ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]

Note: I had it wrong on the Topping D90 as it has a single AK4499 chip inside versus two. Thanks to the users who pointed that out in the comments.
Reference tracks:
midfiguy.com/mfgs-reference-t...
Test setup:
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- Roon with Tidal Hifi / hi-res tracks
- Windows 10 PC & macOs MBP
- HFM Arya, Senn HD800s, Meze Empyrean, ZMF Aeolus
- Drop 789, SMSL SP200, Violectric V280, Cayin HA-6A, Woo WA22
- Mogami XLR cables, Monoprice Premium RCA cables
Chapters:
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0:00 Intro
2:36 Denafrips ARES II
7:45 Topping D90
13:25 Schiit Bifrost 2
17:45 Schiit Gungnir
21:00 RME ADI-2 DAC
27:03 Chord Qutest
36:50 Pt 2 teaser
Equipment:
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Denafrips ARES II: www.vinshineaudio.com/product...
Topping D90: amzn.to/376h403
Schiit Bifrost 2: www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Schiit Gungnir: www.schiit.com/products/gungnir
RME ADI-2 DAC: amzn.to/2IQj6Zy
Chord Qutest: www.moon-audio.com/chord-qute...
Nobsound XLR Switcher: amzn.to/32Z2bv7
Info:
=======
Passion For Sound - Chord interview:
• Interview with Chord E...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Man, you have golden ears and if you lived near me, I would have just send you everything I have so you can help me review it. Thanks for the shout out!

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha, thanks for the kind words! Maybe when the borders open back up we can meet in the middle for a video over Niagara Falls. 😂 Great to see you here buddy, big fan

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@MidFiGuy Cool cool! Keep it up, you will catch up to our sub count in no time.

[@alexh5343]

You guys both do a terrific job ! I currently own a Schiit Modi Multibit, SMSL M300MKII, Teac UD-505, Gustard A18 and I received this week the Singxer SDA-6 with the upgrade option (Crystek 957 oscillators and German Mundorf film capacitors in the output). I will look to test those out on my main system shortly. So far I only did brief testing on a Violectric V200 amp with Beyerdynamic T1.1, the Singxer is the most musical among the bunch, combining an organic signature that is not usual for an AKM chip while retaining precision. My second favorite is the Gustard A18, very neutral and detailed. I believe you guys would be VERY impressed with the Singxer especially with strings and vocals.

[@Micke65]

Yeah . Thomas is one of the best .

[@lextr3110]

I have golden ears too :p

[@JBoulter11]

I actually love the international descriptions in the native languages for each DAC. Very cool and creative!

[@motorradmike]

Mostly Mandarin, unfortunately.

[@chrisnyc3641]

Wow, impressive video! You're nuts for putting all of this content in just one video, but we viewers appreciate it. 👍

[@RafiGish]

I'm still looking for midfi reviews...

[@leonardjona]

Thx for doing this vid! Couldn’t find an overall comprehensive review like this yet. Narrowing down my DAC selection getting easier 😉

[@DaveSchulze]

Absolutely the best video on DACs. Sold me that the Schiit is the answer for me. Between the Ares euphonics and the Topping precision.

[@erics.4113]

One of the best dac 'demos' and breakdown I've probably ever watched. Thanks for all your informative insights and help. You've given me a lot to consider as I near my first major dac purchase

[@DaveTheBird]

One of the best reviews / comparison videos I have seen in a long time.... thanks

[@icebergzero]

Thank you so much for publishing your reference tracks! I got lost in a wonderful rabbit trail of amazing music. Thank you for the wonderful evening!

[@gordonfreeman4491]

Thx for doing a multi review like this, it was sought after, at least by me.

[@ravdeepsandhu24]

I’m so glad I found you. Wow... one of THE best reviews and the most helpful comparison. What I loved about this review is you actually choose to compile it up all my favorite considerations DAC’s in just 1 single video. Thank you! Actually wish to see you in person and thank you for this particular review. I myself own the ADI-2 paired up with Cayin A-88T, powering the Monitor Audio Golds and REL Sub. I exactly know what you are saying. A transparent lively DAC accompanied by a tube musical integrated amp. Pair made in heaven!

[@Ceko]

What I also like about the Qutest is the no-bs interface. Just plug it in and it runs.

[@morespinach9832]

No remote. End of.

[@serg2963]

They all do that out of the box...

[@hemantishwaran5741]

My vote for ADI-2. Parametric equalizer is huge overlooked advantage. Preamp feature with easy access to volume, treble and bass knobs again huge feature. Headphone and IEM are great. Don’t overlook the features for $1200 this is a great deal

[@eddywaller1864]

Yes the parametric equaliser can make the ADI 2 sound like any dac you want it to with a little bit of work

[@richardwood8548]

I agree with everything you said about the ADI-2. It also has a great remote control that is very useful.

[@johnh539]

@@eddywaller1864 that's what I thought when I bought it ,along with my valve amp , I thought if I don't like my sound it would be my fault. Though partly because I love the sound and partly because I haven't dared touch it, I have not yet changed anything ( though I have used the EQ on my WiiM pro.)

[@jmydy]

Adi-2 is just superb device. I was using Bayerdynamic T1 headphones which were "extremely sensitive to source quality". I understood what that mean. At first those sounded bit too precise, too perfect let's say. Then I played with "crossfeed" setting on dac. Wow, after getting used to new sound characteristics I realized my headphones sound became so natural. Just an amazing dac! I sold Bayerdynamic but dac stayed. Now it acts as dac+preamp in my audio setup. I'm so happy with this purchase.

[@erickgruis106]

One of the absolute BEST reviews on YT right now. Clear, detailed information, presented in a fairly quick format. I'm subscribing!

[@PassionforSound]

Great job on the comparisons! You're a lucky man being able to bring all those products together at the same time!

[@MidFiGuy]

Hey man, HUGE fan of your channel! You always have the clearest and most unbiased view of products imo. Always look forward to your uploads. Thanks for the support as well!

[@ThujanK]

Great video! I love the calm presentation and the effort you went into getting all these units. Subscribed!

[@gnostalgick9353]

I fell in love with the Qutest the moment I heard it: loads of detail without any harshness. Exactly what i was looking for.

[@victormoreno2767]

I am deeply impressed! Not even Thomas Stereo (Hi-Fi Sensei) have been able to come up with a review like this one! Congratulations, you are the man!

[@keithbertschin1213]

Thomas is a legend. We’re lucky to have so many great reviewers who all bring something different to the table

[@iemayaaudio5734]

great video man, never expected such content flowed in one video!!! keep up the great work.

[@slawekfacet4272]

You have stolen my heart with this review. Subscribed :) Greetings from Poland.

[@ChicagoRob2]

What a fantastic review - if only other reviews were as good as yours. Great combination of specifications and real-world listening. I would not hesitate for a minute to base a purchase on any of your recommendations.

[@TheNaboen]

This was brutally good! So thorough and relevant. Fantastic balance between technology and well-communicated listening impressions. Bravo!

[@mensrea1251]

Finally, the DAC round up and comparison vid everyone’s been waiting for. Subscribed.

[@jimspencer2403]

Outstanding reviews! Many thanks for your exquisite impressions of all these DAC's.

[@al201103]

Incredibly valuable video to any of us looking into DACS. Simultaneously, really enjoyable!! Thanks :)

[@Ceko]

Great video man! Thanks for sharing all this!

[@jarvinco9993]

great video!:) comparisons are very important so that at least we get an idea of where the starting point of each discussion point is. :)

[@legione1capone]

This is exactly the video I needed right now. Thank you for all your hard work! Straight information, I love it.

[@ajuyal]

wahooooo... love it! nowhere else but here :-) Amazing effort in putting the line up together and great short reviews! Thank you

[@stephencosta6814]

😍omg I have never seen anybody review this many Dac‘s at one time totally awesome I was really glued to your channel keep up the great work👍💪💪👍

[@micatske]

The best review of this year!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you!! It was honestly a pain putting all of this info in one video but I wanted someone to do an all-DAC roundup

[@micatske]

I could imaging. I would this vid will become something people played again and again. It roughly includes all the popular Dacs

[@jc51373]

absolutely AWESOME review...This guy is an audio savant and fantastic video editor. I've found myself in the DAC rabbit hole watching countless reviews of just about every DAC worth considering. This is by FAR the best and most well thought-out and laid-out. Thank you!

[@al201103]

I'm going to save myself some time and second this. Spot on.

[@robertdiffin9136]

Thank you. One of the most helpful reviews I’ve heard. Perfect for those of us still wandering in the wilderness of digital.

[@vibes1952]

Rarely do I comment on videos. Great review. Absolutely beautiful. Sorry for the glowing words of praise. Thx thoroughly enjoyed.

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha thank you much! The words of encouragement seriously makes me want to focus on the channel more!

[@tommyzhou5719]

Great review! I’m very happy about my current system, which is qutest - gsx mini - Empyrean. Can’t wait for your next episode!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you much!!

[@herrtrigger7220]

Great video, finally a sound quality showdown between some of the most popular DACs. None of the 'best we've heard', 'great for the money' or other BS caveats so many reviewers use to insulate themselves from having to share their real opinion on DACs.

[@halowatcher7]

Love, love, love this review/video (as well as your others). Well done. 🙂

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you for the kind words!!

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Woah!! Amazing informative video man!! You have an entire lineup of products with you :)

[@StefanUrkel]

saw this review when it came out.. revisiting it today. wanted to say this is a fantastic review/comparison. really top caliber stuff.

[@Steveh817]

Really enjoyed your comprehensive review. I bought my first DAC a couple months ago...(Topping D90) and really have nothing to compare it to other than my vinyl. Your review only reinforces that I made a decent choice. At some point I may venture into the higher end but for now I’m enjoying what I have and the limitless selection of music now as well as the ease of playing select tracks without leaving my chair. Subscribed

[@MidFiGuy]

Great to hear! Try setting the D90's filter to slow if you think it sounds overly digital compared to vinyl. It may help take the edge off like a Scotch! :D

[@krismcguirk5828]

Refreshing to get this amount of info in just one video. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@MidFiGuy]

Awesome, and happy to hear it!!

[@MrRonnmaui]

Thanks for doing this. I am just starting to look for another DAC. Way too much tech and fluff out there. Really appreciate it!

[@DistroUser]

Great job on the review and most of us will appreciate the comparisons, I know I do! Cheers

[@paulnewman1857]

The video I have been waiting for. Thank you!

[@Farazao]

Man you killed it in this video... awesome job!

[@sajihassan]

Great review. I was behind one of these.

[@LakerTriangle]

Nice video! Love my Bifrost 2 and it fits on my desk.

[@Zelosis_]

This was an awesome video, fantastic work man. You have earned my sub!

[@Vamon_Kinctuarinwhe]

This is such an incredibly useful video. I was looking at buying a used Ares 2, and this solidified my decision to purchase it. Really well done, seriously. Thank you.

[@mohis4299]

Many reviewers will shy away what you done here. Great video and great presentation with an organic in it. Keep the good work and stay healthy.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Awesome video, and lovely delivery - big fan! 👍

[@MidFiGuy]

Right back at you! Love your channel. You're a natural for the camera

[@twenty4seven368]

Man I just love the feel of this review. Top notch!

[@winstonwolff]

Great review. Lots of work and time put into this. 👍

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

Bro I keep re-visiting this review. It's awesome.

[@PyxisLearning]

This is a great review; I would say it's also rare to find one that covers so much ground so well. You have a way of describing differences and sound characteristics that is very nuanced and gives the viewer a detailed and rather thorough idea of what to expect. I purchased the Schiit Bifrost 2 and am very happy with the overall sound, its great reproduction of the timbre of different instruments, the sound stage, as well as the smoothness and level of detail. I also like the fact that it is upgradeable in certain ways. Thanks again for the great service you provide for those of us who don't have the chance to listen to a variety of audio equipment.

[@motorradmike]

My experience as well!

[@kazumahsu]

just stumbled upon your channel, great content and the multilingual product intro really is fun.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you!

[@keithbertschin1213]

Love that you include song titles, I give each one a try

[@oohtob6685]

That made me subscribe. Cant wait to see part 2.

[@dynamic-audio]

Excellent review midfiguy!!! You really know what are you talking about!! The best!! Regards!

[@SlugaBeskorisni]

Thanks for this review. You sounded so truthfull in your experience with dac's You really helped me with understanding in which way I want to go with new dac I'm looking for. This kind of review I really needed and I know that it is no easy to make it, much time, much effort, much love for music after all. Thanks bro. ;-)

[@drsuresh9]

Wonderful review. A million thanks for your effort. Recently purchased Topping D90SE. Would have opted for RME ADI if I saw your comparison review earlier... Anyway I am happy with Topping D90SE, being very Transparent and crystal clear which helps aging person's like me ( 55 yrs )... Keep doing what you like most and do include comparison reviews as much as possible.🤗

[@carlitomelon4610]

You had me at the pancakes and syrup. Wicked bait before breakfast (of course I was hooked by the tube amp background;-) Subscribed.

[@tomlocke7628]

Wow, fantastic thorough reviews! Your presentation and delivery is engaging with perfect pacing. I own the Denafrips Ares 2 and just compared to Qutest and pretty much agree with all your findings. Keep up the great work and looking forward to more videos. Thanks so much!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you kindly! I need to drink more coffee right before filming because on playback I feel I talk too slow thinking about the script haha

[@ronniefranks4351]

@@MidFiGuy I disagree. Your presentation was perfect. I can’t imagine it being any better.

[@younghoonkang240]

Great review and comparison! Cannot wait for your next video. Please be hurry and indulge us!!

[@SHENZHENAUDIO]

That's a really useful review, great job!

[@godtiermedic]

When ginny kissed Harry orchestral song from the Harry Potter soundtrack. The D90 revealed the musician breathing. Crazy

[@pierremartin9048]

Wow, your a natural and have the knack! Damn I wish I would have seen this before pulling the trigger on a iFI iDSD Pro which I just plugged in, using Tidal HiFi sub. All I can say is I’m very happy to date. Never heard my JBL 4429s sound so great with Rogue amplification.

[@SunsetOasis]

Nice video! Can‘t wait for part 2. I allready own an arya hp with a rme adi-2 dac, but I want to expand my collection with a meze empyrean, a ttube amp and a fitting dac. I will wait for part II before I decide what dac and amp I will get...

[@davidfriedman5154]

Such a refreshing and really helpful perspective.

[@mikepaul2372]

Thank you for doing this comprehensive review. I ask folks to do a blind test to see if you really would choose the DAC's you believe are so great. You may be surprised in your choices.

[@letstalkaudio]

Awesome review.... keep doing it this way. Definitely deferent from the rest.

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome. Really enjoyed this. Just got the Ares 2 and I'm probably keeping it too.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks! Big fan of your channel, the kind words mean a lot. The Ares is just so smooth and satisfying, it honestly makes me want to make the jump to the Venus but the cost difference is astronomical, and it isn't even their top tier DAC!

[@cheapaudioman]

@@MidFiGuy Ron at New Record day reviewed the Terminator and was really impressed. I think I’ll be happy with the Ares though

[@brandingmix]

Amazing review and comparison mix, thank you for that passion and clarity. If possible please surprise all of us with a bit lower level DACS like ir: SMSL m400, vs SU-9 vs Topping d70s, whatever you want to add. Greeting from México.

[@terryhk99leung36]

Amazing video,,,amazing way you explain the difference.. thanks so much man

[@CriPPleR_HD]

Thanks for the Blowback track suggestion. Wow, the separation of instruments, the vocals, and that bass! Listened to it on my Burson Soloist GT + Bifrost 2 + Meze Elite. Heavenly! Purchased a Chord Qutest last Friday. It is scheduled for delivery this Monday! Excited to compare it to the Denafrips Ares 2 and Bifrost 2. Thanks for these Reviews. Very helpful!

[@marcfoss7687]

Hi Samuel, I have the Burson Soloist GT + Meze Elites also, linked up to the NAD M33 Amp/Streamer (with the ESS Sabre DAC chip). Am thinking to purchase a standalone DAC for headphone use with the Soloist. Good to hear you like the Bifrost 2. Was wondering what you thought of the Chord Qutest in your combo and/or the Ares 2, if you have tried that DAC as well...thanks!

[@RobWhittlestone]

GREAT REVIEW! D90 arriving later this week. 8-D Can't wait! Upgrading my ageing signal cables at the same time to free up that reference class sound. All the best, Rob in Swsitzerland

[@labalo5]

Just found your channel. And I’m already diggin your style! And you’re reviewing a dac I have interest in! I suspect your subbies are going to grow quickly.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Man, you’ve done your homework here. I’m looking to buy the Ares II and who would have thought that a large comparison video would give you enough usable info? However, you’ve really been helpful here and it’s clear that you know what to listen for. When you have other respected reviewers and fellow audiophiles complementing you on your content then you’re doing some good work 👍🏻

[@MadMaxx1977]

Outstanding video!! I almost pulled the trigger on the Ares II when I was looking for a DAC, several weeks ago. Ended up buying the D90 MQA because it was about $300 less expensive and I could get it in just a few days. I'm very pleased with its performance and expect it to provide years of listening enjoyment. If I decide to try an R2R DAC, the Ares II will be my first choice.

[@Seedlinux]

How did you find the Soundstage on the D90?

[@spacejaime]

Superb shootout! Subscribed!

[@theonebuckethead]

Amazing review - great job!

[@sean_heisler]

Fantastic review, thank you! Nine month Bifrost 2 owner here, still love it!

[@MidFiGuy]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MrGrosMamouth]

Hey, what music do you listen to? I am looking for a new dac and wondered which music Bifrost owners listened to.

[@sean_heisler]

@@MrGrosMamouth Hey. I don’t think the BF2 is colored in such a way that it lends itself to only certain types of music. I guess some describe it as sounding a little warmer maybe but I think that’s said because the high frequencies aren’t bright and the bass region is very full. All in all, I think it’s a very balanced, natural and quite resolute DAC. I personally listen to Jazz, Classical, Acoustic and Electronica however I think the BF2, like any neutral and balanced sounding DAC, will present any type of music quite well.

[@alialamri8525]

It's not a dumb video.. It's really HELPFUL.. Thank you 🙏👍

[@dreddguy6454]

Loving Galimatias. New to me. Delving through their Tidal content right now.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! Much of those choices are from years of working with cool people much younger than me at the workplace 😂

[@pheunthai]

Love your video. Subscribed!

[@tinears830]

Really great review!!! Thank you so much. Got a like and a subscribe for this.

[@Coreycry]

Well, I've discovered a new favorite audio channel randomly...

[@r00s.]

AMAZING review! I currently have a Gungnir MB but am wanting to hear the ARES II, mainly bc it can do native DSD. Subbed!

[@piccolopaulo]

Wow! Huge thanks for making this comparative video

[@MidFiGuy]

My pleasure!

[@suburamaa]

I subscribed, because your review is exactly the kind I like. You and British Audiophile are my fav. I have moved on from others.

[@cyrto1]

Exceptionally informative. Thank you.

[@d.n.a5415]

Great review!

[@grahamtaylor6883]

I'd happily refer to that review as rocket science. Great info and detail. I hope you're right, as I'm considering buying one these. Thanks for the upload.

[@vladimirs453]

Amazing review! I understood how Gungnir differs from Bifrost2, but the comparison between Bifrost2 and Modi Multibit is very interesting

[@andyleiva8638]

I will love to see your review of the Burson Composer 3X. Thank you for this video 👌

[@MidFiGuy]

One day! I really want to try Burson products

[@tfj100]

Thanks for publishing the review and going to all the effort of doing the comparison. I have a BMC PureDAC/Headphone amp, which has had very few reviews, so it is difficult to work out whether these DACs would represent an upgrade or not. I also have a Topping D10 for a second system which seems to do a serviceable job. I would probably shell out for an RME except that I have just ordered Buchardt A500s which have an inbuilt DAC, and am waiting for delivery. I'll try those first, they have had excellent reviews, but if I don't like them, I will send them back and stick with my existing system, potentially upgrading the DAC.

[@kingstoler]

Great comparisons. I just got the RME (ESS version) and totally love it. I already had an older Burson Conductor and I have a really hard time hearing a difference between them while using LCD-X, HD650, or TH900, even though the amp section of the Burson is much more powerful. I was worried it would be too cold or analytical sounding. But it's just a clean "natural" sound, true to the source as a DAC should be. The functionality of the RME is what I got it for. I love using parametric EQs just for minor adjustments and it's just great to be able to do it directly in the DAC instead of relying on Windows software (as good as PeaceEQ and Roon is). The ability to sit back in a couch and boost or decrease bass/ treble from the remote when that poorly mastered track comes on is a sweet bonus. Enough rambling, it's a great DAC/ Amp packed with well thought out features.

[@micumatrix]

Finally I find the test to compare all dac's others are shouting about. And then Cowboy Bebop...subscribed! Thanks!

[@jeffreylowy3180]

Schiit is the answer for me. Great company great products, great build quality, customer service and REASONABLE prices.

[@Grizzly1644]

Great review. Happy RME ADI 2 FS owner here. ;) Comparison videos like this are very helpful for everyday users. Thankyou. I personally partner my RME ADI2 with a Firstwatt F7.. Sounds amazing IMO. I listen to a very broad range of music, IMO the RME is a good middle ground DAC that sounds excellent on most things,. The PEQ provides good options, and does sound better than Roon's EQ.

[@MidFiGuy]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so! I thought I'd be getting more flack from people saying software EQ should be the same or better since it's closer to the source. Though if you check Roon's Signal Path when using it's PEQ you'll see some bit depth conversion going on. RME just may do these type of conversion handlings better with dedicated hardware.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Excellent video my brother!!!