A while ago, I upgraded my Audiolab M-DAC to the Denafrips Venus 12th edition. Initially, the difference was subtle. With time and many attentive listening hours, I’ve learned to appreciate the virtues of the Venus. Alvin at Vinshine who knows my system well, he did sell all of it to me barring the speakers and CD transport, did recommend the Terminator, but I wasn’t ready to invest £6000 in a DAC. I think it’s important to take on board that an upgraded DAC will not make the significant difference that maybe a speaker upgrade can make.
@x-techgamingКүн бұрын
You "learned" the differences? In some online DAC class?
@jurynalivaiko47187 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review! These DAC chips gone long way...There is one DAC, which has been praised for a long time: SMSL SU-10, however now came out Its reincarnation SMSL SU-X. I was wondering if you could to review this unit, if you have a chance...and give your honest opinion, compare. Thank you!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@markcarrington85657 ай бұрын
Great review, Tarun. I know they are a pain to organise but comparative reviews are really worthwhile. It’s the closest we get to a good old fashioned demo at a bricks and mortar specialist dealer.😊
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thanks Mark. You are right it is hard work getting them in at the same time. I hope to do more reviews in this format when I can 😊👍
@jasonallen12057 ай бұрын
The more dacs you review the more i cant wait for you to discover something you like more than the Ares 12th at under 1000 or the gustard r26 under 2000. You have set the bar high for these two levels and it will be significant for your listeners when they are both bested in their price categories. Keep it up!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@danmarjenka6361Ай бұрын
Maybe test the Mytek Liberty Mk2 $1495.
@jasonallen1205Ай бұрын
@@danmarjenka6361 thanks
@andymill85527 ай бұрын
Thanks for the great review. One small nibble/correction: the Topping is not made 'cheaper' out of folded steel, but out of a solid (milled) block of aluminium. I have the D90 (AKM) edition, it has the exact same case as yours and it is absoluty not folded steel. Maybe check your Topping again? Nothing important, but I thought I'd mention it anyway 😉.
@lekmannen99907 ай бұрын
This review video gets an ”Outstanding” from this viewer.
@cosmo11cosmo217 ай бұрын
cmon dont sponsor snake oil cables please I miss when you didnt do that
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Do you think all cables are snake oil?
@robertruff87363 ай бұрын
Hello Tarun Just a swift update. I have had the SMSL VMV D2R in my system for around 4 months now . I have to say its a really good chip based Dac. Much better than anything I've had in my headphone system to date. The sound is open,detailed and clean,without much digital glare you get with most Chip based Dacs. The details portrayed seem slightly more focused than the Gustard R26 which is however more spacious in the soundstage image portrayed. The R26 has more depth but doesn't sound as focused. I must say I like both for the slightly different presentations . I use Both Dacs via an Ifi Neo streamer. The SMSL VMV via a I2S connection ( Pin configurations match) The Gustard is connected also via I2S but USB out from the IFI steamer into a Singxer SU6 DDU which provides the I2S signal. I have found the Gustard a bit bright via direct USB connection. To be frank both Dacs sound really good connected via I2S and using a streamed signal so it really depends on personal taste.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
@@robertruff8736 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
@Infynyte4 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun, great review and comparison. I had been using my Eversolo DMP-A6 as a streamer/DAC since I bought it near a year ago, and it's performance was really nice to me. Last week I received my new Denafrips Ares 12th-1 and start to using the DMP-A6 only as a streamer transport and SSD player, connected by USB to the Ares 12th-1. I couldn't be happier with this addition to my system. I found that is a step forward in the sound quality with the Ares 12th-1 as the main DAC and I'm enjoying so much my music with this new sound signature :). Cheers!
@abritishaudiophile73144 ай бұрын
Great 👍 thanks for sharing 😊
@jorgedesantiago88863 ай бұрын
@infynyte what is it that made you happier ? if you don't mind sharing . was it a major or only slight improvement in sound and enjoyment ? I also have the Eversolo DMP-A6 , My amp is Arcam Sa 20 , Speakers are Elac Vela Bs403's coupled with a Rel T/7x for sub . I'm seriously considering the Denefrips 12th-1 and iching to pull the trigger. I just haven't convinced myself. Either way glad you are enjoying and to @abritishaudiophile7314 ... I enjoy your reviews tx.
@InfynyteАй бұрын
@@jorgedesantiago8886 They are subtle changes as happens with DACs and audio devices, they are not drastic changes unless we are comparing a €100 DAC with a €10,000 one. Is it worth it? For me, yes, the Ares offers a more pleasant, warm, musical sound, maintaining a high level of detail without being as bright or sharp as the DMP-A6 with its ESS Saber chips, which there will be those who like it and there will be those who find it less natural, especially in the reproduction of high frequencies. The Ares, being of R2R architecture, has a more relaxed sound and without that tendency towards digital sound, but retaining the best of the ESS or AKM chips in terms of detail. I am happy with the addition of this DAC to my system. Depending on the system you have and its ability to be decisive, you will notice it to a greater or lesser extent.
@kl99417 ай бұрын
Great comparative review indeed. I can recall the first time I heard the original Ares II in my system with older Magnepan MG12's. Tears literally came to my eyes listening to acoustic and instrumental music. A year and a half later I upgraded to the Pontus II. Just fabulous without question. So many DACs out there now since my original purchase. I am standing pat for sure.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
It is surely enjoyable with spending power
@gumbygreeneye36557 ай бұрын
I love my Pontus II. My wife has now started to listen to tracks more critically since we got it. My Kung fu is strong.
@mrkitewine77007 ай бұрын
This content is perfectly timed for me, the only other one I’m keen on is the Schiit Bifrost 2/64. Thanks Tarun.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx 👍
@jasonallen12057 ай бұрын
Yes, I'd like to hear his thoughts on the bifrost 2/64
@jeremylynnchagaspereira39267 ай бұрын
Very enjoyable comparison. What I would like to know is how the Chord Qutest stacks up against these newer DACs, especially the Denafrips. The Qutest is much older but is the closest Chord in monetary terms. Rob Watts said (at CanJam NYC 2023) that he is “not a fan” of R2R DACs, for reasons that flew over my head. Any comment?
@paulmastermann22007 ай бұрын
I am also curious what the differences are. Ares12 th vs qutest vs R26 vs Holo audio vs Audionote dac would be very nice
@totalplonker8247 ай бұрын
Would love to hear you talk about the Denafrips Hestia preamplifier. In the near future perhaps 🤔
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@seanb33037 ай бұрын
I once owned SMSL D300 with same Rohm chip…it also had a very relaxed top end and energetic songs fell flat…it was a great jazz DAC as it did the other things you mentioned.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Cool 😎
@yogiwp_7 ай бұрын
I've had my eyes on the Holo Audio Cyan 2 around this price but there aren't many reviews on it. Would love to see you review it.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
You might want to explore a preamp to your taste, thereafter you might then realise dacs are relatively the same.
@radicalrealmrecordings427 ай бұрын
Be great to hear a review of Denafrips Audio Ares 12th-1 vs Holo Audio Cyan 2 vs Musician Audio Pegasus II
@robertruff87367 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun and thanks for review, I do enjoy your channel. Based on your review and another I found online , I have just ordered the SMSL DAC to add to my headphone system. It will be replacing a SMSL D400 Pro which is good but not great . It will be used as a contrast in sound signature to my Gustard R26 Dac . If you would like I can add some comments against this video when I have had a listen. The SMSL appeals due to its soundstage width and depth which I can appreciate in my headphone system. It also has a I2s input which is directly compatible with my Ifi Neo Stream unit. Keep up the excellent reviews.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
@siamxiii3 ай бұрын
How does D2r compares to R26? Had R26 in my system, but it was too edgy on some songs (with acoustic guitar, for example), so I switched to 9000A internal DAC.
@itt90373 ай бұрын
Can D2R be the same level of DAC as R26?
@RobWhittlestone7 ай бұрын
GREAT video Tarun! I have a Topping D90 between my Exposure XI/XII/VIII and Primare CD32 and revel in the detail. You're right about the soundstage - from the CD32 outputs it is naturally superior and I'm only occasionally frustrated by the lighter bass of the D90. Since getting my speaker cables off the floor, I have been super impressed with microdetails and transient speed. I was on filter Mode 2 but after your review am now trying Mode 4. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx Rob 👍
@humanitech7 ай бұрын
Great overview ...but just wondering if you might be reviewing the holo cyan 2 r2r dac at some point?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I hope to 😊
@RumblestripDotNet7 ай бұрын
Looking forward to you reviewing the new Cambridge CXN 100
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Watch this space 😉
@stephenmartin32687 ай бұрын
Yes me too. Can it really improve on the mighty V2!
@REX43407 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 great stuff! Streamer/DACs is where it's at. Cyrus Classic Stream should be on your list too👍
@jasonallen12057 ай бұрын
Ohh, this should be good
@markhadley98056 ай бұрын
Great review as always. I'm looking to upgrade to an Exposure 2510 + separate DAC in the next few months and I'm wondering if a £1000 DAC is overkill at the price point of the amplifier.
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
Thx. No as I use the Denafrips Ares 12th regularly with the Exposure 2510 😊
@mrpmj007 ай бұрын
I love the Denafrips Ares II 12th so much in 3/2023 that 3 months later I added the Denafrips Iris 12th and wow! In 11/2023 I moved the Ares to my 2ndary system and upgraded to the Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 hooked up to the Iris 12th and wow! My setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7bgmV4fs-mrdU
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
Thx 👍
@ericp80947 ай бұрын
The Chinese dac battle!….yeah
@Cousins087 ай бұрын
Great review, Tarun! All three dacs are out of my price range at the moment but fascinating to watch nonetheless.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx. Much appreciated 😊👍
@pjlett56882 ай бұрын
I don’t agree whatsoever the Smsl is not that warm with my marten Logan AMTtweeters I find better then this 12 overall.
@pjlett56882 ай бұрын
don’t agree whatsoever the Smsl is not that warm with my marten Logan AMTtweeters I find better then this 12 overall.
@adsph7 ай бұрын
Appreciate your efforts here. Really good dac’s here. For most of us. Unique sound signatures for each.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx 👍
@drde40107 ай бұрын
I’ve always felt that DAC’s offer the least amount of change to sound compared to speakers, room acoustic’s and recordings.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I can understand that 😊
@drde40107 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I forgot to tell you that I very much like your videos and you do a wonderful job. Keep up the great work.
@onlinesmutna11597 ай бұрын
Hi. Great video once again. You mentioned that the Denafrips is not a true Non over sampling DAC. I thought that this updated 12th-1 version is true NOS but I guess I thought wrong. Is there a video where you explain this?
@brown-eyedman40407 ай бұрын
Thank you, Tarun for another great review. I so appreciate that your reviews always include comparison of similarly priced products. And a three-way comparison? All I can say is "Bob's your uncle" or maybe "stone the crows".
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@ptg017 ай бұрын
I had a Topping DAC for about 4 years now... One of the digital inputs that I rarely use has developed problems synching signals and Topping factory refuses to acknowledge that it is a problem, even after tons of comments online, and wants me to pay for shipping roundtrip to China... APOS just washed their hands saying they can't do anything. NEVER AGAIN ! I also have Denafrips Ares and their dealer in Singapore is the best. Knows how to treat a customer right. He has me as a customer for life. Topping can go pound some sand as my experience with Topping has been awful. For me, the support after the sale speaks volumes and Denafrips/Vinshine ROCKS whereas Topping and APOS can disappear from the planet.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Th ask you for sharing your experiences 😊
@zombielandiii27113 ай бұрын
Hello Mr British Audiophile, hope you're doing great. I just purchased, thanks to your recommendation, the Choco sound Emei, and i really love it. Now im looking for a DAC because i don't have any. I think the type of warm sound of the Choco, is what I'm looking for in my audio journey. Having said that, maybe i want a little tiny bit more detail, or a little tiny bit more speed from it. But again, im afraid to lose that warm and musical cosy sound. Can you please aid me? The Ares 12 is what got my attention, but i fear it is going to be too much. Or The Topping is going to balance things out? Sorry for the long message 😊 By the way my speakers are Q Acoustics Concept 300.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
It is hard to account for personal taste but the Ares 12th would be top of my list 😊
@WorldView227 ай бұрын
I think that’s the price Topping pays for chasing measurements: crappy stage, among others.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
Try with a separte preamp to your taste, you might just change your mind.
@snarf40586 ай бұрын
I'd love a proper R2R DAC with a clear case and LEDs illuminating key components. Like a gaming PC. Something to show off the circuitry while you sit and listen.
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
That would be cool 😊
@fletchermunson62257 ай бұрын
Good Luck if you have a product problem and you bought it from APOS. Been there and never again.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
That is what marketing is for 😅
@Voidoid777 ай бұрын
Excellent review, as always, Tarun. Cheers! (P. in Jpn.)
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@robertthurston68587 ай бұрын
I’m surprised you didn’t include a CHORD DAC in your shootout……..And you’re British Too
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
They don’t seem to fussed about sending me stuff. Good DACs though 😊
@steven28096 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314...and you don't have a dealer who would loan you one? 🤔
@geoff37s577 ай бұрын
The truth is that the sonic difference between quality electronics is so trivial to be irrelevant or even imaginary. Audible effects such as sound stage and depth are baked into the recording and swapping electronics is unlikely to make any audible difference. Room acoustics and loudspeaker choice have way, way more effect on audio quality and will totally swamp any audible effects from the electronics. I have been into quality audio since the 1960’s and some of the flowery language describing audio quality leaves me bewildered. No home system comes close to perfection, whatever that is. Likewise, no recording is perfect. It is so easy to let your imagination run away with you and this always has to be countered with a deliberate attempt to be honest with yourself. Is this really better, or am I imagining it?
@dr.zoidberg43137 ай бұрын
What about SE performance? Would the SMSL be a better option over the Denafrips in that regard?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I don’t understand the question…
@dr.zoidberg43137 ай бұрын
Sorry, I mean single ended. Do you think Denafrips still has a place in an unbalanced setup? It would seem Denafrips forgo the output stage. 🤔 @@abritishaudiophile7314
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
@@dr.zoidberg4313 I use it in an unbalanced setup. So absolutely yes 👍
@Starch1b2c3d4a6 ай бұрын
And how are they vs the rme and chord dacs close to this price range?
@adriancal7 ай бұрын
So what about the Holo audio cyan 2 and Musician Pegasus 2 ?
@SpaceEncounter7 ай бұрын
The first people are selling already the Cyan 2, because it obviously did not meet their expectations 😂
@adriancal7 ай бұрын
@@SpaceEncounter Who are "the first people"?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I should get to the Cyan 2 soon 😊
@SpaceEncounter7 ай бұрын
@@adriancal Just have a look at Head-Fi Classifieds!
@JasonDominus7 ай бұрын
I find Topping DACs to be neutral and balanced, but thin and lifeless sounding. I've owned two of them and do not care for their presentation at all. I currently have the SMSL D300 in my main system. It's the little brother to the the SMSL you reviewed. Same chip, switch mode power supply, cheaper case. It's a hair less good in measurement performance. 1db in SINAD which is nothing. I love it. It does not have the top end excitement as you explained. I am treble sensitive so it suits me. The rest of it's sonic performance is excellent IMO. It's also far cheaper than the higher end unit you reviewed. BTW HPC stands for High Precision Calculation. When High Precision Calculation Mode is enabled, the micro controller uses a higher precision floating-point unit, which supports double-precision calculations (64-bit) and provides greater accuracy in mathematical operations. However, this takes longer to calculate and could cause latency. No issue for music playback, but could affect audio/video sync issues. I've not experienced any AV latency issues with it on so I leave it on. Full disclosure. The D300 can have popping when switching sampling rates. Depending on your firmware and what inputs you are using and source material type (PCM/DSD) you could have none or too much. I don't have any issues using RCA and PCM on the 1.0 firmware, but others have reported it to be loud on some firmware or slight on others.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
I have also tried a decent amount of these brands, the achillies heel is on the preamp side. Pairing with a preamp to your taste gives you the most satisfaction.
@JasonDominus7 ай бұрын
@@HungryEatNow that's my experience too. They have squeaky clean pre-amps. I use the pre in my Musical Fidelity M5si.
@youtubiers7 ай бұрын
I also have a D300. Really like it. Its like a more modern/high res burr brown.
@JasonDominus7 ай бұрын
@@youtubiers that's what I said in my review on ASR.
@kevtn87 ай бұрын
@@youtubiersRohm DAC. Simply the best in the world when properly implemented and the focus is on sound quality not measurements.
@IrenESorius7 ай бұрын
Thank you ever so much Tarun,, 👍😎👍
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Much appreciated 😊👍
@IrenESorius7 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 💖💖💖💖
@jimmac8087 ай бұрын
I bought Meridian USB DAC to put in between my laptop and old technics amp about 15 years ago. I suddenly found out how important they are!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Cool 😎
@tarekz99927 ай бұрын
Another fantastic review Tarun. I was wondering if you have contacted Audio-GD to review their R2R based R-7HE MK3? It's the only DAC I know of with a regenerative power supply. I'm dying to hear how it stacks up to Denafrips and others
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊👍
@dingbat192 ай бұрын
Just seen this one - great work Tarun, thanks for putting the time in. One idea for a future video - to discuss some kind of hierarchy in terms of what component has the biggest most immediate impact on sound - DAC, source component, amplification, speakers - I am guessing speakers but would be interested to know your take - I think it's relevant because a lot of folks change DACs looking for a big change in the sound of their rig where they would have likely have been better off changing something else such as amplification or speakers first.
@abritishaudiophile73142 ай бұрын
@@dingbat19 thank you. I appreciate your suggestion 👍
@tacofortgens34714 ай бұрын
Wish you could do a review of a Geshelli JNOG socketed and a Schiit DAC. 🤞
@abritishaudiophile73144 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@plcamp13 ай бұрын
I expect you could not, in a properly conducted blind test, discern any difference between any of these DACs, or for that matter DACs costing 1/5th their price. It’s just a DAC. It’s not magic. They all measure way better than a human ear can discern.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Are you sure? 😉
@jasonallen12057 ай бұрын
The more dacs you review the more i cant wait for you to discover something you like more than the Ares 12th at under 1000 or the gustard r26 under 2000. You have set the bar high for these two levels and it will be significant for your listeners when they are both bested in their price categories. Keep it up!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@AusGanesh7 ай бұрын
Hello Tarun, thank you for comparison, based on my experience with ESS and other DAC chip sets, I had my doubts that it was better than the R to R ladder DAC. You have confirmed my doubts that the R to R ladder DAC’s produced natural tonality and warm and does not produce gleaming metallic sound. I was a bit concerned about the rave reviews given by some channels towards these chip sets, you have put mind at ease. Thank you. Now I can concentrate on upgrading my terminator 2 to 12th anniversary edition.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
You might want to try rockna instead
@carminedesanto67467 ай бұрын
Good afternoon from Toronto ☕️❄️ I chose the Denafrips Ares 12-1 as my end game DAC😎 Great video as usual 👍👍 Enjoy the weekend 🥃
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@MrPINKFL0YD7 ай бұрын
Oh good! The kettle is boiling...
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Great 👍
@youtubiers7 ай бұрын
I've been really surprised by my SMSL D300 dac. Reminds me of gustard r26 in many ways. Takes an age to burn in though
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@kevtn87 ай бұрын
I also have D300. That Rohm chip is special. D300 is very sparse inside with a switch mode power supply. That Rohm chip is doing most of heavy lifting. I'm waiting on new Luxman DAC with this Rohm chip as my endgame.
@petergraves30867 ай бұрын
There is a huge choice of Chinese designed and manufactured DACs all with outstanding features and performance across a wide price range. I have a couple at home and both have helped me realise that digital is now the go to source.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@marlowe15377 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. I love my Ares 12th-1. Coincidentally, it replaced the short lived really original Topping D90 in my main system (the version with the AKM 4499 chip which was not on sale long because the AKM fire dried up supply of that chip), though it is still being used in my TV/Blu-ray system. While the differences are fairly subtle for me (your ears are better educated), I do prefer the R2R presentation. I was wondering about your information on the Ares 12th-1 NOS mode. Denafrips has acknowledged that the original Ares II was not a true NOS DAC, although it had an NOS mode, but they state that the Ares 12th is now a true NOS DAC. Is that statement incorrect?
@dr.zoidberg43137 ай бұрын
The 12th editions have an improved NOS mode, but it is still just emulating a NOS sound. RME uses the same filter technique with their "NOS Filter." Whether your ears will care is another matter.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
It may be true that Denafrips DACs are now operating in true NOS. Given the history, I think the claim should be independently verified before it is universally accepted 😊
@marlowe15377 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for the response. I think that's a fair statement.
@gottrekk57987 ай бұрын
Excellent review !!! Agree 100%. I would probably choose Topping as the speed and clarity are more important to me.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@Sonofsun0017 ай бұрын
Wow ..... Denafrips comes out on top, there's a surprise.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I know, but only just 😉
@PhillioDoede7 ай бұрын
Nice roundup. Not sure I've seen Schiit represented on your channel before but some of the Schiit DACs would make for an interesting comparison. The Ares being great and nudging out the win doesn't surprise me but the SMSL VMV is pretty interesting for sure, not sure I care for the gold accents though and I think I prefer the cleaner looks of the previous VMV models.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
Bifrost 2 is very capable and offers a pretty interesting take to these dacs
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@johnmcdevitt97977 ай бұрын
I have the WDS-1 Reference DAC by Woo Audio, I think the dac chip is the Texas Instruments PCM1795, introduced to the dac market in 2009? This dac via headphones has me convinced that the bottlenecks in my 2-channel stereo system is not the WDS-1. I'm from the camp that says headphones don't lie! I'm thinking that these three newer offerings by Topping, SMSL, Denafrips are likely better sounding than the Woo Audio WDS-1. Thing is if I'm not achieving the maximum sound quality potential from the dac I have, does it make sense to upgrade the dac? So after years and years of daily use the output stage failed on the WDS-1 and this was likely my fault for changing RCA cables with the unit powered, I know it was. I sent it back to Woo Audio and paid $150 dollars + shipping for the repair good as new. Headphones are a different hifi realm where the dac used is front and center, with stereo systems it seems to me that the major bottlenecks to better sound quality are always the room acoustics first and foremost followed by the performance of the speakers and the synergy / match between the two. Notice how the dac market hit the soft performance limits years ago so in order to keep the market novel, one dac chip is going out of style now the dac market wants to sell audiophiles quad channel chips. Let's start a product line called Bag-Dac, our motto, chock full of chips, dacs named after fish
@BostonMike687 ай бұрын
Thanks for the great video ! I been looking to upgrade my DAC and I been leaning towards the Denefrips , I was also looking at the Denefrips pre amp and amps for the money they look very high quality but after watching your video on it I am not sure now. I also been thinking about muzishare tube amp but I listen to a lot of metal and electronic music and I don't know if I will be happy with a tube amp. It's so hard when you can't listen to things before you buy them
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx. It is tough when tomdecide when you can’t audition first. Just do as much homework as possible from sources you trust 👍
@BostonMike687 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks that's I watch and trust your reviews . Thanks again
@carlosm.alvarez56807 ай бұрын
Great review Tarun, thank you! As I have my wallet in my hand ready to take the leap with the Ares 12-1 at the top of the list, my only hesitation is when compared to Schiit Bifrost 2-64. However, as they are relatively new in the market and not the usual candidates, there are very few reviews about them (more on the Denafrips but less on Schiit and no comparisons at all), so I only wish you have had the opportunity to include that DAC. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this video, thanks again!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you Carlos 👍
@kl99417 ай бұрын
You will not go wrong with any of the Denafrips line.
@CannabisCulture-rx4zeАй бұрын
Bravo..what a review. Thanks!
@abritishaudiophile7314Ай бұрын
@@CannabisCulture-rx4ze thank you for watching 🙂
@gerardjoye50336 ай бұрын
Thanks for the good review. Would you say the SMSL has a cool, neutral or warm tone?
@HansDelbruck537 ай бұрын
👍
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx 👍
@BibhuduttaM4 ай бұрын
I am trying to set up a music & video setup at home. I am a new audiophile. I like Cambridge DacMagic 200 . So please suggest if I can connect Cambridge DacMagic 200 DAC to ONKYO TX NR 6100. Please also suggest some desent speakers supporting ONKYO.
@abritishaudiophile73144 ай бұрын
Yes, you will be able to connect the DacMagic 200 to the NR6100 via RCA left and right channels. There are plenty of speaker options depending on budget, room size and personal taste. Good luck 👍
@enricolisk13577 ай бұрын
Glad to a see great revealing review between the 2 genres of tech put to the test.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thanks you 😊
@MrhifitunesАй бұрын
Great review Tarun. Did you try the "tube" sound signature on the VMV D2R? Just curious how it changed the sound. Seems to inject some H2.
@abritishaudiophile7314Ай бұрын
@Mrhifitunes I did, but I preferred the stock setting 😊
@turreu7 ай бұрын
How will Chord Mojo compete with these?
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
Objectively, it is a real contender, and having heard chord in general they have a smooth mid vocal presentation. The bias against mojo is that it is not balanced and it is made for portable.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
The Chordo Mojo 2 is a great DAC for the money but the Denafrips Ares 12th-1 is better. The others will be better in some aspects but worse in others 😊
@gilko617 ай бұрын
Another excellent review! Sounds like the Denafrips is still the closest to my taste, but the surprise is how close the others came. Nonetheless, the music's in the mids.
@johngutmanis35807 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun, great video! I have had my Ares12 about 8 or 9 months now. I have to say I’m a little disappointed that they came out with the 12-1 so quickly. I will guess there’s going to be very little difference between the two sonically. I have to say the 12 is really a fantastic DAC, I go balanced into a McIntosh c50 Pre and balanced into a McIntosh mc352 and also into a pair of custom built class D monoblocks that output 300 watt per channel. I switch between the two amps into my Klipsch La Scala speakers and NHT Ten subs. I run the SS when I want easy listening. I switch to the class D when I want a wider deeper soundstage and more punch and dynamic bite in my music. When I combine the Ares12 and class D the performance becomes very exciting even on the edge of unreal digital sound, but never bad. I am really hoping some day Denafrips includes a remote and ASEB input. I love switching between my server, cd transport and streamer. I am really tempted to sell the 12 and try the SMSL. With the class D the soundstage plays well beyond the speakers, the McIntosh soundstage not so much. Thanks again for the comparisons, very Helpful!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. It was disappointing that the 12th-1 came out so soon after the previous model. It is no way for a reputable HiFi brand to treat existing customers. I pointed this out to the global distributor at the time. Hopefully, Denafrips won’t repeat the mistake 😊
@clarice1001nights4 ай бұрын
Have you reviewed the Gustard Audalytics Ah90 yet? It is a streamer, a headphone amp and dac all for 600. Add a LPS to that and it is still cheaper than all three of these. When are you going to review it???
@abritishaudiophile73144 ай бұрын
No plans as yet but I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@imranchishti54576 ай бұрын
Excellent review. I have the Ares 12-1 and it was great till I added the Iris DDC. After about a 100 hours of running with an I2 S cable from Ricable the combination sounds awesome. I am not an audiophile but I have a very nice gaming rig and I listen to music on my kit . No, I do not listen to exacting recordings. I believe that if a piece of electronics is going to resolve the soundstage then I want to see what it can do with Red Dead Redemption II on PC and if it can extract detail on Bollywood music played through KZbin Music . My gaming headset is a Sennheiser HD 800S and I can say that every time I listen to music or play video games the experience is incredible . It is realistic and warm and the DA- DDC combo does extract more data from lowly sources making the whole experience so much more engaging through the HD 800S. I think the price point for what you get with those two units is amazing.
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
Great 👍 Thank you for sharing 😊
@TRdaytona6756 ай бұрын
The D90SE works for me, no colouration but neutral. The R8 tube amp adds some nice colour to female voices. I assume its successor will sound alike. Casing is solid aluminium, not steel.
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@TheKapeeteeleestPeeg7 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun, superb review as always and in particular, I'm interested in ladder DACs, craving the sound of my youth. I've ordered a 'Musician Draco' for my setup and was wondering if you might be having a look at this brand and its models. Keep up the great work 👍👌
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 👍
@Xquielkun7 ай бұрын
Great review! I have the original ares II and I really like it, but i miss more definition in the bass region. I'll upgrade to the venus since I like the natural tonality of denafrips. Tarun please review high end streamers like Aurender N150/N200 against Lumin U2 or mini!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx 😊
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh7 ай бұрын
I wish you could review more of these top of the line units from brands like smsl, topping and others. They just keep getting better and better and in my opinion are better value when compared to other brands like denafrips. Not having a remote, nor being able to be used as a pre (not to mention all the added options and customization) is a pain... Maybe Topping dx9 in a next one? 😀 I think it's their top of the line unit right now (maybe not for long though lol) Their la90d amps also seem very nice, specially as monoblocks. Maybe you could try an all topping system with these two. Oh and smsl d400ex seems great too.😊
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
They sure looks great as a stack and I have sold off all my toppings and smsls
@ColocasiaCorm24 күн бұрын
The reports for soundstage for the d90 vary quite a bit across reviewers. Wonder if thats due to differences elsewhere in the system
@abritishaudiophile731424 күн бұрын
@@ColocasiaCorm could be, but I always try with multiple devices and can only speak as I find 😊
@markphilpot87347 ай бұрын
Pretty hard to find a single DAC that does everything well. You have to get up in the price to get into the real competition where it really shines. The Topping is a cleaner overall presentation to me, but it is lacking in bass performance as you mentioned. This is the problem in this price step, too many compromises. That is the nature of the entry level gear. This won’t change because of economics involved. Price point economics is still the rule in audio products due to profit yield on a per unit basis. Wish it weren’t so, but it is.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thx Mark 😊
@robertmeyers93137 ай бұрын
I enjoy your reviews and find them easy to understand and articulate regarding both objective and subjective performance. I am new to the hifi digital side and find this DAC performance interesting. When I hear, a review say tonal differences and stereo separation, I am surprised as this information is either included or not in the original digital source. So the DAC is adding or embellishing the signal, correct? I assume that if I want the cleanest pure reproduction of the original signal then a lower end DAC is sufficient. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you Robert. There a lot of factors that can influence the performance and sonic presentation of a DAC. Unfortunately, too much to get into here 👍
@robertmeyers93137 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thx. My question is, do we want the DAC to influence the signal? I thought no.
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
Tonality is set at the source recording or tuned in the mix.
@robertmeyers93137 ай бұрын
@@HungryEatNow thx it seems we don’t want the DAC to influence the signal, yet the 1,000 Euro DAC’s are compared by what they add to the music. My apologies if I miss the nuance here, I mean no offence.
@steven28096 ай бұрын
@@robertmeyers9313All DACs influence the signal....because they convert the digital signal to analogue! The way they do this....reconstruction filters, power supplies, precision clocks etc is what makes them sound different.
@sgonz20166 ай бұрын
Great review as usual. It would be perfect if you can compare this 3 dacs with the Holo Audio Cyan 2
@abritishaudiophile73145 ай бұрын
Thx 👍
@Jeipr7 ай бұрын
So my int. Amp has HT by pass. So as Taron mentioned any of this dacs (not denafrips) can run as a pre amp since they volume control doest not degrade sound??
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
That is right 😊
@espresso89257 ай бұрын
Hallo.what do you think about the old deltec dac7,with tda 1547 philips chip set ?Does a dac as old as this still make sense today?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I wouldn’t might getting the Sugden DAC in to find out 😊
@stacksmasher6 ай бұрын
So for a device like the D90 whats the best way to feed it music? Would you use a streamer like a WiiM?
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
I haven’t heard the WiiM stuff as yet but it seems well regarded 😊
@louisbotes3377 ай бұрын
I still have the denafripps Aries 2 but have found that upgrading the streamer has made a big difference I went from a Wiim mini to a Primare nt5 which cost nearly the same as the dac I find the sound as the best I ever owned.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
The quality of the streaming transport is important to sound quality too 😊
@paulomontero124 ай бұрын
Look at the measurements! This is not a wine tasting contest. Topping probably measures better then most.
@abritishaudiophile73144 ай бұрын
Do you measure the wine you drink as well? 😉
@peterruler487 ай бұрын
Sorry, why would you use a dedicated preamp with £3k DACs?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
The volume control comprises performance 😊
@peterruler487 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 The volume control on £3k DACs compromise performance. What type of volume control?
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
@@peterruler48 most DACs have digital volume controls that will compromise performance. There are some exceptions such as the Holo Audio Spring 3. Also, the extra gain from a good quality preamp can bring sonic benefits 😊
@peterruler487 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm sorry, I really don't want to be nit-picking. Your statement was false because an increasing number of DACs in recent times are using analogue volume controls. Secondly, it's not that you can hear digital attenuation, only that bit depth and rounding errors are a consequence of this form of attenuation. However, analogue preamps add noise, distortion, phasing issues etc. , and this is often much worse than digital attenuation. There are exceptions, like the Benchmark LA4/HPA4 and various passive preamp designs. I know, it's hard to be concise in KZbin videos, but blanket statements are almost always inaccurate. Yours...
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
@@peterruler48 I will have to agree to disagree with you Peter. A lot of DACs still use digital volume controls that adversely affect sound quality, even if this is done by DSP rather than simple bit reduction. The DACs that have analogue volume controls usually have relatively cheap ones that also degrade sound quality. A good quality dedicated preamp will do little to degrade the signal and brings sonic benefits, such as increased scale, dynamics and better bass control. It is unclear why this tends to be the case and you can’t simply look at it from an objectivist standpoint. The best explanations I have come across is that it has something to do with impedance matching and the ability to drive cables. This is why almost all high end systems use dedicated preamps even in digital only setups 😊
@cobar53427 ай бұрын
Thank you for a very good review. Each is certainly impressive
@rhphotocdn7 ай бұрын
Great Review!! Thxs!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@monarch81886 ай бұрын
Check SMSL SU-X ! It has pair new 9039 chips
@abritishaudiophile73146 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@bobb.99177 ай бұрын
My favorite line 👉🏼 "The ole girl's got a posh new frock." 😃👍🏼 You ARE The British Audiophile, after all ! Great comparison, Tarun!
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊👍
@Temperature9805 ай бұрын
AKM and ESS chips ALWAYS promise better sound as if they know the earlier chips were not good. Hmmm😂-Phillips R2R old school sounds better than any ess and akm
@abraxalito3 ай бұрын
ESS has been getting better, they don't acknowledge the old ones sucked though.
@Temperature9803 ай бұрын
@@abraxalito yet let us go back in time when they came out and they said the same exact thing. Like an abuser always claiming they have changed. :)
@riccitone7 ай бұрын
Wonderful review, as always! Thoroughly enjoyed it this Saturday morning. I honestly don’t know anyone that considers so many important factors as succinctly. I remember once thinking that a Sabre based d/s dac would be harsh, 2d and lacking in body. But now no way…programming and output stages are so good on so many dacs lately! I’m currently in love with the very special octo research dac8 stereo. Hits many of the marks you’d indicated here (albeit probably not as deep as a ladder dac) 🙏🏼
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
We really need to use our ears than reading specifications
@richa24957 ай бұрын
Have you listened to the Merason Frerot compared to the Ares? I compared the two and went with the Frerot with the Pow1(separate matched power supply). The Merason is slightly more money(without the Pow1), but I thought stronger in the low, mid and top end. Paired with the Rega Alex-r Integrated Amp. I am curious to hear your thoughts? Excellent review, as usual.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Yes, here is the review 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYSzmaukp7J0Z9Esi=v1bRCDQuQTFSCj0F
@richa24957 ай бұрын
Thank you. Just watched it. Excellent review and comparisons. I really enjoy my Ferret with the Pow1. Appreciate your comparisons!
@bunjidogg7 ай бұрын
Great review, thanks. I am about to purchase either the Denafrips or a higher end chip Dac. Love everthing I hear about the Ares 12-1, but my concern is about it's bass clarity and definition. I listen to a lot of music with acoustic bass and and it's important to me. I have tried some Delta-Sigma dacs and while they do very well in the bass, they have always been to harsh in the treble. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. I cover the relative strengths and weaknesses in the review 😊
@bunjidogg7 ай бұрын
Yes, I see you did cover it near then end. Thanks. I have purchased the ares 12-1, and will let you know how it compares to the SMSL VMV D1se2 that I am currently using. Cheers.@@abritishaudiophile7314
@Kevin-vg9lt7 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun, Another excellent video and has me wanting to upgrade from my now old Arcam IRDac even though I think it sounds good it is 10 years old. The only problem I find with these reviews are that the products are always foreign and there are no UK Hi FI dealers selling them. I don't entertain eBay and not keen on buying direct from China so as much as I would like to buy the Denafrips I can't see myself getting one which is a shame.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated 👍
@TasmanGuitarsAmps4 ай бұрын
I had irDAC . Any of these are miles better than arcam.
@bionicbob12857 ай бұрын
what company sells a nice quality DAC with subwoofer outputs? Some of us 2ch guys still prefer subwoofers.
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
You can use preouts. Choose a DAC that can run two sets of outputs simultaneously. These are normally XLR and RCA 😊
@bionicbob12857 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 This is great news, It's hard to find a streamer/dac with a rca sub out especially when my sub doesn't have hi-pass speaker terminals. "sigh"
@2HatHudders7 ай бұрын
That VMV seems like the most improved.
@kevtn87 ай бұрын
I would easily pick SmSl D2R based on that Rohm chip alone. It's a truly special chip. I have older D300 playing now on my Mcintosh system. Amazing for the price.
@steven28096 ай бұрын
@@kevtn8Agree...that's what tempts me too! 👍
@csszabi87793 ай бұрын
The D2R is a very good DAC for this price. The human voice is realistic and the sound stage is very good with this DAC (in my system). (Sound color: High OSR + HPC OFF) I also have a VMV D1SE DAC (first version) but I use it less and less.
@itt90373 ай бұрын
@@csszabi8779 Hi, may i know how would d2r's soundstage to be compared to d1se?
@csszabi87793 ай бұрын
@@itt9037 Important: I could not use the I2S interface of the D1SE. I used the USB and coax inputs. The D2R DAC works with my PI2AES modul via the I2S interface. I think the D1SE has good soundstage (wide and deep). D2R (I2S input) The soundstage is wider with D2R but the biggest difference is that the soundstage is more precise. The location of the sounds in the space (soundstage) is much more accurate. Other difference: The highest frequencies of D1SE are sharper and the lowest frequencies are heavier than D2R. (But the D1SE is not harsh either. Focal Beryllium never harsh.) The human voice is more natural with D2R DAC. (In my system).
@etcworld24417 ай бұрын
Everything looks good but it would be good to test the sound
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
I did test the sound 😊
@Drackleyrva7 ай бұрын
I've been wanting to see these DACs tested side by side---thank you for the review. In your opinion, which do you think would be best with electronic music?
@HungryEatNow7 ай бұрын
Honestly, the fun is in trying them out yourself, take a hit and sell the ones that does not resonate 😊
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
All will be good. It depends on what sonic characteristics you are prioritising. If you want quick start-stop transients but not the biggest soundstage, I would go for the Topping. If you want the biggest soundstage but with softer edges, go for the SMSL. For the best all round performance, go for the Denafrips 😊
@2DangeRuss4u7 ай бұрын
I would have ABSOLUTELY loved your inclusion of the Holoaudio Cyan 2 in this shoot out 😢
@abritishaudiophile73147 ай бұрын
That would have been cool 😎
@2DangeRuss4u7 ай бұрын
Indeed it would have 😉👍 @abritishaudiophile7314 ...... That's food for thought for an upcoming video 📹 😄. Keep up the good work Taron, your reviews are greatly appreciated