Best wishes for a full and complete recovery, you're a trooper hanging in there to complete this video! Hoping for better days ahead, without our good health nothing else matters.
It’s not easy filming yourself and your cough probably added 12X to the difficulty level. They way you pulled this off was impressive. Congrats on 12 years Alvin. No doubt this Dac will be a big hit!🍻
The flu is hitting everyone hard this year, get well soon & take rest. The Ares 2 was an expensive piece of gear for me, but after using for a year I feel like it will be with me for life, above any other devices. I love it's ability to project any detail in a good recording, yet not seem intrusive or glaring. It's also technically very well constructed. The PCB is well routed, and my inner nerd child adores the (very rare) O ring toroidal and resistor ladder.
I hope Alvin you recover soon. Your dedication to us, the clients-followers, is absolutely incredible, since even when you're sick, you give all of yourself to give us the improvements in your products. I wish there are many more anniversaries for Denafrips 🎉
Big thanks Alvin, received the ares 12th about 3 days ago, still burning in but absolutely amazing transformed my system, it makes digital streaming sound analogue. Thanks for your advice regarding which Dac to buy.
It's an amazing Dac, I have no experience with the denafrips ares 2 but the 12th is as Alvin side makes digital audio sound analogue. There's no top end harshness but still very detaile, bass is tight fast. And the after sales help with setting up the Dac is excellent 👌 👏
Just got it, and it sounds very very good. Punchier than the Ares II(Enyo), mid range has more weight. Everyone says the Bifrost 2 has punch and heft while the ares II(enyo) has a organic/natural quality to the tonality. The Ares 12th could be the best of both worlds here.
Interesting. Any further feedback? I am considering the Enyo vs the Ares 12th. Part of me wants to stick with the "tried and true" version (having heard neither).
Take care, Alvin. Wish you a speedy full recovery ! Singapore did away with most Covid restrictions out of economic considerations but the viruses don't really care, so everyone has to look after oneself...
Hi Alvin. Thanks for the effort to make the video. I wish you a quick recovery. Should we expect a change in the sound signature due to the electronics components that changed?
Hi!I am interested in Ares 12. But in the same time, you pointed out that they removed AC filter from the chain...and you mentioned that you will ask them why? Have you received an answer regarding that? Thank you in advance!
Great video. Hope you get better soon. Would you happen to know the RCA output voltage on the 12th edition? I believe the Ares ii is 2.2 Vrms. Is it the same?
Alvin, how much hours of burning does the Ares need? Wich is the main differences regardless the timbre between Enyo and Ares 12 th . Thank you very much
Alvin, Great video. I don't own an ares 2. I believe that the operation in choosing OS vs NOS was a little complicated with the pushing of several buttons to achieve the desired choice. Is the new one easier to navigate, by simply choosing the now separate OS and NOS buttons. thanks, Hope you feel better. Robert TN
do you have in program a tube preamp with mm phono ? like doge or audio note ? nos tube matching ? it’s a nitch too small ? i mean for your distribution, congratulation .
I would really like you to make a Dac for pro DJ equipment. I would definitely buy one and it would sell like hot cakes. Serato dj pro us the player I use. I would love to hear this at ut best. That is my goal. Thank you
The Ares 12th, in NOS mode, doesn't process/change the input signal sampling rate. The output Sine waveform measured at 44.1kHz shows the classic NOS step staircase output response.
hi Alvin first of all I send you my best wishes for a speedy recovery.👍💪 some questions..... I saw that on the little Ares they have entered the i2s entrance .... in the specifications I read that the dsd 1024 and the pcm 1536 is active only on the usb ..... is it a specification error or the i2s does not carry the dsd 1024 and pcm 1536 signals? if so ... how come this choice? thank you
@@VinshineAudio you need interface (or ddc) usb> i2s that vehicles such obvious frequencies ...... but you can live safely even with the usb.😊 otherwise the server I use could do (indeed does) the job of oversampling the audio signal.
More importantly - have they addressed the "micro-skipping" problem which has plagued many customer's DACs, including mine. Very frustrating because the Ares was a good sounding DAC, especially for the money.
While at this point, I do not have a concrete answer to this, I should stress that not all customers experience the micro-skipping. We suspect it has to do with the source, electrical/grounding of each system.
Thanks for the feedback. Some answer for the FAQ: The o-core transformer used in the Ares 12th is the identical to that of Ares II/Enyo. The removal of the AC filter on the Ares 12th is a design choice. Several sound & tuning tests concluded that without the AC filter, the Ares 12th sounds significantly better. It could be due to the good quality, shielded O-Core transformer.
Hey Neil, here is a growing impression of the Ares 12th on the forum. Please check it out: www.head-fi.org/threads/denafrips-ares-12th-speculation-discussion-impressions.965720/
I am fully recovered, thank you! The Ares 12th is gaining attention, find out more here: www.head-fi.org/threads/denafrips-ares-12th-speculation-discussion-impressions.965720/
Please be informed that the Enyo (formally known as Ares II) will co-exists with the Ares 12th. Ares 12th does not replace the Enyo. For customers who need two Coax/Opt inputs, I'd recommend the Enyo. For advanced customers who like to use i2s, Ares 12th or higher end DENAFRIPS DACs will be my recommendation.
To my knowledge, for those interested in Denafrips be aware they have a NO return policy. I also had sync issues with the Ares 2 optical connection. They only inform you about this in the FAQ’s so buyer beware! It should be noted, I was easily able to sell the unit but it was an inconvenience nevertheless.
As much as we would love to have a return policy, the current business model just couldn’t allow us to do that. As you could imagine, the high freight costs, customs import duties/fees, as well as resources involve to handle the returns, pose great challenges to our lean business model. If we were to provide a return policy, we will not be able to sustain at the current pricing level. We have to strike a balance here in order to keep everybody happy. We seek your kind understanding and consideration in this matter. Many thanks.
@@VinshineAudio Thanks for sharing, this information should be shared on your website so customers can make a proper decision on the interest of your products!
Hi Alvin. I'd really like to hear some feedback from the use of the wiim mini with denafrips products and eventual upgrades you could suggest as you did with some other streamers. Get well soon!
@@dr.zoidberg4313 the Pontus is definitely better however it’s twice the price. I was quite happy with my Ares. My point was that if my Ares had the features of this new 12th anniversary edition, namely the I2S input and easier NOS/OS selection, I would’ve kept it!
Why do I see less and cheaper components? Sounds like cost cutting with a higher price. No offense to Alvin, you’re great, but Denafrips looks like it’s doing something funny.
Thanks for the feedback. Some answer for the FAQ: The o-core transformer used in the Ares 12th is the identical to that of Ares II/Enyo. The removal of the AC filter on the Ares 12th is a design choice. Several sound & tuning tests concluded that without the AC filter, the Ares 12th sounds significantly better. It could be due to the good quality, shielded O-Core transformer.
@@mikebalhorn Denafrips provides parts to Musician The two biggest differences between the Ares 2 and the Draco were the bigger but fewer elco's in the Drace and the NOS button Not there are almost no differences anymore
Frankly, I am pretty shock the owner of the product has no idea of what the changes/upgrade done on the 12TH Anniversary Edition before doing this video. Personally I find this video useless, I am more keen to hear the performance difference between the new and old model. Although I respect the fact that you did this video still having to deal with Covid symptoms, but this video does not provide much information as a New Product Launch video.
Thanks for the constructive feedback, I will do better :) I usually do not comment on the sound quality. Moreover, my opinions are likely biased, take it as a pinch of salt. I leave this aspects to the professional reviewers/ users who willing to provide us with their genuine feedback. We will see !
@@VinshineAudio I don't quite agree with your reply on not commenting on the sound quality. When there is an upgrade done on the product, definitely it is going to affect certain area of the sound reproduction and I see no reason why you cannot touch on those area. As for the feedback from the professional reviewers, they can also be biased or having their own personal taste in their reviews. Personally I feel the review from the manufacturer/owner is in fact more important, because he knows how the product is designed and how exactly the product should sound like. If the manufacturer is giving an honest review than there is no concern about being biased. End of the day, no matter who makes the review, it is the responsibility of the viewers themselves to make their own judgment whether if the review is trustworthy.
I'm a little bit disappointed. I'm a big fan of my Ares II. And since I'm owning it for a year now, I'm used to the settings, which I don't touch anyway. So what should be the reason to swap? I2S? Maybe, but ahh not really. Will it play better if I connect a Ares 12th via I2S to my Iris, instead of my Ares II via Coax? Really better? True NOS? Is it true NOS this time? At the Ares II it isn't true NOS, even if Denafrips stated it to be real NOS. So. It's a little more expensive. Not the world. But. You saved expenses on not to solder 73 capacitors, but only 14 bigger ones and 6 small. I don't see the higher value to make me swapping my Ares II for the 12th. Even if I never would go for a Ladder Schumann, at first because of my loyalty for Denafrips and secondly, because behind "Ladder" I don't see an grown brand represented by anyone or anything, I see this 12th anniversary move critical. Denafrips risks being left behind unless some more development takes place here. So my future with R-2R will maybe be a Venus II or more likely a Holo May KTE.
@@ggc7318 it's a decision yes. But we're talking about a digital-hybrid integrate amp with a DAC, if we're talking about a Hegel 95. People who are buying a Denafrips or a Holo device, are going for a separated chain of devices to be able to chose a external integrated or even preamp and power amp design.
I also want to know about True NOS, what have they changed for that? That said, I2S input is worth the price on it's own. It means I can use Iris to feed I2S to Ares II now for very best SQ.
@@johnratcliffe6438 to be honest. I don't believe, that there have been improvements on the NOS mode. And due to my experiences with Holo, the NOS mode is highly depending on the recording and will be the most time not the best choice. Again. This is also a very subjective matter of taste. I2S: if you don't own a Ares, yes maybe buy the 12th. I wouldn't. If you own I wouldn't recommend to swap. And, maybe R-2R fans are anyway not friends of measurement. But I2S seems not to be the game changer for hifi. There are nice discussion all over the net, which are oscillating between anecdotal evidence (but I can hear) and measurements showing that there is no real benefit. By the way. I was a little amused that the otherwise well-informed Alvin looked into the can and suddenly discovered that the AC filter was missing. That gives me a critical view of the matter, as for the other savings as well. First, more than 70 capacitors, an almost manic amount, are soldered onto the circuit board, after which 14 large and 6 small ones are swapped. In terms of production, this is an enormous saving in terms of material and process. And as always and everywhere, it is not the sheer presence of an interface that determines performance, but rather its implementation. You'll lose half of the money for the Ares II selling it used and you'll pay additional more than 1.000 bucks with vat. For a (MAYBE) slightly better sounding upgrade. Then go for a Venus II and pass the Pontus II 😉
@@farbschlachterei I agree with much of what you say, but IME at least I2S is the best connection type on the DACs I've used. I have thought a lot about upgrading Iris/Ares II to Hermes/Pontus II, but Denafrips are upgrading everything ATM, and it would be annoying if I bought Pontus then from Pontus 12th AE to be released...
Best wishes for a full and complete recovery, you're a trooper hanging in there to complete this video! Hoping for better days ahead, without our good health nothing else matters.
Thank Bill! I am almost fully recovered :)
Hope you make full recovery soon Alvin. The new Ares 12th looks like a nice addition to the line. Loving my Ares ll. Listen to it every day.
Thank you, sir! Enjoy the music :)
Thanks a lot to have opened both to see what are the changes inside.
Glad it was helpful!
It’s not easy filming yourself and your cough probably added 12X to the difficulty level. They way you pulled this off was impressive. Congrats on 12 years Alvin. No doubt this Dac will be a big hit!🍻
Thank you sir! Love the way you put it!
Full recovery takes a while, be patient and get well soon!
Thank you Warran! I started my routine exercise, I will go for a 6km run tomorrow!
Thank you for this elaborated review, I hope you feeling better soon.
Thank you, Stanley!
Sorry your sick, bless you. You just keep going, that's cool my friend.
Thank you, you're very kind sir!
Best wishes Alvin and get some rest. The new Ares 12th look great and the I2S input is a welcomed addition.
Thanks Matthew. I have been using the Ares 12th i2s with Iris DDC, it's fun!
Feel better Alvin, as we need you around for years | years to come.😊
I will stay healthy!
Thank you, and I hope you are fully recovered very soon !
Thank you, it may take a while :)
The flu is hitting everyone hard this year, get well soon & take rest. The Ares 2 was an expensive piece of gear for me, but after using for a year I feel like it will be with me for life, above any other devices. I love it's ability to project any detail in a good recording, yet not seem intrusive or glaring. It's also technically very well constructed. The PCB is well routed, and my inner nerd child adores the (very rare) O ring toroidal and resistor ladder.
Thanks, Peter. I am feeling better already. Thank you for loving the Ares II, enjoy the music sir!
I hope Alvin you recover soon. Your dedication to us, the clients-followers, is absolutely incredible, since even when you're sick, you give all of yourself to give us the improvements in your products. I wish there are many more anniversaries for Denafrips 🎉
Thank you Luis. I appreciate your kind words!
Why in the Ares 12 is missing the AC Filter , it work better with this solution?? great job............
It indeed works very well :)
Welcome back Alvin, nice to see you on your feet again! Please take care of yourself.
Thank you Dean. I am feeling better already :)
I hope you are feeling much better now. Thank you for making this video, I am ordering one this week.
I am fully recovered, thank god! Thank you for your business Paul :)
Hey bud, thanks for the video. Good luck over there, get well soon.
Glad you like the video sir!
Take care of yourself Alvin first and foremost !!! So happy to see you look so well considering ....
I am vaccinated and boosted. Overall it helps!
I feel you Alvin. Get better soon!
Thanks Angelo, I appreciate it :)
feel better soon, thank you
Thank you Phillip, I am feeling better already :)
Big thanks Alvin, received the ares 12th about 3 days ago, still burning in but absolutely amazing transformed my system, it makes digital streaming sound analogue.
Thanks for your advice regarding which Dac to buy.
Hi, MegaRockyk,
let us know you impression.
Thank you very much
It's an amazing Dac, I have no experience with the denafrips ares 2 but the 12th is as Alvin side makes digital audio sound analogue. There's no top end harshness but still very detaile, bass is tight fast.
And the after sales help with setting up the Dac is excellent 👌 👏
Thank you for the kind feedback sir! It means a lot to us!
Take care mate, congratulations for the new product!
Thank you sir!
I2S input is amazing. So you can buy Iris and use it more effectively now.
That's right John :)
Take some more time for recovery. We can really wait a little longer for your videos. Health is more important!
Thanks Jakob!
Looks good and i hope you get better Alvin!
Thank you sir!
Get well soon mate 👍🏼
Thank you, I will!
Just got it, and it sounds very very good. Punchier than the Ares II(Enyo), mid range has more weight. Everyone says the Bifrost 2 has punch and heft while the ares II(enyo) has a organic/natural quality to the tonality. The Ares 12th could be the best of both worlds here.
Interesting. Any further feedback? I am considering the Enyo vs the Ares 12th. Part of me wants to stick with the "tried and true" version (having heard neither).
Thank you for the strong support sir Johen!
Compared to delta sigma dacs?
Take care, Alvin. Wish you a speedy full recovery ! Singapore did away with most Covid restrictions out of economic considerations but the viruses don't really care, so everyone has to look after oneself...
I am feeling better already. Thank you sir!
Thanks for the video
Take care of you.
Thank you!
Hi Alvin. Thanks for the effort to make the video. I wish you a quick recovery.
Should we expect a change in the sound signature due to the electronics components that changed?
Thanks Luis, I appreciate it. I am still evaluating the DAC, it is very promising!
Hi!I am interested in Ares 12. But in the same time, you pointed out that they removed AC filter from the chain...and you mentioned that you will ask them why? Have you received an answer regarding that? Thank you in advance!
Hi Jury, it’s a design decision by DENAFRIPS after several sound tests. It’s a positive one!
Feel better Alvin! ❤
Thank you sir David!
Congratulations on the new Ares 12TH! Hope you feel better soon. Will there be a Pontus 12TH coming soon?
Thank you! I am feeling better already :)
Great video. Hope you get better soon. Would you happen to know the RCA output voltage on the 12th edition? I believe the Ares ii is 2.2 Vrms. Is it the same?
Hi Christian, the output voltage of the RCA is 2vrms.
Hey Alvin,
Dun worry for your covid, you look fine 👍
Thanks, Julien. I resumed my daily routine: Exercise & Eat Healthily :)
Hi Alvin, I've noticed you have an Accurate HPA-A1000 headphone amp, is it really good?
Alvin, how much hours of burning does the Ares need?
Wich is the main differences regardless the timbre between Enyo and Ares 12 th . Thank you very much
Hi Guiliano, you will find out about it soon!
Alvin, Great video. I don't own an ares 2. I believe that the operation in choosing OS vs NOS was a little complicated with the pushing of several buttons to achieve the desired choice. Is the new one easier to navigate, by simply choosing the now separate OS and NOS buttons. thanks, Hope you feel better. Robert TN
Hi Robert, the Ares 12th coms with a dedicated button to choose NOS/OS mode. It's more intuitive ::)
do you have in program a tube preamp with mm phono ? like doge or audio note ? nos tube matching ? it’s a nitch too small ? i mean for your distribution, congratulation .
No sir, we do not have tube phono/amp in our portfolio, yet.
Ares II has galvanic isolation USB input. Does the 12th edition include this?
The USB of the Ares II and Ares 12th are the same :)
Hi Alvin
Do you anticipate a Pontus 12th anniversary model being released ?
Hi Jason, I will keep it in my sleeves, for now!
Get well soon, Alvin. How are you getting along with the WIIM mini streamer? Very interested to know what you think ☺️
Thank you Martyn. Part #2 of the Wiim Mini streamer is scheduled by the end of the month
It is funny that Alvin as Denafrips world wide sales distributor didn’t have the new product details for shooting the video!
Urgh, sorry about it. I wasn't well prepared!
I would really like you to make a Dac for pro DJ equipment. I would definitely buy one and it would sell like hot cakes. Serato dj pro us the player I use. I would love to hear this at ut best. That is my goal. Thank you
Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, there is no plans for pro-DJ equipment sir.
Alvin, what is 'True NOS? You said nothing about it? What has changed between the DACs for this to work?
The Ares 12th, in NOS mode, doesn't process/change the input signal sampling rate. The output Sine waveform measured at 44.1kHz shows the classic NOS step staircase output response.
hi Alvin
first of all I send you my best wishes for a speedy recovery.👍💪
some questions.....
I saw that on the little Ares they have entered the i2s entrance ....
in the specifications I read that the dsd 1024 and the pcm 1536 is active only on the usb ..... is it a specification error or the i2s does not carry the dsd 1024 and pcm 1536 signals?
if so ... how come this choice?
thank you
Hi Giordy, Ares 12th is a good one! Out of curiosity, do you know of any i2s source that can output DSD1024/PCM1536?
@@VinshineAudio you need interface (or ddc) usb> i2s that vehicles such obvious frequencies ...... but you can live safely even with the usb.😊
otherwise the server I use could do (indeed does) the job of oversampling the audio signal.
More importantly - have they addressed the "micro-skipping" problem which has plagued many customer's DACs, including mine. Very frustrating because the Ares was a good sounding DAC, especially for the money.
While at this point, I do not have a concrete answer to this, I should stress that not all customers experience the micro-skipping. We suspect it has to do with the source, electrical/grounding of each system.
Does the transformer get hot? My amp uses a similar transformer and gets quite warm.
The Ares 12th runs luke-warmth. Certainly not hot :)
The transformer on the 12th looks slightly smaller to me
I agree and no power filtering as before. Looks like cost cutting in the unit. I`ll stick to my Aries2.
Thanks for the feedback. Some answer for the FAQ:
The o-core transformer used in the Ares 12th is the identical to that of Ares II/Enyo.
The removal of the AC filter on the Ares 12th is a design choice. Several sound & tuning tests concluded that without the AC filter, the Ares 12th sounds significantly better. It could be due to the good quality, shielded O-Core transformer.
If it's any better than my aries 2, take my money now!
Hey Neil, here is a growing impression of the Ares 12th on the forum. Please check it out: www.head-fi.org/threads/denafrips-ares-12th-speculation-discussion-impressions.965720/
Hi Alvin, is there any noticeable difference in sound or price with the 12th Anniversary Edition? Hope you feel better...get some soup :)
Thanks Mark. I have been drinking ... wine :)
I am evaluating the Ares 12th, it's very promising!
Does Ares pair and sound well with 300B tube amp?
I bet it wil!
@@VinshineAudioAre the stock ready in? or will need to wait a while?
This is the best video ever!
I will keep it up!
Hope you recovered completely Alvin. Ares 12th without AC filter and looks like a higher ESR cap arrangement vs original?
I am fully recovered, thank you! The Ares 12th is gaining attention, find out more here: www.head-fi.org/threads/denafrips-ares-12th-speculation-discussion-impressions.965720/
Dang I just got the Ares II😂
Please be informed that the Enyo (formally known as Ares II) will co-exists with the Ares 12th. Ares 12th does not replace the Enyo.
For customers who need two Coax/Opt inputs, I'd recommend the Enyo.
For advanced customers who like to use i2s, Ares 12th or higher end DENAFRIPS DACs will be my recommendation.
To my knowledge, for those interested in Denafrips be aware they have a NO return policy. I also had sync issues with the Ares 2 optical connection. They only inform you about this in the FAQ’s so buyer beware! It should be noted, I was easily able to sell the unit but it was an inconvenience nevertheless.
As much as we would love to have a return policy, the current business model just couldn’t allow us to do that. As you could imagine, the high freight costs, customs import duties/fees, as well as resources involve to handle the returns, pose great challenges to our lean business model. If we were to provide a return policy, we will not be able to sustain at the current pricing level. We have to strike a balance here in order to keep everybody happy. We seek your kind understanding and consideration in this matter. Many thanks.
@@VinshineAudio Thanks for sharing, this information should be shared on your website so customers can make a proper decision on the interest of your products!
Hi Alvin. I'd really like to hear some feedback from the use of the wiim mini with denafrips products and eventual upgrades you could suggest as you did with some other streamers. Get well soon!
Hi Jose, Wiim Mini streamer follow up Part #2 is planned to release by the end of this month. Stay tuned sir!
Awesome Speedmaster Professional…I have one too! 😎👍 Feel better Alvin!
Thank you sir! We have great taste :)
Should I wear a mask while watching?
Hi Larry, no mask required :)
There is no way to escape Covid. Just stay healthy.
Yes there is. DO NOT take "vaccine". But I guess it's too late for many now.
Trying to!
I just sold my Ares II for a Pontus II. If my Ares had the i2S input I probably would’ve kept it. Oh well.
Is the Pontus II a step down in ease of listening? I'd hate to lose the Ares's strengths so I'm afraid to upgrade.
@@dr.zoidberg4313 the Pontus is definitely better however it’s twice the price. I was quite happy with my Ares. My point was that if my Ares had the features of this new 12th anniversary edition, namely the I2S input and easier NOS/OS selection, I would’ve kept it!
Pontus II DAC is one of the most popular DENAFRIPS DAC, can't go wrong with either :)
Why do I see less and cheaper components? Sounds like cost cutting with a higher price. No offense to Alvin, you’re great, but Denafrips looks like it’s doing something funny.
Thanks for the feedback. Some answer for the FAQ:
The o-core transformer used in the Ares 12th is the identical to that of Ares II/Enyo.
The removal of the AC filter on the Ares 12th is a design choice. Several sound & tuning tests concluded that without the AC filter, the Ares 12th sounds significantly better. It could be due to the good quality, shielded O-Core transformer.
It now looks more like a Musician Draco
I’m very curious about the Draco but am not worried about qc issues with this brand
So are they the same company?
@@mikebalhorn Denafrips provides parts to Musician
The two biggest differences between the Ares 2 and the Draco were the bigger but fewer elco's in the Drace and the NOS button
Not there are almost no differences anymore
And that there is way better QC with the Denafrips line. My Draco failed under 6 months of use.
Thanks for the feedback. It's the DENAFRIPS Ares 12th :)
好好好
谢谢！
Late to the game, same as the musician Draco with i2s. Usb needs to be obsolete
Thanks for the feedback sir!
Frankly, I am pretty shock the owner of the product has no idea of what the changes/upgrade done on the 12TH Anniversary Edition before doing this video. Personally I find this video useless, I am more keen to hear the performance difference between the new and old model. Although I respect the fact that you did this video still having to deal with Covid symptoms, but this video does not provide much information as a New Product Launch video.
Thanks for the constructive feedback, I will do better :)
I usually do not comment on the sound quality. Moreover, my opinions are likely biased, take it as a pinch of salt. I leave this aspects to the professional reviewers/ users who willing to provide us with their genuine feedback.
We will see !
@@VinshineAudio I don't quite agree with your reply on not commenting on the sound quality. When there is an upgrade done on the product, definitely it is going to affect certain area of the sound reproduction and I see no reason why you cannot touch on those area. As for the feedback from the professional reviewers, they can also be biased or having their own personal taste in their reviews.
Personally I feel the review from the manufacturer/owner is in fact more important, because he knows how the product is designed and how exactly the product should sound like. If the manufacturer is giving an honest review than there is no concern about being biased. End of the day, no matter who makes the review, it is the responsibility of the viewers themselves to make their own judgment whether if the review is trustworthy.
I'm a little bit disappointed. I'm a big fan of my Ares II. And since I'm owning it for a year now, I'm used to the settings, which I don't touch anyway.
So what should be the reason to swap? I2S? Maybe, but ahh not really. Will it play better if I connect a Ares 12th via I2S to my Iris, instead of my Ares II via Coax? Really better?
True NOS? Is it true NOS this time? At the Ares II it isn't true NOS, even if Denafrips stated it to be real NOS.
So. It's a little more expensive. Not the world. But. You saved expenses on not to solder 73 capacitors, but only 14 bigger ones and 6 small.
I don't see the higher value to make me swapping my Ares II for the 12th.
Even if I never would go for a Ladder Schumann, at first because of my loyalty for Denafrips and secondly, because behind "Ladder" I don't see an grown brand represented by anyone or anything, I see this 12th anniversary move critical.
Denafrips risks being left behind unless some more development takes place here.
So my future with R-2R will maybe be a Venus II or more likely a Holo May KTE.
I'm going to get the new Hegel 95 instead of upgrading. Not much in price difference.
@@ggc7318 it's a decision yes. But we're talking about a digital-hybrid integrate amp with a DAC, if we're talking about a Hegel 95.
People who are buying a Denafrips or a Holo device, are going for a separated chain of devices to be able to chose a external integrated or even preamp and power amp design.
I also want to know about True NOS, what have they changed for that? That said, I2S input is worth the price on it's own. It means I can use Iris to feed I2S to Ares II now for very best SQ.
@@johnratcliffe6438 to be honest. I don't believe, that there have been improvements on the NOS mode.
And due to my experiences with Holo, the NOS mode is highly depending on the recording and will be the most time not the best choice. Again. This is also a very subjective matter of taste.
I2S: if you don't own a Ares, yes maybe buy the 12th. I wouldn't. If you own I wouldn't recommend to swap.
And, maybe R-2R fans are anyway not friends of measurement. But I2S seems not to be the game changer for hifi. There are nice discussion all over the net, which are oscillating between anecdotal evidence (but I can hear) and measurements showing that there is no real benefit.
By the way. I was a little amused that the otherwise well-informed Alvin looked into the can and suddenly discovered that the AC filter was missing. That gives me a critical view of the matter, as for the other savings as well. First, more than 70 capacitors, an almost manic amount, are soldered onto the circuit board, after which 14 large and 6 small ones are swapped. In terms of production, this is an enormous saving in terms of material and process.
And as always and everywhere, it is not the sheer presence of an interface that determines performance, but rather its implementation.
You'll lose half of the money for the Ares II selling it used and you'll pay additional more than 1.000 bucks with vat. For a (MAYBE) slightly better sounding upgrade. Then go for a Venus II and pass the Pontus II 😉
@@farbschlachterei I agree with much of what you say, but IME at least I2S is the best connection type on the DACs I've used.
I have thought a lot about upgrading Iris/Ares II to Hermes/Pontus II, but Denafrips are upgrading everything ATM, and it would be annoying if I bought Pontus then from Pontus 12th AE to be released...
Me want'z it!!!
Here you go! www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-ares-12th-r2r-dac