Recent content by sdlmoab

I updated my Ares II to the latest firmware (v1.8) and it sounds really exceptional!! Just wanted to let the Denafrips team know that they're doing a great job!

I would recommend going back and forth between MCU v3.12.0 and v3.14.0 (or an even older version) and see if you hear a difference with both USB and Coax inputs, I'd be interested to know what you determine. I'd also be happy to re-do the test myself. The literature seems to indicate that the...

I heard a difference when I A/B tested between the MCU versions using the Coax input of my Dac. If you have not A/B tested between the different MCU versions, how would you know?

There is an audible difference between MCU v3.12.0 and v3.14.0 even on other inputs. I am running a cd player into the digital coax input of the Ares II, and it sounds different with different versions of those MCU's installed.

Just wanted to say that I prefer the older firmware. In my system it sounds more lively and forward. I have a copy of the old firmware, so I was able to go back and forth and A/B test. Fyi, there are two different types of firmware that are both installed on the Ares II: FPGA and MCU. When you...

Thanks for the recommendation! Multiple people recommending the same tube is definitely encouraging. How do you go about finding a pair with the "foil" getters? (most places that sell them don't show the getters) Thanks!

Thanks for the link! My Valhalla II does double duty as a headphone amp and as a pre-amp in my stereo, so small sonic changes are really noticeable when listening through speakers. I'd like to find a tube that's not too expensive, but sounds at least as good as the stock pre-amp tubes. I've...

Thanks for the response! Not sure I want to use an adapter atm, but if I did, Where can I get adapters from? I assume the gain is a bit different than the 6N1P, so how does this effect the volume and dynamics of the amp? What differences do you hear vs the stock tubes? Thanks!

I could use some help. I purchased a Valhalla II in 2018. Always thought it sounded a bit muddy and missing clarity. About two years ago I ordered a complete set of tubes on ebay (that shipped direct from the Ukraine), and the new tubes definitely don't sound muddy and have more clarity than...

I'm in North Miami, and would love to join. (I've also been wanting to find someone who's got a Bottlehead Crack I can try). I've got a Denafrips Ares II dac, and a Valhalla 2 headphone amp.

Thank you TimeLord, that was precisely the sort of answer I was looking for! Seriously, thank you.

  I have no Idea what headphone you guys are discussing.

I like how you phrased that - "I just think the HD600/650 are richer and fuller and more harmonically complex--more layered".   Nevertheless I'm still curious if someone who owned both the HE-400i's and the HD-650's would concur that the HD-650's are richer and fuller and more harmonically...

What would you Prefer, the HD-600's or the HE-400i?   Do you think the HE-400i brings something to the table that the Sennheisers don't?   (Everyone keeps saying the Hifiman's are more detailed, this doesn't really mean much to me since I've heard sub $100 HP's that are more detailed than...

Thanks chimney189! I have seen that thread, and it seems like that particular reviewer preferred the HE-400i, particularly for jazz, however I have also read about many people ditching there 400i's and going after the Sennheisers.   I also own a pair of KRK KNS-8400 studio headphones that are...