The Denafrips Ares II is the DAC you are looking for

This video is brought to you by Roon: land.roonlabs.com/introducing...
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: John Darko | Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
PATREON: / johndarko
for associated music playlists + exclusive video content
The OTHER TWO episodes in this series:
iFi ZEN DAC:
darko.audio/2021/05/a-short-f...
Cambridge DACMagic 200M:
darko.audio/2021/05/a-short-f...
0:00 Intro
2:39 Setup and hardware rigging
4:53 A look inside
6:55 Let's get techy speccy
7:55 Core competencies n' comparisons
10:29 More comparisons
13:36 Let's twist (again)
15:11 And yet more comparisons
Denafrips Ares II:
www.denafrips.com/ares
...but there is a GOTCHA!
darko.audio/2021/06/one-more-...
Also featured in this video…
Raspberry Pi 4 w/ heatsink case:
darko.audio/2020/10/vitos-put...
Schiit Jotunheim 2:
darko.audio/2020/12/modules-n...
Meze Empyrean:
darko.audio/2019/02/a-short-f...
Chord Mojo:
darko.audio/2016/02/chord-ele...
GATO AMP-150:
darko.audio/2021/04/a-long-fi...
Wilson Audio TuneTot:
darko.audio/2021/02/a-short-f...
Hegel H390:
darko.audio/2019/10/a-short-f...
KEF LS50 Meta:
darko.audio/2020/09/kef-readi...
AudioQuest Jitterbug:
www.whathifi.com/audioquest/j...
#denafrips #dac #audiophile
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[@dank.6942]

Ares 2 owner, and I couldn't be happier. The camera analogy is good, but it is more about how film does WAY better with the subtleties, the gradations at the borders between light and dark. This DAC is just incredible with texture and timbre. A violin has a sound we all recognize, Ares 2 has such great texture and subtlety that you hear much more of the bow on the violin string in addition to the tone. The breath (air) in the saxophone, and the reed, not just the note...you get the idea.

[@JTB--]

I didn't buy the Ares II ... but I did buy some light bulbs after watching this video

[@ricicle5]

Your fluorescent lighting analogy is a great way to explain it!

[@DarkoAudio]

Glad you think so!

[@mtiken]

Indeed in the lighting world also it is the same. Cool means blueish and warm means redish light, white is middle of this. Even the display monitor also. Good analogy indeed.

[@thomaswachter7782]

Thank you for allowing comments. You will never see me leaving anything but positive on any page. Great job as usual. You do amazing work.

[@carloslopez6382]

Thanks for this review. I purchased it because of this, I really heard the difference in my system. After reading and seeing many reviews on others I came to the right conclusion.

[@michaelmartin3026]

I’ve lived with the ares for a year now and I agree completely with your evaluation. I’ll sacrifice a smidge of stage depth for the smooth lower treble you describe. Listener fatigue is never an issue with the ares which is a huge plus. Spot on review as usual!

[@williekenk]

I love the discussion about the power supply. I think that's so often overlooked, but it's such a key part of components. It was also interesting to see how close these two units are in size. I also love that you didn't harp on the MQA vs no MQA, just focused on the sound. Great work as usual.

[@nwr99nwr99]

As an Ares II owner and lover I agree with everything Mr Darko says here. Its a great sounding DAC.

[@josephramos7979]

Love the breakdown of the unit and the explanation of how it all works. Great for newbie wonks like me just dipping our toe into the audiophile pool. Thanks!

[@spda242]

Takeaway from the video: Darko has replaced the doorstop with a marble? Piece 😱

[@ryanmclellanjr6104]

What exactly are those things he always has called, and where can I find them?

[@flynnbach8073]

@@ryanmclellanjr6104 he usually uses doorstops from ikea. It's just to stop light components being pulled off of the table by heavy cables

[@bjornliden1]

I have the bigger brother Denafrips Pontus II, it is absolutely amazing!

[@sabrowenie]

A couple years back he said he sourced the doorstops from Amazon.

[@eazydraw4681]

Thanks for this review ..it is really good to see and hear you enthusing again

[@TorToroPorco]

Darko with his best metaphor ever, the notion that a particular sound signature is like having a neon sign outside your 3rd floor apartment window. It’s nicely noirish. The Ares definitely satisfies a particular itch, it has a quality that you appreciate more and more over time. Thanks also for the comparison to the Mojo.

[@michaelwright1602]

I'm running the Ares II with the Bluesound Node 3, with the Denafrips Iris DDC... Also running the Denafrips Hades pre and Thallo amp, with KLH Model 5 speakers. The more I listen to this system, the more I am amazed at the sound quality. Everything that has been said about all of these products is true. I love the old school sound of this system, it has taken me back to the days of my youth, the 1960's and 70's, when music for some reason always sounded better. this system has transported me back in time.

[@josenebrus8183]

Awesome 😀 John, I sincerely hope you keep doing what you do so well; educate and inform us the way you've been doing it right from the start 👌 You have a wonderful natural talent that is unique 😉 don't ever change your way of feeding us with Audio knowledge in detail without making it (to) complicated 👍 Again, keep up the great work and thank you so much for your contribution to (High-End) Audio in particular 🤗 Sincerely, José The Netherlands

[@davidrusso4750]

Your reviews are TRULY SUPERB. Thanks Mr. Darko.

[@radicalaudiodesign]

I used it myself for 6 months now and couldn’t agree more. It touches my soul and moves my heart, that’s how i describe it. Thx for your videos. Super uber good.

[@rvenden]

Excellent piece, John. Thank you. I totally agree with your analysis. After going through multiple sun-$800 DACs, I bought an Ares II and loved. Balanced, natural-sounding and harmonically-rich. A terrific piece.

[@caseycjc1890]

I'm so glad you decided to open up the comments.

[@johnlg2209]

Thank you for the review John. Really helpful and informative.

[@benpit2762]

Thanks for another great video John! Olaf’s video skills is just getting better and better! I definitely agree with your assessment, I’ve in fact purchased the Ares II for my headphone listening sessions and the bigger brother Pontus II for my other audio setup.

[@concretec0w]

Love your use of adjectives bud! They really resonate with me, like where you mention fluorescent vs incandescent lighting. Subbed!

[@joenogueira2801]

Your review is spot on, congratulations! Now you've opened the Denafrips can of worms so, next model up is a must and then the next.....

[@Camride]

As an Ares 2 owner I agree with pretty much everything. I absolutely love this dac.

[@SP-wj8wh]

@Nuclear Redfield R2R DAC SINAD will definitely be lower than the competition who doesnt use R2R. But SINAD is not everything. What's most important is music should sound like music, and not like electronics

[@eddiegil6804]

Have the Ares 2 now for a few weeks and tweaked with the latest firmware. Holy moly!!!! Totally worth the money, the listening experience is just soo good!!

[@shadowboxer47]

Bought my Ares II when it first came out and it's been wonderful. definitely recommend

[@marcgabor9690]

Ares II was as good a hi-fi purchase I've made. Since having it in my system I've all but stopped looking at hi-fi reviews (not just dacs). I stopped my Schiit EQ. The low end is fantastic, the mids and highs sound very natural to me. For me, when something is working well, you stop thinking about it and that's exactly what this did. I have done direct comparisons to current release vinyl (ostensibly very similar if not the same mastering as digital) by switching inputs and the sound is very very close. I thought it was a bit of a stretch to spend that much on a DAC but now I don't ever think about how much it cost just that I'm glad it's in my system.

[@jessielees]

you still using the ares 2? I have an rme adi dac 2 and as great as it is, I find myself wanting something more "analogue sounding" , I keep wondering if the Ares 2 would fit that bill for me or not...

[@MB-uw6eh]

Fantastic!

[@Pawman1]

I just ordered one of these 3 days ago, it looks like I got in just before the inevitable Darko backlog!

[@wingtang2380]

Have the Ares 2 now for a year and the listening experience is just soo good!! and wonderful

[@2501mandala]

One of your best videos, John. Especially like the fluorescent/incandescent bulb analogy. Spot on. Keep up the good work, sir!

[@VaxtorVax]

A very interesting comparison, quite keen to get a listen!

[@shuckylad]

You negotiated that very well. Good video again, thank you.

[@jackchrisomalis5850]

I own both the RME and the Ares 2, both well-reviewed by John. To my 73 y.o. ears, the RME sounds clearer. As far as the treble-rolloff and non-fatiguing sound connection, I have found this can easily be achieved using the RME's filters, equalizers or tone controls. So, RME gives me a clearer and just as smooth sound as the Ares 2. I love the Ares 2 but I find its sound somewhat veiled compared to the RME. Must be my old ears. I agree with John that for Ares the Slow filter is best. For my RME, I use the SD Slow filter The major drawback of the RME is its major benefit: the complexity of its menus and many options. Many will be overwhelmed by its complexity and not get beyond its factory default settings and thus will never experience the ability too modify its sound..Usage over time remedies this. In general, I think that good equalizers or tone controls would save audiophiles a lot of money wasted on equipment purchased to achieve a"tube effect", eliminate "brightness", avoid "fatiguing sound", achieve a "meatier" sound, etc. But this is another discussion.

[@mikeweatherford5312]

Agree 100%, tone controls are a must. I also own the RME, but have used Schiit Loki as well, not as flexible as RME, but still a nice add at low price to traditional dac.

[@Robinson8491]

This is what I wanted to hear as the choice is between RME or Denafrips for me, my ears are getting older as well (I'm 37)

[@citytianyu]

I figured some 73 years wisdom from these words. Thanks!

[@JoVD]

The doorstop went from METAL to STONE , I like the visual details and camera work , keep going Darko !

[@spencerdavis1853]

John, I'd love to see a video where you play examples of tracks featuring exaggerated examples of your musical vocabulary like "crisp crunch," "easeful," "flow," "flesh on the bones," etc. I appreciate what you're trying to do by both avoiding vague terms like "musical" and sticking to subjective terms that communicate how the music feels to hear but as a younger guy, hearing your verbal palette sometimes reminds me of a curator's blurb in an art museum: jargon that requires me to have marinated in the discourse for years longer than I have in order to understand its shared meaning. I know KZbin's compression might complicate this but I think you could equip a new generation of audiophiles with a shared subjective vocabulary.

[@paramidge8935]

'Musical' is indeed a vague term in language. Generally it is used to express pace, rhythm and timing and a lack of harsh, over forward presentation. All language is in constant flux - you do not receive exactly what the other is trying to say. This is always compounded and exacerbated by attempting to describe the sound of something. However - everyone who has a brain that functions well in communicating efficiently between the lymbic system and the frontal lobal system (in the broadest terms) knows when something sounds right. An acoustic instrument played reasonably well in a given space, sounds immediately right - any further analysis becomes one of nuanced aesthetics - which have most to do with the touch, emotional intelligence, technique and good taste of both player and listener - music happens as a combination of player and listener - there are degrees of sophistication here that are not to do with mathematics or even acoustic analysis. If it's music you know it. 'Rhythmic flow' and 'natural', 'timbre' always pique my interest, as very few digital devices can pretend to deliver on this basis. 'Forgiving' is also essential, as music recording did not begin with 0's and 1's. So - I would like to audition this Denafrips Dac. Thanks for the worthwhile review.

[@xianfr]

I like the way all videos are built. I also like when some products appear time to time in different videos, meaning you cannot be disappointed at all by them. With your advice I’ve purchased Campfire Polaris 2 👌 Today I’ve ordered the Mojo. I’m sure I will enjoy an entry level audio with my Qobuz, Audirvana and Elegia. Thanks for all your reviews 👍

[@psi3845]

I completely agree with you John !!! Denafrips dac are amazing, rich and natural sound!!! I'm in love with NOS mode, analog analog analog sound , no one will believe that is a CD!!! ALWAYS great review!!!

[@fiogray]

Which one do you have? Ares II?

[@booradley3146]

I bought this DAC in Jan and fell in love with it after the first 1 hour. I then went onto a forum later (after doing AB testing with my old DAC) and tried to recount the difference I felt/experienced and they crucified me for it! Telling me that DACs make no difference and it's just 1 and 0 conversion etc. Ha! I love it and I think it really makes the difference. I use this rigged into my system about 8 hours a day whilst editing/photo shooting and I am never tired of it. It's connected to a Yamaha AS-2100 and a pair of ProAc speakers. Just lovely. At first I was a bit dubious of spending so much money on a website/company so far away, but it arrived in 3 days (not 10) and was amazed at the build quality. Well worth it!

[@robbiefest]

I currently own a Bryston BDA1 Dac. I love the sound but I'm curious about the Denafrips so I'm picking one up tomorrow. I tried a topping DAC in my system and absolutely loathed it. If anyone says DACs make no difference, that would be similar to a person who has no taste buds saying all food tastes the same. That might be the truth for them, but it's NOT the truth for everyone. I pity the person who can't tell the difference between music and bland sound. Music needs musical components in all it's chain of reproduction and if you have a harsh DAC that just crunches numbers and is thin, harsh, etc, in it's presentation, then how can all DACS be the same? ETC ETC.. and so goes the old conversation.. ie.. cables make no difference.. etc... maybe for those people NOTHING makes a difference and they're just absolutely tone deaf.

[@alanhargreaves5999]

Thanks John great as always 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tedjensen8841]

Another extraordinary video. Thank you so much.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

I have this Dac and it is truly remarkable. I'm a firm believer of dacs making a difference if everything in the chain is strong. Do not your waste time if your amp and speakers aren't up to snuff.

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the review. Ordering a Denafrips Ares II.

[@dominikrodler8010]

Ha! Thanks for reminding me about We Have Explosive! Seeing it in your video reminded me of how much I loved the record. Dug it up again and am banging it right now 🤩

[@tusharshukla1990]

Finally :) Who else thought John forget about the third dac, because he was busy enjoying the Sub? ;)

[@clivewilliams9460]

You are very precise with explaining and breaking things down. I will check out the Ares 2. My plan is to combine it with the iFi Zen Stream. Cheers.

[@mwgoldfix]

I have this - bought it direct from the distributor in Singapore - its a fabulous DAC and even more so for the outlay -- I was hesitant to buy a Chinese manufactured unit but within the first couple of listens all was forgotten -- there are some other great reviews of this on YT but glad you got around to reviewing this John

[@arthurdemeyer]

I don't care for the DAC. I'm here for the marble thingy.

[@HaraHetta]

Yeah what is that

[@kl9941]

Have this DAC for a year and a half and just ordered the Pontus II, the next step up. Great sound!

[@bdmcn]

likewise. taking delivery of my new Pontus tmw. Big hopes.

[@d00mch1ld]

Wow, looks like a worthy upgrade.

[@kennethdias9988]

My Apple TV streams my Apple Music to my Yamaha Aventage reciever and the spatial produced music is amazing your whole listen room becomes a sweet spot

[@thebostonaudiophile]

Good review! You characterized the Ares II well. I'd say that you and I heard very similar things both with the DAC overall and the OS/NOS and filter settings.

[@henrygraf7860]

Thanks for remaining me how my 1978 record collection sounded.

[@MrMcAvennie]

Having been through various DACs i lived with an Ares II for about six months before switching to a Topping D90. Not night and day by any stretch but the Topping easily wins for me. HF on the D90 just has that little bit more finesse in my rig, and the low end is far more impactful without sacrificing LF detail. Both very good dacs for the money regardless. Could happy live with either.

[@Kruptosman]

I find this all very educative and interesting, I am in the market for a my first dac to hook up to a bluesound node 2 and then to my Arcam 550 Avr to give it streaming capabilities, I can’t quite afford the Ares or Rme but have a great offer for an Arcam irdac 2 in perfect condition under £200 and wondering if it’s a great dac or better to save a bit more and go for the Mojo ?

[@robh9079]

Exactly my experience with Ares. Kind of does the Analogue thing without sounding as though it's been manipulated into that mould - effortless. OK, OK - the lighting analogy nails it!

[@markscott7583]

Great DAC series - I waited till the end, just placed my order for the Ares II. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to soften /take a bit of the edge off treble for extended listening. Look forward to receiving it.

[@markscott7583]

Ordered mine Tuesday June 15th. I received a shipped by FedEx email last night with eta of delivery Monday June 21st. That’s pretty damn fast. (Montréal, Canada)

[@peterschattmann8298]

Your reviews are great but I get a kick out of seeing some of my favorite music featured in your quick cut aways. Today's is like an all-star playlist of mine.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Share that list please?😎

[@madridpunch]

As with most Darko videos the highest value for me was the some of the music mentioned. This time its Joanna Newsom. Since I've started watching John I've got a pair of KEF Metas and about 60 new CDs. Thanks

[@larryh9525]

I read the gotcha, from the one more thought article on the website, and the gotchas with all these different products are amazing. I think you were correct when you started down the path of using USB Audio Player Pro on an Android phone. While this combination along with an associated DAC might not be the final word in audio purity, it works flawlessly! When I'm not listening to Qobuz, I'm able to have Android via the Roku app's private listening function send perfectly lip-synced audio via the DAC to my KEF-powered speakers. Additionally, the Samsung phone I'm using as a source is equipped with Dolby Atmos, which has a video mode that is ideal for TV. Since I've retasked my retired phone for audio duty, I've never listened to more music.

[@andreacountry8471]

Is my actual DAC,on my ears it sound very natural,never fatigue or with the classic "digital harshness"...

[@nasty__nate_]

Cup of coffee ready, tube amp warming up beside me, and loving every analogy used in this video. If only the Bifrost 2 was included in the series...

[@NeilBlanchard]

I concur with almost everything you say about this DAC. I was using the Bifrost 2, and it is very good. It may even sound a touch better on some lower resolution (digitally lower rez), but in most cases, the Ares II has more life, and has a lower noise floor - the softer parts (lower volume) parts of recordings is resolved better, and has more dynamics and life. I differ only on my preference for the OS/Sharp filter - the Slow filter pushes the sibilance and string/pick area a bit forward too much, on my system. The OS/Sharp has more spacious soundstage, and oddly enough, the soundstage seem *continuous*; as in all the instruments are in the same overall space. The Bifrost 2 could have each instrument in its own space, and they sometimes seem unconnected to each other; if that makes any sense.

[@RobertBorley]

I have this DAC and I absolutely love it. It’s made a gigantic difference to my system and I prefer it to the internal DAC of either my Bluesound Node 2i or my Innuos Zen Mini mk3. Highly recommended.

[@rog86]

Ate you still using the bluesound as its transport?

[@dr.struve851]

Hi Robert, thanks for sharing that. I also have the Node 2i. I used to have an older Cambridge DAC Magic and found the 2i be a big leap forward, much less harsch sounding than the Cambridge and also a much more “analog” sound profile, not unlike the description of the Denafrips. That of course makes me curious as to how you percieve the differences between the 2i and the Denafrips? Upgrade is always a possibility 😀

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@rog86 I am! Much clearer than the internal DAC. Bluesound Node2i and Vault2 work very well streaming Qobuz HR and storing 13,000 tracks so far;-)

[@hansbogaert4582]

I own this DAC and love how it's sound. You mentioned the reduced soundstage compared to the DAC Magic. What I learned is that R2-R DACs are more sensitive to phase than a DAC chip DAC because a R2R DAC lacks the phase compensation mechanism that's default embedded in a DAC chips. Connecting my ares 2 to a raspberry pi 4 I heard sound difference depending on which USB port I used to interconnect. With a ISO regen from audio tone in-between the pi and the ares DAC the differences between the pi's usb outputs are gone and....I've got a much wider soundstage. Not exactly understand what this ISO regen device does technically but ...I'm happy with it

[@chrish.4067]

Timely video. I just got an Ares II

[@BeyondResolution]

Denafrips makes alot of things people need to be looking for.. the Hestia and Hyperion stack is insane for the money..

[@drde4010]

Darko, thank you for a nice review. I like your channel. :)

[@HoundStuff]

Nice video, thanks!

[@americana1544]

Excellent !! Thank you for this fine presentation and your insightful details !! Short story - I've been streaming audio to my high-end system using the analog outputs from the built-in DAC on my PC CPU !! It produced wonderful, detailed, rich, layered clean sound with amazing tonality, and I've been surprised about that !! That computer crashed (but I will fix it very, very soon), so no problem I switched in another PC that I had, and put it in place of the crashed PC - but this replacement PC produced awful, awful punchy, bass dynamic poor detail no-air sound out the analog port.. So anyway, now I'm on a DAC quest. Your help here is very much appreciated !!

[@MaakBow]

Aaah. "The Killing Moon" one if my all time favourite tracks from my youth. The bunnymen are Still a good band.

[@thirdkey9]

Listening to stuff like Nebulosity by Moeller or Fontaines DC’s televised mind via this DAC was a whole new shift for me. I saw your review on the initial broadcast and it later led me to the recent tipping point to try it out. Having gone from audio tech minimalism and mostly headphone listening to a return to digging on vinyl again, an R2R seemed the best DAC path forward and when building a new system. Incandescent indeed, my initial experience mirrored your discerning assessment and now, jumping from my turn-table to this phenom component keeps the whole vibe in the same house. Thank you!

[@kjbiz]

I have been running this Ares 2 from my Mac mini and Oppo BDP-103 (both not the end game) into Audiolab 8300A and out through KEF LS50’s and this Dad likes it and more importantly my ears like it. Not too shiny shiny..but allows me to sit in the chair and listen. Cheers for the show!

[@FromBajor]

Yes was waiting for this one, need Darko's approval before I buy ;-)

[@smellyoldsock1553]

Had it since March 2021. Paired with RPi4 or Bluesound Node 2i, Topping A90, Feliks Audio Euforia and Sennheiser HD800S. To my ears it's a superb DAC and I see no need to spend anymore on a DAC.

[@andygrundman]

As a Slim Devices alum, it was great to see a Transporter shoutout. Hope it's still working well. :)

[@paulhargreaves1497]

I'm miles away from buying a DAC (or upgrading my HiFi), but I just want to say I love your videos! Very good technically, but it's the little things...like close ups of pushing in connectors! Plus, you're a great host, John.

[@FliskerX]

15:09 "Absolutely Fantastic" That's how I feel also about this DAC, especially at the price point. Would love to also see review on Pontus 2 :)

[@psi3845]

The Pontus is extraordinary!!! Probably the best price/value of all the denafrips lineup!!! Amazing dac, the same sound of the ares II , but everything on to another level, more detail, quieter background , deeper soundstage!!!

[@michaeldasilva8834]

I have the Denafrips Pontus and is a fantastic pairing to my Roon nucleus and Yamaha a/s 2100.

[@timdelongchamp1597]

So a noob here.....I subbed a year or so ago....been watching your videos....been a closet "audiophile" for a while now (although I use that term loosely....) .....always had a hard time relating sound heard through the internet over someone else's video and what the music actually sounds like in person....we all know it's IMPOSSIBLE to watch some dudes video and really feel how the music sounds......with that said.....you're explanation with the lights.......DUDE....seriously....this should be the gold standard for how sounds are expressed over the internet. Thank you for putting it that way because it makes total sense (as an office worker....glare.....or should I say "air bite")......LOL......I hope to see this type of comparison in future videos....I know I'm almost a year late, but I hope you see this. Thank you :)........oh we're not done....after watching this video a few times....I have figured out how I prefer my wife and what "mode" I prefer her in....She's a Dac Magic by default but I'm having a hard time toning her down to a more manageable "Aries 2"....time will tell :D #wavelength

[@edcataldo7019]

The never ending battle between ease and detail. The detail from my DAC Magic 200, SMSL DA9, & Klipsch KG5.5’s in my 16’x21’ bedroom walks that crispy crunchy line. The Aries 2 probably begs for some Wharfedales

[@Sparta155]

The Ares sounds as it does (i.e. has a natural ease) because of the type of DAC processing it uses i.e. R-2R. I have a similar DIY R-2R DAC and it is just the same.

[@nivsole0717]

What is your diy dac? Is it a kit? Very interested in diy. Just finished 2 amp camp amps.....trying to self teach/learn. Very comforting soldering and building components.

[@richardadamson1427]

Agree. I have r2r and noticed the same differences when compared to price equivalent OS DACs.

[@davidhalliday7776]

Great analogy. Linn DS is the fluorescent my good old Linn Numerk is the incandescent.

[@S.A.S.H.]

Have you, yet had a chance to listen to the Ares 12th Anniversary DAC?

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Echo & The Bunnymen! Gang Of Four!! I'm having flashbacks.............thanks John! The Denafrips is slowly easing into my radar..................

[@paulcomeau6]

Pontus is really good too, worth considering as an upgrade. Could be better power supply or higher tolerance resistors but soundstage is amazing.

[@retro_boy_advance]

That flourescent light metaphor really is a great one. I'll steal that for myself thanks. (Need it to justify buying a R2R dac...)

[@ShareHobby]

Been researching DACs, and coming from high-end vintage gear, hearing mid high-end R2R ladder DACs seem to exhibit the characteristics you described. On my wishlist! Like the new vibration damping too.😁

[@chriscalley1548]

Just received the Ares ii DAC the other day, I was looking to upgrade the Pro-ject "Prebox S2 digital" DAC I have been using for several years. The S2 is a nice DAC and I wasn't sure what the Ares ii would bring to the table. I have to say that the Ares ii compared to the S2 is night and day. Bass - a huge and unexpected improvement. A genuinely organic/natural sound (to my ears), that comes closer to analog than anything I've heard before. I can hear the breath of the vocals, and the sound of saxophone keys being pressed. The sound is, for lack of a better term, "spacious". I expect even more improvement as the DAC is broken in. Thanks for the review John.

[@bitx5]

I am looking to upgrade my pre box s2 as well, thank you for posting your impressions I guess I am more confident to upgrade to the ares 2 now!

[@Roof_Pizza]

I think you just convinced me that I'd have to spend huge bucks to get a significant upgrade over the DAC in my TOTL Yamaha. 8:22. Thanks for that.

[@paulf.5261]

I was just having a glass of wine and thinking to myself this red has a bit of a hint of crisp crunch about it....with a lingering taste of tangential equanimity after 7ish 🍷😉 So I’m guessing it tastes just like a Denafrips 😂😬 Cheers 😉🖖

[@pascaljean2333]

You said it. I could listen to my ares all day, but my delta sigma only a few hours.

[@garyalexander5686]

An excellent review. Balanced, thoughtful and helpful. I've a Pontus II heading my way in a couple of weeks. It'll be interesting to see how it compares to my current DAC, the Border Patrol DAC SEi. I've had that one for several years. I'll keep one and sell the other.

[@fiogray]

Any update on this? Which one do you like best, Pontus or Border Patrol?

[@garyalexander5686]

@@fiogray I used the Pontus II for about a month. Tried all different configurations. It betters the Border Patrol in bass definition, detail and clarity. But I prefer the Border Patrol. I found that music heard with the Pontus II was just not as natural and immersive as with the Border Patrol. The Pontus II is an excellent DAC but for me the Border Patrol is the keeper. Sold the Pontus.

[@donbowman707]

I have always utilized delta-sigma DACs and have never considered an R2R type implementation. I'm kind of a measurement guy when it comes to buying DACs but your statement about "hyper-realistic" when referring to ESS or AKM started me down a different road when choosing a new DAC. The Ares just seems more natural musically (compared to my M400) when listening to music of all types--streaming or otherwise. This "lower end" DAC has really surprised me in so many little ways when listening to music. Thank you for your work.

[@robertreynolds2212]

This is the purchase validation I needed.

[@robertreynolds2212]

Update: Already upgraded to a Pontus II. The rabbit hole looks deep.

[@kinggodzilla7647]

For me, an R2R DAC simply sounds more 3-dimensional than a Delta-Sigma DAC.

[@keesue]

Your reviews are consistently sane and meaningful. The comparison to vinyl playback made the sound of this DAC perfectly understandable. Not very easy to do.

[@carsdankandchicks]

I have a Pontus II and I agree with basically everything you said haha. OS mode, slow filter, it sounds much better to my ears than any other DAC I've heard. In particular I A/B'd it with the topping D90, the Pontus II is so much nicer to listen to by comparison and the difference is pretty obvious on almost every track I tried.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Great review 👌 Good music too! Got my Ares2 on 5/26/21 based on iiwi and all the other glowing reviews. Love the tonality and 3d density it conjures up thru my LS50s and LRS. Denafrips shipping is lightning fast (3 days to Montana US!) and Alvin of Vinshine very responsive to messages on WhatsApp ;-)

[@jackvanderwerf1294]

I saw a review, more than a year ago, raving about the Aries, performing at 2-3 times it's price point. I just got done watching a review that spoke to the Aries II brightness on the upper end, compared to a $4000 dac, run through $19000 speakers. Overall, that review was probably through a $40,000 system. You on the otherhand, start off with the premiss of how does it measure up, at a $700-750 and under entry level price point for a dac (yet you said, some may prefer an entry level $2000 and under while others say $500 and under). On average, people with equipment, have maybe a $1000 (on the highend) and under in whatever system they have, and they just want to know, how can I get my - XY&Z - to sound better. I think you did that, keeping with an apples to apples comparrison, as well as the qualities those components bring. Both the photography and lighting analogies were excellent. The sequencing and pace of your vids are spot on. J

[@kennigt]

Surprising you still have Meta there than ;) Nice one, thanks!

[@tdhstrategycreation4744]

I own the Ares II for a couple of months now. The Mojo I've owned and listened for years. Now I use them both. John Darko's take on the sound is spot on. In my setup, the Ares is used with a Bluesound Node for a streamer, an Accuphase e303 amp and a pair of JM Reynaud Duet's. Works great. By the way: service from Denafrips / Vinshine audio is excellent. Buy with confidence.

[@18yearsoldnot]

What amp do you use with the mojo for headphones? I found the mojo to be a bit flavourless and neutered (only from the headphone out) so then I got the ares 2 and thought I was done. But then… I plugged my mojo into my arcam rhead and was completely blown away by the dynamics and smoothness of that combo albeit a bit less airy than the ares 2, however, for pure dynamics the mojo + smooth sounding headphone amp is killer.

[@toddhupp]

John you are right about the d/s dacs in the budget range My mdac is good but can b a bit harsh very detailed.revels the differences in cd recordings well.