazed with the improvement actually. I wish I had watched this review before your Topping D90 III Discrete review because I decided to pull the pin on the Topping which you crowned as the joint No.1 DAC together with the Cyan 2 under US$2K. I have since listened to the Ares 15th and I was shocked how extended it is just like a delta-sigma ESS chip DAC for example. Before I decided on the Topping, I was also thinking about the Pontus 15th and was concerned whether it might be too warm and rounded off for my system. If this is what the Ares has become, I would love to see you review the Pontus 15th. However, I have watched one Pontus 15th review with sound comparison, what I do know is its top end is not as extended as the Hollow Audio May.
The snickers inflation index had me laughing! You should keep that as a barometer for all increases in price comparisons. LOL!
If you can, could you get your hands on a BorderPatrol SE-i DAC for review? Im looking for a comparison to that tube DAC you built for yourself.
I really enjoy your reviews and descriptions. It would be interesting if you could review, compare and contrast the other Denafrips 15 offerings with the competition.
Great review. It would be interesting and probably more relevant to compare this not to Mojo 2 but to Qutest; also, a comparison with units like SMSL M400, Burson Composer, and Topping D70/90 would be very useful.
Thank you for the review. How does 15th stack up with 12th-1?
Thank you for your review. I am very much interested to know your openion between Ares 15 vs Laiv Harmony DAC. Will be grateful if you kindly make a sound quality comparison between them. Thanks in advance.
What's your wall treatment? very good looking and matches my color scheme.
Great review, would love a comparison with the Laiv Harmony and X30 someday!
Wonderful review. Thanks my dude.
Hi…;-)! A really good review, as always. I am choosing between the Denafrips Ares 15th, Gustard R26 ans Holo Audio Cyan 2. Which one would yoy recommend based on sound quality? Thanks!
First, thank you for again an incisive review. Balanced information that gives the listener a good evaluation of the product.
A few questions comes to mind: how does it compare to the Musician Pegasus? Or the Draco? And the Ares, was it upgraded with the latest firmware?
Again thank you for the review (and others). It helps many of us.
Good question ! Does the Ares 15th "beat" the Musician Pegasus (1 or 2) in any way or is the Pegasus still (a little) ahead over the Ares ?!
After Ares 2 there was Ares 12 and Ares 12-1. How about comparison with them?
Thanks for another excellent review!
I love my Denafrips Ares II 12th, Pontus II 12th-1, and Iris 12th (ddc).
---
Incredible how some people spend on highend gear then limit the sound quality with compressed Spotify.
Instead, it's much better to use a lossless streaming source like Apple Music.
Another great review! But why no comparison with Ladder Schumann R2R dac? Please, elaborate!
I don't have it with me anymore for a long time now. I've decided to keep R26 because it was bigger sounding and more resolving. Going by Memory, Schumann is softer, slightly darker, but less resolving than 15th. Similar soundstage.
That line about snickers was hilarious I laughed so loudly
🙋♂️THANKS SRBJ🙏FOR SHARING THIS 💚💚💚
What about the Laiv dac? A cut above from the Denafrips 15th anniversary??
Yes, a cut above. More energy and more alive sound with richer tone timbre.
@@iiWiReviews Denafrips sound can be even better with a DDC. My Denafrips Ares II 12th and Pontus II 12th-1 sound even better with the Denafrips Iris 12th (ddc).
source=Apple Music lossless
Will Pontus 15th be reviewing soon? :)
With the Aries 15 you need over 300 hours to run in ,you don’t specify breakin time
Also much bigger power supplies and dual transformers ,greatly respond to a decent quality
Power cord .the Pangea Sig MK2 is $200 and I truly warms this signal up and a much deeper soundstage then the Gustard and night and day better built ,I have compared both as well as others in our audio club
Thanks for another DAC review. Have you listened to the Holo Audio Cyan2? I would be interested in your thoughts. Rock on.
I'll check it out soon.
Nicely Done.
Thanks for the discount code.
Hoping you might grab the more affordable Enyo 15th for review :)
Excellent vid. Inflation sucks. But, at least my Tradutto is on fire. Thank you, cool runnings
@SimoRama, Sorry, but I couldn't seem to reply directly to you (the reply was deleted by UA-cam), but I'm hoping you will read this nonetheless.
You ask how the inexpensive clock improves the Gustard R26. Well, I've only had it a couple of days, so this is subject to refinement, but I'd say it adds that crispness that Srboljub deemed better in the Ares 15th. It also seems to enhance the soundstage and generally makes for a more engrossing sound.
I bought it on spec after listening to a UA-cam video on the HIfi Zone channel from about 7 months ago -- he mentions his sound impressions towards the end of that video.
Always like your reviews. How does this compare to the Geshelli j2s 4499?
I was wondering the same…I have it with sparkos 2590 op amps and it’s amazing!
denefrips much better
Wonderful review. I listen to all of your reviews and find them very descriptive . I like your detailed analysis of the sound , stage etc. I will be purchasing as a result. Do you have a recommendation for a test track of acoustic guitar ?
Pozdrav! Great review, I really liked the comparison with other similar devices. What do you think would make more improvement on the sound quality, swapping op amps (Sparkos) on the dac (zd3) or amp (za3)
Thank you for reminding everyone that you can get a mojo2 for half the price of the Ares 15th plus you get an excellent headphone amp and first class 4 band eq… :)
Thanks for posting this video
As always you ar the BEST
Can you do a review of the rme adi 2 pro se vs A90D im very curious which is better. They're both end game, and im not sure which to get😅. I should also mention i have the senheiser 800s and the focal clears and would use both for gaming and for music listening, but mostly for music, and the gaming is a bonus.
Please review Fiio k-11 r2r !!
Do you think if there is to mach difference with the pontus 15th ? Thanks.
It would be nice to watch a comparison of modern DACs in price range up to, say 4-5 K USD. And how much Denafrips Ares 15th is worse than a DAC that costs 4-5 times more.
Most of the improvements you hear are due to the improved clocks. But it can get better. I suspect the clocks can be replaced with even better clocks.
Great review.
Very nice review. Has music gone through DA conversion during mixing and mastering process?
Guess... always ut goes thru AD conversion nowadays. Except of few labels who do pure analog recording. It doesnt matter however. We need the best back end device for reproductuion and this channel is all about...
@@yellow_noise3 the thought is…if the sound has gone through AD conversion already…say a pro level RME…then we are flavoring the sound so it sounds more beautiful on our hifi…similar to tubes.
Please review holo audio cyan 2!
I will
i've been looking for more information on the Enyo, but all i've been able to find is a video from the US distributor saying the Enyo *IS* the original Ares II, but it was renamed right before the release of the Ares 12th-1 to better differentiate the two. so that might be an option for anyone looking to save some money. i can't seem to find any reviews of it, but that might just be because, if it's just the Ares II in a new case, nobody who reviewed the original feels the need to review the same thing again.
Denafrips New 1+0 Dancing Man Graphic on their website is very cool!
I use an Iris with a Pontus II (original firmware) and am still enjoying the combo. It’s great to know that Denafrips continues to evolve their products.
One thing with the price, though. They removed their distributor (Vinshine), and went direct. Shouldn’t that have kept prices lower! (Sadly, this would not affect your Snickers Bar). 👉🏼😀
Awesome review. thank you. Are you planning to review Enyo 15th and compare it with Ares 15 and/or II?
Hello, you should compare it to the Ares 12th-1, which is the actual predecessor. I don't consider the difference to the 15th substantial.
Yes it may be better but it now almost twice the price in Australia. I will live with my 12th. Thanks.
Tq for another great review. Can you please review the Fiio R11 streamer?. . It's been out a while but hardly any reviews on YT.
It's been out of stock when I tried to get it. But I am waiting on Apos now to help me with a review unit. Hope it will be soon.
The Enyo was basically the Ares 2, but now they have a second edition out, the Enyo 15th. This may be preferable over the Gustard R26 for me since my preamp already adds some warmth to the system. (Or just use the R26 as a preamp if it matches the poweramp impedance wise) the real question building a system is were to use a neutral component and where to tune it to personal preference with some coloration. One persons color can be the others neutrality. What I most certainly do not want is too much brightness and sibilance. I prefer a sound I can feel just above the solar plexus, not moving up to the throat and head area. Too analytical and not grounded.
According to an answer I got from Denafrips, the Enyo 15th is practically the Ares 12th.
@@ronenik ok then i'll wait for the next Enyo, it will be the Ares 15th. 😁
looking for a "general advise"
Listening mainly to my Tidal Playlists, all types of Music (amp Pechtree nova 500, speakers Paradym 120). Looking to upgrade my DAC and PRE. Considered eversolo A6 master\8a ) following those perfect reviews (that actually speak my language) I find myself wonder - will I get better results with Schiit preya+ combined with Denafrips ares 15 dac r2r, please advise. (streaming in - by laptop)
any remote to those systems ?
thanks
I would go for Schiit Freya+ or Ladder Bach preamp and Ares 15th. Preamps in those all in one streamers are limiting factors and I would avoid using them if possible.
Thanks very much, and between the schiit and the bach? Any comparison done by you?
Yes, here: ua-cam.com/video/cu725CT25fY/v-deo.htmlsi=FqyyOK2MwiMrEzkV
Just have in mind that remote situation is fixed and remote is now optional purchase.
Thanks for detaling.
Great review Srbo!
I would say you're spoiling us a bit, and we're expecting the same level of quality elsewhere. Not getting the quality in most cases, unfortunately.
One remark: I've had the pleasure of listening to your system on several occasions, and each time I admired the speciousness it produced. The depth of the sound image was incredible every time.
So, when you're speaking of dimensions of the image a component you're reviewing is producing, how much of it is your system, and how much is the actual component's contribution?
Thanks Vlado! I belive that my system is capable of conveying great spaciousness and shows it every time a source can produce it. Some sources really can - like these good R2Rs, but if you would to listen to Matrix Mini-i 4 for example - most of that space would be gone because that DAC is not creating it really. So the rest of the system is not artificially adding it.
BTW, the whole system is even more spacious these days thanks to some upgrades.
@iiWiReviews great... now I'm really curious as to what could be added to your system's imaging capabilities.
Regarding the Matrix, I was tempted to try it out, but the reviews were not glowing, so I passed on it
They need to send you the new Pontus to review.
Thank you for the great review. Any thoughts on this compared to Laiv Harmony?
Laiv Harmony has slightly warmer sound that's also more alive and punchy. Slightly richer tone timbre too. So Harmony is a better Sounding DAC. I guess some upmarket Denafrips model would be a more fair comparison.
@iiWiReviews I assume Laiv is definitely not 2.5 times better in performance considering price difference to Ares 15th. I think Ares has a better diminishing return. I ordered one myself 😊
Thanks for the review. I have D90le+A90D stack now, do you think Ares 15th would be an upgrade for me? I generally listen to pop music and like the feeling that I can pinpoint all the tiny details other than just vocal. I'm expecting some devices could provide maybe even better details(the D90le+A90D stack is already great on this IMO) and bigger soundstage.
I had the same stack as you. I bought the Aune S17 Pro and it was huge improve in sound quality and soundstage. Music is just more enjoyable on this amp. A90D sounds just boring and flat comparing to S17. Still have D90le as DAC and considering to upgrade to r2r dac for even more soundstage, but D90le sounds really good with this amp. Headphones I use are LCD-X 2021, HD650, Sundara and just ordered Aune ar5000. S17 Pro was huge improve to sound and it might the end game for me, sounds just great. All my connections are balanced, Topping stack sounds much better on balanced.
@@abcdef1479 Hmm, I thought the bottleneck of this stack was the DAC.
Why don’t you review the New Denafrips Pontus-15 dac ,I heard it it was much better then the Gustard
And built night and day better at 23 lbs and around $2k
Woukd request you to please compare to internal dac. For example for someone with a Hegel H190, would this dac will be significant enough improvement, or should I move up to higher level models?
The comparison to Gustard was helpful.
I'm thinking of upgrading to this, coming from only a DX3 Pro+ only.. Which amps do you recommend that would probably perfectly compliment this DAC? My headphones are DT 1990 Pros but that will change in the future.
So one important question - is the new Ares generation better than the old Terminator generation?
Unfortunately Denafrips dropped vinshine audio and went direct but raised prices instead of dropping them. Cant say I like what they did.
They're sold on Amison now too though.
It's a shame, Vinshine is a terrific company. Excellent user support. And the Ares 2 was only about 800 euro a few years ago and now nearly twice as much!
@@peterlarkin762 Yep Alvin is a great guy, he essentially helped build the Denafrips brand and the way he was thanked was loosing it as a dealer. Personally no matter how good the dac is I will look elsewhere. I’m not a fan of these business practices.
@@peterlarkin762 .
The Ares Enyo with I2S is for sale on Denafrip's site for $699. Better than Ares 2 and 100 cheaper.
@@peterlarkin762 no, that's not true. Nearly 50 percent more than the ares 2 back in the days. Every hifi company raised their prises. Everything is more expensive now, the reviewer mentioned the inflation.
And if someone wants to buy the ares 2(enyo), you can still buy it on their page for less money.
Will you review enyo 15th?
How does ares 2 15th compare to musician draco ? Thanks
Now I like your videos before watching them 😂 you are a guarantee. What do you think about a comparison with the musican draco? I am very curious about your opinion, thanks
Still no 12v trigger in or out for the amplifier? so it is better to buy the D90 III Discrete?
Is this direct competition versus Musician Pegasus 2?
Hi!
Have you tested the Denafrips Ares 15th with the Topping B200? What would your thoughts be on them as a pair? I'm looking for a DAC in the 800-1500 dollar range for the monos powering a pair of P-300 Buchardt's
Thank you for the great B200 topping video as well.
Did you decide?
I have not purchased any dacs yet.
I have a case of upgradetitis, is this a worthy upgrade to a Mojo 2, u said slightly better dynamics at both low/high end, is it significant enough to spend a grand+ on it ?
Hi, what I can't find anywhere...can you control the volume of the analog outputs using the remote control if mono blocks are used as amplifiers behind them?
No, this is a fixed volume DAC. Either preamp or integrated amp should come next.
@@iiWiReviews thanks
Thanks for sharing. Do you try before musician pegasus II, it both specs are similar. But I having issue with musician pegasus II is when playing 2x and above up sampling file will dropping in sound quality on both format DSD and PCM.
I wonder ares 15th having the same problem or not.
Hi. What about the Ares 15th with headphones ? (He1000 Unveiled). Better than Gustard r26?
🤔Hi, would you be willing to do an extra video each year about the best 2 or 3 dacs below about $100, below $500, below $1000, and between $1000-$2000. That would be interesting on multiple levels.😉
Would it be a good idea to pair this DAC with an Onkyo AVR receiver?
I’m so confused with the denafrips website. Would I be correct in thinking that the 15th enyo is a 12th edition ares?
Is your DIY tube dac your reference DAC at this time? Just wondering where that fits in the grand scheme of things. Thanks.
Would this DAC pair well with the s17 Pro?
Your content is amazing
I have an amp from TOOPING A70 PRO
Can I change the OP AMP chips?
I don't think you can change opamps in A70 pro.
How do you compare it to Topping D90iii Descret ?
Review Audial S5b from Serbia!
It’s a killer of this 15th
Good review as usual
But i don't agree on the power supply improvement (unless someone will supply evidence by measurements results).
As i see it (in relation to ares 2) its more of a cost cutting rather than performance improvement.
Instead of using many many smaller value japanese nichikon capacitors the use now much fewer but bigger values capacitors from other manufacturers (i think korean) (all capacitors in parallel) achieving the same total value,
More capacitors in parallel is better than fewer because the total esr is lower which is better, toroidal transformer is the same.
In the end i think it's a cost cutting and not power supply improvement.
Other things that can improve sound are resistors accuracy (same on both 0.01 percent,and oscillator accuracy and temperature stability which is improvement on the ares 15. And of course the option to use an external clock.
About the sound of the 15 I can't comment i didn't hear it but every time they changed the software (firmware) on my ares 2 ,the tonality changed from warm and full to resolving but less warm less full,to balanced in the middle of the road.
They can change tonality without changing hardware very easily.
Higher denafripd dacs uses more accurate ladder resistors ( 0.005) better power supply and better oscillator
Hello bro, I know you always prefer analog preamp rather than built-in preamp dac.. But if you have to choose between smsl sux and su 10 to use as preamp which one you would prefer? thanks
I haven't tried SU-X, only SU-10. Looking at internals, they appear to be the same design just newer DAC chips in X. Going by that I except them having the same preamp performance.
Would you be able to compare AudioGD R7HE Mk2 and the Ares 15th or Gustard R26. Thanks
Great review. I got the Ares 15th a week ago and agree with everything you stated about it. I love it! This is my end all dac. The only thing i may do in the future is add an iris ddc. Would love to see you review that