[Baten]

I bought this dac from drop, wont be receiving till next month. I'm using Foobar. Is it easy to install the drivers because I had a pain in the ass time setting up foobar for dsd? I'd hate to go through that experience even though I forgot what I did to make it work.

If you want DSD over foobar you would need to set it up again, yeah. Do you need DSD though...? Denafrips is a PCM DAC.

 

[Bonddam]

If you want DSD over foobar you would need to set it up again, yeah. Do you need DSD though...? Denafrips is a PCM DAC.

I only have one album on DSD I could live without. I’m running this off Windows 10. I’d like to hook it up and do nothing, I’ve got the other Dac if I want to hear that album. So I’m guessing you asked if I really need DSD and answer is no. If I listen to that album it would just be converted to pcm I’m thinking. Would I need the drivers or not?

 

[Baten]

I only have one album on DSD I could live without. I’m running this off Windows 10. I’d like to hook it up and do nothing, I’ve got the other Dac if I want to hear that album. So I’m guessing you asked if I really need DSD and answer is no. If I listen to that album it would just be converted to pcm I’m thinking. Would I need the drivers or not?

If you have updated windows/osx/linux it should just be plug and play without any issue!
If you run something old like Windows 7 you'll definitely need the drivers.

 

[Smokeyjoecafe]

I bought this dac from drop, wont be receiving till next month. I'm using Foobar. Is it easy to install the drivers because I had a pain in the ass time setting up foobar for dsd? I'd hate to go through that experience even though I forgot what I did to make it work.

The

If you want DSD over foobar you would need to set it up again, yeah. Do you need DSD though...? Denafrips is a PCM DAC.

the DAC also does DSD. I have a Mac so I’m not familiar with Foobar.

 

[Baten]

I have a Mac so I’m not familiar with Foobar.

Well I'm not familiar, I suppose you simply need software player that supports DSD.

 

[Smokeyjoecafe]

Yes, I believe so. I use Pure Music. I believe Roon would allow you to play DSD but don’t quote me on it..

 

[snafu1]

Can anyone give me some feedback on the sound quality when playing DSD (either 64 or 128) files on the Ares II (via USB)?
I ask after viewing a review of the HoloAudio Spring2 where the reviewer stated that DSD files were decoded differently on that R2R DAC and the result was a noticeable decrease in sound quality.
I'm hoping the Ares II doesn't have a similar attribute.

 

[MrPanda]

Yes, I believe so. I use Pure Music. I believe Roon would allow you to play DSD but don’t quote me on it..

It does, and has on-the-fly conversion to PCM formats if needed

 

[Lord Rexter]

Also it might be helpful to get some impressions on how it stacks up against the Soekris 1541 DAC. Appreciate if anyone can share their experience.

 

[Narcissus]

Also, I have been looking for a stand-alone dac and is currently beeing torn between this, the Soekris 1541 and the .....preferably with a slight musical "tint".

Also it might be helpful to get some impressions on how it stacks up against the Soekris 1541 DAC. Appreciate if anyone can share their experience.

It would be great if someone could chime in on the Ares II vs Soekris 1541, the Toroidal on the Ares looks robust but the lack of an onboard preamp is discouraging for me as I would've preferred to drive my (fully balanced) amps directly with the Ares, I believe that can be done with the Soekris 1541. Then again the valuation of the Ares is attractive at $500 less than the 1541.
Any good fully balanced preamp suggestions guys, What is everyone using to drive their Ares II?

 

[jb77]

I’ll be comparing to my friend's chord Qutest.

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I have not been able to get access to my friends Chord Qutest. The other DAC I have is a Mojo but I don’t think it’s much value to compare.

Would be interested to hear you thoughts/comparisons between the Ares II and your friends Chord Qutest, if you ever get a chance to listen to your friends Qutest.

 

[vincent410]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I have not been able to get access to my friends Chord Qutest. The other DAC I have is a Mojo but I don’t think it’s much value to compare.

i also look forward to your comparison between Qutest & this Ares 2

 

[Bonddam]

Just received my Ares 2 and like what I'm hearing. A lot of detail. It sounds bright at least I think it's brighter then my SMSL d1. It's probably just increase in detail that's tricking my brain. I most be to adjusted to the D1. Listening to dubstep on my V281 with Verite open. I gotta test Tool's new album.

 

[snafu1]

Just received my Ares 2 and like what I'm hearing. A lot of detail. It sounds bright at least I think it's brighter then my SMSL d1. It's probably just increase in detail that's tricking my brain. I most be to adjusted to the D1. Listening to dubstep on my V281 with Verite open. I gotta test Tool's new album.

I received my Ares II just a couple of weeks ago. I'm very happy with it. I noticed better bass and slightly wider soundstage. A more "musical" sound that's a pleasure to listen to.
I'm using the USB input from a Roonlabs Rock and listening to mostly jazz.

 

[Nickol]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I have not been able to get access to my friends Chord Qutest. The other DAC I have is a Mojo but I don’t think it’s much value to compare.

I would be so grateful for such a comparison (with Mojo, and with Qutest, if it possible)...