[GenX]

I am assuming / hoping it's just a blown fuse, but the fuses are no longer accessible from the back of the unit.

 

[pataburd]

Really nice synergy: NuPrime ET-8 PRO<--ENYO 15th [i2s|DSD 256]<--[the lowly] SMSL SP400<--MM-500 . . . running balanced

 

[pataburd]

I am assuming / hoping it's just a blown fuse, but the fuses are no longer accessible from the back of the unit.

Hopefully that will do it.

 

[AntonNZ]

Hi, can somebody clarify some of my questions:
1. What is the difference between Ares 12-1 and Ares 15?
2. What is the difference between Ares 15 and Enyo 15?
3. Since Enyo was always the old Ares does it mean that Enyo 15 is Ares 12-1?
Based on denafrips site all 3 (Ares 12-1 (from my memory, but I can find specs in the internet archives if needed), Ares 15 and Enyo 15) are exactly the same.
I'm puzzled

 

[GenX]

Hi, can somebody clarify some of my questions:
1. What is the difference between Ares 12-1 and Ares 15?
2. What is the difference between Ares 15 and Enyo 15?
3. Since Enyo was always the old Ares does it mean that Enyo 15 is Ares 12-1?
Based on denafrips site all 3 (Ares 12-1 (from my memory, but I can find specs in the internet archives if needed), Ares 15 and Enyo 15) are exactly the same.
I'm puzzled

Take this with a grain of salt, but found this post from last month in another forum with someone who claimed to have received an answer to questions about model equivalents from Denafrips Europe... "The Enyo 15th matches the sound quality of the Ares 12.1, the Pontus 15th matches the Venus 12.1, and the Terminator 15th matches the T12.1+. The new Ares 15, with major circuit adjustments and two low-phase-noise oscillators, now matches the sound quality of the Pontus 12.1, despite its unchanged size."

So if true, Enyo 15 = Ares 12.1, Ares 15 = Pontus 12.1.

 

[alvin1118]

I am assuming / hoping it's just a blown fuse, but the fuses are no longer accessible from the back of the unit.

I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing issues with the Enyo 15th.

While we don’t have direct experience with the Enyo 15th, its chassis construction appears to be very similar to the Ares 12th-1 based on photos from the DENAFRIPS website. To access the fuse, you’ll need to open* the top cover. Guide as follow.

Hope this helps!

* You may want to seek permission from the seller or DENAFRIPS before opening the top cover of the DAC. We’re not sure if there is a seal or warranty void sticker that could affect your warranty.

 

[sajunky]

The new Ares 15, with major circuit adjustments and two low-phase-noise oscillators, now matches the sound quality of the Pontus 12.1, despite its unchanged size."

This cannot be true. Pontus is the lowest model in the family with a true balanced ladder and separation of power supply section.

However adding low-phase noise oscilators should lead to a major improvement in sound. Such improvement comes very late comparing to competition. I was wondering why there are members of this forum prefering the older Ares 2 to Pontus. It can be a matter of increased 2nd harmonic distortion from the single-ended ladder. This type of colouration is pleasant in small quantities and proven to fool audiophiles elsewhere.

 

[TurboDorkDon]

I have the Ares 15th in my system right now and while I have not had a chance to hear the Pontus 12.1 so cannot comment on the comparison, I will say that for my ears it is a fantastic sounding r2r DAC and at around $1100 USD is a serious contender for great QPR status. It really has excellent retrieval, detail, good mid and bass, and the top end is a little sharp at times but that is relative and still sounds absolutely excellent to me. I was probably one of the first to actually get the model state side in June and I have really enjoyed it. Granted, take this all with a grain of salt as I am new to the hi-fi and head-fi game, so these are my admittedly novice comments. All I know is it sounds fantastic.

 

[AntonNZ]

New review ono Ares 15th

 

[sygnus21]

I have the Ares 15th in my system right now and while I have not had a chance to hear the Pontus 12.1 so cannot comment on the comparison, I will say that for my ears it is a fantastic sounding r2r DAC and at around $1100 USD is a serious contender for great QPR status. It really has excellent retrieval, detail, good mid and bass, and the top end is a little sharp at times but that is relative and still sounds absolutely excellent to me. I was probably one of the first to actually get the model state side in June and I have really enjoyed it. Granted, take this all with a grain of salt as I am new to the hi-fi and head-fi game, so these are my admittedly novice comments. All I know is it sounds fantastic.

If size and space is important to you for a desktop setup, I don't think you'll do better, especially given the price point. Yes, there's always "better" but given the well documented performance of the Ares, you've got a great DAC.

Anyway, I have the Pontus II 12th-1 paired with the Iris 12th DDC, and this is paired with the Denafrips Artemis headphone amp pushing my HD800S phones. I can't compare against the Ares since I've never owned or heard it, but I love the setup I have sound wise and have zero plans on replacing it any time soon. For me this is end game as I'm not into constantly replacing gear just to chase after the "best sound". I also say that because I know there's an improved Pontus 15th, but I'll stick with what I have and be happy.

One suggestion I would offer is to consider getting the Iris DDC to pair with that DAC. I think you'll be quite happy there

Peace

 

[TurboDorkDon]

If size and space is important to you for a desktop setup, I don't think you'll do better, especially given the price point. Yes, there's always "better" but given the well documented performance of the Ares, you've got a great DAC.

Anyway, I have the Pontus II 12th-1 paired with the Iris 12th DDC, and this is paired with the Denafrips Artemis headphone amp pushing my HD800S phones. I can't compare against the Ares since I've never owned or heard it, but I love the setup I have sound wise and have zero plans on replacing it any time soon. For me this is end game as I'm not into constantly replacing gear just to chase after the "best sound". I also say that because I know there's an improved Pontus 15th, but I'll stick with what I have and be happy.

One suggestion I would offer is to consider getting the Iris DDC to pair with that DAC. I think you'll be quite happy there

Peace

Awesome, thank you for the advice! I have not had a chance to hear the Iris, and will absolutely look for a chance to do so! Appreciate it.

 

[Edward Ng]

Awesome, thank you for the advice! I have not had a chance to hear the Iris, and will absolutely look for a chance to do so! Appreciate it.

I have also just listed my black Gustard U18 DDC on eBay for auction, in case anyone is interested in a nice DDC for less cost of entry (since it’s used).

-Ed

 

[pataburd]

@Edward Ng
Did you get a new DDC?

 

[sygnus21]

On a side note, I was asking Alvin about getting the Hermes DDC so I could connect my CD player directly into it instead of the Pontus, but Alvin said he sees zero need for that from the CD side, but did suggest I get the Hermes anyway as he feels it pairs better with the Pontus than the Iris (which I have).

I thought about it, but I do like the sound of my setup with the Iris as is, so .... plus, that's another $1300 bucks. And even if I sold the Iris, I'm still looking at $900+. I'm sure the Hermes would improve things but is it $900 dollars' worth.

 

[Edward Ng]

Did you get a new DDC?

I ended up deciding to not use one anymore because I mostly only noticed a benefit when listening with I2S connection, but when using I2S, no matter what configuration/pin-out I set, left and right were always swapped in DSD recordings. If I used any other connection, like, say AES-EBU, I wouldn’t be able to listen to my DSD512 or DXD recordings at full resolution. The only way around this combination of limitations is to either upgrade my DAC to a different brand, like, say, a Gustard R26, which is not currently in my budget, or to just connect my streamer via USB directly to my DAC and not bother with the DDC. I chose the latter option since my bank account denied me the former option.

-Ed