Denafrips Terminator DAC review

  Рет қаралды 153,402

Darko Audio

Darko Audio

Күн бұрын

A Chinese R-2R DAC for the modern age (hi-res PCM, native DSD, I2S) that sells directly from Singapore with a three-year warranty and sidesteps the traditional worldwide dealer network to sharpen its competitive edge.
Global sales agent, Vinshine Audio: www.vinshineau...
USA representative: www.mikepowell...
Review playlist:
open.spotify.c...
#audiophile #denafrips #dac
__________________________________________________________________________
Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world. We aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
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Пікірлер: 204
@megazine
@megazine 5 жыл бұрын
I can't believe I just watched a whole video of something I won't be buying. Your videos are great. I also added all your music into my iTunes library to see if I like them.
@Grizzly1644
@Grizzly1644 4 жыл бұрын
megazine so true...
@bigdallyc
@bigdallyc 5 жыл бұрын
It's so refreshing to find another audiophile with similar taste in music, and a reviewer at that.
@Borednlonely
@Borednlonely 5 жыл бұрын
your probably my favourite reviewer online. its great to actually see the components as you talk about them. great work.
@nerveaudio
@nerveaudio 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, thank you, thank you. My library is also mostly CD rips..... and you listen to "regular" music. You got yourself a fan.
@041e71
@041e71 5 жыл бұрын
holy crap that pcb is beautiful
@chaseredux3724
@chaseredux3724 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I love your website and your point of view. You've got style Bro. Thanks for the exceptional content. Hope you're having as much fun doing this stuff as as I've been having reading and watching your content these past two years.
@Benjamin.McGuire
@Benjamin.McGuire 6 жыл бұрын
This was a great review, John. I'm a big fan of these video format reviews and I like the normal, music lover approach to the reviews vs. the pompous audiophile ones. The camera work helps keep me in touch, the lighting, your content coverage, music choice, all of it. These are the reasons I started following your coverage and the Darko DAC Index back in the day with the Lite DAC-83. Thanks a lot for this one and all the other owkr you do on the website.
@ravdeepsandhu24
@ravdeepsandhu24 5 жыл бұрын
Finally finally finally...…! I found someone who I can actually admire and listens to all day long. The type of music you listen and use to review all your products and of my interest, I'm just not a orchestra or opera guy either. John, I greatly appreciate your videos. Very genuine review content and awesome sense of speech. Now getting to DAC's, love this terminator the built quality looks awesome and sound quality I take your word for it, but I just can't afford it. You mentions some R2R DAC manufacturer's and one of them was Audio GD. They aren't as presentable as the Denafrips, but they fit my budget & value for money criteria. I'm actually looking into their R2R R8, and the other one I'm interested in (after watching your's and Hans reviews on Auralic products) is a used older generation Auralic vega for half the price. My source is mostly iTunes and a windows laptop, but have a plan to purchase a streamer once I save for it. Any help in making a decision would be highly appreciated. I just do not have enough money and experience to be able to take a decision myself and I do not trust the local dealers to help me either. Everywhere I go to, they talk me into how better is what they actually carry in the own store. That is the reason I mentioned you to be a genuine reviewer. Lets say I'm very much alike you when it comes to what I am looking for into my system, the kind of stage, transparency or base/treble quality I desire. Thanks in advance and looking forward to your new videos.
@terryRBNF
@terryRBNF 4 жыл бұрын
Your videos are great, and i love the very tasteful interiors and production design, so different from the baby caves of other reviewers.
@markphilpot4981
@markphilpot4981 4 жыл бұрын
Have no fear John! They were lovely comparisons and this helps people figure out where they stand in what your listeners/viewers are thinking and asking for. So it is! It’s good to be the king! 😊👍🏻
@GasOPlenty
@GasOPlenty 4 жыл бұрын
Haven't heard the Denafrips but your review reinforces the greatness I hear coming from my 2020 Directstream though my ESL's. I paid much less than $4000. Too bad both were not reviewed with Buchardt S400's.
@11clouds
@11clouds 6 жыл бұрын
I always enjoy your playlists, breath of fresh air for us electronic producers/audiophiles
@GurjeetSagoo
@GurjeetSagoo 4 жыл бұрын
The Aliens - Luna, heard this for the first time last night.... What a fantastic album. Seriously opened my world to a new genre. Thank you and great purposeful reviews.
@ralphfurley123
@ralphfurley123 5 жыл бұрын
First video I’ve seen on your channel!!! It will not be the last, cause I just subscribed!!! Great review!!! ☮️🖖🏽
@motorradmike
@motorradmike 5 жыл бұрын
Excellent review! I have had very poor luck returning a Chinese product back to China for repair and service. Shipping back to China is a nightmare, especially from the US. Yes, so many of our HiFi products and components are made in China, however there is usually always a distributor within the country you live for dealing with repair, service or operation issues. As good as their Terminator DAC is, it would be a no go for me at $4k++.
@harryfattbak8740
@harryfattbak8740 6 жыл бұрын
In it's thoroughness and depth, this is undoubtedly the best video review I have ever seen from you. Good show.
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Harry. Cheers to you for appreciating a glass half full!
@mag290
@mag290 4 жыл бұрын
@@DarkoAudio - nice review. Check out Opiuo for some upbeat, thick and rich electronic music. Would be great for testing, especially bass testing
@kjbiz
@kjbiz 4 жыл бұрын
Just going back and watching this as I have just purchased a DAC. Nice to see the music selection. I am fairly new to this and went to one of few dealers in Sri Lanka and he played me the Eagles. I did try but it did give me a headache.
@MB-uw6eh
@MB-uw6eh Жыл бұрын
Brilliant comparison analysis of the compared DAC’s
@stephencosta6814
@stephencosta6814 5 жыл бұрын
John so far one of my favorite videos of yours very professional I love the comparisons you really done it well thank you so much denafrips also have a $650 DAC Aries would love if you got your hands on that and told us about it I think it's very affordable at that place
@ialgarindiaz
@ialgarindiaz 5 жыл бұрын
I have friend that has the Directstream ($5K+). I have a PS Audio III Cullen Mod Level 3 ($400). We decided to test them on an A/B comparison to not exceed 192 (PS Audio Digital Link Max upsampling) using Coax input and Balance Outputs. For our surprise, our ears could not detect any significant difference. At some points we agreed it even sound the same. Then if you don't listen to Hi Res music, it seems to not be worth going that expensive when you can shop around and get great performer for a fraction of these premium prices.
@SamB-fv6su
@SamB-fv6su 4 жыл бұрын
Very interesting piece of gear, John - thanks for posting - I was not aware of Denafrips
@paulh1860
@paulh1860 4 жыл бұрын
You will be, it's doing the rounds
@MrBonger88
@MrBonger88 6 жыл бұрын
Great review. I really like that you directly compare products. Thanks
@MB-uw6eh
@MB-uw6eh 2 жыл бұрын
Another superb high end dac review. Thanks.
@IlaRawna
@IlaRawna 6 жыл бұрын
Hello John, you have a lot of high-end DACs, wow! I bought Terminator 4 months ago based on internet reviews. I was frustrated with Terminator due to USB issues with my Sony HAP-Z1ES hard disk player (it trimmed the first few ms of every DSD beginning of track, same problem with foobar2k as well, problem still not solved until today). I don't have that issue when Oppo 205 was tested as an external DAC with Sony. Alvin said it's not really a big issue, but I bought hires DSD albums online so that's a big deal to me. Out of that frustration, I ordered Marantz SA-10 and it arrived 3 weeks later. Both Oppo 205 and Marantz SA-10 use XMOS USB interface unlike Amanero in Terminator. The SA-10 works perfectly with my Sony, even though I think the sound could be better with higher end streamer/hard disk player. But the sound from SA-10 is completely different class - much higher resolution, better vocal and instruments sound. John, you should get and review the SA-10. It's the last DAC I will need in my system. There's not enough reviews of Marantz SA-10.
@johnnygohard315
@johnnygohard315 6 жыл бұрын
I had, a directsream, then a Dave, now a terminator, the terminator slays all of them buy a mile
@tormaid42
@tormaid42 6 жыл бұрын
johnny gohard Wow, that’s high praise!
@russb3n
@russb3n 6 жыл бұрын
How would you rate each DAC Terminator #1, Dave #2, Directstream #3 etc?
@midorihibiki
@midorihibiki 6 жыл бұрын
I google Best DACs comparison test result on whatsbestforum.com and the Terminator is hi-fi best bang for bucks dac when comparing to other hi-end dacs.
@dfaik
@dfaik 5 жыл бұрын
Clearly someone in the budget end ... lol. I don’t think it would fit in my rack, but that doesn’t stop me being a tad jealous :-)
@SamuelBarrPhotography
@SamuelBarrPhotography 5 жыл бұрын
@@dfaik - my DAC doesn't fit in my rack, but I found a way to connect it. If you want one, don't let that stop you.
@jediknightdiscomike22
@jediknightdiscomike22 4 жыл бұрын
This thing sounds amazing after having it a few days !!!!
@RMW1982
@RMW1982 5 жыл бұрын
PS Audio also sells direct, and they’ve been doing it a lot longer than Denafrips. The difference in price is because PS manufactures in the US.
@steveassante6797
@steveassante6797 6 жыл бұрын
This DAC sounds like it has a lot in common with my Metrum Acoustics Hex DAC. The majority of what I listen to comes from my CD rips & occasional HiRez downloads that I've placed on External Drives & play from my Auraliti PK100 Digital File Player. I DO spend a lot of time listening to Orchestral Recordings, but I'm also pretty particular as how well recorded & engineered the music was produced before I'll listen to any genre of recorded music !!! In short your observations about what you're listening for in your review resonates completely to what I appreciate when I listen to equipment ! (Even though most interesting "kit" is usually out of my price range these day, Thanks)
@Gaadbsy
@Gaadbsy 6 жыл бұрын
Impressive review, I just a bit surprised at backward tech not that a bad thing necessarily , I just sorta think there is a lot more solder joints but whose counting if the build quality is that good. As for the music choice these are formula miso as far I’m concerned . It is necessary to run a bit a Bach or Rachmaninov. As we need a perspective on true tonal quality.otherwise we run the risk of equipment becoming singular in its purpose to provide conditioning on certain type of music.
@johnaiello1838
@johnaiello1838 5 жыл бұрын
I just bought the Denafrips Venus. I couldn't afford to go full Terminator. It would be nice to see and hear a comparison between the Terminator and the Venus. I have heard that the Venus is 70%, 80% and 90% of the Terminator. I'd be grateful to see a side by side to get the real info on that. I think that the Venus is pretty special. Thanks.
@benjaminfong7473
@benjaminfong7473 4 жыл бұрын
John Aiello hi john , I m also considering Venus. But my friend discourage me to buy. He say better buy holo spring 2 kte. My amp is dna Starlett ( warm side). Don’t know Venus will make to too warm. I don’t like the sound to be too warm. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thks.
@wongsy1704
@wongsy1704 4 жыл бұрын
Only comparison of the Terminator and Venus was by a term owner in Singapore whose friend has a Venus. Apparently, the sound performance is almost identical and the only difference is the term has more base slam.
@jasonpmcqueen
@jasonpmcqueen 5 жыл бұрын
I do wonder how the Terminator would stand up to something like the Chord Hugo2 or even their Dave.
@k-doggy1762
@k-doggy1762 4 жыл бұрын
Apparently it's quite comparable to the Dave therefore no comparison to Hugo 2.
@yahunanach4289
@yahunanach4289 5 жыл бұрын
I recently purchased a Soekris 1541 r2r dac to go with my Harbeth HL5super 40th anniversary and it sounds amazing, far better in all areas than the Naim, chord cutest. Cambridge audio N51 and Lumin D2 i sent them all back but as soon as I heard The Soekris I realised that I’m happily not sending it back Amazing Dac for 1150 euros plus tax Highly recommended
@Neojhun
@Neojhun 6 жыл бұрын
Oh Terminator name actually make sense. Well done to the company not calling it something stupid.
@deangale4496
@deangale4496 2 жыл бұрын
Again great review John
@petarkavelj3938
@petarkavelj3938 6 жыл бұрын
Great review, keep doing excellent job!
@johnratcliffe6438
@johnratcliffe6438 5 жыл бұрын
Less dealer slurp = better consumer deal. Direct sales best for consumer.
@PerJohansson-Xeizo
@PerJohansson-Xeizo 4 жыл бұрын
Interesting video, this is probably the state of the art at the moment. I haven't had a chance to listen to such DAC:s, but for us with a lower budget there are two considerations that stands out: If using any kind of PC based source, use balanced for the analog parts of the chain. PC leaks RF, a lot. Part two, have enough power, if it is speakers or cans most of any congestion/distorsion comes from insufficient power for the load somewhere in the chain. So, balanced cables, lots of power, it will probably sound quite good with plenty of gear. Of course, those machines in the review probably sounds even better, but if it sounds good enough to follow ALL of the music taking place it's simply good enough. A lot of gear isn't , the most common cause, a part of the chain is being underpowered and the soundstage becomes congested/collapsed. Reading static THD figures tells almost nothing.
@kvrhifi
@kvrhifi 4 жыл бұрын
@Per Johansson : absolutely correct .
@datoall1648
@datoall1648 6 жыл бұрын
Another good review John, now all I need is the coin to buy one, lol
@TROLLEYBOYTOMMY1967
@TROLLEYBOYTOMMY1967 5 жыл бұрын
I very much enjoy your video reviews as they are great help when trying to choose hifi equipment, especially as it is almost impossible to demo most of this stuff where I live in Ireland. I wanted to ask you if I may, if you had €7k to spend on a Streamer and DAC or One box solution out of all that you have tried, which would you choose purely in terms of Sonic ability for streaming Tidal?
@k-doggy1762
@k-doggy1762 4 жыл бұрын
Perhaps the Auralic Vega G2?
@mpp9964
@mpp9964 5 жыл бұрын
Why would you slam the box down on the table meng? That’s a dark move by you Darko. Take it ease.
@headkarma
@headkarma 6 жыл бұрын
Great review!
@TheWusster
@TheWusster 6 жыл бұрын
superb video, John!
@argmax11
@argmax11 5 жыл бұрын
I found your channel yesterday and I am in love, man. I distinctly liked it right off the bat because you listened to Polygon Window, Talk Talk, and Autechre in one of your vids and none of that "traditional" audiophile crap. Keep up the great content
@nickreecy4229
@nickreecy4229 5 жыл бұрын
Great review! My budget would have preferred the Ares though 😜
@robh9079
@robh9079 5 жыл бұрын
just got ares - it seems to have the qualities of the 'termi' though presumably on a smaller scale. for price, imaging and pace are the star factors. 'ocd hifi guy' promises some mods!
@xray111xxx
@xray111xxx 5 жыл бұрын
I am in the states, so the yggy would be less because by the time I buy from USA distribution, the Terminator would double Schiit Yggy. No savings. Very Nice DAC though. At this money, they all better be.
@wellroundedsound2422
@wellroundedsound2422 6 жыл бұрын
Awesome video John!!!
@rosssmith173
@rosssmith173 5 жыл бұрын
I also just listen to ripped Cd's and Spotify on my DAC (STAX). But I prefer the original "warm leatherite" by the Normal rather than Grace Jones.
@klepp19
@klepp19 4 жыл бұрын
How does the Terminator compare to the Chord Qutest?
@x32i77
@x32i77 4 жыл бұрын
Or dcs darko
@manfredkrafczyk5755
@manfredkrafczyk5755 4 жыл бұрын
I would like to see the answer to this question, too!
@wojciechczupta
@wojciechczupta 4 жыл бұрын
I feel tempted to try it out after your review (to challenge my Yggdrasil). Just one experience comes to my mind. After reading enthsiastic reviews of DCS Bartok, I got it for trial in my system. Initially I regreted I got it only for one day. I hoped for the holly gral (DAC+Preamp). Eventually it landed back in the box afterl less than 1 hour. Why? Because in my system it didn't sound better. Later on I bought Yggy (without having a chance to adition it) and it sounded better than Bartok. In my system. Most probably here as well saying that one is better than another is related to your system only. In my system thin sound of Yggy is a big advantage, because it is balanced by thikness of speakers/amps. The same may work for sound stage, etc. Most probably all 4 deliver sound refined enough so the most imoportant aspect is: which will fit my system best. Anyway it's very cool, you can compare all 4 directly - it's precious source of information. Thanks!
@janeiroyoshi
@janeiroyoshi 5 жыл бұрын
Great review and entertaining video :) do you already tryed the Denafrips Ares? if yes, do you recomend it in the sub 1200$ price dacs?
@vladimerchikviladze2073
@vladimerchikviladze2073 5 жыл бұрын
Nice review , well done , thanks
@patrickcase2018
@patrickcase2018 6 жыл бұрын
Gosh, that was really helpful. With my ARC DAC8, I’m getting upgrade fever. Unfortunately, I’m unable to triangulate and figure out whether the Denafrips or the PS Audio would represent a step forward for me. The ARC DAC8 is a good machine - never mind it’s age.
@clothyardshafts
@clothyardshafts 4 жыл бұрын
I bought the PS Audio DirectStream and I haven’t regretted that decision for one day.
@mikelautermilch8939
@mikelautermilch8939 6 жыл бұрын
Another excellent review. I was considering the PS Audio DAC, but not after watching this review. So glad I watched it. Clarity/resolution ("pulling apart") is as important to me as any other characteristic. I like to hear every detail as clearly as possible. How would you say Chord Electronics DACs (Hugo, Dave, etc.) compare to the Denafrips?
@60zeller
@60zeller 5 жыл бұрын
Mike Lautermilch , I have not heard ps audio dac but have had ps audio products. There customers service is first rate. Something to consider. I have a questyle dac. Excellent product, no problems. But if you need info. Lots of luck.
@RearEntry
@RearEntry 5 жыл бұрын
15:57 ouch!
@OzSteve
@OzSteve Жыл бұрын
Hey John, where do you get the equipment weights from? And as always, great review (and awesome music selection)
@TacticalBruce
@TacticalBruce 6 жыл бұрын
Hey john keep up the good work, i like it, i like it alot, take care. = )
@rokodrago
@rokodrago 6 жыл бұрын
Great review, excellent prose!, would be great if you could share your impressions using the Terminator with the Hegel 590 and comparing the Terminator with the Internal DAC in the 590, love to hear the results...by the way excellent selection on music, i am enjoying those albums very much so far (Bill Callahan / Dream River), thanks for letting some of us to discover the good music among so much crap nowadays
@pedroluisguillemain5683
@pedroluisguillemain5683 5 жыл бұрын
You should listen to the Audio-gd R-8HE. Its cost less and Im pretty sure it is as good as, if not better, than all of the DACs you have reviewed.
@zogzog1063
@zogzog1063 5 жыл бұрын
DSD is slightly preferred for me - somehow easier on the ear, more natural. Most Hi-Res is no better than Redbook, but some of it is better. If you want to test an audio component then orchestral is the way to go. You can easily have 100 + instruments - in a dozen or so groups.
@kabasta666
@kabasta666 4 жыл бұрын
Based on your thoughts (and others'), I bought one of these. Amazing. Will you be reviewing the Primaluna EVO 100 tube DAC or the Lampi Amber3 anytime soon?
@addictedtocardmagic
@addictedtocardmagic 5 жыл бұрын
Great video as always - I was hoping the chord qutest would have been compared as I was thinking of getting this with an allo signature for a streaming solution
@k-doggy1762
@k-doggy1762 4 жыл бұрын
I got the feeling this would blow the Qutest out of the water. Even the Hugo TT2 may but be a match for this beast.
@LordVictorHalgaard
@LordVictorHalgaard 5 жыл бұрын
Great review! If you can coax Denafrips into sending you one, seeing a review of their affordable model like the R-013, in relations/perspective to this, would be very interesting.
@DireAxis
@DireAxis 4 жыл бұрын
Doubt I will ever be able to have something like this but it's really beautifully made and you present it so well. I especially like when you mentioned the test music that is common with this hobby, you aimed to have your own personal taste represented with good quality files. Much of day to day listening and enjoyment. Much audiophile approved music gets a big pass for me.
@dougg1075
@dougg1075 6 жыл бұрын
Great channel and excellent review. Now where is that subscribe button? Ah, CLICK!
@TheMirolab
@TheMirolab 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for NOT apologizing for using modern "produced" music as your references! I do wish modern music was less compressed & higher fidelity, but most (near all) audiophile music is boring drivel...….
@DistroUser
@DistroUser 5 жыл бұрын
I disagree, to fully audition a component one should be using all types of music...there is no other way! There is also some beautiful classical and opera music if you open your mind or ears!
@naznee73
@naznee73 4 жыл бұрын
HI John, I love your videos. My setup currently comprises of a DAC+ preamp SMSL M400 and audiolab 8300 mb monoblocks. My sources are TIDAL and cd transport. Should I add a preamp? Would there be a sonic improvement? I do not foresee me playing TT or additional analog sources for now.
@lwdp74
@lwdp74 Жыл бұрын
Should you use a streamer to play your own recordings? I’ve never had one but I suppose I’m streaming my tv to my dac via optical drive and it can sound pretty good if it’s been well mastered. I’ll tell my wife, gee this movie sounds great! Music, I just link to my Mac Mini.
@uidultrasound6854
@uidultrasound6854 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a great review. I’m a big fan of your channel. Could you please comment on dcs bartok vs the terminator. How close are those two DACS? Thank you
@GeraldGarcia
@GeraldGarcia 5 жыл бұрын
Totally with you on being music first audiophile. I listen to music that I like (mostly electronic) and I just want them to sound good. I don’t play Best Female Voices Compilations, just to listen to how well the saliva is resolved. I think I just found my new favorite hi fi blogger/vlogger/journalist. 👍🏼👍🏼
@berthopman3294
@berthopman3294 6 жыл бұрын
Nice review John. What's a native R2R dac ? Is that with or without a FPGA to correct the tolerance of the ladder resistors ? Denafrips claims ultra precise resistors with a tolerance of 0,005% . Thats for 24 bits theoretical much to less. A correction by a trick like a FPGA or by our ears and brains ? ;-). Did you test the Denafrips in OS or NOS mode ?
@BrotherNkosi
@BrotherNkosi 5 жыл бұрын
The Layout looked real nice and a lot of input options. But the 3,000 price point is not what I expect from my China Gear. I have stuff that you have reviewed in the past(Audi GD comes to mind) and his stuff is about as high as I would go. I am spoiled. If they are not paying return shipping or let you use their cost center, then it will cost you your first born, and arm and a leg, to ship back. I'm just a working guy but IF i have a 2000.00 DAC it's only because I got it used for $1200 tops. My Current DAC (All the rage) GUSTARD DAC-X20 PRO Very well reviewed and the best DAC i ever had as a working guy without 3 to 5 g for a DAC This replaced the Bryston BDA 1 which I bought used. It was so much better than the Bryston that that BDA1 was on Ebay before God got the news. Also where will D to A be in 3 yrs ? Nice review but a little pricey for a DAC From China.
@MAXLAND7
@MAXLAND7 2 жыл бұрын
I have the T1 from oct 2020. Very nice sounding dac, fed by a Auralic aries G2 via Usb. ( speakers are HSL5, amp is Cayin H80a) The sound signature (presentation) is very close to the Marantz SA17S1 Cd/sacd player from 2004. But not only signature, also the whole sound. Very close, so close I can hardly guess who is who in blind test. Stunning.
@netnakul
@netnakul 6 жыл бұрын
Vinshine Audio also sell products from Kinki Studio, hope you get to review some of them. (really interested)
@juliaset751
@juliaset751 5 жыл бұрын
I just checked the Singapore direct sales site, June 2019. $6K US.
@VinshineAudio
@VinshineAudio 5 жыл бұрын
Hi, it's Singapore dollar S$5998 :)
@juliaset751
@juliaset751 4 жыл бұрын
@@VinshineAudio Thanks for the correction. I just checked and its about $4400 US (12/2019), a very good deal for what you get.
@WoodstockG54
@WoodstockG54 2 жыл бұрын
Made in China? I wouldn’t have it in my home due to past experiences with a Shanling SACD player. Went through two in less than a year and no one would fix it.
@SamuelBarrPhotography
@SamuelBarrPhotography 5 жыл бұрын
Hi John, great comparison. How would you rate the Denafrips vs. the Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista tube DAC. I have one and it is very smooth.
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 5 жыл бұрын
No idea as I don't have a MF DAC. Sorry.
@SamuelBarrPhotography
@SamuelBarrPhotography 5 жыл бұрын
@@DarkoAudio - Thanks!
@whitey7998
@whitey7998 4 жыл бұрын
John, I have a Musical Fidelity A308 24 bit upsampling CD player. Would it be worth just using that as a transport and introducing the DAC? I can’t find any info on how good the onboard dac is in the 308.
@MartinHAndersen
@MartinHAndersen 4 жыл бұрын
How would you compare it to the Chord Dave?
@sinclabs
@sinclabs 6 жыл бұрын
Good overview. Personally I would go with the PS Audio DAC. I find it is better overall ... with most music sources. I also like the fact that it is made in the US from a company that I know will service and support it if need be. I appreciate that you listen to "real" music. My whole goal with HiFi is to make the music I own sound the best that it possibly can. There is no reason to listen if its not the music I want to listen to. Thank you John.
@berthopman3294
@berthopman3294 6 жыл бұрын
Don't forget the PS Audio DSD DAC contains a resolution perfect volume and balance controls ;-)
@perlindholm4129
@perlindholm4129 5 жыл бұрын
What if you have both analogue and digital of the same signal from the same source. What can you do with that? The warmth of a source combined with the digital accuracy. Then you might be able to get the best quality with variability of your liking. Two loss functions like in machine learning. Maybe something for an opensource sound source (?card) and amplifier.
@fastsnail3568
@fastsnail3568 4 жыл бұрын
Appreciate if you can do a video on the comparison of terminator and chord dave
@darrens7603
@darrens7603 4 жыл бұрын
I wonder what should really be the ratio of budget for speakers : amp : DAC? I thought it was 50:40:10.
@jocool7370
@jocool7370 4 жыл бұрын
The Denafrips needs to be quite resistant.
@etk4188
@etk4188 2 жыл бұрын
Hi, good video! What send the signal to the dac?
@NoEgg4u
@NoEgg4u 4 жыл бұрын
John, have you listened to the Aesthetix Romulus (or Pandora) Eclipse DAC? Putting price aside, does either the Denafrips or the Aesthetix DAC stand out? Is one or the other a clear winner over the other? Which one would you rather live with?
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 4 жыл бұрын
Sorry, not heard those DACs so can't comment.
@AriDugarte
@AriDugarte 6 жыл бұрын
I think that sound quality has nothing to do with the kind of music you hear ... So, the DAC must be good for any kind of listener (any kind of music or sound).
@sabadodomingo4340
@sabadodomingo4340 4 жыл бұрын
Is like having a racing car and don’t run with it
@tormaid42
@tormaid42 6 жыл бұрын
Was the Yiggy you used in the comparison warmed up? I only ask because you show it unplugged on camera.
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 6 жыл бұрын
The listening was done during the weeks before shooting.
@2013brzsubaru
@2013brzsubaru 5 жыл бұрын
John, how was the bass on the ps audio compared to the term ?
@moonlight-kh6uz
@moonlight-kh6uz 4 жыл бұрын
how does it compare to La Scala Optologic at $9000?
@RadoDani
@RadoDani 4 жыл бұрын
How does it compare to any of the Chord products?
@xeniavader
@xeniavader 5 жыл бұрын
all great DACs, but do they really beat the Hugo 2 or even the Hugo 1 for that matter.... especially if taking into consideration the cost... not sure. Most "good" DACs sound more alike than different. Nuances of tonality... very difficult to discern unless direct ABing them.
@TorToroPorco
@TorToroPorco 4 жыл бұрын
As Darko pointed out in this video taken in isolation the Schiit DAC sounded great. For me it’s about enjoying the music and as long as there are no glaring deficiencies I’m happy especially given the limits of diminishing returns. Last year I auditioned the $55k Sennheiser Orpheus tube DAC headphone combo. Compared to my more modest $2k DAC and $4k headphone system I was expecting to be blown away but wasn’t. In the one song where I found the greatest differentiation the Sennheiser certainly sounded more refined and there was greater separation of individual parts but I had to listen very intently and even then I had to consider that I was listening to a different digital source file from what I have. I left feeling less impressed than I originally thought I’d be and content with what I currently had.
@nicolaslucas179
@nicolaslucas179 6 жыл бұрын
Hi John, thank you for your review. The streamer that you use in this review is connected via I2S HDMI on this DAC, am I right ? I can't find any info on this new streamer from wyred 4 sound, even on their website : it has a roon core function ? they also sell the roon nucleus on this website and it seems that wyred 4 sound build it (same box, same aspect). Is the roon nucleus HDMI port a I2S port as well ? Thanks for your help John
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 6 жыл бұрын
Yes, HDMI i2S from streamer to DAC: wyred4sound.com/products/music-servers/ms And yes, it can run as Roon Core, as an endpoint or with passthrough from one to the other. It's next up in my review queue so let's chat about that when the video goes live in a week or two.
@nicolaslucas179
@nicolaslucas179 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks John for your quick answer.
@stavman62
@stavman62 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review (and for the review on auralic aries g1 i have the aries femto and wish to upgrade ...but to the G2)...anyway a little disappointed you only use 16 bit files....the thing is just about all listeners prefer hi res mqa etc over 16 bit. (disclosure: im using terminator and am denafrips sales and support for australia.) but yeah thanks great review.
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 6 жыл бұрын
99% of the music I like is only released as Redbook. One could see this 16bit/44.1kHz material as providing a baseline performance that is relevant to ALL music tastes - and therefore ALL listeners - and not just those who listen to the select few titles that make it into the wild as hi-res.
@stavman62
@stavman62 6 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks for the reply glad you like the DAC cheers
@lunagreen2914
@lunagreen2914 4 жыл бұрын
Surprise! ! ! I bought it in the Amazon link in Canada. The sound of the Denafrips Terminator is amazing. It gave me a very good experience. The price of Denafrips product is more favorable, and the seller ship it really fast! You could apply for the VIP price from seller. The product link is : www.amazon.ca/Denafrips-Terminator-Full-Balanced-Regeneration-Silver/dp/B07XC6HGB3
@VinshineAudio
@VinshineAudio 4 жыл бұрын
Sorry @luna green. It's grey market. Read here: www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/07/27/Warning-Grey-Market-Products
@webberron
@webberron 5 жыл бұрын
The long-awaited DSP board upgrade is here... :) www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/05/31/DSD1024-PCM1536---Are-you-ready
@YS-ub4jm
@YS-ub4jm 4 жыл бұрын
Since both were reviewed by JD, can a comparison be done between the Denafrips Terminator and the Aurelic Vega 2? What are the sound differences using the same system? Essentially which is better?
@DarkoAudio
@DarkoAudio 4 жыл бұрын
When did I review the Vega 2?
@YS-ub4jm
@YS-ub4jm 4 жыл бұрын
@@DarkoAudio Apologies. I saw your 28.5 video but it was not a review only a short interview. Did you by any chance intend to do A deeper review on the Vega 2. I personally would be happy grateful as I am debating between the Terminator and the Vega 2 as. Dac solution.
@Taladin1234
@Taladin1234 4 жыл бұрын
But is it better from a hugo 2?
@MashApi
@MashApi 6 жыл бұрын
What about audio-gd did you try them?
@yahunanach4289
@yahunanach4289 4 жыл бұрын
Hi could you review the Soekris 1541 r2r dac
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