STOP! Most important tuning tip ever! Not only Denafrips, for all new Devices!

Here is an important tip from my extensive repertoire for a stress-free music experience. ( also AES/EBU XLR ) This is always part of my tuning, but there is so much more to it. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not pay attention to these details or are forced to accept sound disadvantages due to corresponding standards. Sometimes this is also the reason why very well-built devices simply cannot sound convincing. A great way to get a lot more out of a device ... Cheers
Hier ein wichtiger Tipp aus meinem reichhaltigen Repertoir für ein stressfreies Musikerlebnis. Dies ist immer ein Bestandteil meines Tunings, aber es gibt so viel mehr. Leider achten Hersteller nicht auf diese Details, oder sind gezwungen durch entsprechende Normen, klangliche Nachteile in Kauf zu nehmen. Manchmal liegt hier auch der Grund, warum sehr gut gebaute Geräte einfach klanglich nicht überzeugen können. Ein guter Weg, um viel mehr aus einem Gerät heraus zu holen....Cheers

[@xyz7960]

You know what ??? It really work ! Thank you so much !! 🤗🤗

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, niiiiice! :) Thanks for comment and have fun! :) Cheers Mike

[@manjulwalia1995]

Working Flawlessly for Audiophools .. 😋😋

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@manjulwalia1995 Of course this doesn't work for the hearing impaired, better deal with Braille.. :) in case the next sense fails😋🤭

[@Flavorrr76]

Simply amazing. I tried it with my Pontus 2 plus Hermes DDC. I only loosened the screws of the XLR and AES out- and inputs for about 4 turns. Result: wider soundstage, preciser image, even more holographic sound, better bass. All the pros of the particular device are shining out a little bit more. And all the people, who think, he is crazy, have either bad hearing or simply a system, that's not refined enough. I assume, that with for instance with a 4k System you won't hear much difference. You need a good, high quality system, to benefit from these tweaks. But then, it can be a game changer. Thank you so much. Keep on twerking ... äh, tweaking. 🙂

[@headquarteraudio5388]

twerking haaaaaaa 🤣

[@johnhallkenney]

Great idea Mike. To use an analogy, it's like a tree bending in the wind. It needs to flex or it will snap. The same goes with the circuit board, there needs to be a little play in it (albeit micro) so the panel isn't stressed. Subbed

[@jurumal]

I’m excited to try this technique. I have an Ares II coming in soon! Thanks for the tips!

[@IronHorsey3]

Tried it on the mighty RME ADI-2 FS. Went ahead and did the pro gold treatment since I hadn't disconnected the DAC for some time. Noticed the XLR turn a bit on unscrewing. Hmn, that is the issue there. Added some Tri-Flo to the screws and it got very nice and smoother turns with lighter pressure. Tightened them up and did the RCA (connected to 65 watt mono blocks) and the Coax as well. Damn if that doesn't take it to a nice higher level. Very nice, thanks!!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Have fun :) Cheers Mike

[@gioponti6359]

Werkstatt = Workshop :) These are very valuable & inspiring tuning suggestions, thanks!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yeah...thanks, thats live recording...cheers Mike

[@sammcerlean]

You make a good point about not putting stress on the connections to the board but that is the reason these connectors are screwed to the chassis; to avoid stress on the solder joints when cables are plugged in and out.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, misunderstood, it is important to me not to twist the sockets when tightening the screws and thus tension the circuit board. Big difference. Cheers Mike

[@dvlduvall]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I think I also didn't understand the video. So the idea is: 1. Lose the screws. 2. Let the socket take its natural position. 3. Tight the screws but make sure the position taken by the socket in step #2 doesn't change. Correct?

[@charlesclifton1006]

I am seriously considering this Dac. I will certainly try this. When you think of it, in all electrical devices there are frequency dynamics at play. Ideally, each and every electrical component within this DAC would exist in 100% total isolation. Now beyond EMF there are as well., microphonic frequencies such as those that can effect a vacuum tube. Perhaps your "relaxing" of the various screws somehow reduces structural tension and thus reduces unwanted microphonic vibrations translated through mass. Just speculating but if a true difference can be perceived then something has caused it. Again, I am speculating - my background is not electrical engineering.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, In my experience, it is the tension itself that makes a circuit board, cover or device vibrate unnaturally and distorted, so it doesn't sound realistic and real, but sometimes exhausting and tiring. It's like a brake in the device that makes the music stressful. And there we are not yet with material sound and the dimensions :) Cheers Mike

[@schoi604]

Thank you for your great advice!!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, bitteschön :) Cheers Mike

[@lucianobadoe36]

Thank you Mike. This tips surprised me a lote. I will try this in my DAC. Cheer's.

[@FliskerX]

I did the second tweak first, didn't notice much, did this tweak second and ... who cares if something shifted in my brain or this really makes quite significant change, but subjectively I'm noticing positive change, less top-end sharpness, bigger soundstage and more detail. Thanks for the tips.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, you should hear my big tweak of the lid... :)...enjoy... Cheers Mike

[@FliskerX]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Is there going to be a video about big tweak or is it a secret sauce tweak ? :)

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@FliskerX Hi, i sell this to my customers.. :) Cheers Mike

[@rasardo1]

It's an interesting fact of how mechanical vibration can or can't afect sound reproduction, only by unscrewing some partes. I know, from experience, that all kinds of vibration can degrade sound, through powercables, interconnects and also via equipment chassis. I've tryed at home with my wonderful Weiss 202 DAC and surprisingly it really make a difference. I've noticied a better tonal presentation and a better stereo image. Thanks for the tip.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi STOP. Not only unscrewing, but unscrewing, tighten the screws again without twist force to the socket. If you only unscrew the screws the sound will be imprecise and poorly differentiated....see other comments and my answers...Cheers Mike

[@rasardo1]

@@headquarteraudio5388 , I did exaclty that. Less tighten. I haven't explained me properly :)

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@rasardo1 Puuhhh great :) Cheers Mike

[@algreen6948]

Hello, thanks for the advice. Do you think this DAC is a good combination with a class AA Technics amplifier and the Linton Heritage? I am hesitating whether to go for this DAC or not. Thank you

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, this DAC is for the price very very good, but if you want to go ahead surely invest in Pontus, much better sound and I2S. Cheers Mike

[@algreen6948]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Thanks for responding Mike. Perhaps Pontus is out of my budget. My doubt is the combination of the DAC with the Linton speakers since the Linton already have soft highs and the Ares II, according to reviews, comment that they do too. I'm not sure if it would be well balanced as a whole, what do you think? Using an Amp Technics SU-V45A with the Lintons

[@nespressoman]

If I don't use the XLR sockets and only the phono sockets out to my amp, would I still loosen all of them? Thank you.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, sure, unscrew the XLR all, but tighten them again just a little bit, stop before they begin to turn to the right...and first the lower screw :) cheers Mike

[@nespressoman]

I will remember this. Thank you.

[@BradReid]

I really was expecting these tweaks would turn out to be bullshit, but the improvement is uncanny. All the instruments to have such a tactile quality: fingers on strings and keys, brushes on the drums. Thanks so much!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, nice!!! Thank you for trying! Have fun with the result... Cheers Mike

[@xfloodcasual8124]

almost nothing in audio is bullshit - there are only tons of trolls TELLING you things are bullshit. the more you experiment, the more you realize this.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Excellent advice... I'm going to try this tonight my friend

[@headquarteraudio5388]

.............and................? :) cheers Mike

[@richarddewar5168]

Hi Mike I have Denafrips Hestia/Hyperion Preamp & Power amp which are connected by XLR. Do you think this can also change sound with amplifiers?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi Richard, of course, that applies to every device with the XLR sockets mounted on the circuit board. It's no problem to try this out quickly, you'll hear it right away ... Cheers Mike

[@ronfreeman4687]

Thank you. Your English is very good. Keep up your great work. Ron

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Thanks and cheers :) Mike

[@MWeston2]

I don't mean you any disrespect but this sounds like nonsense. If torquing the screws to new angles is helping, then all I can really think is that the soldering in these DACs is just bad and all that is happening is a new pressure point of the pins against the poor wetting in the hole gets created and is helping to improve the connection. It seems to me that reflowing the joints of the XLR connection would do the same thing or even be more reliable (future vibrations over time) and this is all just poor QC on Denafrips' part.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi yeah, no problem, I thought beforehand that it would be controversial. but if you don't try it, you can't have a say. Why and how you come up with the fact that Denafrips has bad soldering quality is incomprehensible. This is exclusively about tension on the circuit board and in the device as a whole caused by torques. Just print it out, it doesn't cost anything, no guarantee is lost and you can simply undo it ... it's only 4 screws :) have fun with it, or just keep listening to it as before :) also legitimate .. Cheers Mike

[@MWeston2]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Incomprehensible? It's just science. If torquing the connector is helping then it's just a weak solder joint. I don't doubt you at all when you say it is making a difference. I just think the reason behind it has a simple explanation. Sticking tape over a spark plug wire to keep all cylinders firing works too, but that's ignoring the fact that the terminal's grip is loose and needs tightening. :) I think Denafrips could fix this by increasing the dwell time in the solder tank or training their staff to apply proper heat if it is a manual process. Anyway, I'm not trying to start a fight. It seems like a learning opportunity. I've been thinking of buying one of these so many I'll just reflow the pins and see if it makes a difference. ;)

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@MWeston2 Sorry, but you did not understand the video and the point of it... Cheers Mike

[@tietjen666]

@@MWeston2 Hello. Just a question for you. Are the various solder joints maintaining the rigidity and stability of the circuit board? Thanks.

[@No_Limits_411]

@@headquarteraudio5388 yea that's kind of weird - he takes the time to write long comments, but obviously has not watched the video 🙄

[@GPintoFerrao]

yeah it's a very interesting tip and logical one. In the same way that's why a good burning in is extremely important for losing some building varnish. Many Thanks.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yeah, and don't forget to switch off the device some times in burn in times... :) ! Cheers Mike

[@radkokosoTT]

I got the point, understand that unnecessary stress on circuit board is not good. But I have one question. When XLR socket is not firmly attached to chassis with two slightly loosen screws, than after robust and heavy XLR cable (very common problem on high end cables today) is inserted, weight of those cables could be transferred as another stress directly to circuit board again. Is there any other method to avoid such problem? For example to decouple XLR socket by inserting small elastic or rubber washers between two screws and chassis?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, great comment. If you use the XLR output, you have the following options: Loosen the screws of the two XLR outputs or all of your device, plug an XLR cable into the socket and hold it while tightening the screws so that the torque does not affect the socket passes and the board is clamped. In the case of very heavy cables, please always use a vertical stick / board / lifter under the overhanging cable to remove the tensile force from the sockets and thus from the circuit board ... Cheers Mike

[@radkokosoTT]

@@headquarteraudio5388 yes, I understand. I am design engeneer in automotive (werkzeugkonstrukteur) so I always tend to inspect hi fi device from mechanical construction point:-) I also noticed some free play between aluminum bottom plate on my Denafrips Gaia which resonated a bit. Fixed with soft rubber tape between the plates... there is always room for small tuning. Thank for advice.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@radkokosoTT Hi, please remove this rubber tape and listen to the Gaia again ... the step back is usually enlightening ... change the assembly of the plate or loosen all the screws on the housing, place the device on a flat surface and then screw first tighten all screws, not too strong. Normal, it's not a car :) Sometimes the device cracks when you loosen screws, then you know immediately that it sounds better after the operation. :) Cheers Mike

[@Kulpa-Systems]

I have open my Case after the Warranty is closed. And I loosened all the screws from the circuit board and connections and tightened them again slightly. The screws on the circuit board were relatively tight. I think the sound has become a little softer, but I can't say for sure. The circuit board in my unit is relatively robust. It was also not a Denafrips device. But also due to the robotic manufacturing, it can easily bend the circuit board.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, sometimes it is important in which sequence the screws are fixed.. :) Cheers Mike

[@gwynmiles1595]

On checking my connections I found the phono connections are only finger tight (loose) the XLR ultra tight. Loosened the xlr and to my surprise this did indeed change the sound. I’m currently listening with oversampling off which seems to suit . Always used oversampling with soft filter prior to this in my system. Denafrips Aries Ii , Eastern Electric M88 into open baffle speakers. I’ll have a few days experimenting with sampling and oversampling ad then the acid test...tighten it all back up and relisten.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yes, of course it always depends on who has installed a device and how it was on the day. I would recommend torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers to manufacturers, this minimizes the variance. Cheers Mike

[@macgeek2112]

I just purchased an Ares II which will arrive next week. I look forward to testing this. I'll have to listen for a couple days (as delivered) then perform this "mod".

[@headquarteraudio5388]

and ? :)

[@macgeek2112]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Unfortunately, I was only in the US for a couple weeks with limited time so I didn't get a chance to really listen to the Ares II out of the box. I'll have another chance starting next week when I return to TX. My Ares II is connected to my Parasound Hint 6 with SVS balanced cables so looking forward to trying this mod. Any recommendations for music for the A/B comparison test?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@macgeek2112 Hi, Sara Bareilles Sittin on the dock of the bay...if the high notes are open and not fatigueing.. Piano sub bass is in the room....well done :) if not, change you powerlines... Cheers

[@macgeek2112]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Thanks. I will definitely try that. I started building a Spotify list today and I'll try to find some CDs in my collection that are pre-LoudnessWars that have some dynamic range.

[@domenicofpv6490]

Did the Ares work with the bluesound n130? I saw a video with Some strange popping Sound because of the sample rate switch

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, i think you have to stop that in your streamer ..cheers Mike

[@twilwel]

Oh wauw, this is an eye-opener maybe, hopefully. As a matter of fact I had a puzzling experience with a music piece I know very very well, because I listened to it thousands of times. The first time I played the cd through my Ares2, it sounded harsh in higher frequencies. I was dumbfounded and could not understand. I tried the same recording through streaming from Qobuz (also through the Ares2) and heard the very same harshness again. My favorite music all of a sudden sounded bad! I checked the drivers of my vintage speakers (IMF TLS80) but could not find any fault there. More broadly I found that the music that l listen to sounds sometimes very very good and at other times much less impressive, less airy. I then decided I was imagining things and it was because of stress or whatever that my ears/brain were not hearing right. I never thought about the fault maybe being with the Ares, because it seemed to perform very well. I will try the screws at the backside, loosen them and re-tighten the way you described with only little force. I'll report in a few days what I find.

[@twilwel]

Ok, I immediately went to work. I noticed however that the screws were not overly tight at all on my Ares II. But since I was on it anyway, I went and unscrewed/retightened all connections even less tight. Now if I was the overly confident type I would double down and insist that it made a huge difference but I am an honest guy and while it seems to sound better, the difference is not very much. I have to accept that my system sounds very good most of the time, but is much more revealing than what I used to have before. So when a recording is a bit harsh to start with, I will hear it. On the other hand, when the recording has a good balance, it is absolute bliss. This is not to say I give up on tuning. I will also redo the connections of my tube amplifier and who knows what I will find.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, wonderful, I'm curious ...but the Ares2 should always sound the same, maybe the Ares 2 also demands a subsequent component (cable, preamp, power amplifier ...) ... then you have to be Sherlock Holmes ... there is a reason for the inconsistent sound quality, this shouldn't be the Ares 2 ... Cheers Mike

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, it also occurs to me: Ares needs the phase to be right, it must be observed When power cables or even worse signal cables with powercables cross each other, the signal loses energy and everything sounds the same .. small. Never operate a router or telephone or TV on the same power strip. Not even on the same circuit, simply switch everything off using a separate power strip with a switch while listening to music ...If you use NordOst cables, they must never lie on a carpet; other cables should also be placed on foglifters or small wooden blocks oh, there is so much to consider, the sum of the little things can add up ... :) viel Spaß! Cheers Mike

[@twilwel]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I have been playing Sherlock Holmes and learned a lot along the way, but to stay on point: the Ares2 is NOT the culprit and neither is any of my amplifiers. It's the vintage IMF TLS80 speakers that I recently acquired. It probably needs it's crossovers examined or perhaps one of the drivers is damaged. I have done several frequency sweeps with two sets of speakers and it turned out that the IMF's were kind of rattling at two very specific frequencies, while the younger set of speakers sounded fine across the whole spectrum of the same frequency sweep. Overtonesinging revolves very much around certain fixed, prolongued frequencies and that is probably the reason I heard the flaw specifically with that kind of music. onlinetonegenerator.com/frequency-sweep-generator.html

[@twilwel]

So now I tried (again with a frequency sweep) to find out which speaker driver might be defect and it turns out that they are ok? It's the vintage Sansui receiver standing on top of the speaker! It's not connected to anything, just sitting on top. The housing of the receiver resonates around 135Hz! So every time the music passes this frequency I hear a rasping sound. Took the receiver off, should be ok now. :-)

[@nate_8403]

Very nice tip. Putting some emi tape around that transformer helps also

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, maybe, but there are more tweaks, they bring the Ares II to olymp...maybe my next video...cheers Mike

[@xyz7960]

Hey ! Mike , you are a very generous guy ! I will do the tricks today with my Dac ! 🙏🙏🙏🙏 Thank you soooooooo much ! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@psi3845]

Mike you are the best!!! ;-) reduction of the stress of the wire and pcb

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Yeah, thats it, and less stress to the listener too :) Cheers Mike

[@gino3286]

hi very excellent video If i understand well it could be a vibration issue ? if so i think that the main vibrations generator is the mains transformer its vibes are transmitted to the chassis that can even amplify them i did some experiments with an old preamp Removing the mains transformer from the chassis was quite beneficial The sound was more relaxed another solution could be a thick rubber pad under it maybe i was hearing things i dont know

[@headquarteraudio5388]

wrong way...for sure...cheers Mike

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

But will you not risk that connecting and disconnecting the XLR cable now put more strain on the circuit board than before?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, you shouldn't unscrew the screws, but tighten them so that the socket doesn't turn and the circuit board is thus strained .... Cheers MIke

[@shaynakash4222]

very good tip .i think all electronics should be "floating" from the main chassis.the more seperation in floating boards the better the sound . if every piece of electronics was floating on a different board you will get the best results.....

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, I don't mean to be rude, but my opinion is different. :-) All parts must be firmly connected to each other without just shaking or rattling. Everything has to have a common basic resonance, preferably everything on one board ... without any damping systems in between ... like a good instrument, and EVERYTHING has to be built in without tension. Cheers Mike

[@shaynakash4222]

@@headquarteraudio5388 all parts will have the same resonance if you put each one on the same sized boards . the connection between parts could be with flexible wire so no resonanse goes between parts but the electrical connection between them is firm because its been soldierd ....

[@headquarteraudio5388]

@@shaynakash4222 Hi, sorry, unfortunately not my opinion and my experience. Just because of manufacturing differences and different torques on screws, differently precise assembly of components will always result in a different response. You lose the center in the sound image and the spatial image becomes diffuse. Believe me, the Ares 2 and other devices also sound so good because the sockets are on the board, they have a resonance connection that is not interrupted by a cable, unfortunately the Ares 2 has two boards ... but what is it, what Is there anything better than being satisfied with your system ... cheers Mike

[@shaynakash4222]

@@headquarteraudio5388 well you right about that and if you will ever test the ecdesign dac i would be happy to hear your opinion on that . for me its the best dac i ever heard.....cheers to you to bro...

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

That's what I do when i build tube amps......I even let the cabling floating and if necessary rest the slag on a cork. I really relieves stress and makes a difference , the better the electronic the greater the difference.. By the way components and cabling vibrate with the signal passing trough........

[@vintagerider4301]

Ahh. I got an ARES II many years ago, and... I HATED it, despite all the praise in the audio community. I sold it after 6 months... I wish I saw your vid before I got rid of it.

[@User_not_found_403]

Thanks for the tips - will be sure to try and see what happens :)

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yes ggoooddd, but please tell us the results... :) cheers Mike

[@michielderomijn]

Hint: absolutely nothing. Except maybe some broken traces on your PCB.

[@seppstefano]

Great! Makes a lot of sense and will apply this weekend!!!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, nice....and??? Cheers Mike

[@TBKC2C3]

Surprising tips clearly leading to audio improvements to my hifi system (and I still do not fully understand the reasons...)The audio indeed becomes more airy and relaxed and overall more pleasant and enjoyable. Amazing...

[@ahmadieb]

lol

[@whipsaw]

Hi Mike, It appears that the Pontus should not have the same problem, given the two-floor architecture. Is that your experience? Thank you.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, it has nothing to do with whether or not I have a two floor unit. It only affects the force of the screw connection on the board and braces it. This applies to every device and must be avoided. Cheers Mike

[@whipsaw]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Thanks Mike.

[@roderickramos8446]

Hi Mike, thank you for your video. I would like to ask you what Network audio streamer/player is good (below $500) to pair with the Ares II? Looking forward to your reply. Thank you!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, I was told (I don't hear streaming in big rig) that the Blue Sound is good with the Linear power supply, or the Pink Faun I2S Bridge straight from the PC ... I have Tidal with Audirvana on the PC/Headphone ... just to to listen to the songs beforehand and then buy the CD ... Cheers Mike

[@roderickramos8446]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Hi Mike, thanks for getting back to me. I’m currently using my macbook going to my NAD C356DAC. In the next week i will get another integrated amplifier, I’m trying to avoid using PC this time. So Bluesound & Denafrips Ares II sounds a good combo. Thank you again.

[@nespressoman]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I had the Bluesound Node 2i but the digital out was not as good sounding as the Innuos Zen 3, which is admittedly 4 times the price. But the interface on the Bluesound app is fantastic. The iPeng app on the Innuos sucks.

[@steveneumann8897]

Klappt das bei jedem Dac? oder nur bei einem Dac, dieser Trick?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, das klappt bei jedem neuen Gerät, bei älteren Geräten hat sich meist schon alles gesetzt...ausprobieren...cheers Mike

[@steveneumann8897]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Hallo,hab das bei meinem Topping Dac ausprobiert,aber sorry ich bemerke da keinen Unterschied.Uebrigens verkaufs du noch deine Kabeln?

[@gw61]

Yes! More tips please👏

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi...today :) did you try it? :) Results? Cheers Mike

[@robmanueb.]

I tightened these screws which made a huge change to the sound which I couldn't measure.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi nice, measurement is not all... cheers Mike

[@robmanueb.]

LOL

[@erichudson3307]

Can i pay you to tune my ares ii?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, sure, please write me an email cheers Mike

[@rotorfix]

Glad I bought a new example after seeing this vid. Probably a lot of Denafrips models now circulating the pre-owned market that no longer measure within the engineer’s intended tolerances and have channel imbalances or other issues. Stresses on the PCB do in fact affect R2R performance but if you alter them, the DAC should subsequently undergo a bench-test to insure the performance has been improved rather than compromised.

[@rainman3269]

Cheers Mike ... Are you only doing this tweek if you're using the XLR outputs only ? ... Thanks in advance

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi RM, on a small case, this applies to all XLR sockets and other plugs that are mounted directly on the circuit board and which are scewed to the backpanel. Simply loosen the screws a little, you may hear a faint cracking sound. Especially with new devices, with older devices the circuit board has usually already settled, the effect will be smaller.Try it ! :) Greetings Mike

[@rohannarangoda1305]

🤣🤣😂😂feel sympathy for you and who ever said this improve sound quality.😁 Have you ever known anything about psychoacoustic effects? When you expect to something changed feel good chemicals in brain 🧠 give you different emotion.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, i trust my ears. And many others too. You trust in psychoacoustics...trust your ears too. My chemics in brain is only beer :) cheers Mike

[@frakaxo]

A liitle tuning is, using the Dynamat Extreme over quartz oscillator and chipset of Dac as micro vibrations damper. There' s a little improvement to listening.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, not my way, it sound clearer, with more details, but you lost musicality and tones...my experience...remove it, and you will see.. :) cheers Mike

[@EePingLiang]

Denafrips recommend only connect either XLR or RCA input at the same time to improve sound quality, even if both are connected but 1 is off. How true is this?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, thats right and true ( read review at 6moons and others ) XLR alone is best! cheers Mike

[@peterlarkin762]

Both are always on and directly output from the ladder.. no output stage, if both are plugged in it is too much load on the output.

[@rotorfix]

That’s because an RCA cable that’s unconnected from a downstream component becomes an antenna for RFI. Has nothing to do with stress on the PCB.

[@veniceog]

My Ares does not put out a signal when both XLR and RCA are connected. I tried to do A/B testing on the same preamp, and I didnt get a signal until I unplugged one from the back of the preamp.

[@tpn8402]

Some people feel the XLR output on the Ares II is superior sounding to the RCA and will even recommend getting a XLR to RCA transformer if connecting to an amp or preamp with only RCA inputs. Do you hear any significant difference between the XLR vs RCA outputs? Thanks Mike!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, i think also xlr ist better but not with transformer. Better use a very good rca cable ...cheers Mike

[@ekjellgren]

Will this apply to the headphone amp as well?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, there can be an advantage that applies to all devices. But if the device is already years old, then it has settled down, which then requires a sure instinct, I would not recommend it without experience. Cheers Mike

[@veniceog]

OMFG, I was very skeptical, but yeah, there is a slight change. Appreciable. I did quarter turn out, observed slight movement in the female XLR connector with finger pressure is all I did. I might try it on a few devices, but probably not on 100+ pound amplifiers :)

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, nice :) cheers Mike

[@larsv6144]

Interesting videos. Do you have the opportunity to test and tune the Musician Pegasus R2R dac? I will be testing it next week and then decide to keep it (replace my Topping D70s). If I do keep it, I will try some of your mods/tunes.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, no, sorry, please give me feedback per mail... cheers Mike

[@larsv6144]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I received the Pegasus today. It is playing non stop now. Out of the box it is already impressing me. Note that I don't like super analytical presentation. Will be testing with the NAD C298, Musical Fidelity M6 500i, Audio GD Master 1 tube preamp and Wharfedale Elysian 2. Of course will be interchanging equipment. Current dac is Topping D70s. Will keep you posted.

[@cornstalk9367]

I gave this a try. The Ares II sounds more musical, less constrained, more flowing, with more sense of the recording space. Listening with OS/sharp filter and NOS. Mischa Maisky Bach Solo Cello Concertos on Qobuz.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Yeah, very nice that you did it and got the same result ... that's the way it should be ... best regards and have fun with the better sound Cheers Mike

[@syang702]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I'm getting tighter bass by applying your tuning tip... It is noticeable.

[@Ford363Stroker]

Why are you not using a high precision torque screwdriver?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

why aren't violins made on a CNC? ( which doesn't mean I don't have these screwdrivers :) ) cheers Mike

[@Ford363Stroker]

​@@headquarteraudio5388 OK Stradivarius. Very high precision is required in mechanical tuning but using very precise tools is not. It must be left to the feel of the craftsman. Got it.

[@photomusicman9413]

Can this be done to the Pontus too?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yes sure, both analog out and AES/EBU in... cheers Mike

[@olegyamleq7796]

4:08 Serious question, does this gentleman say why we would want to be turning these screws?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

min 1:26 :) cheers Mike

[@olegyamleq7796]

@@headquarteraudio5388 thanks

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Thanks a gain Mike

[@headquarteraudio5388]

You are welcome, did you try it? :) Cheers Mike

[@tietjen666]

Mike- tietjen here. I missed this new vid. For some reason, my machine unsub'd your channel! Anyway. As I understand it, your new tuning mod addresses the unimpeded even vibration of the circuit board. This is akin to the top (or back) of a kontrbass vibrating when a string is excited. While the viol is resonating, if you press your palm on any part of the front surface you damp the sound, resulting in constricted, muted and attenuated tone. If this is an accurate observation, my question to you is how do you know if and how the circuit board is designed to resonate. A bass viol is designed to "ring" in a certain way. Or does your mod end uneven (inorganically shaped) stresses on the CB? Great ideas as ever Mike. My Q-STAB continues to amaze. Is it possible Q-STAB is "breaking-in?" Critical listening would support this! Lastly, what are your thoughts on "Cryo" treatments? Fine english!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, yes, it's all about removing mechanical tension from the board. The actual resonance of a board can of course not be changed with the tip, that is done by me in a large tuning :). This is where the greatest added value to be achieved lies in the sound :). When using the QStab, sometimes something else becomes apparent due to its increased musicality. For example, make sure that the sound changes at certain temperatures of the devices. So if you always switch on the system or a device freshly, it expects and the sound changes, this can last longer over a temperature range and then the sound opens completely again. the QStab shows a lot more ... Cheers Mike

[@tietjen666]

@@headquarteraudio5388 I see.Thank you, Mike. Also: I'm a source "always on" guy. I'm glad another viewer asked about cable weight. I wondered about that, too. And: Biden!

[@francograpelli3060]

A circuit board is never meant and also not designed to resonate. That is bullshitting par excellence. I wonder how grown up men can be so silly to believe all that stuff.

[@tietjen666]

@@francograpelli3060 Franco, have you actually tried Mike's idea?

[@DrummingMan1]

Amazing! I have topping D90 DAC! Are all XLR set ups require turn screwdriver to the left to loosen? I don’t want to turn to the left to tighten further! Maybe it’s to the right? Thanks!

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, as far as I know, screws are always turned to the left to loosen, and to the right to tighten. Unless it's the other way around :), but in audio technology it should be so normal :) Cheers Mike

[@shahidyt]

Hi, thank you for creating these videos in English, I know it isn’t your native language. I will try this tomorrow on my Ares 2. Do you think applying Norez dampening material would make a difference? I was listening to a podcast yesterday, Karl Heinz the speaker designer has an Ares 2 and recommends putting the dac on a isolation platform and then weight on top. Have you tried any similar techniques? Thanks for the tip

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, thanks for the comment. I'll go another way, whether you go with is your decision. Just try it out. I've been through all of this for a long time, so there is only one way for me to de-dampen and remove tension, the result is music. Whoever uses weights and dampens receives technically clean signals but small unmusical tones, who likes it? ... :) I don't! Cheers Mike

[@soopy1975]

Thanks for your video. Very interesting but frightened to try it incase I break it. I may try it though as I do find sometimes the treble is a bit splashy

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, all 4 screws of xlr a 1/4 turn to the left, what will break?? Harshness, splashy...yes...you should do it... Cheers Mike

[@DrummingMan1]

@@headquarteraudio5388 quarter turn to right or to the left? Seems to me to the right will loosen screws am I wrong? Thank you!

[@rainman3269]

Righty tighty ... lefty lossly ... 😉

[@raymondchan3587]

Just try to resolder it, you will be surprised.😚

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Pssssssst :) Cheers Mike

[@brynybach7741]

This will be very interesting, I have a Denafrips Ares ll so I will try this out and see. I also have a Denafrips Avatar coming soon and remembered you also made some mechanical changes to that to. It's a pity you're in Germany and I'm in the UK or I would bring it to you first for you to work your own magic on it.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi Brynybach, yes, please! Do the tuning and submit to us :) Have fun with the Avatar! Think of the XLR AES EBU out, it works there too :) Cheers Mike

[@tietjen666]

@@headquarteraudio5388 Digital AES/EBU input and output?

[@shahidyt]

I’d be interested in your experience of the Avatar. Did you get it through the U.K. partner or direct from the distributor?

[@brynybach7741]

@@shahidyt Hi Shahid, I ordered it direct from Vinshine. A couple of weeks after ordering it I was informed that due to an increase in demand, delivery would not be for 12 weeks. Twelve weeks has now passed and I have again been informed that despatch of the Avatar will now 'hopefully' be mid December! So four months from ordering and paying. The price has also now been increased. So I am still waiting. My UK agent is in the same boat as he said he couldn't guarantee when delivery could be. Hope this is informative enough for you. I should say my UK dealers prices are a little more expensive than buying direct but you do get peace of mind buying from someone you can easily contact and drive to should you have any problems. The other thing is I have had to pay import duty on top. Buying from a dealer will already include this cost.

[@shahidyt]

@@brynybach7741 sorry to hear that. I know that there were delays, which put me off for now. I did buy my Ares 2 from the U.K. dealer, Willow Tree Audio. I did get it at a good price as I think I was the first person to order one through them. I noticed the price on the website is a little higher than what I paid. I did receive my dac within a week. Since all supplies are from the same source, unless The dealer has any in stock already, you will need to wait. Hope it comes through soon 🤞🏽

[@brewt1mer]

I just tried this and I swear I hear an improvement....

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, sure! :) Enjoy :) Cheers Mike

[@michielderomijn]

Confirmation bias at its finest 👌

[@shaynakash4222]

please check out qls qa 890 dac i realy would love to hear what you think about that dac....

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, sorry, but i dont like chip-DAC anymore, so i will not pay for it to confirm my prejudices from experience ... cheers Mike

[@shaynakash4222]

@@headquarteraudio5388 ok bro but that specific chip dac might surprise you . and if you like r2r dac you should listen to ecdesign mosaic dac it sounds much better then denafrips pontus and beteer then the terminator so if you like r2r that is THE dac to listen to .

[@sinisalazarek4568]

LOL... "this is my DAC, very nice device, analog sounding.... " :D :D what does that even mean dude! ROFL. Oh, this is my TV, it's very HDMI looking picture...

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, please tell me the herbs you take :) cheers Mike

[@sinisalazarek4568]

@@headquarteraudio5388 and yet you still can't explain what you meant by "analog sounding" when talking about analog output. cheers..

[@Borednlonely]

Basically what Naim Audio have been doing for decades.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

There is so much more, Naim never did and know about.. cheers M

[@jeffn1384]

Very sceptical. However if it were true you'd be better off cutting the solid connectors and replacing with flexible wire.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, no, its not better, you cut the resonace connection too, stranded wire sounds horrible...cheers Mike

[@philipw7058]

Ridiculous 🥴

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Expelliarmus,Crucio,Oblivate,Riddikulus :) Cheers Mike

[@Jamy4ya]

Thanks to the placebo effect.. Too much drama in the audioworld.... unfortunately...

[@headquarteraudio5388]

no drama no progress

[@tjp444]

It's just human nature that if you expect to hear a difference, you will. Did Mike or his subscriber do a blind audio test? If not, then this can't be trusted. There'a a lot of "snake oil" in the audio industry. At least Mike isn't trying to make money over this "discovery".

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, this is a fair and honest tip for which i don't charge any money. Why, anyone can quickly find out whether it works. I don't expect anything, I just notice. With a proper listening experience, you can hear this right away, but surely you haven't even tried, many others have tried it and come to the same conclusion ... Cheers Mike

[@francograpelli3060]

Thanks for your post. I was wondering if anybody would believe this unquestioned.

[@kvrhifi]

You are introducing distortion by loose connection ( increased resistance) . We need tight and secure connection for better signal. This is not right way .

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hi, some try it, others forego the advantage ... Please explain to me at which point do I change the contact of the plug connection or even create a higher contact resistance? I don't understand how you come up with it. This is about mechanics ... Cheers Mike

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hello, no problem, but loosening 4 screws and tightening them again if you don't like it is not rocket science :) Cheers Mike

[@marcus1970]

Didn't naim also implement this technique..... They may still do so.

[@heinzbecker691]

es soll doch eigentlich nichts schwingen wegen der mikrfonie. es muss so fest wie nur irgend möglich sein.

[@headquarteraudio5388]

Hallo, fest ja, aber nicht verspannt oder angeknallt. Das ist ein gewaltiger Unterschied. Auch sehr leicht hörbar. Gerade bei Problemen mit S-Lauten oder fehlenden Tiefbass oder sogar Frequenzlöchern/fehlende Sprachverständlichkeit. Auch die Reihenfolge beim anziehen der Schrauben ist wichtig...ich habe schon hunderte Geräte optimiert, und es kristallisiert sich reproduzierbar ein Effekt heraus: Musik :) Cheers Mike Hello, yes, but not tense or cramped. That's a huge difference. Also very easily audible. Especially with problems with S-sounds or missing deep bass or even frequency gaps / lack of speech intelligibility. The order in which the screws are tightened is also important ... I have already optimized hundreds of devices, and an effect is reproducible: Music :) Cheers Mike

[@kopczas]

Good comedy material :D :D biggest BS I`ve ever heard :D :D :D yeah cause none of manufacturer know how assemble they products...what advice will you give to some who would break traces on PCB because xlr socker hasn`t been steady on chassis? how many circles do you think tiny trace can handle of put on and off plug into sockets?

[@headquarteraudio5388]

please watch the video again, maybe you understand it better 😉