Good afternoon ☕️🍩 I picked up a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC ….and I’m off the DAC merry go round. This gives me the performance 🎭 that still leaves me speechless 😊 Have a great week.
@@elasmojones bingo ..I was at a show where the NAGRA HD DAC X DAC ($90k CAD) was in the system …so what did this replace …an $80k DAC???? Personally , the absolute max on a DAC IMHO is well south of these numbers 🍻
@@carminedesanto6746 yeah, I know there's a difference, but if I have to A/B them to tell, maybe it's just not for me. Might as well get a neat tube amp instead.
I preferred 'B' in almost all cases. I will say it did sound a bit darker, but also seemed to have more insight and in a way more dynamic range (small details of voices fluttering and instrumentation going from loud to soft felt more honest and discernible in 'B'). Perhaps A was a tad cleaner up top but....if I had to take one over the other, I'd take B.
Jeff, I just received the Pontus 15th today. I am struggling to understand how the OS mode works. I get that the NOS mode will basically not add any processing etc, but when I try the OS mode with PCM, I cannot figure out how to select 2x 4x etc. When I over sample in Volumio on the Rivo+, I do see the appropriate led light up, and same thing in Roon. Maybe I am misunderstanding this and this is all it is supposed to do, is represent what the Roon/Volumio is sending? That does not seem correct. When I turn the Pontus to NOS mode, it still shows the upsampling coming from Roon. 🤷🏽♂️
Proud owner of a Pontus II, and soon to be moving up the ladder to the Venus. Denefrips make awesome products, started with the Aries II, and haven’t been disappointed yet.
The Pontus 15th is totally trickle down from the Venus 12th. It even uses the same caps, and the motherboard says Venus on it. I can't wait for a comparison between these two.
Having owned the Pontus II for over two years now I knew that sample B was the Pontus by halfway through the second clip. Still a big fan of the Pontus and have no itch.
Typing now before the end of the vid...I preferred Sample A...sounded more revealing, detailed and open without sounding any more "analytical" than B...so my guess is the A is the May DAC and B is the Denafrips. Not that B was a slouch at all. But, if I was doing this test blindfolded in a store, I would walk out with A. Edit: I figured.
Interestingly, I thought I perceived a touch more depth on sample A. It's nice to learn that my preference was for the Holo as it is one I am considering. Always risky listening on YT, but you do a great job with the recordings. Thanks
I trust Ron the most among any others who are present as reviewers. With that respect, Ron I really need your comments and true reflection of its Bass performance. I am looking for deep and fast beats as well as true represent of drums, trumphet etc. My very old Hegel DAC so far doing the best among any other I came across (modern Denafrips Ares, Chord, sub 1500 USD), but want to upgrade to get a change as well as more airiness, sound stage etc.
Can't really afford up-market DACs and am quite happy with my Denafrips' entry level Ares II and Enyo 15th, the latter likewise was built like a tank, belying its $700 bargain price ! Love their minimalist design too.
Excellent review and demo! Imo the Holo May (my long time favourite Dac) is finally beaten here as it only wins on more bass weight and warmth. However Pontus has more articulate midbass, more resolution on cymbals and female vocals. better midrange separation of strings, better prat on the fast drums and notably better subbass reproduction.
I would be happy with either of those. I feel the Pontus has a bit deeper, wider and calmer sound to it. The Holo is creespier and energetic in comparison to me. But, I just say, any of those would do. Price difference, yeah, the Denafrips has the advantage. I'll like to hear a comparison between the Cyan 2 and Ares II at a lower price level. Thanks and great job as always!
@@johnm3544 I use wifi because of difficulties. I had a standard Pontus II but upgraded to the 12th software I believe. The version after the one no one liked. Sounds good. I'm computer phobic so I just bought the whole board with the software installed and it was a breeze to install. Harder to get the lid off.
Hey, it's the old guy who confessed he doesn't have much time left, but chooses to spend that time defending the 1%, like hedge fund managers and trust fund babies, who can afford to buy $150,000 speakers. If you can't understand why people are offended by speakers that cost $150,000, you've learned nothing during your long years on this planet. Sad!
I didn't love sample B. Even with my horrible hearing it sounded oversampled to me. The echos and harmonics on the strings were too sticky and had an edge. Great demonstration. Thanks Ron.
Easy test. Before to know the names: A - 10 points More energetic B - 8 points Similar tonality but less engadging PD: this week my second system has taken a big leap in quality and perhaps that is why I notice the differences more. I listened to Danny Richie and introduced cotton (with a guide) to my old Kimber Kable 8PR cables 2m and the improvement has been spectacular!!!
Ron i could hear more open space on sample A, and more crispness, but sample B to me was more less sharper, like a piece of lumber where the edges were soften a bit. I have the original Pontus 2 for a couple of years now and still enjoy it with my music. If i was not hearing the two different machines side by side, i would not know what i was missing. I do enjoy what i have, but it is human nature to always keep searching for more of what we have.
To me, sample A was clear and correct, but a bit thin. Sample B had a little more flesh on the bones, but was more confined and the timing a bit muddled.
Okay I got that right. I prefer the denafrips. In the second song selections, when i zero in on the cello, i heard a more robust presentation. I could hear the body vibrating and influencing the overall sound. The texture of the bow was more pronounced as well. In sample b, I can hear the bow crossing and rubbing multiple strings at the same time. It's easy to tell the individual strings sound. Also the person tapping on their instrument in the song is more defined and pronounced. John 3:16
i listen your samples at monitor headphones and the only good i found to the sample A was the more engaging vocals a bigger sense of the scene but there was a soup of the hole scene , bad discrimination of the individual parts of the scene . So , i am choosing the sample B since the distinctive organs were ...distinctive ! the bass was clearer and overall the more neutral character can reveal more differences and clearer sound ...
I preferred sample A. To me it sounded more wholesome, edgy and for lack of better word, immediate. It also sounded raw & crisp. Sample B on the other hand was a little rounded. Let me put it this way, if the Holo was a fresh mug of steaming black coffee… the Pontus had a little bit of cream added😂. Does it make sense!?
Given that I have both a Spring and an Ares, I knew that A was the May from the first track onward. It was my preference of the two, but that is not to discount the Pontus at all. They both sound very good to me.
Blindly tested, they are close, but my ears sure prefer B , where the sound space is more vivid 3D. While for A, the instruments are a little closer and flatter to the ear. A is like a plastic sculpture, while B is like body with flesh, that is warm and real wanted to be touched. while (FYI: My 2 cents from listening over a headphone connected to Pontus 2).
Couldn't hear a difference initially with headphones so I switched to my IEMs. I liked DAC B. But only by a little bit. Ron, Would you choose the Denafrips over the Spring 3 KTE?
Was thinking about the Denafrips Pontus or Venus, or the Holo Spring 3. Seeing this and others say the Pontus 15th is much better makes me wonder. Until I saw a Holo Spring 2 KTE for 1500. Got it, what a steal!
DAB B was a clear winner on every system in my house. It differences are clear when you turn the volume up. Not sure how there is a preference for DAC A here 🤔
They were very close. The only way I could identify the Pontus was because of how you described it. It was close and I preferred the Pontus because of the cleaner and more pronounced base. That said... I'd be happy owning either.
I recently moved to a new house. My old listening room for 27 years was 13 x 13. My new room is 20 x 33 with a 9 foot ceiling. I am going to re-watch your sound shed series and get some tips.
my system is roon rock i5 server - linux based streamer w lps- iris ddc- pontus 12th-2 dac- kinki studio ex m1 new version amp- revel f228be . Before revel i've had kef r3-r5 with krell kav 300i and 400xi. This ultimate setup is like my threapy every night, i cannot imagine to drive my revel speakers with more powerful high end amp with terminator dac
Very little difference between May and Pontus. May DAC has tighter low end and slightly better note definition than Pontus. But it is only a marginal difference. Thanks for posting the sound clips👏👏
Wow...May dac seemed a bit more forward. Outstanding, but there were some elements I enjoyed more with the Denafrips. A very balanced clarity in the overall stage was more apparent with the Denafrips from what I heard. But more excitement from the May.
To my ears, the first four tracks very close, almost no difference. I felt Sample A was more detailed in the last two tracks which had complex orchestration. Overall, very close indeed. Thanks for the excellent video. 👏
Before hearing your reveal I will comment. To me they were EXTREMELY close but on a few of the tracks I felt that B was fleshing out some more instrument information. Beautiful actually. This is the best I have heard these tracks on your demo's btw. Someone buy me whatever DAC Sample B is please!!! :)
Adding that I am glad these differences are noticeable to me using the $200 SMSL D6s. That's about all my budget can afford alas. Very nice sounding affordable DAC. If I had more cash to throw at music right now...the Pontus would be high on my radar for sure!
Hey Ron. It’s nice to hear you thoughts on the Pontus 15th. I bought one a couple of months ago as my end-game DAC. With the upgrades that they have made, it’s like getting Venus DAC for Pontus money. Even though it’s still burning in and I’m still doing small tweaks to dial in the system, it sounds freakin’ awesome. Which setting did you use when compaaring the DACs, OS or NOS? What is your preference?
Shoot, I did prefer A (May) before the reveal. Tonal saturation was more vibrant and less water-color to my ears. I'd love to hear such comparison with Lampizator DAC.
I have in system both - Pontus 15th and Spring 3 KTE. For me Spring is better dac, why ? I tell You why. Spring is more dynamic - faster and better showing dynamic contrast. Spring has better timbre - its more live like, more emotions becouse of that. When music is well produced(live recordings) spring is far better in showing the soundstage. Timbre of voices and instruments are real. On pontus even it sounds analog timbre is not so real(but still great). Usb implamantation of Spring 3 KTE is also better. Both great end game dacs, but from my experience in my system spring is more real sounding dac. There is more flow in music with Spring, Pontus is more "stiff" sounding dac(of course even on NOS).You can see inside parts of spring amd pontus. Pontus Chinese caps, spring 3 kte selected caps Audio Note, mundorf etc. Spring 3 kte is also more expensive, we pay for quality. But for the price pontus is great. Cheers, M.
Really depends on the equipment, my B&W N803 with a big midrange with a Warm CD player source will not do well with Sample B, this is why I am going with Cyan 2 Dac
Damn. It is close cut but I have preferred the B, it sounded somehow more flowing and at ease. Listened 3 times with different headphones and made same conclusion 🤕Totally unexpected...
To me sample B had more texture and better tonality and more detail in the bass. Not quite as fluid as A, but more realistic. A is a little glossier sounding which may be preferable on some material. Swings and roundabouts. I have a Pontus II by the way!
Hi Ron, big fan. Would be so sweet if you could review the new and quite special Topping D90 III Discrete (and/or the upcoming flagship Topping D900) both of which are 1-bit DACs!
Great review i actually thought the pontus sounded wider and i could hear more air between the notes. Currently have an ares 15 and i like it a lot. Wondering if youve heard it and if you think the pontus 15 is noticeably better? Thx
It's a great DAC, I have one of the earlier units, updated the firmware in it a few times. Got some BJTs. Going to wires some good old class A push pull circuits tuned specifically for it's output impedance and drive levels. Hopefully nothing blows up and back-feeds, if it does though. Umm I guess I'm DACLESS, yolo. Also something is really suspicious, does nobody question what's going on with the RCA and XLR output impedances. All I can say is that playing over the PONTUS, sample B sounded better. Also again why get something designed fully balance and use the RCA, also I can't get over how much better RCA sounds on my Burson setup than using balance with the PONTUS (this makes no sense), also I don't understand how RCA is not brutally overdriving things. Honestly I'm concerned. Well oh, well time to blow up some BJTs!
Either this one or the Gustard x30 is going to be my next dac. Which one would you choose to go with the Hifiman Prelude? I am a Hifiman lover, have the Arya Organic and the HEKSE.
I have X30 to Prelude…endgame sound with my Hifiman HE6SE, Sennheiser HD660S2, Sony MDR-Z1R, MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed, and Grado SR-325e. Don’t think twice about the X30, there is nothing that can go against it near $3000.
What you didn't mention: The Pontus 15th "guts" inside the box is actually the Venus 12th! For real. Printed right on the main circuit board. So what, you say? The Venus is the next level/step up from the Pontus, and, up until now, the Venus 12th was literally twice the price ($4,000) of the Pontus 12th. So - if you're wondering why/how the Pontus sounds so close to the May DAC, it's because - the guts of the Pontus are from the same vintage/class and price range as the May DAC. Now I'm really curious to hear a review of the new Venus 15th!!!
I just finished listening to the sound clips but I do not know the results yet. Based on Ron's feedback I am going to guess that selection b is the denafrips. Let's check to see if I'm correct
There is a slight volume mismatch - or is it? My DAC for CDs is an old but musical Wadia. But for Qobuz, and UA-cam like this I use a Wiim Pro Plus. The rest of my system sounds very good, including a pair of Acoustat Model 3 electrostatic speakers (with upgrades). So the DACs you're comparing are definitely better than the one I am using. Sample A tracks are either slightly louder than Sample B tracks, or DAC A is more dynamic. (That is, the notes have more punch.) If I quick tap my preamp's remote volume control up for Samples B and then down for Samples A (this moves just a couple degrees the volume knob, each way), then on my system they basically sound identical. Which is a credit to the Denafrips! There is a well-known datum that people usually prefer the louder choice when making audio comparisons. If I don't adjust the volume I prefer the A samples.
I liked Sample A the Holo May DAC. I heard even with my tinnitus plagued hearing, more of the subtleties of instrument sounds and room acoustics fleshed out in Sample A. I thought that Sample A, for better or worst was a bit brighter sounding and had better timbre in my opinion. Sample B albeit sounded very close to Sample A, I knew was the Denafrips and had punchier base notes and sounded darker and more dry and ‘technical’, dare I say it. While the May sounded livelier and more fun to listen too, to me.
I am owner of the Cyan 2 since 5 months. And it is connected to a Bluesound node 2i that it replaces for the DA conversion. While I think it sounds hugely superior to the built in DAC of the node, I have a problem with the highs of that DAC. Sibilance is barely more controled than the burr brown chips and I’m a bit disappointed about that. Here the Pontus sounded sweeter to me and I thought it was compared to the Cyan, but it was compared to the May, which you said was already sweeter than the Cyan 2. I think I went for the wrong DAC considering what I was looking for.
Change this terrible stremer node2i its not on the level of holo! Cheap streamers have very cheap power supply nad that impact on sound every dac. They soud digital, becouse of low quality streamer
@Nefty_ I have the Cyan2. There is no sibilance in my very revealing system. I suspect the Cyan2 is revealing AC line noise or other issues in your system. Good luck
@ Hi mate, you are right but it depends on the components. I recently identified that my class D amps are one of the biggest reasons why I have this brightness and harshness. I tried a class AB hybrid tube/ss amplification and it is much better. In addition to that I think that the Cyan 2 is very sensitive to the source it is connected to, and my Bluesound node 2.1 is probably too much jitter to achieve great sibilance control
Great Ron. Did hear a sutil more sparkle on sample A. B a bit mellow. Both great DACs, one for each wallet or goal. How have you solved the signal split with 4 Rythmik amps? Any loss or degradation to signal? You must have some really long interconnects. XLR or RCA?
Sample A had a bit of sizzle in the top end for my ears, making it difficult to enjoy. Sample B had a more filled out, complete sound. Its detail was more... accurate? Ironically, I'm listening to your review through the previous version of the Pontus. The Pontus II 12th. I'm a big proponent of R2R DACs though.
I paused before the reveal... I had to go back a few times. A - I felt like it gave me more information or separation? B - Well B was also great, a darker mood perhaps, a bit less info/separation, but a wee bit darker in tone???
Just got the reveal. Very Close would be happy with either, but now that I've heard the May DAC, I'm ruined. Thanks NRD... :D ...but there is something about that warm/darker sound that is just saucy.
Hi. Great review I just got mine, and to a start it only improves the sound quality a little bit. Maybe it will improve…. (I use Primare I32 and CD32 with Audiovector R 6 Arreté. ) I have a question; my IsoTek power cable doesn’t really fit in the Pontus - so I have to use a standard cheap cable. Which quality cable do you use?
@ I am not sure that the DAC has changed over time. I do like it a lot but it is somehow a subtle improvement from what I have in the Primare I32 amplifier. I guess that it would be almost impossible to judge if it’s on or off if you just came into the room and listened. I am anyway very happy that I bought it 😅🎶🎶🎶🎶
Since the Denafrips JUST LEAVES EVERYONE SPEECHLESSS!!!, I am gonna buy one for my wife.
Let us know how that plays out. I’m sure she’s gonna love it.
Didn't work with my wife ! She's still speaks endlessly 😂
LOL!
@@petersterg6842missing mute button on the Pontus unfortunately. 😁
Good afternoon ☕️🍩
I picked up a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC ….and I’m off the DAC merry go round.
This gives me the performance 🎭 that still leaves me speechless 😊
Have a great week.
I grabbed a Bifrost 2, found I couldn't tell the difference from my Modius, so I'm off the carousel as well. Money better spent elsewhere.
I have a Pontus II with the OG firmware. No need to upgrade the firmware and I will use this DAC until it quits working. ie forever.
@@elasmojones bingo ..I was at a show where the NAGRA HD DAC X DAC ($90k CAD) was in the system …so what did this replace …an $80k DAC????
Personally , the absolute max on a DAC IMHO is well south of these numbers 🍻
@@carminedesanto6746 yeah, I know there's a difference, but if I have to A/B them to tell, maybe it's just not for me. Might as well get a neat tube amp instead.
It gets even better with an Iris 12 DDC sending the signal to it through I2s
Thanks for revealing that you received a gift from Denafrips,your candor is much appreciated.
Damn now I need to keep saving for the May dac. That transparency and relaxing sound of sample A was second to none
00:00 - Start
01:10 - Ethics Disclosure
01:52 - Covering Basics
04:35 - Listening Impressions
11:06 - Sound Clips
14:22 - Final Thoughts
I love Ron's reviews. Someone who understands the desire!
I preferred 'B' in almost all cases. I will say it did sound a bit darker, but also seemed to have more insight and in a way more dynamic range (small details of voices fluttering and instrumentation going from loud to soft felt more honest and discernible in 'B'). Perhaps A was a tad cleaner up top but....if I had to take one over the other, I'd take B.
Ron is one of the very few I would implicitly trust to make a buying decision. He is one of the UA-cam audio GOATS.
Thank you!
Truth
I made my purchase based on Ron's review ‼️💯 I almost went with the Holo Audio Cyan 2.
This comment helped me with my choice. So many raving reviews about so many products. Just purchased a silver one.
Indeed, also IWII.
Great review Ron the Pontus 15 is Great 👍 Great review.
I preferred the Pontus with every sample. Its greater sense of space, dynamic slam, and bass presence won me over.
100% agree but I'm listening on some really bad work headphones.
Planned on getting this one for the home theater I'm planning out. Thanks for the video.
I’ve had this now for over a month. Add in the Hermes DDC and it takes it up a few notches!
Jeff, I just received the Pontus 15th today. I am struggling to understand how the OS mode works. I get that the NOS mode will basically not add any processing etc, but when I try the OS mode with PCM, I cannot figure out how to select 2x 4x etc. When I over sample in Volumio on the Rivo+, I do see the appropriate led light up, and same thing in Roon. Maybe I am misunderstanding this and this is all it is supposed to do, is represent what the Roon/Volumio is sending? That does not seem correct. When I turn the Pontus to NOS mode, it still shows the upsampling coming from Roon. 🤷🏽♂️
Proud owner of a Pontus II, and soon to be moving up the ladder to the Venus. Denefrips make awesome products, started with the Aries II, and haven’t been disappointed yet.
The Pontus 15th is totally trickle down from the Venus 12th. It even uses the same caps, and the motherboard says Venus on it. I can't wait for a comparison between these two.
@@Firebottleman the Venus has a more accurate clock, and the Venus 15th is on pre-order, should be an improvement
@@tggonzales7971 Terminator 12" hardware inside(Venus 15") ;)
@@Firebottleman No, the Venus has better resistors .005% whereas the Pontus is .01%
Venus has oven clock crystal whereas Pontus does not.
Sample A sounded great, sample B made me crave more. The realism and widened soundstage was infectious even only after a few seconds .
The may dac sounds insane
Well done Ron. Thank you.
Having owned the Pontus II for over two years now I knew that sample B was the Pontus by halfway through the second clip. Still a big fan of the Pontus and have no itch.
Warm butter on a Cracker Barrel biscuit sounds good. I need more buttery products in my system. Thanks Ron
Came from India from Ian White s shoutout...❤🎉😮from The Audio Files...Podcast😊
Typing now before the end of the vid...I preferred Sample A...sounded more revealing, detailed and open without sounding any more "analytical" than B...so my guess is the A is the May DAC and B is the Denafrips. Not that B was a slouch at all. But, if I was doing this test blindfolded in a store, I would walk out with A.
Edit: I figured.
I love the forward button! ↪️
Interestingly, I thought I perceived a touch more depth on sample A. It's nice to learn that my preference was for the Holo as it is one I am considering. Always risky listening on YT, but you do a great job with the recordings. Thanks
Genuinely SHOCKED with the reveal! I was 1000% convinced sample B was the May Dac. Unbelievable performance and value.
I did as well. I preferred the Pontus 15th a little bit more. It was close.
Mee too
I have the OG Pontus 2 and love it.
Super smooth and just gets out of the way
I trust Ron the most among any others who are present as reviewers.
With that respect, Ron I really need your comments and true reflection of its Bass performance. I am looking for deep and fast beats as well as true represent of drums, trumphet etc.
My very old Hegel DAC so far doing the best among any other I came across (modern Denafrips Ares, Chord, sub 1500 USD), but want to upgrade to get a change as well as more airiness, sound stage etc.
Can't really afford up-market DACs and am quite happy with my Denafrips' entry level Ares II and Enyo 15th, the latter likewise was built like a tank, belying its $700 bargain price ! Love their minimalist design too.
Would like to hear this vs the cyan2 and LAIV.
I have the Cyan 2 and it’s the best under $2K US DAC I’ve heard. So many good DACs. Pick the one that fits your budget.
iiWi Reviews did a comparison between cyan2 vs LAIV, Gustard R26, Denafrips Ares 2 15th edition.
Excellent review and demo! Imo the Holo May (my long time favourite Dac) is finally beaten here as it only wins on more bass weight and warmth. However Pontus has more articulate midbass, more resolution on cymbals and female vocals. better midrange separation of strings, better prat on the fast drums and notably better subbass reproduction.
I would be happy with either of those. I feel the Pontus has a bit deeper, wider and calmer sound to it. The Holo is creespier and energetic in comparison to me. But, I just say, any of those would do. Price difference, yeah, the Denafrips has the advantage. I'll like to hear a comparison between the Cyan 2 and Ares II at a lower price level. Thanks and great job as always!
Sample B was a WAY better - smoother, lifelike, with body. Heard on my Hegel + KEF R3 + REL
Fantastic intro as usual!
I got it right because he said the Pontus was more meaty. Helped me pick it out.
Sample B was more detailed in mid range. Same as my LAiV Harmony. Great job, Denafrips.
Well, I love my Pontus ll with software upgrade. Love it. Now I have FOMO for the 15th,
@@johnm3544 I use wifi because of difficulties. I had a standard Pontus II but upgraded to the 12th software I believe. The version after the one no one liked. Sounds good. I'm computer phobic so I just bought the whole board with the software installed and it was a breeze to install. Harder to get the lid off.
Cause it is the hardware of a Venus 12" inside. Very hard for Venus 12" buyers, Same way like Holo done with cyan 2.
Hey, it's the old guy who confessed he doesn't have much time left, but chooses to spend that time defending the 1%, like hedge fund managers and trust fund babies, who can afford to buy $150,000 speakers. If you can't understand why people are offended by speakers that cost $150,000, you've learned nothing during your long years on this planet. Sad!
I didn't love sample B. Even with my horrible hearing it sounded oversampled to me. The echos and harmonics on the strings were too sticky and had an edge. Great demonstration. Thanks Ron.
I picked A, but I’ll be more than happy with B, denafrips sounds really exceptional
+1
Soon you will be very unhappy
Easy test. Before to know the names:
A - 10 points More energetic
B - 8 points Similar tonality but less engadging
PD: this week my second system has taken a big leap in quality and perhaps that is why I notice the differences more. I listened to Danny Richie and introduced cotton (with a guide) to my old Kimber Kable 8PR cables 2m and the improvement has been spectacular!!!
Ron i could hear more open space on sample A, and more crispness, but sample B to me was more less sharper, like a piece of lumber where the edges were soften a bit. I have the original Pontus 2 for a couple of years now and still enjoy it with my music. If i was not hearing the two different machines side by side, i would not know what i was missing. I do enjoy what i have, but it is human nature to always keep searching for more of what we have.
I heard the exact same thing. ❤
To me, sample A was clear and correct, but a bit thin.
Sample B had a little more flesh on the bones, but was more confined and the timing a bit muddled.
Love the transparency and appreciated!
Always!
They just announced the Terminator-Plus 15th. Planning on saving up for it, since the Pontus & Venus 15th have been flooring everyone.
Okay I got that right. I prefer the denafrips. In the second song selections, when i zero in on the cello, i heard a more robust presentation. I could hear the body vibrating and influencing the overall sound. The texture of the bow was more pronounced as well. In sample b, I can hear the bow crossing and rubbing multiple strings at the same time. It's easy to tell the individual strings sound. Also the person tapping on their instrument in the song is more defined and pronounced.
John 3:16
i listen your samples at monitor headphones and the only good i found to the sample A was the more engaging vocals a bigger sense of the scene but there was a soup of the hole scene , bad discrimination of the individual parts of the scene .
So , i am choosing the sample B since the distinctive organs were ...distinctive ! the bass was clearer and overall the more neutral character can reveal more differences and clearer sound ...
I preferred sample A. To me it sounded more wholesome, edgy and for lack of better word, immediate. It also sounded raw & crisp.
Sample B on the other hand was a little rounded.
Let me put it this way, if the Holo was a fresh mug of steaming black coffee… the Pontus had a little bit of cream added😂. Does it make sense!?
Great video. Well done.
Thank you very much!
Always enjoy your reviews. After such review, I'm wondering how it compares to the original Terminator...😊
Given that I have both a Spring and an Ares, I knew that A was the May from the first track onward. It was my preference of the two, but that is not to discount the Pontus at all. They both sound very good to me.
Blindly tested, they are close, but my ears sure prefer B , where the sound space is more vivid 3D. While for A, the instruments are a little closer and flatter to the ear. A is like a plastic sculpture, while B is like body with flesh, that is warm and real wanted to be touched. while (FYI: My 2 cents from listening over a headphone connected to Pontus 2).
Couldn't hear a difference initially with headphones so I switched to my IEMs. I liked DAC B. But only by a little bit.
Ron, Would you choose the Denafrips over the Spring 3 KTE?
Was thinking about the Denafrips Pontus or Venus, or the Holo Spring 3. Seeing this and others say the Pontus 15th is much better makes me wonder. Until I saw a Holo Spring 2 KTE for 1500. Got it, what a steal!
Sure you did
My bad, meant the 2, not 3
DAB B was a clear winner on every system in my house. It differences are clear when you turn the volume up. Not sure how there is a preference for DAC A here 🤔
They were very close.
The only way I could identify the Pontus was because of how you described it.
It was close and I preferred the Pontus because of the cleaner and more pronounced base.
That said... I'd be happy owning either.
I recently moved to a new house. My old listening room for 27 years was 13 x 13. My new room is 20 x 33 with a 9 foot ceiling. I am going to re-watch your sound shed series and get some tips.
my system is roon rock i5 server - linux based streamer w lps- iris ddc- pontus 12th-2 dac- kinki studio ex m1 new version amp- revel f228be . Before revel i've had kef r3-r5 with krell kav 300i and 400xi. This ultimate setup is like my threapy every night, i cannot imagine to drive my revel speakers with more powerful high end amp with terminator dac
I picked sample B for the win. A better view into the music - more body, more delicacy.
Definitely preferred the A. Better separation and details. B is a little flatter and less dynamic.
Very little difference between May and Pontus. May DAC has tighter low end and slightly better note definition than Pontus. But it is only a marginal difference. Thanks for posting the sound clips👏👏
Wow...May dac seemed a bit more forward. Outstanding, but there were some elements I enjoyed more with the Denafrips. A very balanced clarity in the overall stage was more apparent with the Denafrips from what I heard. But more excitement from the May.
wow, I totally preferred B
Before revealing i prefer sample B because of more decay/sustain and slightly more natural tonal balance and timing
Wow, I chose B. I think I just prefer a more laid back sound, even if it is a bit smoothed over in comparison.
Ron, any chance you’ll get the Gustard x30 in for review?
To my ears, the first four tracks very close, almost no difference. I felt Sample A was more detailed in the last two tracks which had complex orchestration. Overall, very close indeed. Thanks for the excellent video. 👏
Thanks for sharing!
A extracts more detail as well as richer vocals and B has more mid and sub-bass texture. I'd really want the child of these two in their strengths.
Before hearing your reveal I will comment. To me they were EXTREMELY close but on a few of the tracks I felt that B was fleshing out some more instrument information. Beautiful actually. This is the best I have heard these tracks on your demo's btw. Someone buy me whatever DAC Sample B is please!!! :)
Adding that I am glad these differences are noticeable to me using the $200 SMSL D6s. That's about all my budget can afford alas. Very nice sounding affordable DAC. If I had more cash to throw at music right now...the Pontus would be high on my radar for sure!
B. Smoother. More natural detailing. Better room rendering. Less forward. Heard on QUAD ELS 57
Hey Ron. It’s nice to hear you thoughts on the Pontus 15th. I bought one a couple of months ago as my end-game DAC.
With the upgrades that they have made, it’s like getting Venus DAC for Pontus money. Even though it’s still burning in and I’m still doing small tweaks to dial in the system, it sounds freakin’ awesome.
Which setting did you use when compaaring the DACs, OS or NOS? What is your preference?
For me, the two are really very similar, but May Dac seems to be a tinny more resolved. Thanks
Ron, per my suggestion in your mixer with Danny last night, you really should get a LampiZator (e.g., the Baltic 4) in for review. Cheers.
Shoot, I did prefer A (May) before the reveal. Tonal saturation was more vibrant and less water-color to my ears. I'd love to hear such comparison with Lampizator DAC.
I have in system both - Pontus 15th and Spring 3 KTE. For me Spring is better dac, why ? I tell You why. Spring is more dynamic - faster and better showing dynamic contrast. Spring has better timbre - its more live like, more emotions becouse of that. When music is well produced(live recordings) spring is far better in showing the soundstage. Timbre of voices and instruments are real. On pontus even it sounds analog timbre is not so real(but still great). Usb implamantation of Spring 3 KTE is also better. Both great end game dacs, but from my experience in my system spring is more real sounding dac. There is more flow in music with Spring, Pontus is more "stiff" sounding dac(of course even on NOS).You can see inside parts of spring amd pontus. Pontus Chinese caps, spring 3 kte selected caps Audio Note, mundorf etc. Spring 3 kte is also more expensive, we pay for quality. But for the price pontus is great. Cheers, M.
you have both dac"s?
Really depends on the equipment, my B&W N803 with a big midrange with a Warm CD player source will not do well with Sample B, this is why I am going with Cyan 2 Dac
Damn. It is close cut but I have preferred the B, it sounded somehow more flowing and at ease. Listened 3 times with different headphones and made same conclusion 🤕Totally unexpected...
Listening to this through a Pontus II. May Dac sounds clearer and more detailed, by a lot.
LOL.
To me sample B had more texture and better tonality and more detail in the bass. Not quite as fluid as A, but more realistic. A is a little glossier sounding which may be preferable on some material. Swings and roundabouts. I have a Pontus II by the way!
I preferred A but it was close. I did actually prefer B on one sound clip. 🤷♂️
Hi Ron, big fan.
Would be so sweet if you could review the new and quite special Topping D90 III Discrete (and/or the upcoming flagship Topping D900) both of which are 1-bit DACs!
B on all samples, more air, extension and top end sparkle.
Great review i actually thought the pontus sounded wider and i could hear more air between the notes. Currently have an ares 15 and i like it a lot. Wondering if youve heard it and if you think the pontus 15 is noticeably better? Thx
I preferred sample A, sounded more natural and open-sounding for me
Both very good dacs, and I preffered (by a tiny bit) ... the Pontus in every part 😂 good for my wallet 👍
So the Pontus is closer to the May than the Cyan, but what I really want to know is how does the Spring 3 fit on this spectrum?
It's a great DAC, I have one of the earlier units, updated the firmware in it a few times. Got some BJTs. Going to wires some good old class A push pull circuits tuned specifically for it's output impedance and drive levels. Hopefully nothing blows up and back-feeds, if it does though. Umm I guess I'm DACLESS, yolo. Also something is really suspicious, does nobody question what's going on with the RCA and XLR output impedances. All I can say is that playing over the PONTUS, sample B sounded better. Also again why get something designed fully balance and use the RCA, also I can't get over how much better RCA sounds on my Burson setup than using balance with the PONTUS (this makes no sense), also I don't understand how RCA is not brutally overdriving things. Honestly I'm concerned. Well oh, well time to blow up some BJTs!
Either this one or the Gustard x30 is going to be my next dac. Which one would you choose to go with the Hifiman Prelude? I am a Hifiman lover, have the Arya Organic and the HEKSE.
I have X30 to Prelude…endgame sound with my Hifiman HE6SE, Sennheiser HD660S2, Sony MDR-Z1R, MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed, and Grado SR-325e. Don’t think twice about the X30, there is nothing that can go against it near $3000.
What you didn't mention: The Pontus 15th "guts" inside the box is actually the Venus 12th! For real. Printed right on the main circuit board. So what, you say? The Venus is the next level/step up from the Pontus, and, up until now, the Venus 12th was literally twice the price ($4,000) of the Pontus 12th. So - if you're wondering why/how the Pontus sounds so close to the May DAC, it's because - the guts of the Pontus are from the same vintage/class and price range as the May DAC. Now I'm really curious to hear a review of the new Venus 15th!!!
I just finished listening to the sound clips but I do not know the results yet. Based on Ron's feedback I am going to guess that selection b is the denafrips. Let's check to see if I'm correct
NRD,
Curious to hear your opinion on sound signature between the Pontus and the Merason?
Thanks,
Ron
i know they are very different dacs, but in everyones opinion should I buy this or the toppin D90 discrete iii 1 bit dac?
There is a slight volume mismatch - or is it?
My DAC for CDs is an old but musical Wadia. But for Qobuz, and UA-cam like this I use a Wiim Pro Plus. The rest of my system sounds very good, including a pair of Acoustat Model 3 electrostatic speakers (with upgrades).
So the DACs you're comparing are definitely better than the one I am using.
Sample A tracks are either slightly louder than Sample B tracks, or DAC A is more dynamic. (That is, the notes have more punch.)
If I quick tap my preamp's remote volume control up for Samples B and then down for Samples A (this moves just a couple degrees the volume knob, each way), then on my system they basically sound identical. Which is a credit to the Denafrips!
There is a well-known datum that people usually prefer the louder choice when making audio comparisons.
If I don't adjust the volume I prefer the A samples.
I liked Sample A the Holo May DAC. I heard even with my tinnitus plagued hearing, more of the subtleties of instrument sounds and room acoustics fleshed out in Sample A. I thought that Sample A, for better or worst was a bit brighter sounding and had better timbre in my opinion.
Sample B albeit sounded very close to Sample A, I knew was the Denafrips and had punchier base notes and sounded darker and more dry and ‘technical’, dare I say it. While the May sounded livelier and more fun to listen too, to me.
I am owner of the Cyan 2 since 5 months. And it is connected to a Bluesound node 2i that it replaces for the DA conversion. While I think it sounds hugely superior to the built in DAC of the node, I have a problem with the highs of that DAC. Sibilance is barely more controled than the burr brown chips and I’m a bit disappointed about that. Here the Pontus sounded sweeter to me and I thought it was compared to the Cyan, but it was compared to the May, which you said was already sweeter than the Cyan 2. I think I went for the wrong DAC considering what I was looking for.
Change this terrible stremer node2i its not on the level of holo! Cheap streamers have very cheap power supply nad that impact on sound every dac. They soud digital, becouse of low quality streamer
@Nefty_ I have the Cyan2. There is no sibilance in my very revealing system. I suspect the Cyan2 is revealing AC line noise or other issues in your system. Good luck
@ Hi mate, you are right but it depends on the components. I recently identified that my class D amps are one of the biggest reasons why I have this brightness and harshness. I tried a class AB hybrid tube/ss amplification and it is much better. In addition to that I think that the Cyan 2 is very sensitive to the source it is connected to, and my Bluesound node 2.1 is probably too much jitter to achieve great sibilance control
Great Ron. Did hear a sutil more sparkle on sample A. B a bit mellow. Both great DACs, one for each wallet or goal. How have you solved the signal split with 4 Rythmik amps? Any loss or degradation to signal? You must have some really long interconnects. XLR or RCA?
they say the insides look just like a Venus 12th. but a pic from there website shows some differences
it is a Venus 12" inside over 90%
A sounded a little better but B was not much off some songs I could hear the detail better in B , but A sounded fuller and richer
Sample A had a bit of sizzle in the top end for my ears, making it difficult to enjoy. Sample B had a more filled out, complete sound. Its detail was more... accurate? Ironically, I'm listening to your review through the previous version of the Pontus. The Pontus II 12th. I'm a big proponent of R2R DACs though.
I paused before the reveal... I had to go back a few times. A - I felt like it gave me more information or separation? B - Well B was also great, a darker mood perhaps, a bit less info/separation, but a wee bit darker in tone???
Just got the reveal. Very Close would be happy with either, but now that I've heard the May DAC, I'm ruined. Thanks NRD... :D ...but there is something about that warm/darker sound that is just saucy.
Hi.
Great review
I just got mine, and to a start it only improves the sound quality a little bit. Maybe it will improve….
(I use Primare I32 and CD32 with Audiovector R 6 Arreté. )
I have a question; my IsoTek power cable doesn’t really fit in the Pontus - so I have to use a standard cheap cable.
Which quality cable do you use?
How is the Pontus performing after 1 month? Thanks
@ I am not sure that the DAC has changed over time. I do like it a lot but it is somehow a subtle improvement from what I have in the Primare I32 amplifier. I guess that it would be almost impossible to judge if it’s on or off if you just came into the room and listened. I am anyway very happy that I bought it 😅🎶🎶🎶🎶
With my headphones, sample A had more trebble information. Sample B sounded more natural and more real.
What filter did you use or NOS mode on the Pontus? I bought this model and I'm been messing with the modes.
Great review. Quick question, was Pontus in NOS for comparison?
Does it do actual NOS or is it still not really NOS?
Goldensound tested a Denafrips a few years ago, and it wasn't NOS.
@@weust2672 Yep, saw that too. Better question would be what sampling setting was used.
@@CameronBurke-w2s yeah. Agreed.
Yes, both DACs had NOS settings enabled.
Thanks Ron