Denafrips' Flagship DACs for the most serious audiophiles

Denafrips Ares 2 review, Denafrips pontus review and now...
This is the long waited review of the Denafrips Terminator and Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC. These are regarded as one of the best R2R Dacs for the money and I am glad they are able to offer such serious audiophile Dacs for not so serious audiophile price tag.
This video is not sponsored
for more info on how we work:
nbtsmedia.com/about-us/
in singapore dollars (please convert to your own currency):
Denafrips Terminator: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Denafrips Terminator-plus: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Relevant reviews:
Denafrips Ares 2: • The Best DAC Award - D...
Denafrips Pontus: • The Best DAC Award ! D...
Doge 7 DAC: • Doge 7 Tube DAC Review...
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#hifi #audiophile #DAC

[@Jayiyagi]

At the time of this review, Denafrips Terminator cost $4500 USD and Denafrips Terminator Plus costs around $6500 USD. By the way, according to my calculations, if these dacs went through dealerships, it would cost approx $8000 for the denafrips terminator & just above $11,000 for the terminator plus. This video is not sponsored for more info on how we work: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/ in singapore dollars (please convert to your own currency): Denafrips Terminator: www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-terminator-r2r-dac Denafrips Terminator-plus: www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-terminator-plus-r2r-dac Relevant reviews: Denafrips Ares 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5KUfqathNaMps0 Denafrips Pontus: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn6Vi6aGd8aCptE Doge 7 DAC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoiviXmCmMx_r5o

[@JonPrintzian]

What economical power cable and balanced cables do you recommend for Denafrips DACs?

[@alexfoxpoker]

Sorry, what about Terminator 2 ? :)

[@kuisin88]

Come on Jay, I still haven't recover from the Hegel you sold me. Now the Terminator?! My wife is going to Terminate me 🤣🤣

[@themosyannakou6893]

Hahahahha

[@JasperSteve]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HareDeLune]

Good to see you again, Jay! I was getting a little worried when you didn't upload for a week, after posting every day, and sometimes twice a day. Then, someone said on Ron's NRD livestream that you had recently passed! I'm glad that was a false rumor. Thanks for the review! This looked like a difficult one, in some ways. Very good to know the differences between these DAC's. Thanks for explaining thoroughly. Much appreciated.

[@billfife6569]

Been waiting for this review Jay. Excellent. Thanks.

[@charlesnr]

Jay's best edited video, breaking up "talking heads" syndrome. Amazing at all these prices they never have more than one input. Currently, from my Benchmark remote, I can switch between two coax's for my CD player and my 2i streamer.

[@Revelator2025]

Great review, Jay. Thank you. I had the upgraded Terminator which is a great unit. However when I got my hands on the Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE I found much more satisfaction with the overall presentation of audio information. FWIW I wanted to share with those looking for their next DAC.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Vladimir makes some nice stuff, also for those considering look at Abbas Esoteric Audio in Ukraine, SW1x use his circuit designs but he voices them differently with vintage parts and sells them maybe 5x cheaper. His top DACs also have tube rectification to both digitial and analogue boards.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

I haven't seen you so sure about something for a long time, that's why the video is so expressive. DENAFRIPS really is a leader with its R2Rs. Greetings from Chile.

[@robertreynolds2212]

When I first purchased the Aries II it changed the sound more than any component up to that point in my audio journey. Made plans to save up for the Pontus II immediately. Fast forward over a year later & the Terminator + w/ a Gaia DDC sit on my rack.

[@MrJoca72]

Another great review on my DAC of choice for the last couple of years 👌 Jay you’re definitely becoming one of the best reviews out there 👏 Congrats

[@epi2045]

Having listened to possibly 30+ DAC’s over the last decade ranging from $20 to $15K. Unless I’m A/B’ing the differences are very subtle from $1K and up. The output stage is more important to me than even the R2R architecture. I actually think a true audiophile would probably have to own 3-5 different DACs because it’s about sound signature... not even “quality”. I prefer to put my money into the speakers and amp.

[@Music-nv8et]

@hifi sense what you mean about "more better ways..." cause i m in the way for a new dac and i m very curious about your tips

[@carminedesanto6746]

You’re right. Crunching the numbers isn’t the hard part ..getting a quality output is the hard part. $150 SMSL can crunch numbers also ..but it’s always the output that’s the key.

[@drwavedawg]

Amen brother! You have spoken the truth

[@epi2045]

Hey everyone... regardless of cost, the two DACs I use 95% of the time are: Nuprime DAC 9 and RME ADI-2. Both have good build and components with balanced/ XLR connections and rock solid output stages. I use the Nuprime since it has a 99 step ladder volume control which I use as a direct DAC/preamp to my tube amplifier. The RME goes through another system which matches my custom tube pre-amp and solid state Mark Levinson amp very well. My best way to describe both of these DACs: accurate and fully dynamic.

[@epi2045]

@hifi sense 100% agree. My two main systems have tubes in front of the amp or as the actual power amp. My “dsp” is rolling tubes which to me has been very satisfying however requires patience.

[@kl9941]

Really good Jay. Like the way you are not hesitant to compare brands and speak your subjective truth.

[@charlesnr]

This is Jay's best edited video, avoiding the "talking heads" syndrome. For such expensive DAC's, you would think they could double up the inputs. From my Benchmark remote, I can switch between two coax's for my CD player and 2i streamer.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Benchmark is a Pro quality DAC, ridiculous value for the $$$. I love their dacs, along with ATC speakers...

[@iowatollah]

Great review Jay! You are also a excellent salesman. Now I need one badly!

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

Wow another no nonsense straight to the point review. This was a delightfully anticipated yet neurotic review to watch, simply because it had me on edge, I like the Doge 7 Dac, but you had to be raw with it, like drinking the finest whiskey with No Chaser in sharing you objective views regarding how these Denafrips Flagship DACs compare to arguably some of the best sounding DACS out there.... This was a hard, very hard, but samurai sword very very good review a brilliant review keep up the good work

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

Great review! Now it's time to review the Venus II to finish the lineup! (Please compare it with the Pontus)

[@Montreal_Audio_Systems]

Big different Pontus vs venus BIG MUCH MORE analog sound the Venus the Pontus is brighter! The mids are incredible on the Venus rivals my 5k phono big time!

[@KalEmil]

Thank you Jay for a very interesting comparison, more of those in the future would be much appreciated. I also would love to hear your thoughts and impressions about Primaluna EVO 100 DAC, a tube dac that tackles the D/A conversion in a totally different way...

[@korbindallas6727]

I have a DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR II on order. Yes, you read that correctly. The Terminator is now Terminator II !! Can't wait. Thanks for the great reviews Jay!

[@michalryszawy]

Did You get it ?

[@korbindallas6727]

@@michalryszawy Hi Mike. No I didn't. I ended up cancelling as I sold all my gear and started over with Pass Labs and Esoteric. I couldn't afford to do everything all at once. Who ever said waiting is a virtue wasn't an audiophile !! lol When it is time to upgrade the Esoteric (read that as when I save up lots of money) I will then need to decide on a separates or a combo. I do have a friend who bought the T+, and as it burns in, he is hearing more and more detail. He has a good revealing system. Cheers!

[@michalryszawy]

@@korbindallas6727 thanks for answer, i buy termiantor 2 two days ago. But its new. I need warm up him to make judge. Before i have pontus 2. For now is what i experience that pontus 2 is not so far away from terminator 2, but i need to warm up him good to make good judge. Greetings

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Enjoyed your review, well done sir! I've had my present chip DAC for about 6 years now, it was in the 5k range new. Really thinking about the Term+ DAC now. Of all the YT reviews on the Term/Term+ I've watched I don't think I recall a single negative comment about them other than the lack of remote and that's not a deal breaker for me. I just wish they'd let other dealers around the world handle them. Maybe then there be less negativity when it comes to warranty repair and long term repair.

[@jieranli]

Honestly, more dealers means more expenses. You’d pay more for it. Economically, I don’t think it’d be a good move for them or their target customers.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@jieranli If it's that good people will pay. What holds them back in the U.S. is the fact you can't ship within the States for warranty work. People who spend $6,500 U.S. don't expect to be left hanging or to do the repair work themselves. Who is their target customer?

[@Jayiyagi]

@@Mark-lq3sb If it's that good people will pay unless they can't. Dealer mark up would bring the terminator plus just above $11,000 US.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@Jayiyagi True, there's no arguing your point. Most of us into audio equipment face the "it's over my budget" problem. There is also another point, there *is* a DAC for *every* budget. Unless you live in a shelter. I've been on the fence about picking up a new Term+ only because of the warranty/repair situation that exists with Denafrips.

[@jieranli]

@@Mark-lq3sb respectfully judging by your sentiment, you're not the terminator's target audience. I think it's targeting people who enjoy splitting pennies(thousands of dollars in this situation) for the best bang for the bucks of its class. As well as taking calculated risks to save a bit(trusting the manufacture's cc, that the unit won't break on them during their ownership). There are people who'd prefer punching above their budget class, even if it means to compromise on service. And there are people like yourself who think thousands of dollars entitle them better services. If you value local serviceability, honestly, you should just consider something your local dealer carries. If there are enough indications of people wanting to pay double the price with local service outweighs the number of the other group mentioned, Denafrips would probably do it your way. In the end, it all comes down to conscious business decisions to maximize revenue & profits.

[@hong5011]

Great review! I had the Terminator for about a year and upgraded to Terminator Plus few months back. Your review is pretty much my impression too. However my preference is NOS which feels more natural and analogue to my ears. Tried the clock sync with Soundaware D300 Ref which improves transparency and resolution but lost out on timbre IMHO so decided not to use.

[@psi3845]

I also like a lot the NOS confuguration, try the OS with SLOW filter ;-)

[@LimePieMusic]

Why didn't you like the regular version of the Terminator?

[@hong5011]

@@LimePieMusic I like the Terminator but decided to upgrade to the higher Plus model when it was launched.

[@antonchigurh4125]

Can't wait for the subscriber giveaway, Jay.. But in all seriousness, great review. I was salivating whilst watching this (at the DAC, not you!)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I just finished mine on the Venus II Anton. Cheers simon

[@MartinHAndersen]

It took you a long time to get to the Terminator (-: But I really liked that you compared it to the plus. When you review the Holo Audio May Dac then please do the same. Level 3 compared to level one o two. And again thanks for the Doge 7 review. Really enjoying it. Better than my Orchid Dac. Keep up the good work.

[@themosyannakou6893]

Have you experimented with upgrading the Aries by using a good linear power supply

[@aabuahro]

If I like smother sounding DACs and tonal balance is very important to me , should I go with terminator or terminator plus?

[@edw5386]

Hello Thank you for the review. Denafrips has great products, I even thought for a long time about buying one of them, very intriguing and difficult to choose, the quality and precision of workmanship is at the highest level. The Denafrips Dac is very complicated in construction and there is, unfortunately, a problem here, although the factory gives a 3-year warranty, after some time the capacitors will have to be replaced, who in Europe will repair such a complex device? That's what stopped me from buying. Best regards and thank you for the review

[@stephenharding428]

That’s an excellent point. I am sure someone will see an opportunity here and set up a repair service.

[@leonardpezzano5216]

Just wondering how would this Denafrip's Flagship would compare to the Holo Audio's Flagship May KTE. I know you reviewed the Holo Spring, do you have plans to review the May KTE?

[@gw61]

Great review, of course the the Dave comparison would be very nice.

[@BelieveHiFi]

I have done this comparison and for me on Headphones the Dave is better, details, depth and everyhting really. However on my HiFi setup I feel for some reason the Daves soundstage is a bit flat and lacks this depth. Also The terminator just seems to portray the instruments in a way that sounds more realistic not only in tonality but the weight and presence, like that instrument is really truly in the room with you

[@drwavedawg]

The Dave is really good but way way way overpriced

[@QQ-td9id]

Chord stuff with m scaler is great for headphone, but thinner, flat, less meat for my speaker setup.

[@paulgillard5094]

What speakers were you using?

[@405line]

You can try driving the NOS DACS with the SOX resampler from foobar one of the effects of oversampling is that you move the digital transmission bandwidth to at least 44.1khz using an 88.2khz sample rate or more with no need for further filtering which can alter the phase/time responses, so you can have your cake and eat it. Always resample in multiples of than original sample rate. I stick to 2x oversampling in foobar using a TDA1543x8 NOS DAC. Love these non delta sigmas. Not certain about recent develpments but sofware oversampling is/was considered better as the PC/software can do the oversampling all at once instad of 2x2xn as hardware upsamplers do.

[@brintamatic]

Thanks for doing your best to compare to not only the Doge 7 but also the Ares 2 and Pontus.

[@colinbrophy4182]

I think when you review gear in this price range, you should include the associated gear that you are using for the review, what’s the source, are you using a preamp, etc.

[@epi2045]

Totally agree. One of the reasons why I spent countless years reading Stereophile where they carefully documented the equipment used and the music listened to.

[@dontcare563]

Agreed, was t6he gear he was using for the review even revealing enough to show the differences?

[@arunhembram1859]

How does it compare to dcs and lumin?

[@yewmun5858]

Hi Jay, what is your opinion against Terminator+ and Audio-gd R7he?

[@torarnekvaly7753]

What streamer(s) did you use for this review?

[@alb.1911]

Thanks for your review, anyway I would appreciate if you provide some "real" comparison specifying a track and telling what difference you hear in some critical moments (soundstage, bass, reality of musical instruments and other elements in the track).

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Jay, Everything set and getting some listening time in now. I'm impressed with the ability to adjust the different perimeters on this DAC. I believe your correct, I find the OS mode better and don't count on increasing your bass output. Mid-range & tweeter really "open" with this DAC. I'm coming from a PS Audio Directstream DAC, big time difference! Still using their (PSA) transport (not their latest, but previous model.) Going into a PS Audio BHK pre to Mac mc452 (yeah, that's a strange combo, but at one time I had plans on selling the 452 and going BHK mono amps.) all coming out of a pair of JBL 4365's. Jamming on Stones Sticky Fingers now, the cymbal work in the middle of 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking' is unbelievable! Not to mention the Sax hitting that mid-range. Just a few hours in and it looks like I'm convinced.

[@lazo69er]

Hi Mark, what program do you use to play files? Jriver etc'?. If you do, are you playing the files natively and using os on the Denafrips or upscaling in the software also. Thx.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@lazo69er No streaming, 1,000's of CD's /SACD's. I'm looking into a Aurender digital storage unit and buying hi-rez. I'm a Boomer, lot's of us (not all.) would rather buy and "own" or music rather than "rent" It's a generational thing. Probably how we grew-up...

[@Mau10]

Jay! excellent review. what are your thoughts about the Venus II? sounds like it is just in the sweet spot of the Denafrips line. They describe it to be very close to the Terminator, built in the chasis of the Pontus. If that's true the price is a bargain. Hope you can review it sometime. I am curious about your thoughts about Chord products TT2 and Mscaler. I've heard good opinions about their sound, even when their designs lean more to small components with Switching power supplies.

[@ranelime]

Thanks Jay, would love to hear your thoughts about the Burson Composer 3x dac :)

[@jaysworld5378]

Wondering if you have ever looked at the DAC's from Questyle and if you have what is your thoughts on them?

[@alainthomas6449]

Jay thanks for the review your are right, the Terminator is fabulous. Unfortunately i didn't get to try the plus. But if I have an advise to give you, it is to tried the Terminator with the Athena Preamp from Dinafrips. Be careful this preamp need at least 500 hours of breaking in. And the power cord has to be top. Than the combination is fantastic. The Athena is there the perfect match with this Dac in term of Value proposition. I do not work for Dinafrips and I own the line stage Athena I'm really impress with this brand. Kind regards Alain From Luxembourg

[@gumbypimp65]

I had the original Terminator and purchased a Lampizator Atlantic TRP DAC, had them side by side for a couple of months, it wasn’t even close I sold the Terminator and kept the Lampizator Atlantic TRP, Please do a review on a Lampizator Atlantic TRP and you will hear what I mean.

[@victormoreno2767]

What tubes are you using in the atlantic TRP? Does it has the 53 engine for 44/16 format? Thanks for sharing your findings btw!

[@gumbypimp65]

@@victormoreno2767 I’m using a Sovtek 5U4G Rectlifier and Golden Lion EL34’s, my speakers are Magnepan 1.7i and Klipsch Cornwall IV’s regardless of whichever I set up it breaths life into the music, simply amazing DAC, by the way I also had the Directstream DAC its USB input was terrible you had to us the I2S input.

[@robk5745]

Lampizators are love for a reason, too bad I run my dacs all day everyday otherwise I’d buy one.

[@gumbypimp65]

@@robk5745 I run mine all weekend normally, since it’s not a power amp the tubes are barely running

[@robk5745]

@@gumbypimp65 sure but I’m talking all the time. Plus it’s not really a fair comparison. Can barely get an Atlantic for 10k used with all the options, but I can pick up a termi for 4K or less. Kinda different ball games

[@Rod007man]

Ares II or Pontus II - BlueSound Node - Rotel 1592 - KEF R3 -which do you recommend?

[@ullahw]

Jay, great review! Did you say that it would be a better DAC than MSB Premier? I am in the market for a Premier and have been auditioning seriously. Can you please elaborate on how it compares to Premier? I am assuming you have had good experience with Premier from your days at AE. Thanks again for your awesome work....Keep it up!!

[@_F5X]

👍👌 thanks for the review, are you also gonna have look at VENUS ii ?

[@thomasedward2231]

Random - what are bases for your DACs? They are very nice looking.

[@BonJohnvie]

What are your thoughts on the exaSound e62 DAC?

[@les5309]

Hi Jay. I hope you can get hold of the Denafrips Avatar Transport. I am keen to know your thoughts about it. Cheers.

[@psi3845]

Consider the last Jay's audio CDT2-MKIII!!! It's superior to the Avatar in every aspect ;-)

[@IRONMAIDEN694]

Wise man once said: When I listen to a component I'm reviewing, I aim to stay mindful, but not so analytical that I suppress my feelings or intuition. I never want my audio prejudices to trump my curiosity. I do my best to report my pleasures and my disappointments-(not my opinions). I believe it is my job to find worthy components and report to readers about their fundamental character. My reviews should reveal a component's potential for generating musical enjoyment in a wide range of audio systems. Most important, I need always to remember that my taste in music playback is unlikely to be the same as yours. I thought your review was focusing on your opinion mostly.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Jay! I bought a Terminator-Plus. My first R2R Ladder DAC. I was impressed with the fast shipping, considering from Singapore to the middle of the U.S. Just picked it up on the way home from work this afternoon. DHL Freight local pick-up point. NO!, to leaving 6+k on my front porch. We've had some bad storms/lighting so, the audio equipment has been unplugged for a few days now. Just got done rearranging gear and making room for the new DAC. Since everything has been unplugged for awhile I decided to plug-in and leave all on standby over night including the new DAC. Besides, it gets a little chilly in the house when I'm gone at work during the day. Turn down that thermostat, gota save a buck or two. How else can I spend 6+k on a new DAC? Off day tomorrow (Saturday) I'll have all day to get the DAC set-up and start listening. I'll let you know what I think...

[@aweicc]

Any follow up Mark? what do you think of the Terminator-plus?

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@aweicc I do believe there is a difference between the chip DACs and R2R Ladders as far as "sound" This is my first Ladder, but I've owned several chip DACs. Yeah, I like it, but it does (IMO) bring-out every detail and it seems to make the highs, very high with my JBL 4365's that use modern compression horn drivers. In fact I was thinking about adding a couple of REL subs to my already 15 inch woofers. Denafrips says they "break-in" with at least 100 hours. After listening to it for several days I stopped listening and added 400 hours more and (once again, IMO) It helped-out, seemed to "smooth" things out. Sounded less "digital", if that's possible. I watched Steve Guttenberg's review and he preferred the Terminator over the Plus. I believe Steve said the newer DAC had to much detail, maybe to bright.

[@aweicc]

@@Mark-lq3sb thanks for the detail reply!

[@elilawrence8831]

How do you like the heavenly self powered speakers you have in your video review of the terminator

[@johenkay1129]

Holo may kte beats the T+? You did purchase a kte right?

[@MrEvhel83]

Is it better then Hegel HD30?

[@Luca84v]

Hey Jaywould you review the Matrix i-pro 3? Thanks!

[@Poraqui]

I know that they they use different approaches to DA conversion, but I would like to see Holo audio spring 3 (with the may usb board) compared to Matrix audio Sabre 3.

[@georgelin6472]

How about Venus 2? Did you skipped review for that one?

[@solarfall2728]

Where do you get these in the US? I believe they are made in NZ, but does it need to be shipped overseas, or is there a US distributor?

[@jieranli]

I don’t think it’s made in New Zealand

[@mnmlist1454]

They are made in China n distributor is in Singapore.

[@korbindallas6727]

@@mnmlist1454 The links are in the pinned comments section. Or try um...Google.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

What is the wooden platform the T+ is sat on please?

[@RearEntry]

Would be cool to have you review the Hugo TT or the Holo May...

[@lawrence-htpcchong8901]

i’d be interested hear your review of soekris top-of-the-line r2r dac, and comparison with this terminator.

[@sveteca11]

Hi at first I want to apologise about (maybe) stupid question but I am absolute new in this hobby. Last few months i have spent a lot of money and i have made a lot mistakes. So i have s400 mk2 and I wanted to get terminator + amp, but in forums told me that I will not hear any difference between terminator and Denafrips Pontus II , Venus II, and terminator + with Buchardt s400 mk 2 (or very almost none). You have heard speakers and amps, and you have very high opinion about them. What do you think? p.s.1 I will appreciate if you answer. p.s.2 every one is welcome to give their feedback, I will appreciate it.

[@mesonto]

At 15.20 you do a fair(l)y good Mr. Roper impersonation.

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

Good video, bro. Any ideas how resistors would make the sound more transparent when we're talking bits, 0s and 1s? Lots of marketing snake oil if you ask me for a $5k+ DAC

[@goodsound4756]

Bits are input information, Resistors are for the analog output. The more precise they are, the closer the analog output is to the original digital information.

[@mlb3164]

I have had a terminator and now have a plus and never tried using them in OS mode, always NOS. I heard exactly what you described.

[@mlb3164]

Further listening it seems in OS mode it flattens the depth of image.

[@badd99]

Compared to ps audio directstream...?

[@MrArunasB]

Next would be interesting holo audio may dac, how it stand against terminator plus.

[@jlo8775]

Great vid Jay....Imo, LampizatOr is the one to beat in the $5K range

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

Is the Lampizator only $5k? I thought it was much more than that?

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

@@jonathanmatthew5631 amber 3 is around 3500

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

@@blejzerosamigos6115 You think Amber is better than Denafrips Venus II?

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

@@jonathanmatthew5631 I did not heard the Venus I got amber 3 and it's pretty amazing, I did tested it with sonnet morphous and Amber won.

[@xdaggersoul]

I've heard the Term+ and Lampi on the same day and I ordered a Baltic 3.

[@carminedesanto6746]

How you turn 100110001100 into an analog signal isn’t the impressive part (I’m sure you can use everything from a CRAY computer to $150 SMSL to number crunch ) ..it’s the quality of the output that’s the key. The AUNE allows you to switch out the output op-amp and change its sonic characteristics. In short weather it’s the chip set or a resister ladder it always comes out to how the output amp gives soundstage, smoothness, depth , highs and bass ..it also means that the rest of the gear in the chain is up to snuff. A great review as usual. Thanks.

[@bryanc7856]

Would be cool if you did reviews on premium audio systems on cars.

[@xq0404]

This is probably the only review I can find being critical of Pontus in that compared with Ares 2, Pontus is only a little bit warmer in tone instead of having more air. Does Pontus have less air presentation than Ares 2 has? Am I to understand that only Terminator has the same air as Ares 2 while Pontus lacks air, so Teminator is sort of like mixing up the sound signatures of Ares 2 (air) + Pontus (warmth)?

[@Artemis_Prix]

Hi George, yes I had the same thought. My impression is that those other reviewers didn't compare side-by-side... rather, they were reviewed at separate times and reflected on via memory. As a result, I think Jay's views here are likely the best we could ever expect to see on this subject - I'm also not aware of anyone else comparing virtually the entire DAC family...wow!. With that said, I'm left wondering how the Venus 2 compares to the rest of the family - i.e., is it perhaps the best compromise between the Aries, Pontus and Terminator and thus the ideal sweet spot cost and performance wise? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

Have you considered to review Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC?

[@Nightjar726]

You really need to review the Venus II and see how it compares Thanks !

[@cablebrain9691]

Now how about a comparison with the newest Terminator II, and/or even the Canadian built Exasound E62?

[@entity279]

Thanks for the review ! :) There were a few out there already, but obviously the more the merrier. Especially I'm getting more accustomed to your tastes.. Hope you get the chance to do a review on the Gaia or Iris .. those products seem intriguing. Especially with the clock out of the T+

[@i0001w]

I hope you review Luxman d10x, which Steve Guttenburg liked more than terminator.

[@ericstefko4852]

I hope you get a chance to listen to the Bryston BDA-3 and get your thoughts of how it compares

[@ivanmelkner7704]

Hello, any recommendation for a preamp for this DAC? Schiit Freya+ will be good start? Thanks

[@lazo69er]

Hi Jay, do you reply to any questions?

[@Audfile]

You hear that tube heads? Musicality, Soundstage, air, detail, etc, etc, beaten by solid state.

[@Maaruks]

Yeah, if you pay $11'000.

[@luisvazquez8770]

There is nothing wrong with tubes (on preamps and amps) it is just tubes (with added injection of noise, RF and such) don't belong in a DAC IMO

[@QQ-td9id]

It is still a myth why the noises etc. of tubes make it so attractive to some people.

[@mkwilson38]

When he said there was going to be an interesting comparison at the end, I was really hoping it was gonna be a comparison to the one sitting on top of the Modwright unit there....

[@vic2kmy]

Yeah...I was hoping for that too

[@ramsaybolton9099]

How do they compare to the actual original music, the real live band? I’d ask this of any component/ system, because I think that is the ultimate test. If it sounds “better” than the original band, is it accurate, is it real or fake? Are the components in the original band that expensive, that “good”? What about the cheap xlr cables connecting the instruments and speakers, and those mixers and equalizers in the recording chain which have cheap slider resistors in the signal path, and cheap power supplies? Do they have that air and pinpoint accuracy, that micro detail? Are we then creating a fake reality, are we listening for and hearing things that were not there to begin with, things that the artist never intended? Are these audio components we purchase voiced to create this fake reality? I’d humbly appreciate your honest opinion.

[@bigjay1970]

🤔🙄🤯😎 So true when looked at it this way!

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@P T Excellent, glad you’re delighted. Try Tidal and tell me what you think. Enjoy the music.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@P T ok, no problem. I tried them both and on two systems there is no comparison. Tidal is more dynamic and sounds much much better by far. Your Denafrips should easily spot the difference. No harm in getting a free trial. Enjoy.

[@drwavedawg]

Audiobyte Hydra Vox , Holosound May, Terminator shootout for sure

[@pkal244]

Throw in a Lampizator for the hell of it

[@drwavedawg]

@@pkal244 sure why not!

[@drwavedawg]

@@pkal244 amber 3 to keep it fair or are we going all out?

[@OrganNLou]

Denafrips is making OUTSTANDING gear these days! Their R2R dacs are some of the BEST I have EVER heard. I LOVE my Ares II! Way better than the Chord dacs I have tried. More natural (especially with massed strings), and most analog like sound of any dacs I have heard.

[@vasiliyshumskiy3216]

Hi Why not buy Pontus

[@OrganNLou]

@@vasiliyshumskiy3216 THat may be my next purchase!

[@buttonman1831]

Damn this rabbit hole! Trying to decide on going whole hog vinyl or digital. Budget around 10k.

[@psi3845]

Digital, with a DAC like this no doubt!!! The CD is superior, and less problem then vinyl

[@bagrubmeister4973]

Hi Jay or anyone, Where can I order one for us?

[@Jayiyagi]

www.vinshineaudio.com/shop

[@michaelmityok1001]

Big and expensive but worth it when your rig is up to snuff.

[@leomignonneau1765]

And your room acoustics

[@huskydogg7536]

@@leomignonneau1765 and your wallet

[@moon-light1354]

And you can seek it by the wife..

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

@hifi sense A Benchmark DAC would be more than enough to extract 1's and 0's... Especially if you planning on running this Dac with "Hi-Fi" speakers which add their own signature to the sound...

[@michaelmityok1001]

@hifi sense lol so yeah all us guys who love music and have the spare cash to throw at our rigs are suckers. We came by our cash via dumb luck, and fools that we are we are quickly and justly robbed blind by the audiophile shysters like Wilson and MSB. Look, I will share some hard truths here - I have 2 rigs, one at my home the other in my office. Spent 50K the last 2 years alone. Don't regret a penny. The other guys I know with rigs like mine built theirs the same way, trial and error and a lot of spare cash they don't regret either. It's often a meaningless hobby for deep pocket folk who like expensive shit, which is okay. It's also a showcase for other human foibles like envy and pedantry. Just bought Dynaudio Heritage Specials for my office rig and most likely my next DAC is the Terminator. Stop playing the victim cat on the outside of the goldfish bowl, invest in crypto using a bot with a bespoke algorithm to trade on the ups and downs, and use the cash to buy the audio bling you crave or at least drugs booze ladies blackjack, whatever gets your rocks off. In other words, grow up.

[@goodsound4756]

You preferred the fast filter on the smaller models, so I assume you did not listen with the slow filter on the terminators too. You did not mention timing or decay structure which is also a tonal characteristic beside highs and lows or soundstage. On one hand you said it’s very neutral sounding on the other hand it is both airier and warmer than both Ares 2 and Pontus? I got a cognitive dissonance now...

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I haven't heard the T or T+, but I have now owned the Ares II and Pontus II 12th. The performance delta between them was tiny. And the Pontus lost some musicality that made Ares great. Not sure I would try T or T+, when I could buy a May KTE for the same cost.

[@lynnpoole7830]

A PS audio killer!

[@blade1535]

Best of both worlds would be denfrips with tube pre/amp. You may then get some of the doge type sound that you love.

[@QQ-td9id]

Denafrips DSC already on warm side. Shall go neural no sound preamp like benchmark that.

[@WelkySchullin]

The power supply seems to have a much less quality parts in the power supply than R7HE but it s much more expensive. Can you tell your opinion about the used parts in Terminator +? (HIFI Realtalk pls) Thx

[@plaubelmakina8916]

When was the last time you saw a bad review? Equipment at any price seems to be justified.

[@bennnnft]

Bad reviews don't get published as reviewers don't want to slam any company.

[@morespinach9832]

Hardly audible difference from Modius. Which is 1/6ththe price.

[@matthiasschnapka6498]

What I really would love to see reviewed is THE BEST PHONO PREAMP made out of China ( something like what Denafrips Terminator Plus is for DAC`s )...... by the way.....I asked Denefrips if there is maybe a GIANT KILLER Phono Stage in their Pipeline........but they denied for having any plans for a phono stage in the near Future. WAHT IS A REAL SHAME......because if Denafrips would do something equal to the Terminator Plus for Phono........construction wise and in its parts quality as a price is no object......THAT WOULD BE AWESOME........I would spent the same money like the Terminator Plus within a Hartbeat........that`s for sure. So do you know any alternatives ( up to 6000,- USD including taxes and free delivery ) MANY THX and keep rolling your channel

[@duaneyoutbe]

Well, if you want to listen to, and con yourself into, digital numbers being a real experience? The body, and the ear can tell the difference. Back when we went from vinyl to compact disc, we were blinded by the ease of use, and the convenience of all that a digital cd had to offer. Only to let the decades help us realize, SOMETHING is missing? I remember it being such an incredible experience. Then, the endless chase back to what was. Analog.

[@goodsound4756]

So you consider the RIAA equalization curve to be lossless?

[@duaneyoutbe]

@@goodsound4756 Digital is bits of audio compiled in order. The missing audio in between these chopped up bits of captured audio make for a lesser experience. Our brains are more precise than people realize. When you go vinyl, or tape, you lose convenience, when you go digital, you gain convenience, but miss out on the tape, or vinyl/physical experience. Oh we never knew what we would lose when digital came on the scene. The excitement of new technology blinded us badly. Hi Fi faded in the states soon after the introduction the compact cd. The Asian people took over where the states let go. Now the Asians are the true audiophile enthusiasts of the world. Me, I never forgot. I meet many people every month, and one of the questions I ask of people who are over 50 is, “ do you have, or did you ever own a hi fi system ? “ With some, the conversation starts. About your terms, I learned what I know by experience over the past 50+ years. I started with AM radio, on to a reel to reel, on to a 4 track 8 track combo deck, Then on over to JBL both home and pro lines. Kenwood Yamaha LUXMAN Nakamichi DBX Teac r to r Crown KLIPSCH Heritage Bozak (my first hifi experience) Bolivar ( a very simple start ) Nothing more advanced than these. You don’t need to spend too much to have a hifi experience. But the more you spend, the equipment can give you an increased hifi experience.

[@goodsound4756]

@@duaneyoutbe - as you can see my avatar is a Vinyl disc, so I like analog, but it isn't perfect either.

[@duaneyoutbe]

@@goodsound4756 You are 100% correct on that. Were you ever able to move up to reel to reel tape? I myself dabbled back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, but immediately hit a wall due to the cost.

[@duaneyoutbe]

@@goodsound4756 hopefully one day you will have some content on your channel. Even if it isn’t about this subject. Happy Trails my friend.

[@greencraig8570]

Thanks for the review. But the irony is still all this money, all this technology, etc. to achieve in the end what happens naturally when you put a stylus to a record. Well, not even then, because a DAC will never give you the full analog magic.

[@billd9667]

No offense, Jay, but all reviews follow the same template - despite some minor exceptions, more money is better. This is basically confirmation bias at work. For instance, take a speaker that rocks on excellent recordings, but is ruthless on lesser ones. Then take a speaker that makes everything sound good. Which is better? To me, it’s the latter, yet that speaker often costs much less than the former. And the Ares sounds objectively better than both Terminators because it makes music sound “good”. Someone needs to start a channel that addresses these concerns. One that examines both low and high priced hardware, but is honest about recommendations for “real people” who don’t have $10K for a DAC or transport. I mean, really - does a $20K transport really sound better than a $5K SACD player when bypassing it’s onboard DAC? Really? This is getting to be like the speaker wire debate. Yeah, I’d love to have $500K for my man cave, but that’s kinda sad. It might be better to have a life 😉

[@QQ-td9id]

Sounds better with the support of measurements. Some prefer more noises and distortions (to make it more "musical") in certain sources and electronics regardless of price. That's human.

[@DevBone42]

Hi Jay, my future son-in-law who mastered much of Joe Bonamassa's latest CD "London Tea"....told me he often uses a Crane Song Solaris Dac in the recording studio. He said many recording studios use this Dac. He said this Dac is being discovered by the Audiophile Community, not only because of it's amazing sound, but also because of it's impressive depth/width/height of the Soundstage. It certainly would be "new territory" if you could assess this product from a hi-hi standpoint.

[@bagrubmeister4973]

Love Joe B... Love the London Tea. Very well mastered!. Joe is on fire with this CD. Joe is really switching it up on this CD.

[@AngryChineseWoman]

Sarah Connor ?

[@linnemeyerhere]

I'll be dac !

[@350125GOW]

Yes!?!?

[@robertyates9008]

Hey Jay how about the Halo Audio KTE May Deck at around the $5000.00 price point. It’s a R2R DAC it’s a unbelievable DAC. I would like too see a shoot out between the May KTE DAC and the Terminator + DAC Jay. Thank you so much for all your videos very informative very rewarding to hear you explaining the topics you elaborate on. Please keep up the excellent work Jay, I have been following you since the Audio Excellence Days Bro.

[@kasunkperera]

Good Morning Jay, Hope this finds you well. I’m following your KZbin channel for a while and I managed to update and learn/improve my high-end audio knowledge a lot. May I take the liberty to send you my question which is related to this review hope it’s okay with you. I’m planning to go ahead with Focal Kanta 2 and Hegel integrated but I would like to have your thoughts and recommendations whether to go ahead with H390 + Terminator DAC or just only H590 without the Terminator knowing H590 internal DAC is an excellent one. Please let me know your thoughts at your convenience. Thank you very much Jay.

[@edleifer6719]

Internal dacs very rarely sound as good as anything like the Terminator or the plus. I have one in my AVM SD 6.2 pre amp/dac and my Bryston BDA 3 easily bested it in every category. and the AVM cost two and half times what the Bryston did. just my two cents worth

[@Audfile]

Doge is also an order of magnitude cheaper