[NehPets]

Hi guys looking for a bit of advise here. I currently run a Denafrips aresII into my Pendant OG amp. Love the sound, but may be looking to upgrade. I see 2nd hand Pontus come up quite often, but have the chance go get a Metrum Jade in a good deal. Anyone compare Metrum and Denafrips sound? They differ a lot or are on par?

Here's my observations regarding Ares II & Amethyst with DAC3.

Having had my interest piqued, a few months ago I bought a chip-based NOS DAC (8 chips actually; 4 per channel) and I have to say, I preferred its sound over that of Ares II. In most cases, the differences were minor: slightly wider sound stage than Ares, with about the same depth, but slightly less height. The NOS DAC was a little more "essy", with a bit more extension top and bottom, but that might have been an illusion, caused by the more impactful presentation, with notes more delineated than I hear from Ares II in any mode, be it "notNOS" or OS. All of this is based on SE output, since that's all the NOS DAC does, but overall, I'd say it's like an Ares, but in HD.
I'd still have it if it wasn't for a manufacturing defect ...

Denafrips' build quality is MUCH better than All Engineering's.

 

[Contrails]

I think you must give the Metrum Jade a go. People either love them or hate them. People that usually hate them - prefer the Schitt Yggy or Holo spring. But the Metrum has this rich natural tone that is very addictive. Not the most detailed DAC but rich and musical. So if your amp and headphones are neutral and detailed - go Metrum. If you are running a lush amp and headphones, I would go Yggy/Holo. Kumar402 nailed it above.

 

[George Hincapie]

well I haven’t heard Ares 2 but I have Metrum Onyx which is Jade-preamp. Metrum DAC are known to have have good Vocals, non fatiguing sound if paired with right gear. The Vocals will be thick and will be forward as compared to other instruments. Soundstage will be wide but localization may be slightly smeared but won’t have any impact on headphones and you will only feel it if coming from very high end DAC I.e 5K+. Timbre will be spot on but the attack will be soft again as compared to DAC 2-3 times its price. It’s not like the bass is less but it won’t slap you.
However USB input is just out of question with Metrum DAC. You need a good transport.
Again the negative of Onyx is negative of any NOS DAC.

USB input to a DDC (Denafrips Iris/Hermes) output to Metrum DAC via AES may be a good way to go if you must use USB. Although it's probably far easier to just buy an Ambre and use that, taking USB out of the equation entirely.

 

[kumar402]

For ZMF headphones, go with Metrum DACs.
This pic is from 2020 Canjam and Zach paired all his gear with Metrums DACs for demo. You can’t go wrong

 

[George Hincapie]

Urm...

 

[Contrails]

Far out, I hope it's an IT issue and not Metrum shutting shop.

 

[George Hincapie]

Far out, I hope it's an IT issue and not Metrum shutting shop.

Me too. I am waiting for the DAC3 modules for my Adagio.

 

[George Hincapie]

Still down

 

[NehPets]

Still down

Probably doesn't like your OS; all's well on Windows 7 ...

 

[George Hincapie]

Probably doesn't like your OS; all's well on Windows 7 ...

Bizarre. Just refreshed it again and it's fine now. Panic averted.

 

[kumar402]

IT team got back to work it seems.

 

[George Hincapie]

I've had an update email this evening re: DAC3 modules. My Adagio will be getting sone love.

How are those of you who have upgraded from DAC2 TO DAC3 getting on? Still happy?

 

[antisocialgarlic]

....still v happy with my DAC 3's in my Pavane. All the best when you get yours!

 

[plsvn]

updating my Adagio wasn't cheap but... definitely worth it!

 

[George Hincapie]

Here's my observations regarding Ares II & Amethyst with DAC3.

Denafrips' build quality is MUCH better than All Engineering's.

But you don't listen to build quality.