SMSL D400EX Vs Denafrips Ares 12th DAC Comparison

[@Tharbamar]

☝️Be careful of scammers in the comments or social media platforms who pretend to be me and trying to scam. 👋I'm not hosting giveaways or asking you to contact me. 👍A real comments/replies from me has a GRAYED OUT profile name just like this comment. Thanks for watching!

[@mounirehab]

I prefer the Denafrips sound ...

[@SerG4862]

The SMSD 400EX DAC plays noticeably more detailed and juicier.A good SMSL D400EX DAC.🙂

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

Thank you for this video Tharbamar! Precisely what I needed to watch as I'm moving closer to upgrading my DAC - was leaning towards the Ares 12:th but wasn't 100% sure. This video just about confirms that the Ares is right for me, the delta sigma sounded unorganic and almost like the track was mastered with an extra compressor (at least in my headphones B&W Px7 S2). The Ares immediately sounded like a real guitar to my ears. BTW still happy with my Quad S2 I bought on your recommendation, now partnered with a Node and a Denon PMA-1700ne. Happy listening Tharbamar!

[@pietro103]

Hi. Is the Ares DAC better than the Denon PM-1700ne DAC? I have a Denon PM-1600ne and I'm thinking about an external DAC.

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

@@pietro103 I don't think the DAC in my 1700ne is very good, for me the soundstage lacks depth and it doesn't sound very organic/real. I strongly prefer the DAC in the Node, eventhough a lot of people don't think the node is a very good DAC. I haven't bought the Ares yet but I can only image it is in another league compared to the DAC in 1700ne or your 1600ne. Perhaps you can get an external DAC on loan and try it out?

[@AttilaBalla87]

For me Ares 12th is cleaner sounding, more detailed, but D400 EX is more neutral.

[@latheofheaven]

Listening on my secondary system, to me the Denafrips comes across as much more open, spacious, and dimensional. The SMSL seemed to me to be 'flatter' and more 2 dimensional. The 'Naturalness and delineation between the lows and highs grabbed me right away with the Denafrips. The other just kind of left me cold somehow... Thanks Tharbamar for the excellent review!

[@azrecion]

Thanks. It would be very interesting to compare SMSL D400EX and D400ES - who has what nuances of sound.

[@JiTamp]

I like the SMSL D400EX better. More lively/natural than the Ares. The vocal sounds boxy for the Ares. The vocal on D400EX sounds more flat. The guitar sounds warmer/muddy for the Ares. The guitar sounds more lively for the D400EX. I played this video on my 1981 Cornwall 1 with ALK’s extreme slope crossovers. I was using Arylic S50 Pro+ connected to my tubes preamplifier SP12, both set to flat tones and 0 gain on the preamp. Preamp is connected to my VTA ST120 with bypassed gained.

[@blade1535]

I’ve had the d400ex since it come out and can say it’s a good dac. I have it paired with a tube amp and KEF R7s. Bliss!!

[@featherpeak]

What tube amp? I have the same DAC enjoy it with the pcm filter set to super slow to add some artificial tube flavor into my ss amp

[@happyaudio.myanmar]

It sounds great.Very Nice.❤

[@TC-bz8sm]

Thanks for the nice review. I heard the sibilance for ‘S’ is quite obvious, is that the DACs or speakers or Amp?

[@Pierre-Leloup]

I think for a great part due to the microphone used for the recording.

[@hificonspiracy]

Great video and comparison! I jumped off the digital merry-go-round with current digital products and acquired a used Audio Research DAC 3. It's Delta Sigma but has a very good implementation with a real tubed output stage and no firmware upgrades needed. I came to realize that a DACs output stage/implementation to analog is just as if not more important then the digital conversion itself. Try one if you get the opportunity.

[@66hats]

Is that the I/V stage on the DAC?

[@manhso5549]

always enjoyed your presentation of new products, keep up the good work. take care.

[@Tharbamar]

Thank you.

[@DG-rc6rr]

I hear the music....but all I see is that beautiful Accuphase!!!!

[@cesarsaldana3429]

Hi Thabamar, I think DENAFRIPS 12 th is the hidden gem of DACs, its sound is great, super natural, both the voices and the mids are wonderful, greetings from Mexico.

[@Tharbamar]

I agreed, great choice!

[@streamnoremorse]

400ex or Gustard A26?

[@gabrielbacca381]

Great video Tharbamar... thanks for your efforts in putting this together. Incredible setup you have !

[@Tharbamar]

My pleasure!

[@richardleong3427]

thanks for sharing, the denafrips sound much better, I wonder if compare with musician pegasus how would it be.

[@brooksc900]

Thanks for your videos. I have a Bluesound node connected to my Yamaha av. Can I add an SMSL D400EX to my Bluesound node and then onto the Yamaha and keep the BluOs?

[@Tharbamar]

DAC do not interfere with any OS function.

[@fluidcactus9400]

Great video comparison , ..how D300 compared to ares ??

[@Tharbamar]

D300.

[@fluidcactus9400]

@@Tharbamar my D300 has arrived, .. and wow .. this D300 is very musical, nice smooth sounded .. thanks @Tharbamar

[@gbmwaz]

I have both the SMSL D1SE and M400 dacs is the D400EX a small step up or large enough to sell those and buy it using SMSL AO200 amp with Elac Debut DBR62 reference bookshelf?? Thank you for your videos!

[@Tharbamar]

It may not be major upgrade paring with AO200, I would upgrade the amplifier first, thanks

[@Harvy75a]

I am very happy with a SMSL DO200. I bought it after watching your review. Does it worth the upgrade to the D400EX? The DO300 is to close to the DO200.

[@Tharbamar]

Only you can decide, sound and performance it is better than DO200 but if you’re happy with DO200 I would suggest you to stick with it, DO300 to me is a real great buy in sound quality. Thanks

[@Harvy75a]

@@Tharbamar When I bought the DO200 MK1 there weren't DO300 and D400... I chose it instead the Topping SU-9N. Now I use it as a DAC with Topping A90 Discrete as Preamp, Denon PMA-1510AE as final connected to B&W CM10S2.

[@jayman3575]

did you get a separate preamp to use with the do200? i been looking for a tube preamp but also want home theater bypass capability and sub output. havent seen that package yet to use with my do200....

[@_Gonec_iz_Pizy]

When comparing, I used the Denafrips Ares 12th - 1 DAC and Audeze - GX headphones. I didn't hear the difference 😋

[@leeandrewclarke]

For eight years, I've owned an Ayon CD-1SC CD player, which features a Delta Sigma DAC with, crucially, a valve output stage. Wanting to 'upgrade,' I purchased an Audiolab 9000CDT and the SMSL D400, largely on the strength of the reviews from this channel. The result? The Audiolab / D400 provided more 'hi-fi' improvements ( clarity, definition, resolution ) so there was a higher degree of 'information' to the sound. Yet was that combination better than my Ayon? In hi-fi terms, yes. Did I want to play it more than my Ayon? Nope. The Ayon still had a more saturated, richer, more textural sound, in which the emotions and humanity came through. I still liked the D400 because it was still highly musical and gave more raw data than the Ayon but I was 'listening' to the D400 and being 'impressed' by it while I was 'hearing' the Ayon and 'feeling' more. I then tried the Audiolab as a transport and ran it into the DAC section of my Ayon. A distinct musical improvement, even though the Ayon uses a Phillips Pro mech. I now had a better transport than was in my Ayon and the benefit of a more musical DAC, in the Ayon. This led me to decide the Audiolab 9000CDT was an absolute keeper and to want to investigate warmer, more organic DACs. I decided to forgo any more Delta Sigmas, unless they also featured a valve output. I considered R2R DACs like Denafrips but I had already splurged £2000 on the Audiolab and the D400. I had decided to keep the D400 as a 'reserve' DAC to my Ayon, which I fear cannot have many more years left in it. I decided what I wanted to hear most was an R2R with a valve output stage. Audio Note did such devices but the cost was insane. Then I saw on eBay, a Chinese company doing clones of such Audio Note DACs, in nicely-made cases, for £200. I decided to take a chance. Within a few hours of receiving and hearing this Chinese clone, I decided to return the D400. Like the Ayon, this Chinese DAC beat the D400 for sheer humanity and musical enjoyment and essentially beat my Ayon. It doesn't have quite as much tonal variation as the Ayon but the Chinese clone DAC has even greater image and tonal density with a more pungent bass. It has such a compelling, solid sound, almost like a turntable. I managed to get my money back on the D400 from Amazon and have never looked back. Morals to the story? That the latest DAC tech is not always a musical step forward, if you don't care about hi-rez. That there are some incredible bargains in the admitted murky world of knock-off Chinese DACs. And that the Audiolab 9000CDT is an incredible transport, for those still spinning discs.

[@giulianof8687]

Please review ares 12 vs smsl d1se2 vs D400ex🙏

[@ianorigbo7617]

I think not a matter of better these days, it's just a matter of which the individual prefers the presentation of.

[@pedrocols]

Agreed! So many different DACs that there is no way the will continue to "sound better" every time they come up with the flavor of the month.

[@Tharbamar]

We just need find the right DAC to have best synergy with our systems.

[@michalryszawy]

​​@@Tharbamar it isnt only synergy... smsl - delta sigma sounds with "plastic" midrange.. this plastic(not real, engaging like r2r) will be in every system, becouse its sound signature of this technology, you can hear it especialy in vocals. It sounds fake, less emotions, less engaging) Thanks for your work and video

[@dannyng5427]

@@michalryszawy agree 100%

[@miquifaye]

@@michalryszawy bullsh`*t . not all chip based dacs sound like you described and some R2R Dacs can exhibit some of the same characteristics you're complaining about. Your broad generalizations are just opinions based on your preference .You haven't demo'd all Delta Sigma Dacs. Tharbamar is 100 % correct.

[@Honkwmusic]

Denafrips sounds cleaner and more detailed to me eventhough I am now using a SMSL Su9n. Of all the YT reviews I watched, Denafrips credited for its organic sound quality. Hopeing the Denafrips will give me the layered sound of string instruments I ordered a Denafrips 12-I and glad to find your comparison of the two DACS.

[@giulianof8687]

Let US know your opinioni please

[@JPWinters]

Hey buddy, what happened to your Aperion V6T & V8T videos?

[@Tharbamar]

I took it all down because I don't want anything to do with the company, sorry.

[@JoJo-mz5bc]

No comparison, the Denafrips is more analog, has more body, and natural sounding. The SMSL is flatter, slightly more crispier, and has too many off putting “twangier” notes in comparison. Thanks for the sound clips.

[@hsinkai1557]

Do you plan to audit eversolo Amp DMP A6?

[@Tharbamar]

May be in the future.

[@marconista5390]

​@@Tharbamar please make a review of eversolo dmp-a6 sir tharbamar I'm interested thanks

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I learned a lot here. The ladder dac does sound more three dimensional and organic.

[@Rascallucci]

What might be interesting is to play the same track using the internal DAC of your Accuphase E-4000 as a baseline and see how that compares with the SMSL and Denafrips. Or may be just do it from now on in your future reviews.

[@Tharbamar]

I don’t have internal DAC because I’m going to wait for them to offer it with AKM chip base DAC in next generation, thanks

[@Rascallucci]

@@Tharbamar Ah, OK.

[@REX4340]

Sound the same, perhaps you can record a track that is on streaming services?

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Would love to hear your thoughts on Schiit BF2/64

[@Tharbamar]

I would but I do not use any DAC incapable of DSD, Thanks

[@giulianof8687]

Hi Tharb, are you sure that exist a firmware upgrade for Ares 12? Thanks

[@Tharbamar]

Hi you can request it on their distributor vinshine audio website, thanks

[@giulianof8687]

It will be ready next 1/2 months

[@edverbeek6292]

Great comparison of two important DAC’s

[@clan_biblioteke]

Hello, I didn't find your review for SMSL D1SE Balanced ES9038PRO DAC CPLD Altera XMOS 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black, and I value your opinion the most and I love your reviews the most. What do you think about this product compared to Draco and D90se? Would it make a system with Sony CD, Marantz integrated amplifier, Topping A30 pro and Whaefedale Evo 4.1? Thank you.

[@PaulClay46masonWV]

On these sound samples I definitely preferred the Denafrips.the denafrips had a soul. The d400 thin and analytical in comparison

[@ysk249]

I bought the SMSL D400EX along with Mogami XLR cables for my McIntosh system and I couldn't be happier. SMSL D400EX is an amazing DAC, possibly the best DAC under $10,000. Thank you for your recommendation, Tharbamar!

[@Tharbamar]

Great choice! D400EX really is a great DAC, Thank you for sharing.

[@cnhhnc]

I find it difficult to hear differences between DACs in the entry to mid-level. The highest end DACs may sound a bit smoother, etc. But who has thousands of dollars to spend on something like that? As a result I tend not to follow DAC reviews much, but that does not mean that many others are not interested here. I just tire of all the DACs, there are so many and most do not distinguish themselves, they're good enough. It's a little like the Headphone market? OMG the NUMBER of Headphones, the claims and the PRICES, lol,. Diminishing returns? Probably but don't tell THAT to a headphone aficionado, lol.

[@cruise2023]

Okay, one will always have different opinions on such demo's, probably due to different set ups etc. Listnening via active speakers I picked up several things 1) the D400EX had more space around voicing, more mic and less natural but could be perceived as more lively. 2) The D400EX had more control in the bass but less depth, probably preferred if room is a problem. 3) The Ares 12th sounded more rounded, smoother and probably more suited to speakers that show some brightness. Annoying as the Ares is on my short, short list ... but I have 2 pairs of speakers 1) Revelator 851 ( balanced/smooth ) better off with the D400EX and the Yamaha ns1000m ( in transit ) has a detailed top end ( some say bright ) may be better off with the Ares 12th... Dam !

[@Tharbamar]

I would like to remind you only way to listen online audio component sound samples is to use headphones because no matter how good your monitor speaker is it’ll be you’re listening to two different rooms at same time, thanks

[@cruise2023]

@@Tharbamar Agree, I did that too, still leaves the problem, how good are your headphones ?

[@ajzepp8976]

Listening to this on my 2-channel system, the denafrips clearly bests the SMSL. Much better separation among the instruments and vocals, and more detailed overall. Kinda perplexed by that, actually.

[@csszabi8779]

Is the sound of Gustard A26 much better than SMSL D400EX or the difference is small? Thanks.

[@Tharbamar]

A26 is bit more revealing with quieter background, D400EX is great sounding DAC that could go toe to toe with any DAC in right system.

[@nearestone]

@@Tharbamar How much difference do you think it would be between a D400EX and a SMSL C200?

[@bushmenageorgiev1190]

Eh, if there could be such a video but with Gustard A26/r26 r and with this song.

[@777ivanich888]

DAC SMSL D400EX recorded a little quieter. Affects the comparison.

[@Tharbamar]

Yes that is where Delta Sigma DAC shines, R2R DAC with same level of noise performance will costs a few thousand more.

[@RiantoFatma]

@@Tharbamar probably talking about volume matching more than "quiet" as in terms of dark/silent/transparent background.

[@vadimvadimvasiliev5169]

Denafrips Ares - better dynamics and detail.

[@JohnScot-c8h]

And how you determine that? Could you please point me specifically to those things that I can hear them too?🤔 Could you also explain what "dynamic range" means?🤔

[@michalryszawy]

The midrange in smsl sound like plastic compare to denafrips. Denafrips more "analog"(more emotions, she is singing for You)- closer too good vinyl. Resolution better on smsl....but men this plastic ...thanks for video

[@DonutsReview]

Great point. I hear it too.

[@toddhupp2645]

ds not as good on the voice. somewhat sterile.But detail on guitar better on ds. Maybe a step up to gustard or shumann rr would be worth it to retrieve more detail detail with rr.

[@senekatus]

Denafrips is warmer, voice much more defined and smooth. Lower sibilance. D400EX voice sounds more hursh rounded and surely becomes fatiguing.

[@MrBoomtheroom]

you should do a review of new dacs vs the Sony Hapz1es with all filters off and all modes standard

[@davidalza5546]

Yes, I agree. I would love to hear your thoughts on the sound quality of these two dacs compared with the Sony HAP-Z1ES on its own. I don't think all filters should necessarily be off, just compare the sound using the filter setting for each component that you feel gives the best results.

[@Tharbamar]

That will make many people unhappy 🤔

[@davidalza5546]

@@Tharbamar Why would that comparison make people unhappy?

[@MrBoomtheroom]

@@Tharbamar why?

[@REX4340]

​@@MrBoomtheroom coz they all sound similar

[@psicolorama4918]

El smsl rasga el oido en los agudos. El denafrips es mucho más natural, más real, no cansa. La incógnita es ¿Y si ecualizanos el agudo del smsl?

[@richardaston4752]

Denafrips

[@stephenbailey9969]

The slow songs are easy for dacs to handle. Fast, orchestral pieces with lots of dynamic shifts, or even some heavy metal, would better show off their true character.

[@Tharbamar]

See each individual DAC review video for different song.

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@Tharbamar I watch them all. The songs are usual pretty slow, sometimes jazzy, usual female vocals. Occasionally one that really shows the dynamic swings. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@Tharbamar]

@Stephen Bailey , I have answered to this question many times, there is strict copyright laws that I have to deal with, so music choice is limited and certainly not my favorites music choice either but I don’t get paid for it so I’m not going spend money to buy any music license, so I use the one that allows.

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@Tharbamar That's a very good reason. I hope you are able at some point to find some symphonic music that is license free. That is the type of music I listen to most. With the dynamic swings, it tests speakers, amps, etc., to the limit. But thank you for all your efforts.

[@hadenlee7184]

SMSL D400EX better

[@JR-lc1dv]

Actually I didn't want to comment here, but have to say the smsl sounds awfully dry and artificial, what a crap for 1000 $. Sound stage, not sure - but if the original recording has a decay of let's say 1 ms the DAC had to expand this decay to make the sound stage wider, so soundstage seems to me a part of psycho acoustics. Thanks for the recordings!

[@hificonspiracy]

But the Amir and the Audio Science Review Forum ( AKA the S.M.S.L Sales Team) says its the best ever... You don't need ears just look at the specs! 🤪

[@soulfunkjazz]

8:21 11:31

[@clan_biblioteke]

Great. How would you rank the sound quality from 1-3: LOXJIE D50, Topping d90se and Musician Draco? Thanks for your suggestion.

[@Tharbamar]

Each of them is highly capable and can bring the best out of with right paring. Personally I liked Draco and D50 more in my system, thanks

[@michaeltessler7091]

Great reviews and thank you sooooo much!!! I have Linn Chakra amp and matching av5040 speakers, a little bright!! I need a Dac and think I need warmer, wide soundstage. Looking at D400ex VS Ares 12th-1 and even Musician Draco........what say you on a revealing system that needs some more warmth and deeper bass.

[@JohnScot-c8h]

If you didn't not mistaken Denafrips for SMSL (Ares12 plays first and SMSL second) I like SMSL sound better and more natural.(listened via earphones). In this cut Denafrips sounds more like one note DAC.

[@Tharbamar]

I would never make that kind of careless mistakes, my work ethic won’t allow it.

[@videobimcom]

Ares 12 sounds more analog to me. SMSL is more detailed, clear and that's why it sounds digital.

[@latheofheaven]

Yep, same here...