cobrabucket
Headphoneus Supremus
Hey guys. I watched a video review about the ARES II recently and was asked by the video creator to share my impressions between the ARES II and my current Schiit Gungnir [A2].
(I also posted this to the ARES thread on hf.)
This was my response: "I am still in the process of comparing these 2 excellent DACs. So far I think it is pretty much how I heard it described by reviewers:
The Gumby has very good soundstage and 3D spatial presentation but is a decent amount better on detail retrieval and resolution.
The ARES II has better bass and a wider soundstage, and an equally satisfying, but different 3D spatial feel, but is slightly behind the Gumby in micro-detail and resolution.
I would describe the presentation of both as "holographic," especially compared with DS DACs.
Even though the ARES is wider sounding, it sounds a bit "congested" or "congealed" [for lack of better words] compared with the Gumby. Instruments blend together more on the ARES while the Gumby sounds like the "layering" of the instruments is better.
Obviously, I am over-emphasizing the differences in order to contrast these with each other. They are similar at first listen.
Both are very, very good. And without a doubt there are tracks/albums that I prefer on the ARES, but the Gumby just sounds great with everything, IMO!
And that is only my thoughts on PCM! Schiit DACs don't support DSD
For DSD I will compare the ARES II to the JNOG and try to test whether I have a strong preference for the ARES.
Although it is a fantastic DAC (especially for the money), I might not be able to justify keeping it in the fold. Essentially, I would have to hear a significant difference in DSD presentation to rationalize keeping it.
TBH though, I wish I could own like 5 or 6 different types of DACs just to be able to use it like a spice or seasoning to "flavor" the sound for different moods, but that seems excessive. Oh well. First-World problems as they say. Guess I should just continue to try and be grateful and enjoy the music..."
Anyways, that's probably my most detailed writing on how something sounds. Hope it's not filled with too many cliche or noobish terms and whatnot.
(I also posted this to the ARES thread on hf.)
This was my response: "I am still in the process of comparing these 2 excellent DACs. So far I think it is pretty much how I heard it described by reviewers:
The Gumby has very good soundstage and 3D spatial presentation but is a decent amount better on detail retrieval and resolution.
The ARES II has better bass and a wider soundstage, and an equally satisfying, but different 3D spatial feel, but is slightly behind the Gumby in micro-detail and resolution.
I would describe the presentation of both as "holographic," especially compared with DS DACs.
Even though the ARES is wider sounding, it sounds a bit "congested" or "congealed" [for lack of better words] compared with the Gumby. Instruments blend together more on the ARES while the Gumby sounds like the "layering" of the instruments is better.
Obviously, I am over-emphasizing the differences in order to contrast these with each other. They are similar at first listen.
Both are very, very good. And without a doubt there are tracks/albums that I prefer on the ARES, but the Gumby just sounds great with everything, IMO!
And that is only my thoughts on PCM! Schiit DACs don't support DSD
For DSD I will compare the ARES II to the JNOG and try to test whether I have a strong preference for the ARES.
Although it is a fantastic DAC (especially for the money), I might not be able to justify keeping it in the fold. Essentially, I would have to hear a significant difference in DSD presentation to rationalize keeping it.
TBH though, I wish I could own like 5 or 6 different types of DACs just to be able to use it like a spice or seasoning to "flavor" the sound for different moods, but that seems excessive. Oh well. First-World problems as they say. Guess I should just continue to try and be grateful and enjoy the music..."
Anyways, that's probably my most detailed writing on how something sounds. Hope it's not filled with too many cliche or noobish terms and whatnot.
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