The Denafrips Pontus II DAC Review.

[@lesterrobinson3169]

What a lovely review. I had the Ares 2 and was blown away, so naturally I was intrigued about going further up the range. However initially I skipped the Pontus and went to the Venus 2 but the Venus in my opinion does not have that magic of the Ares. So I dropped back to the Pontus …….wow. It is every thing you say and I love your comments about the healing effect of music and the relaxation. The Pontus in my opinion is a superb buy, and it has changed my life for the better it is quite simply beautiful. Thanks for the really heart felt review 👍

[@backrack01]

Interesting the Pontus is better than the Venus for you. What were the differences?

[@ryder9739]

Buddy, can you briefly describe what is it that the Pontus 2 does better than the Venus 2. I am looking at the Pontus 2 but was thinking if I should stretch to the Venus 2 which is about the limit for me. Thanks.

[@lesterrobinson3169]

So in my opinion the Venus is a bit too bright. It has a bit better width and imaging but too bright. The Pontus still images well but not quite up to the Venus standard. But with the Pontus a can go really loud with no harshness.

[@ismailmohamad1]

@@lesterrobinson3169 What is the rest of your system? I'm planning to get Venus 2 but often heard from others that even it's better in imaging and soundstage but lack in excitement if compared to Pontus 2.

[@lesterrobinson3169]

@@ismailmohamad1 I have the Rebel amp, blue sound node 2i with upgraded power supply, and Audeze LCD X second generation. And the Pontus sounds awesome on all this😊

[@lawrencelacosse4395]

I have the Pontus ll, for about a year. Not much more to add to Steve's review. In 45 years, the best sound I've ever heard from my system. Until I used the I2s connection from my Jay's CD Transport. WOW!!! A whole new level of audio. A proper audio grade HDMI is a must.

[@Andyusa11]

Can I use this dac for gaming

[@policrates]

First time I see an audiophile to relate the electronics to a way of living and feeling. Thanks for sharing. Keep on doing it!!

[@tkonradnola4020]

I've watched a lot of your reviews. I even sold my VPI Prime Scout and purchased a Dr Feickert partially based on your review coupled with my disdain for that unipivot tonearm. This review however has gotten me off of the audio review bus for good. Not just your reviews but all reviews. It is a constant cycle of this is great. My last speakers ever, " end game," and then a little later, no this is "end game" but the game never ends.

[@chrish.4067]

It's been like that ever since audio equipment reviews began!

[@joerglemann]

You have to decide for yourself whether it is your endgame or not 😎

[@bernardstachman3507]

@@OCDHIFiGuy At least we know you would have been reviewing the terminator plus and put it against reference gear. How can we listen to reviewers that didn't listen to enough reference stuff yet? Perhaps there is an audience for these reviews for people that follow along the journey and that's good, but then don't call it a review.

[@bryanharpel2612]

You do.

[@bryanharpel2612]

Not anyone’s fault you can’t enjoy what you got

[@robertreynolds2212]

Personally own this DAC and it’s amazing. Just purchased the Venus II and putting the Pontus up for sale.

[@georgelin6472]

So is Venus ii clearly better than Pontus ii? I can’t decide if I want the Pontus 2 or go Venus 2 and called it night. Please do let me know your hearing thoughts

[@nathanbell6962]

Haha you got the Denafripsitus. Try a DDC when you have the cash

[@robertreynolds2212]

@@nathanbell6962 Fortunately I do, already looking at one. lol

[@robertwang7825]

My next upgrade is def the Pontus 2 and later adding the Iris. Using a Matrix Mini I Pro 3 atm which is no slouch but the Pontus will be another level altogether. I heard the Iris ( a D to D reclocker ) makes it even better by a notch. Heard a lot of good things about Denafrips and results of test on their gear are execelent ( Stereophile ). Not bad for a Chinese company based in Guangzhou. It actually stands for Dynamic , Exquisite , Natural , Attractive , Fidelity , Refined , Intoxicating , Pure , Sophisticated.

[@bjoernarberg]

Running Pontus ll together with Hegel H390, Lumin U1 mini and Dynaudio Contour 30, and I can confirm your thoughts on the Pontus ll. I consider this dac, in therms of preformance to be of very good value. Mine has been running for 200+ hours, and first lately I can say it fully setteled soundwice. Just love this dac.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

Hello Bjoernar I would like to ask you if you have connected the LUMIN with LEEDH activated volume control to the PONTUS II and from this to an amplifier, or to the 390 but with LEEDH activated, since I need to know if the PONTUS is compatible with LEEDH, because I have a DAC SMSL SU -9 and it shorts out when I turn on the LEEDH on the U1 Mini. I would really appreciate it if you could answer me, thank you!!!

[@bjoernarberg]

@@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 Streaming from Lumin U1 mini to H390 to Pontus ll back to H390 (dac-loop) with Leedh on, and there is no issue if Leedh is on or off.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

@@bjoernarberg Thank you very much, I really appreciate your prompt and friendly response.

[@connorduke4619]

That looks like a nice system.

[@Olaya_kawaii1922]

Big thanks ! Simple words and a lot of feeling. We need that. Great presentation.

[@leeemery7091]

Lee from Australia. I too have the Pontus DAC. the addition of the Hermes further improves the performance for a relatively small outlay. best regards

[@cantfindanamefree]

I have the pontus ii dac. I am currently using it in nos. Its a tricky one as to which mode to use. It depends on the track. Os mode with fast filter (default) is very detailed and airy with nice decay. However it can sound bright with my system on some tracks and amazing on others. In os mode with slow filter. The detail in the highs is reduced as is the air and decay. The vocal are more apparent. This mode is good if you want to set and forget. The nos mode is like the os with slow filter except the air and decay returns and mids and base sound warm, it's a lot more engaging and draws you in. Treble is not as detailed as fast os. I think it's my preferred mode but I think it's less forgiving on the recording sample/bit rate and overall mastering as it can sound grainy. Would be interested to hear other pontus owners on my thoughts or if I'm wayyyy off the mark.

[@nacarp2000]

I just set mine to OS slow as that seemed to be the general opinion, and I don't want to switch per track. I've had it a couple of weeks now, so maybe I'll try nos and see how it goes, but eventually I'll settle on just the one setting.

[@mrpmj00]

Both my Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 and Ares II12th-1 sound even better with the Denafrips Iris 12th ddc. And of course my Cardas Clear USB cable and Cardas Parsec RCA cables, and my WorldsBestCable (Mogami 2549) RCA cables. music source=Apple Music lossless.

[@rangerscoach]

Yeah I grabbed it as well. Running a bryston with some b w 704 old uk speakers . The speakers vanished and now I have a really great soundstage. It’s awesome

[@brettb5257]

This review was excellent. Thanks for being so clear and concise. More audio reviewers ought to take note of your format and how you do it. I will be purchasing a Pontus II, this sealed the deal for me. Got a new subscriber, thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Any system will benefit from a DAC. Especially the Ares. It had the biggest impact on my musical enjoyment and affected all my equipment most of which would probably be considered to be lowfi or midfi at best. Those terms are damaging, ambiguous, and unhelpful for this hobby.

[@ericharrelson32]

Cheapaudioman, I'm curious, what terms would you prefer replace entry level, mid level, top level, and uber level over the long standing used terms you object to above?

[@g.d.1722]

The problem is not language but affordability. Like everything in our era, higher product quality gradually becomes commodified but price exclusivity will always exist to separate the well-heeled status seekers from the rest.

[@Claymore64]

Yep, got to agree with your analysis of this DAC. I added a Hermes DDC and there was a huge jump in SQ. Absolute bargain.

[@fatdoi003]

gonna add the clock later?

[@Claymore64]

@@fatdoi003 Yes I think I will do.

[@michaelwright1602]

I just bought the Denafrips Ares II, I had the same OMG reaction vs the chip DACs I own. No more chips for me, I am finally enjoying music again! Thank you Denafrips!

[@xq0404]

If you like pure NOS, I recommend you try Holo Audio Spring 3, which features only the non-oversampling mode. I have been blown away by the Spring 3, which I consider to be a reference R2R milestone.

[@ChickenPopGames]

I have just purchased this DAC and looking forward to setting up, now subscribed to your channel!

[@S.L.1211]

Let us know your assessment too

[@ChickenPopGames]

Takes some time to arrive, had mine on for 5 days and it’s great so far.

[@johnleonffu9946]

Great review! Love your description to the point that I have just subscribed to your channel. Liked it and also ordered a Pontus 2. I’m in the same boat as you. I’m a photographer and love music. Thanks for the review.

[@mrtunapie6653]

What digital output did you use? Did you use i2s? How easy was it to configure the pinout is you used it? What was your source, CD transport or streaming?

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

*Any of youtube reviewers get some kickbacks for giving inspiring “reviews”? Asking because really wondering*

[@Hifilad]

Could you please specify what tubes were in the lampizator? Stock tubes or did you roll some nos tubes?

[@JingoLoBa57]

Damn, hope my next contract funds a trial of this unit!

[@UptownReef]

I would love to hear your thoughts about the Schiit Yggdrasil compared to the Pontus II. They are coming in at similar price points and so many reviewers have ranked the Yggdrasil with the likes of DACs that are 5X+ the price.

[@chrisboylan4599]

I would like a review of the Schiit Gungnir against this for at least a month of listening! This falls under the Pontus II and Yggdrasil price, but maybe it's the best buy?

[@HiFiHuff]

I heard the very first version of the Yggdrasil and at the time was not a big fan of it. I heard a sheen over the sound I did not care for. They have revised it since then of course, and I am sure I will be able to hear one before the end of the year. : ) I believe the newest version is a nice improvement of the OG. The Pontus II is a great buy, probably the Best Buy in the Denafrips lineup (even they said that themselves to me).

[@glenncurry3041]

Understand the technical difference between a RtoR and a Delta/sigma DAC. Digital audio files are a continual stream of specific voltage level values. A capture of a specific voltage level at one point in time followed by a capture of a specific voltage of the next sample. An RtoR DAC takes each sample and creates the voltage level for that data sample. Next sample, output that value..... The the output filtering just needs to smooth it out. A Delta/Sigma compares the current output voltage value against the next data sample and decides whether it needs to increase the voltage during that sample time or not based on each sample voltage number. It ignores the actual specific voltage value and just compares existing level to relative value of higher voltage or not. If the sample number is higher than current output value it turns on for that cycle. It would be like driving down the road with a steering wheel that you turn to each spot around it's rotation as needed. Compared to having a button that you press if in the next instant you need to turn more right or not. If you press the button, the car turns slightly more to the right. If you are already turning to the left, it slowly brings you back to center. If you are center, it turns you slightly more to the right. If you do not hit the button it turns slightly left by default. It does not care which specific direction the car needs to go. Just whether the next sample is more right or not. Called Single Bit.

[@burg856]

When you are ready to sale, let me know.

[@Coolguy-xo3cj]

The integrated amplifier Luxman LV-109 had built in dac; amazing at the time .

[@backrack01]

Can u elaborate a little on what your definition of low and mid fi? Seems like many reviewers have their own interpretations.

[@robertm8518]

You need to add an external linear power supply to the Qutest to bring it up a notch.

[@HiFiHuff]

I did that long ago and did not notice a bit of difference. It can also void the warranty as the designer says to not use an external supply. But I did try after so many told me to do so and it did nothing, maybe made it a bit smoother/duller if anything. I preferred it with the stock power supply. But again, each of these things will sound different depending on other equipment, room, etc. It's about synergy more than anything. Thank you.

[@404010ful]

beautiful set up you have . The pontus 2 i love the power supply in there. i dont have one yet . im still using my TEAC DAC UD501 which is old now. but something to think about down the line . I have my physical SACDS /DVDaudios which would be great to unlock them to an external DAC like the pontis 2 but to hear my Discs in multichannel i would have to rely on my inboard DAC of my OPPO player .

[@elvisisalive2716]

But how will my Skid Row CD sound?

[@xstensl8823]

in 91 i bought a PDM series One DAC built by Robert Watts of Deltic Precision Audio, this was before he launched Chord.

[@jaysworld5378]

I haven't tried different dacs (wish I could). But the dac that I do have, Questyle CMA400i, I think is an excellent dac. If you ever get to try a Questyle, please do, I think you will find it very natural sounding.

[@willmac5642]

If you buy, ask for a silver one ;)

[@Ceko]

You say you love the features of the dac. What features does it have that set it apart from other dacs?

[@ricosplace1]

Currently streaming direct from Roon Nucleus via USB to dac in McIntosh C2700. Should I upgrade to a Lumin U1 mini next or go with the Pontus???

[@stephencosta6814]

I think you will get a much bigger performance increase if you went with the Pontus

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I bet it sounds amazing

[@2HatHudders]

I have a cheap DAC Aiyima t10 and what I'd call a mid fi DAC VMW D1se - chip based DAC's and both sounded bad at first but after 3ish weeks they both sounded alot better - I believe in burning for Dacs. Amps I'm not sure, my tube amp (Wellsinton r8) deffo did but that's a tube amp.

[@alanm.thornton4055]

I have that same CD player!! I think it was also upgraded/modified?

[@elderinmoi1571]

Often times review samples are better than the regular unit for resale. Just saying ....

[@S.L.1211]

Who says?

[@keeferdog5617]

Now I’ve heard it all..

[@tomb375]

Have you heard the Holo Audio - Spring 3 DAC - Spring V3 KTE +Preamp Module ? True NOS. Or the May? Amazing/ I would love to hear you thoughts and comparison's. Love your video's Great Work! Thank you.

[@danielesbordone1871]

Back then , the best CD player was the Philips CD 880.

[@xllms]

Talking about transparency, smoothnese, pin point accuracy with no harshness, relaxing, emotional engaging, detailed, good sense of air, layered, good soundstage etc, i would highly recommend the Terminator Plus with Gaia or the Holo Audio May KTE. Pairing these DACs with your previously owned Vinnie Rossi L2i SE Integrated will be awesome.

[@Josh-os2px]

The Terminator Plus rules them all👑

[@connorduke4619]

I understand the Terminator Plus clocks are better than the Gaia and therefore do not benefit from pairing with it.

[@BumpNrun69]

Got a little mislead by the "link" to purchase one. The link points to Singapore dollars instead of U.S. dollars, which threw me a little bit.

[@xstensl8823]

how does it compare with the Ares 2?

[@stephencosta6814]

No comparison it’s much much better and the Aries is already great so imagine what you’ll hear people get shocked

[@damondlam]

Wait until you audit the Terminator Plus side by side with the Pontus II. Night and day and get ready to be blown away.

[@thebostonaudiophile]

What's the biggest difference/s?

[@nathanbell6962]

@@thebostonaudiophile terminator has the ability to sound real sometimes not like a recording. Live percussion particularly and vocals too with a good recording

[@pennfootball71]

I am looking forward to the Deville Review

[@labalo5]

Mine should be here in a couple days. Should be fun

[@johnshaw359]

I can feel the DAC love, either that or you're good at BS. No, seriously, having used a TDA1543x8 based DAC after flat and artificial sounding delta sigmas I know it's love. Same 3D enjoyable sound that keeps you wanting to play music.

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

I bought my review unit as well. wait until you try the i2s connection through the converter box. once you hear your SACDs through the denafrips, you will see heaven.

[@josepessoa8543]

Very nice review. Thanks! Have you considered to listen to the SOEKRIS dac2541? It's an amazing R2R DAC that is not getting enough attention.

[@Josh-os2px]

I have the Pontus 2 toggle the phase button with the NOS on tell me if it sounds more vivid or is it just me ?

[@Andyusa11]

Can I use for gaming ?

[@toddhupp]

yes: the chip dacs all have a kind of harshness to them.

[@toddhupp]

cool I am sold!

[@pedrowilson1526]

Would the Pontus be overkill paired with the Willsenton R8?

[@stephencosta6814]

No it was not the Wilsonton Is a great amplifier competes to $2000 units we would see an improvement going to the pontes

[@chrisboylan4599]

I don't think so and will be buying a Pontus II as I believe the DAC and speakers are the 2 most important components of reaching Nirvana 4 ur ear hole! I will try it with my R8, as well as others from: Starke Sound, Schiit, Monoprice, and Emotiva in my sound room against a Schiit Gungnir True Multibit DAC!

[@HiFiHuff]

Not overkill at all. This is a fantastic amp. I hope to soon review the 300B amp from them. Thinking about it, the Pontus would be a fantastic pairing with this amp.

[@niklaswaller1917]

Anyone know if there will any delay in sound, not lip syncing correct if I connect my TV with HDMI ARC to my Bluesound Node N130 then trough the Pontus 2? Is this a problem with R2R dac’s I general? Thanks!

[@andreasmoller9798]

Dacs makes a difference and so does even cabels

[@mrpmj00]

I love my Cardas Clear USB cable and Cardas Parsec RCA cables, and my WorldsBestCable (Mogami 2549) RCA cables. music source=Apple Music lossless.

[@willmac5642]

Really interested in Aya 5 and Morpheus. V different price range tho

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Can't your streamer do the over sampling? Then the DAC does not have to do the heavy lifting. Besides sometimes it sounds better you should try it with your amber.

[@ayodeleakande854]

What streamer are you using with the Pontus 2

[@ayodeleakande854]

Got it Lumin U1 mini

[@PerJohansson-Xeizo]

Actuallly, it's not the ears adjusting over time, nor is it burn in. It is the brain. The brain is a marvelous device and can adapt to almost anything, hence objective superior SQ doesn't exist. It's subjective at that exact moment when you're listening. Also depends on mood and a lot of other things. Of course, if there are gremlins in the sound the brain will discover them and be irritated but in general we can adapt to any reasonably clean and high quality sound source. Most common source for "detecting" different SQ in gear is a slight volume mismatch or a slight frequency curve deviation(which the manufacturers of gear knows very well). Build quality is objective though, very nice machines you have there.

[@ronlysons6750]

100% in agreement.

[@Josh-os2px]

100% disagree

[@etm3398]

then crappy audio should also sound better with time

[@PerJohansson-Xeizo]

@@etm3398 It does, but it's only so much the brain can take, if it's too much it will become annoying

[@etm3398]

@@PerJohansson-Xeizo i'd agree with you when it comes to buying a mattress

[@joaquinrubio3230]

I would love to hear that dac hey if I could get cerwin-vega to send you pair speakers would you review them

[@thehighend4545]

Why on earth are you using Pass Labs amps on La Scalas?

[@bakeone4406]

A friend has La Scalas and his system is a very pleasant listen, but I have to agree that the bus goes a lot further than you can get w/ those speakers. The room set up here is also compromising this set up in a big way... large window behind the speakers and way too much stuff between them. Have no idea of what room geometry is there, but there is no doubt a lot of potential to improve how playback sounds in that space.

[@themobileman6895]

Can this DAC handle MQA files?

[@RigVader]

It does not!

[@lextr3110]

the high audio latency at this price get me tho..

[@garykarczewski6678]

Merry Christmas. I enjoy your content on your channel. Curious if you have demoed the HolAudio May DAC by Kitsune HiFi? I am looking make a investment in a new DAC and was considering Denafips but have found the Kitsune Company and have viewed some fantastic reviews on their products. I would love to see your review on this product if you get one to do so.

[@maxkady9478]

It is a decent dac in its price range. That’s it. Chord cutest is also very good at that range. There is no best in any component, only system synergy.

[@cirrus1964]

Well, at least in Europe, there were numerous separate dac's 25 years ago. How many times I read these raving reviews, I stopped counting. Reviewers have to make an income. I'm a music lover, and my digital play back via a dac, runs through a La Rosita. And as I am a music lover, it does what it has to do. Audiophiles, should start realizing, the more brands that will be created, the higher the price will be for a product, as they often sell not as many as you think!

[@snomofilms]

Actually that creates competition, which improves the rate of innovation/ performance improvement and usually drives prices down.

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Is it better sounding than the direct stream?

[@dennis3779]

It is their most interesting dac probably but not that interesting anymore now we have the more real clinking Harmony and Sugden Dac 4 and Cyan 2 dacs or the more pricey 2v2se and AAdac dacs.

[@markwasilow2173]

I wonder how this sounds against a Holo Audio May DAC?

[@bdmcn]

I’ve heard it sounds different… depends on what you prefer.

[@WhiteBubblySoup]

"Here's more audio gear I purchased by claiming to speak to people's dead relatives."

[@philipw7058]

Try the original Auralic Dac the Vega I a-b these two Dacs on a 60 thousand dollar system and the Auralic blew the Pontus out of the water in all playback criteria accurate tonality a realism the Pontus could not duplicate 💦 no comparison

[@thrillhausen8858]

Excellent ghost hunting tool

[@philipw7058]

Your opinions are are made with your equipment and will probably be different in other spaces with different current and different equipment,you reviewers need to make that clear to your audience 🥴

[@BumpNrun69]

I think most (of us) already knew that, to begin with🤔

[@Ceko]

“What the DAC sounds like”, a DAC shouldn’t sound like anything.

[@Lesterandsons]

It doesn't