Is this the best budget DAC? Denafrips Ares II Review

Watch our video review of the Buchardt S400 Mk II here.
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[@brucebarbour9583]

So after a extensive critical listening session it turns out that you like the products you sell better than the products you don’t sell. Fascinating stuff.

[@seasonalwithlove]

I don’t see much wrong with that. If the ifi is not a quality dac they would not even choose to sell it to begin with. Will it make you happier if they did not compare the Aries with the ifi and simply commented the Aries is nothing to write home about?

[@michaelmityok1001]

I respect you put your own opinions online and invite conversation, takes some courage these days.

[@vilipmak3973]

Thank You!

[@antanicchio71]

Ares II so far has been the only non-digital sounding dac to me. It gave me audio peace for lack of a better term.

[@BastianUllr]

Can you please elaborate about what’s your analog rig?

[@michaelwright1602]

Well, all I can comment on is going from the Schiit Gungnir to the Ares II. I find these chip DACs to be very painful to listen too. Just me, and I know everyone's hearing is different. I pulled the Gungnir in seconds after hearing the Ares II, and now wish I would have bought the Pontus II, but after so many chip DAC disappointments, I went with the Ares II for price. I was so impressed, I bought the Iris DDC, Hades pre and their Thallo amp. I will get the Pontus later, but who knows... I am really enjoying this pairing with my KLH Model 5's. I am in 1970's analog heaven! Steve Miller Jungle Love on right now... ;-)

[@firebladeclements]

Had an smsl m400 for a year, got the ares thinking it should be better after all the reviews. Unfortunately the ares was a big disappointment in all aspects to the m400. Their both at the same price point. Boring, lifeless, slow weak bass. At least to these ears. Only way to know is to try it! Adrian and Vilip are right on point on this review! I

[@Nick-sk1qp]

Another interesting reviews, I’m not surprised that there was mixed opinions regarding Aries II. I believe Vilip is telling it like it is. . . articulate and knowledgeable about stereo components. Keep up the good work.

[@mcbowler]

I heard an ifi zen dac 2 directly into studio monitors over xlr. Amazing. I have the denafrips, but I think whatever is attenuating the signal matters greatly so I need to experiment more with it.

[@edmundgil6008]

Love this video! Again! Sorry for not being a “hater”… but the consensus description is really in line with the description of several other reviewers, as far as it being quite tamed, and not a Topping or SMSL precise and accurate sounding DAC. (Which I prefer.) Great mic drop Villip! 🎤

[@j.craigh.3480]

Haven’t seen a clip of Larry and his brother Darrel and his other brother Darrel in years. Nice touch!

[@geraldgreene5563]

Vilip .. I don’t think any of your audio gear would pass just being ok .. lol , thanks for the review again. It’s nice to get some different takes on some of this gear being reviewed on KZbin

[@vilipmak3973]

My most recent purchase was NAD 3020 & 4020 - so, just ok, but nostalgic. I also have a 7020.

[@geraldgreene5563]

@@vilipmak3973 your main system and Adrian’s are not to shabby I’m guessing

[@peter3728]

would love to hear your review of the Amatis! I have a pair and they are amazing!

[@musicenthiousiast]

Interesting views , I have tried several stremaers with my Hegel HD25 DAC but it never was to my satisfaction as with the sound with my Rega cd player and later my CEC transport connected with the Hegel DAC.Last year I have decided to buy a Denafrips Ares II and with the recommended settings which was determined by several users and a Pink Faun USB cable I realy can enjoy the sound. I also have tried the spdif connection but compared with the USB connection itś to mellow for me. I have tried three cables coax cables ( Audioquest Diamond and Coffee , Wireworld platinum 7 ) . With the USB i have tried 4 usb cables ( low budget , Curious , audioquest Diamond and the Pink Faun ). So I am still using the Hegel DAC with the CEC transport and the Denfrips Ares is still connected with a Sotm streamer. The sound when using the streamer is not as dynamic as with the cdś but you can listen to the music for hours. I am using a Leben CS600 amp and ATC SCM 40 speakers.

[@xstensl8823]

have the Ares 2 and its an outstanding all rounder. very transparent, dynamic, and musical. its a bargain at under 1k. best 1k i ever spent. period. btw, i have played most of the top concert grands around the world.

[@adrianlow2114]

Good for you! Truly. Re concert grands, which one would you buy? I loved the Bosendorfer for its richness, warmth and bass power.

[@xstensl8823]

@@adrianlow2114 100% agree.

[@xstensl8823]

@@adrianlow2114 i wonder how many people here who are commenting including the reviewers are musicians, or have ever played a musical instrument in their entire lives. i think "audiophiles" listen differently and miss the point on what is actually is "musical" review after review is seems to emphasis seems to be quantitative and not qualitative. how many actually attend the symphony but only listen to "recorded" music. not the same thing. a recording of a great orchestra can only approach the tonal and harmonic quality of the real thing. what Harry Pierson called the "Absolute Sound" a life orchestra with acoustic instruments in a good hall should be the gold standard.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@xstensl8823 Only for live music. Recorded music played back on a good audio system is an entirely different experience. I have never confused the two. At times, recorded playback can evoke certain reactions live music cannot elicit and vice versa. Each is equally valid.

[@xstensl8823]

a good test for a DAC is how well it can reproduce strings. massed strings in a live orchestra glow. not too many reviewers citing string instruments in the reviews i read. it pop, rock. vocals. the piano is a notoriously difficult instrument to reproduce accurately. l usually shun reviews that omit Classical music.

[@progrock3603]

Interesting. I wonder what would be the comparison between the ifi neo and let’s say the Pontus!!! If the ifi was that much better how high up the denafrips line would you have to go up to? Tharmabar (reviewer) preferred the Pegasus over the 3K ifi pro idsd. I guess it comes down to synergy and personal taste. I’m using the SMSL m400 and pleased with it for now. Great vid as usual Boys!!!

[@firebladeclements]

The m400 for me is better in every way after getting an Aries for comparison.

[@progrock3603]

Wow. That’s awesome to hear. I’m happy with it. It’s my most expensive Dac I own. The other two dacs I have are very good, the Musical Paradise D1 original and the SMSL D300 but I prefer the M400!

[@billwillard9410]

I appreciate and respect all reviews from knowledgeable people who have heard many different pieces of gear and actively listen to them all. My DAC journey went from the $200 Schiits to a PS Audio GCD, and then up the ladder of Topping DACs and was never really satisfied with any of them for long. I tried to Ares II a few years back and I decided that I’d found the sound I was looking for, but wanted more of the same so I got the Pontus II and now consider myself done with DAC-searching. Then again, I really like my Buchardt S400’s and Parasound A23+ amp , so there that is.

[@adrianlow2114]

Good for you! I mean it

[@xstensl8823]

amen

[@michaelwright1602]

Went with the Ares II, kick myself for not going with the Pontus II right out of the gate... Love mine, total game changer, it allows me to sit and actually listen to music without the fatigue of those chip DACs. I was so impressed, I ordered the Iris DDC, Hades pre and the Thallo amp to pair with my KLH Model 5's. I am in analog heaven. Best of all, no more headaches or fatigue.

[@xstensl8823]

i would have gone for the Pontus ll but it would not fit on my desk top. wish Denafrips would come out with a more compact version or 2 boxes for a separate power supplies.

[@homerjones3291]

@@xstensl8823 Yeah, no getting around having to make space for all of those resistors, capacitors and large transformers. Even if the power supply portion was split off it would have to be in a substantial box you'd have to put somewhere.

[@svtcontour]

Just something to consider. I've tried both single ended and balanced and IMO single ended sounds better on the Ares II

[@nins45]

I agree with this review. I do own an Ifi Zen One Signature DAC (standalone dac in the zen series) currently hooked up to an Ifi Zen Stream via USB then Zen One to Roksan K3 powering a pair of focal aria 926. Had a chance to hook up an Ifi Neo and a denafrips. The denafrips is GOOD, but just lacks the punch and dynamics compared to the two IFI. I'm not saying it sounds terrible, but it just offers a different presentation, which for me is lacking to what I want to hear. The soundstage is bigger (based on my set up and room) from the two IFI with an excellent 3D image. The two IFIs offered better separation. Tried the OS and slow filter on the Ares II and it did change the sound a bit, to something I would prefer if I own this DAC. However, it just doesn't offer me what I'm hearing (preference) from the IFI. As for the two IFI, the Neo sounds leaner a bit but offers a bigger soundtstage than the Zen. It does have more air. The Zen is a punchier and I a bit warmer, albeit the smaller soundstage. Both are great dacs, but I'll stick with the Zen One Signature (powered with ifi elite PSU) as I do not need the headphone amp and digital preamp section. 50% cheaper as well.

[@clementng7285]

Watched this as I had played around with Ares II for some time after getting fatigue from a couple of ESS based DACs. The sonic signature was very different, warmish and rounded and initially it was a welcome change. But when I moved from acoustic jazz to rock and techno, I felt the Ares sounded slow and a bit lethargic in the bass. Tried a couple of power cord changes and also RCA swops.Managed to tighten the mid bass but it still didn’t have the PRAT. Swopped in a ROHM chip SMSL D300 and I felt I had the best of both worlds. The music seemed more alive and spacious and yet did not have the typical D/S over analytical presentation. The bass isn’t stupendous but it sounded much more rhythmic and snappy than the Ares. Right now I’m playing with the newer version of Neo , the Idsd2 and it sounds very promising with huge L/R soundstage. Not fully run in yet but sounds similar to what these guys have described.

[@amankarwa1305]

Any chance you guys can review the Audiobyte DAC sitting behind Vilip?! Note that it needs the matching DDC (Audiobyte Hub) feeding it via i2s to really shine, or any other good quality DDC/Bridge.

[@GPintoFerrao]

Hi, I can't agree more with you. Ares II from Denafrips is hugely mellow for my ears and iFi has a lively sound focused and huge stage perception. I know you don't sell Topping, but also some models from this chinese brand at the same price point are much better for me

[@igorcosta8559]

As far as I can tell, Topping aims at a different audience.

[@jd2plus2]

Agree I have the original topping D90 and it is very good and up a level using their preamp with my tube amp . The singers are simply present . For me Topping as a company even though Chinese was amazing to deal with and offer complete service or replacement, not so with ifi .

[@vproven]

Only question re. Denafrips is whether you changed filter to slow and nos? Makes a difference. Note not complaint about review just making a point. BTW, love your posts.

[@adrianlow2114]

I did try though did not mention in the video partly because we were running late. Overall impressions still the same. Filter and sampling changes can help with some music but the iFi was clearly much more open, dynamic and engaging

[@whitedragem]

@@adrianlow2114 as someone who auditions the Denafrips Ares II at a friends house, it is funny the number of times we 'wish' to change filter, but due to lack of ease / familiarity doing so, we do not... Taht being said, changing to/from the (iFi) 'GTO filter' requires a firmware swap (not so with the Neo if I understand correctly),.. as someone with a few nice DAC parts floating around, and who listens 'near exclusively' to redbook audio (16bit 44khz/'CDs') the GTO filter is very handy to have.. otherwise I am happy doing a DSD conversion, and on this front the Ares II, that takes DSD via COAX can easily get a lead.. (GTO doesn't work on the iFi Diablo via COAX).. The Neo not having these issues, and being cheaper overall.. these comparisons can prove 'very interesting'. Always helpful to have people put up video reviews,. they can be much more memorable that reading pages of 'dry' text. Cheers for thy cheer.

[@buckethead84]

Had the Ares, going from a delta sigma dac I thought it lacked resolution and dynamics. It's fine if you want to listen to jazz and acoustic music but as an all around dac it was lacking. I've since got the pegasus and it just smashes it in every regard.

[@xstensl8823]

a lot of people confuse detail with musicality, not the same thing. i traded a little detail with the Ares for musicality. detail is not reality. its etched. musicality is the soul of the musical note. this is where emotion springs from.. think Tube vs. SS.

[@tietoliikenne]

I'd get the iFi Neo iDSD DAC that you guys are talking about if it had the RCA connectors as rigid as the one from Denafrips haha Hope they'll work on that next! It'll surely help with resale value in the long run. Those flimsy RCAs bugs me.

[@seasonalwithlove]

Excellent review!!! And for others who complaint about the review did not address the NOS mode or various filters with the Aries II, I think this is meant to be a high level review and comparison with the NEO. I do not expect Adrian and Vilip to spend 45 minutes in a video explaining every single mode, filters of the Aries. They can make it a 2 hour video also comparing the different bitperfect non upsampling filter, minimum filter and the GTO filter and native non upsampling support for DSD of the NEO and even compare external upsampling to DSD 512 ........ But should they? and will you watch this review if it stretches to 2 hour long?

[@vilipmak3973]

We can do a 2 hr. video. You should see the outtakes.

[@seasonalwithlove]

Exactly!!!

[@xstensl8823]

god, i wish the thing would come in black. IFI blew it on that one. way too much bling for my taste

[@xstensl8823]

i think the boys got into hot water with this one.

[@seasonalwithlove]

@@xstensl8823 matches well with my Schiit Freya + but my neo is kept underneath the Freya in a shelf so you can’t hardly see it anyway

[@Roudaki677]

Is that an Audiobyte stack in the background? It would be great to hear your opinion about it. Thanks in advance.

[@adrianlow2114]

Yes, review to come

[@shanestephenson8423]

I was not overly impressed with the Aries Dac myself. But yes for it's price point it is competent but that's about all that could be said. I had the Australian dealer for denafrips bring a terminator plus over to my house for audition and after careful consideration and directly comparing it to the May kte l actually preferred and now own The Holo audio May kte DAC. Being reclocked by an Innuos phoenix reclocker out of my lumin U1 streaming transport. I'm extremely happy with that combination of digital components.

[@vilipmak3973]

That's a nice rig!

[@xstensl8823]

for a kings ransom i bet?

[@tebbywafer1665]

not know what to listen for can be a blessing. you can save yourself thousands of dollars that way.

[@Prerich45]

Lack of definition in the bass? 😮😮😮 I own the Ares II as well, the dynamics were great (with my Whispers). I like my Ares over my Su-9n (which measures better). Could it be the you both have the same listening paradigms?

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

I like the honesty and bluntness. No fluff

[@vilipmak3973]

Some flab but definitely no "fluff".

[@turbo2288]

After the Buchardt 400 and this review, I concluded: "No gears in this world is better than those they sell !!!"

[@gonzol46]

😂😂😂

[@adrianlow2114]

Wow, what a leap to your conclusion. Here's mine .. you own these. And if I am wrong, then the logical extension is that you are wrong

[@labalo5]

Vilip’s jabs are funny as hell lol. One thing to say….thank goodness I never wasted any monies or effort to ever buy blindly the buchardts or the Aries 2. Both totally in budget to buy and try at the same time. Had a feeling those wouldn’t be to my liking. Something’s gotta be up with that trend on other reviews - tsk tsk - I hope the cover gets blown off the top! ;). Thanks for the transparency guys and not to just go on that train. You guys are a class above, way above the ‘popular’ entertainers on YT. Very underrated channel imo

[@vilipmak3973]

Thank you for your kind words - I try and will endeavour to continue.

[@klc2578]

Me as ifi Neo iDsd owner. I only listen with it's built-in headphone amp. You are right, I can hear the same thing like you mention the soundstage is great, as good as even I can hear the front & back instruments distance of the song I play. It's 3D live sound just from headphone (Sony Z7m2). I wonder how Neo iDsd as DAC output to loud speakers can sound that live you've heard. Nice review.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Neo has very good bass '

[@klc2578]

@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 yes, it is. 😏😎

[@wardprocter2371]

Another good review of a product I was interested in (but way too broke to afford right now). I find it interesting that the opinions differ greatly - different strokes for different folks I guess. I do wish that you would switch out the Hegel with some different gear though. I’ve never been a huge fan of the Hegel sound and I wonder if different equipment might provide better synergy with the denafrips (or for that matter the previously reviewed Buchardt S400’s). I get that the Hegel is an amp that you’re all familiar with, therefore makes sense that you fall back on it to a degree. Anyhow, thanks for the review!

[@stephencosta6814]

Well I had the Aries Dac I liked it very much I think you guys are listening to much more better equipment obviously MSB that’s 10 times the cost of course you guys are getting jaded just a little bit

[@adrianlow2114]

Good for you! Glad you love it

[@lotuseater68]

By the name of it you've had some different DAC, or you just imagine stuff.

[@howardskeivys4184]

I recently purchased the Denafrips Venus. The middle model in the Denafrips DAC range. It was 5 times the price of the multi award winning Delta Sigma DAC it was replacing. Yes, it is better than that Delta Sigma DAC, but not by much. The improvement was subtle. A more natural, musical reproduction, more akin to analog. It lacked that ‘digital edge’. Was it worth 5 times the price? I can’t make my mind up on that one. I still keep that Delta Sigma DAC in my media cabinet.

[@monster7363]

I had it in my system and it sounded bright and thin especially in the vocals. Using Simaudio 340i and Sonneto 3’s

[@igorcosta8559]

Plot twist: the Ares was not left ON for days, and tested cold for the comparison.

[@marcgabor9690]

I haven't tried many DACs but I really like my Ares II (which I bought because of all the hype). It's well built and has a nice understated look. Sonically, I prefer it to the Schiit Modius I was using before. Not a huge improvement, more different, and still, it's subtle. Schiit was a bit sharper. I think it matters what else is in your system. I have older JBLs, sound great but maybe not the most resolving so I think the Ares compliments them well. For what it's worth the built in DAC in the Node2i is totally acceptable. Not incredible or anything but totally useable.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Similar experience with DA2 and Node2i. Also compared to my trusty Musical Fidelity X-DAC X-10v3 X-PSU X-150 with LRS & RELs, the DENAFRIPS is deeper with more natural hall ambience. This "review" flies in the face of all other reviewers and my own experience. Definitely "incredible". Last visit here for sure. 🎵🎶👋 🎶🎵

[@vilipmak3973]

@@carlitomelon4610 But you are always welcome back.

[@thebostonaudiophile]

Did you try the Ares 2 in oversampling mode with the gentle filter? That opens it up, tightens the bass and makes it considerably more dynamic.

[@kimplumacher2342]

My sentiments exactly as I state in my direct comments

[@tigertiger1699]

Can you compare it to DAC in Bluesound node2

[@ohadschwartz4798]

@@kimplumacher2342 I wish you do that too.

[@adrianlow2114]

@@kimplumacher2342 See my replies above

[@erics.4113]

@@tigertiger1699 I went from DAC in node2 (n130) to the ares 2 and found it to be rather significant improvement. Is it worth $900 usd better to you is the question.

[@charlesclifton1006]

At the 8 minute mark Villip(Sp?) reacts to Lewis' mention of there being little difference in sound quality between the 2 DACs. Priceless. I'd like to get your guys take on the Denafrips Pontus rather than the Terminator as it is much more affordable. Then again, you are in the retail business so reviewing items you do not sell should be reserved for the odd items that get sustained rave reviews and ... you wish to comment on because - I don't know .. you can?

[@Dano831]

“Is it me?” Yup, it’s you. Everyone in the world is insane but me…lol.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

I thought this was a great review. Important take away is it is ok at $1k that's a good thing. This is from a group of guys that know what better than ok sounds like. ifi did well in this review. Having tinkered with dacs, I have a prejudice when I hear that ifi is powered by a wall wart. I have to think it would benefit from a decent linear power supply.

[@seasonalwithlove]

That is true. I use a allo shanti lps to power the neo idsd and it brings the neo to another level up!!

[@vilipmak3973]

Everything benefits from better power supplies. ifi does bundle their better SMPS wall wort with the Neo.

[@daiwai1]

May be i missed it in the details but what mode (NOS or OS) did the folks listen to the Ares II in?

[@backrack01]

They never say.

[@oohtob6685]

Apparently the Ares ll is not really NOS. According to Goldensound.

[@backrack01]

@@oohtob6685 may be true...but it does change the sound.

[@oohtob6685]

@@backrack01 and that my friend is all that really matters in hifi.

[@user-fn7eh7xh4o]

which IFi are you guys referring to?

[@darrynmeadows]

How much for the Buchardt and denafrips dac if they are so bad

[@barrybrennan2135]

I own the Ares II. It reminds me of something like the reproduction of a 2M Red or Blue. I think there's something especially wrong with the bass. Lack of definition.

[@kimplumacher2342]

How can you review this equipment without even stating whether you tested in over sampling mode or not and if so which filter? Almost all of the major reviewers discuss the modes with most having a decided preference for over sampling with either the slow or fast filter. This review however was weak, with miss matched cables and equipment in the chain that few if any would own who were considering this DAC. That said, I’ve enjoyed many of your reviews on the higher end equipment that you sell.

[@adrianlow2114]

I did try though did not mention in the video partly because we were running late. Overall impressions still the same. Filter and sampling changes can help with some music but the iFi was clearly much more open, dynamic and engaging. You need to also be careful with filter choices and sampling rates (with some DACs, not necessarily with Denafrips ... been there done that) with some music as you can sometimes get distortion. In severe cases you can blow your tweeter

[@dajikbatarang1]

So the ifi is one of the few affordable chip based DACs that does soundstage depth well?

[@seasonalwithlove]

The ifi is one of the few affordable chip based dacs that does everything pretty well!! Period

[@BastianUllr]

Well, see… iFi used a multibit chip. So…

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@BastianUllr I didnt realize it was multibit i thought it was ds

[@BastianUllr]

@@dajikbatarang1 sorry to disappoint, not a point for the S/D. Regardless, Accuphase uses multiple S/D chips in parallel and those CD players sound Fantastic. All the depth you want. As for the iFi, I own it. It’s fair’s extremely well against my MC cart, I can listen to either analog or digital. Denafrips Ares fell short to me. it sounded like an entry level cart, which isn’t bad. Most likely the terminator is fantastic and what not, but I found the iFi to be a brilliant bargain and I’m more than pleased with it.

[@nate_8403]

Can't hear the difference between a delta sigma and ladder dac? Interesting

[@BastianUllr]

What are you talking about. The iFi neo iDSD used a multibit chip. Care reading first after running your mouthw

[@nate_8403]

I should have said chip based dac. I own the denafrips and find the distortion to be too high fir my tastes. I also own a different model than reviewed ifi dac and found the audible distortion to be very low. Ifi goes for short signal paths and the denafrips has a comparably long signal path. I still find it interesting the reviewer couldn't hear a difference. I'm not saying that's right or wrong. I just find it interesting given my experience with the two manufacturers.

[@cybergod77]

which ifi dac r u guys referring to?

[@vilipmak3973]

ifi Neo iDSD

[@goodsound4756]

An eight year old MSB the analog DAC is still supposed to be better than recent entry-level DACs like these?

[@varunagunawardane4816]

Interesting comparison review. To start with, two different designs (Resistor DAC to Chip based DAC) I Own an Aries 2, and from what I've heard up to now, It's a really good value for money. (I bought it for US $760). The thing is SQ in music is a very subjective topic and hence the difficulty in having similar experiences. What, I was wondering is the Denafrips has a notoriously high output impedance of 2400 ohms balanced and 1200ohms single ended, if the preamp or the intergrated amps input impedance is not 10-20 greater the performance could suffer.

[@JG-gg9wk]

What Ifi model dac were they talking about. Anyone

[@vilipmak3973]

ifi Neo iDSD

[@christophercrates8939]

Why ever use anything other than the Hegel when using a Hegel? Why so Hegel is similar to Bose. Hegel plz let me know if mistaken technology attempts to correct the AB handoff altering all with it like Bose doing whatever Bose does as the Hegel attempts to alter to A. Therefore why use it ever as a test amp with almost anything else other than speakers? In addition if Hegel why would you simply not buy class A, instead of buying something that attempts to alter the AB handoff to A?

[@louisperlman8030]

You guys rock. My favorite line is ‘it’s a $1000 dac’. Plus the Zen Mini, plus cables, and we’re talking $4-5,000. I’ll stick to analog.

[@kimchee411]

It's not common to pair a $1k DAC with $3-4k streamer and cables though. You can use a Raspberry Pi with a decent linear power supply and cables for maybe $200-300 and get good sound. Then there's a whole range in between.

[@louisperlman8030]

@@kimchee411 but go back to the Hegel 590 vs 390 and The Best Components for under $2500, and the Zen Mini seems to be necessary in a decent system.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@kimchee411 We don't have a Raspberry PI. If you review with middling stuff, all you will hear is middling sound. So something of "good sound" will actually limit the performance of the the review piece. The Ares was reviewed with gear much better to give it the maximum performance envelope.

[@xstensl8823]

@@kimchee411 i use a Bluesound Node 2i with my Ares. good sound $1300 total!

[@kevinusta7534]

Another thing that Denafrips suggest. It needs to burn in, also it should always stay on.

[@vilipmak3973]

This unit is used and had hundreds of hours of playing time. And yes, we never turn off digital units. The Ares had been on for 3 days before we seriously listened.

[@michelcouture7026]

Do you sell the IFI?

[@erikjohansson1488]

Probably

[@chrischamberlin4645]

No doubt they do, so these reviews have zero credibility and I really think they should stop doing this

[@amirjubran1845]

@@chrischamberlin4645 I've received heaps of honest and valuable information from my local dealers. I don't doubt that what they are saying is their honest opinions devoid of any hidden agendas. If not for my local dealers I would not be in this hobby.

[@BastianUllr]

I did have both because I had the Denafrips but I wanted a headphone amp on another rig I have. I sold the Denafrips after using the iFi in the main rig. It actually sounds so much more like my record player than the Denafrips, which sounded like a minor cartridge and couldn’t keep up with my MC cart.

[@clemleg123]

And again, just coincidently you happen to "much prefer" the dac you're selling over the one you're not. But hey that's just coincidental. Right.

[@backrack01]

OS? NOS? Slow filter? Fast filter? These things make a difference. If u guys are going to expand your channel to be a review channel...which the bright bold DENAFRIPS VS IFI headline implies...take a little more care in how you do it. P.S. MQA? Lol

[@adrianlow2114]

See my reply above. Yes I did try the filters and rates.

[@captainartetablackandthemi4053]

Which one is more holographic? Thanks.

[@vilipmak3973]

Definitely the ifi.

[@BastianUllr]

@@vilipmak3973 having experienced both, iFi hands down. Like having no speakers at all.

[@1324390]

One "reviewer" didn't even know for sure where the Ares II was made ! Also I wonder if the average user of a sub-$1000 DAC would be using Hegel amps, Sonus Faber speakers and $1000 interlink cables. What a "realistic" setting for review !

[@aussie8114]

I think you miss the point. Using the high end gear means the gear is not the bottleneck of the test.

[@1324390]

@@aussie8114 The "bottleneck" is an essential element in reality. A test or review meant for public consumption on KZbin would be pointless if done in an out-of-context environment. Even a $99 pair of bookshelf speakers would sound much better when fed with McIntosh frontends.

[@aussie8114]

@@1324390 Ok but I disagree. If a product is tested for review the variables that may cause the result to be incorrect need to be removed as best as possible. It is then up to the buyer to determine how that product may perform within their system given its characteristics.

[@carlitomelon4610]

DENAFRIPS midbass suckout? Not bourne out in frequency response. Maybe that fancy cable caused instability. It isn't bufferd after all. 🎵🎶🤔🎶🎵

[@vilipmak3973]

We used a Nordost Valhalla 2 75 ohm Digital Coax.

[@dennishaley4443]

You Sell the IFI....not the Denafrips......very interesting. Check the reviews from others. Not necessarily like yours.

[@mikv9886]

You guys are representing a brick a mortar store, while these products (Denafrips & Buchard) are from manufacturers who sell directly to customers only. Their business model threatens your business model. Enough motive for you to thrash their products. So I take these reviews with a big grain of salt.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Exactly

[@geraldgreene5563]

I don’t look at it like that.. these guys invest a lot in there store and have an education in high end audio, the reviews of these online products are like something on a different planet for the money, outstanding products, giant killers. Made my jaw drop! I think it’s perfectly fine to call some of this out given what services and products they provide. They sell outstanding products.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@geraldgreene5563 Hegel outstanding ?🤔 I don't think so

[@mikv9886]

For sure they sell great products (including Hegel, Henrik:-)). But they happen to also sell Ifi. Do what you want to do, I am just saying there is plenty of motive to be (unconsciously) biased.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@mikv9886 you are right. I believe that they are biased

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

I think MQA is a bit of a scam and would choes Denafrips for that reason alone.

[@adrianlow2114]

The iFi offer much more than MQA

[@larrywe3320]

AEC are not doing themselves any favors doing these reviews/comparisons even if they believe 100% of what they say... If I'm not mistaken , AEC and ifi shared a booth at Toronto AudioFest 2021

[@bencausey]

Just curious…has Vilip ever tested his hearing through blind listening tests?

[@vilipmak3973]

Why do they have to be blind? And as we age, we always lose hearing response. Fortunately music is not a 20 to 20 experience. Even Jay does not have hearing response to 20,000 cycles. And please tell me what what musical information is in the 10K to 20K band? Usually it is approximately 2%. That's how MQA gets away with lossy HF encoding.

[@yuriwalter385]

@@vilipmak3973 the short answer to Ben could be: had you? ;)

[@vilipmak3973]

@@yuriwalter385 I didn't want to be mean.

[@yuriwalter385]

@@vilipmak3973 lol, ok, me neither

[@stevenmichael7770]

I don't think he actually meant did you have your hearing tested. I think he was wondering if you could pick out the night and day difference between the 2 dacs 9 out of 10 times in a blind test. I definitely think blind tests can help as they remove bias (even if it's unintentional bias you didn't think you had). I'm not saying that you couldn't pull it off - but without doing it, we'll never know.

[@opu19668]

No offence guys … I think you should stop REVIEWING products that you don’t carry ….. You guys sound so bias towards your OWN SOUND SIGNATURE…. Products again no offence

[@vilipmak3973]

We do like the sound we like and we tell you this. And we're reviewing products we own or carry. We are not paid reviewers, just lifelong audio enthusiasts who always puts music before gear.

[@johenkay1129]

iFi must be paying the middle guy and the guy to the right a fortune.

[@mrt6349]

All reviews i see are for entertainment i would never buy an item because reviewers rave about an item, i need to hear it myself before buying. Probably why i dont have any of the excotic brands as they are impossible to audition.

[@Morido-1]

Me too, I don't like factory direct products like the Denafrips and Buchardt. They are so unfair to the middle men 😂.

[@BastianUllr]

1. Don’t believe these guys, go check the review from Thomas. He does mention how satisfying and analog sounding the iFi is. 2. I’ve had both and the one I currently still have is the iFi. Why? - It sounds extremely similar to my MC cart with Boron Cantilever and ML stylus, whereas the Denafrips sounded as good as my Nagaoka MP-110, but not as good as the MP-200. The Denafrips actually lacks resolution, and it can be noticed once you play orchestras. Not extension, but separation of timbres. The way a chorus sound in the Denafrips falls short compared to how distinct and spacious the iFi sounds. I don’t think the iFi was more dynamic, but it’s that it’s more spacious and delicate and resolute, which allows to play louder while retaining space. This allows for a more precise dynamic in the image . It’s not as “dense”. Sure, each system might be different and so on and so forth, but to me the iFi Neo is a knock out. There might be better DACs out there, but I’m extremely happy with the Fact that the iFi makes my digital and my analog rig even. That is priceless as I can play from the server or from the record player with equal satisfaction. No, they are not exactly the same, but they share the same soundstage and natural tonality.

[@fredricgrethel1717]

I do not own either of these DACs, but this was so lame. I really do not think that you looked deeply into the capabilities of either DAC. I really like you guys, but this was not good. At least you recognize that the internal DAC on the Hegel is only ok, less ok than the other two external DACs.

[@vilipmak3973]

So you've not heard these but you're sure we didn't hear them enough. Hmmm…

[@fredricgrethel1717]

@@vilipmak3973 I did not say that I had not heard them. You know from the reactions from your recent videos that you have gotten either arrogant or sloppy. Either way, many of your fans are disappointed in your process and in the diligence of the reviews. You are hurting your brand with this less than thorough approach. Not what we expect of you. I want you to succeed and I appreciate your efforts. Your recent reviews have just not been up to your own standards, in many folks opinion. I hope for better in the future. Thanks for replying! Thanks for making these videos!

[@chrischamberlin4645]

I very much enjoyed your reviews of past products such as Macintosh and others. Your two recent reviews regarding the speakers and the DAX have zero credibility and of course you’re not gonna like them since you don’t sell them. I think I’ll have to take paws and come back to your KZbin cast later down the road

[@vilipmak3973]

Why zero credibility? What's your criteria for making that assessment? We're giving you our honest opinion and you can certainly disagree with said opinion. Have you heard them and what is your impression?

[@chrischamberlin4645]

@@vilipmak3973 firstly let me say that I have a high degree of respect for all of you at Audio excellence. I do feel however that reviewing products that you sell against those that you do not sell is very unfair. A Ford dealer is not going to tell his or her customer that a Mustang is inferior to a Corvette.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@chrischamberlin4645 Such as it is - we obviously disagree. We did in fact resell the Ares almost immediately. And more so, if we had to depend on selling ifi products, the store would be out of business. Contrary to popular misconception, AE is not a store reliant on online sales. Online sales makes up a very small part of AE's overall sales. Denafrips is selling thousands of units. Is it not wise especially if there is an independent review source for the consumer to get a second and even third opinion? We don't link our online store to any of the videos - unlike some review sites that are shilling for the brand they are reviewing with direct links to purchase the product and in turn receive a part of the sale. The videos are not driving traffic to our online store. The videos don't really drive traffic to the physical store. We and specifically I don't benefit from doing these videos. The videos actually costs the store money as Adrian matches the funds generated by the KZbin channel. I could go on and on. If you really want to make it fair for all, come to the store and buy something - yes, actually buy something from us. You could have bought the ifi.

[@chrischamberlin4645]

Philip, there is nothing to be gained by pursuing this dialogue any further. We each have our opinions and we are entitled to them thank you

[@vilipmak3973]

@@chrischamberlin4645 Well Khris - I guess enough said.

[@farbschlachterei]

The most fun about hifi is the people who are talking about hifi. There are some topics which a are bloody well suited for bullshit bingo. Hifi is one of those.

[@r423sdex]

No it's far from it !

[@biggregyo]

Schiit comment

[@lapetitemortbis]

This is an interesting channel but Adrian keeps interrupting people’s train of thought constantly. It is quite annoying. Just watched bits of buchardt video and if I am not mistaken it took you guys 8mn to get into the review after constant interruptions by Adrian. You deviate too much from the topic as well (again mostly Adrian) He is a very nice gentleman no doubt, but Just keep it more concise and to the point please. Just my 2cents.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks for the feedback. I usually don't interrupt that much but I knew you would be watching ... Just Kidding!

[@vilipmak3973]

A lot of our viewers like the banter - the banter and unscriptedness separates us from the others.

[@lapetitemortbis]

@@vilipmak3973 those are ok. Interrupting a train of thought that sounds interesting to deviate to a technical spec is annoying. :) I say it in all good humor though.

[@lapetitemortbis]

@@vilipmak3973 I do really like the unscripted and more “amateur” vibe of the production. So, definitely don’t change that

[@manuelrobledo5106]

These guys are haters Bruh…. Next thing they are gonna say if they don’t sell it it’s all garbage

[@TheDanEdwards]

"Next thing they are gonna say if they don’t sell it it’s all garbage" - history proves you wrong. If you go back in their video catalog you can see Adrian praising gear he does not sell. Are you butthurt over the Buchardt review? What do you think of the online Buchardt S400II praise on channels _which also have affiliate links to buy the speakers?_

[@manuelrobledo5106]

@@TheDanEdwards shut Bruh enjoy 12 k subs Bruh

[@manuelrobledo5106]

@@Welcome-t1u no wonder Jay left these 🤡

[@vilipmak3973]

@@manuelrobledo5106 He left to do bigger things like his own channel and school and life. He's a young man with a bright future and ambition.

[@yuriwalter385]

@@vilipmak3973 Comments made it so messy that Vilip ended up praising Jay! Something is wrong with KZbin... ;)

[@michalryszawy]

Only two guys - with hat and corean knows what they hear. The other guys shouldn call them self audiophiles, becouse they dont know what they hear. The guy with hat(lumin) , corean tells diffrences ifi vs ares2 - better soundstage, better dynamic. And i agree with them ares 2 is boomy on bas - slow. Even with NOS OS Sharp Slow, silver cables for 2000usd bas is slow. Transjents response are slow. Play electronic, rock, edm music and you can go to sleep. The same thing is with Pontus 2. Pontus is even warmer on midrange then ares. All denafrips dac have mellow signature - more romantic i wpuld say. ARES IS the less romantic of all the line

[@kimchee411]

Are you referring to a Korean person? Because there is no Korean in this video. I think Lewis is a customer, not someone who does this for a living, so maybe cut him some slack.

[@michalryszawy]

@@kimchee411 indont really know ,korean, Chinese, it doesnt matter, i respect all people. Thats not the point. The point is ares 2 is overhyped. The second point is audiophiles dont know what they hear (usually) and that is the problem that reviewers knows that and telling shit and lies about products

[@vilipmak3973]

@@kimchee411 Lewis works at AE. He is now a valued and learned member of the team.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@michalryszawy We're definitely the exception then - we tell it like we hear it and that's the truth!

[@thepickyaudiophile]

I had the Ares II and found nothing romantic or warm about it. Rather a little sharp, fatiguing and lacking in lower er midrange body sound, that was somehow uneasy and lacking flow, without really having much in the way of magic. Much preferred my 10 year old Rega DAC 😃 Funny how people find the Ares so all over the map, if someone has a good explanation I would love to know!

[@allansh828]

I don’t trust anything iFi makes. All the iFi products I’ve used, portable DACs, desktop DAC and cables, have harsh treble and bloated bass. edit: you need to listen to it for longer time. The typical iFi sound is so fatiguing that makes you want to throw it into trash after using for three days.

[@kimchee411]

Disagree. My taste leans well towards warm and rich and I liked the iFi Pro iDSD quite a bit. The AMR DP-777 is well known to be ultra smooth and analog-like. Unfortunately reliability is often an issue with their products.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@kimchee411 I agree. Sometimes I don't understand what people hear No ifi DAC has ever been plagued by harsh treble or bloated bass. Fatigue has never characterized any of the ifi DACs I have heard or used. I own an AMR DP-777 and it is superb.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

@@vilipmak3973 jealous man! How do you think the Pro IDSD compares?

[@manuelrobledo5106]

Bruh Darko disagrees with all your content

[@kimchee411]

To each his own.

[@vilipmak3973]

I don't think Darko watches our channel.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Made in China

[@vilipmak3973]

Yay!

[@erics.4113]

Just like all the other stuff we buy and use. They really know how to make things apparently