DENAFRIPS 'ARES' R2R discrete ladder DAC - close up view

[sygnus21]

Right, but is this limitation inherent to r2r DACs or are there any that don't have it?

Again, that answer is beyond my field of expertise - I don't know if it's an R2R limitation, or whether it's a design decision by Denafrips.

I also can't say if this is inherent to all R2R DACs as I only know Denafrips.

If this is of importance to you, I suggest you look at other manufactures and see what they offer. What I do when I want to know the particulars of a piece of gear is visit its site and download the owner's manual.

Good luck.

 

[rids57]

I use both outputs of the Holo Audio Cyan 2 without any issues

 

[sygnus21]

I use both outputs of the Holo Audio Cyan 2 without any issues

Right but what does the owner's manual say???

Just because someone say's they can do or is doing something doesn't mean it's proper. Just sayin.

 

[rids57]

It doesn't mention it in the manual, which it would likely do if it was known to be a problem - the question has been asked and answered many times in the Cyan 2 thread and nobody has ever had a problem using both outputs, even both outputs into the same amp

 

[sygnus21]

It doesn't mention it in the manual, which it would likely do if it was known to be a problem - the question has been asked and answered many times in the Cyan 2 thread and nobody has ever had a problem using both outputs, even both outputs into the same amp

That's cool. And if it's not in the owner's manual, it's probably safe, cause if it was an issue, it would be there.

Anyway, I just curios as it's important to @swolar

Thanks for the clarification

 

[swolar]

I use both outputs of the Holo Audio Cyan 2 without any issues

Thanks for the replies. Will look into the Cyan 2.

 

[kingoftown1]

To clarify, the multiple outputs issue has nothing to do with R2R implementation. It comes from not having an output stage. Denafrips explanation has been that it was a choice for sq reasons.

Edited to cite some sources:
https://goldensound.audio/2023/01/08/denafrips-pontus-2-12th-anniversary-edition-measurements/
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/denafrips-terminator-dac/
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/review-listening-to-the-denafrips-pontus-dac/

 

[sygnus21]

To clarify, the multiple outputs issue has nothing to do with R2R implementation. It comes from not having an output stage. Denafrips explanation has been that it was a choice for sq reasons.

I can't confirm the no output stage claim, but I do remember reading Denafrips builds their products for ultimate SQ (Sound Quality) thus their "no frills" and minimalistic design approach and the "output limitation - use either XLR or RCA, but not both) certainly lends itself to that goal.

 

[MacMan31]

So I just bought a used Ares II and waiting for it to arrive. What is a good SS amp pairing with the Ares II? Something within $1,500 CAD.

 

[Derivative]

Is the Ares II plus a tube amp considered "too much of a good thing"? Also would it be better to get an Enyo 15th over an Ares II? Just looking at a used one here.
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650170420-denafrips-enyo-15th-ares-12th-black/

I know you've gone for the Ares II already, but just to say I'm listening to Enyo 15th in NOS mode, into Bottlehead Crack tube amp, driving ZMF Verite Closed and it's one of my all time favourite combos for it's effortless naturalness, warmth and satisfying timbre. Perfection with any Jazz record.
It's also amazing with the HD6XX (dare I say even better than the ZMF?).
I think you're really going to enjoy the set up - keep us posted!

 

[MacMan31]

I know you've gone for the Ares II already, but just to say I'm listening to Enyo 15th in NOS mode, into Bottlehead Crack tube amp, driving ZMF Verite Closed and it's one of my all time favourite combos for it's effortless naturalness, warmth and satisfying timbre. Perfection with any Jazz record.
It's also amazing with the HD6XX (dare I say even better than the ZMF?).
I think you're really going to enjoy the set up - keep us posted!

I have a Feliks Echo Mk2 for my tube amp. I'm looking for a good SS amp to pair with the Ares II. Right now I have the Schiit Midgard.

 

[Derivative]

I have a Feliks Echo Mk2 for my tube amp. I'm looking for a good SS amp to pair with the Ares II. Right now I have the Schiit Midgard.

Never heard the Midgard but I saw the reviews were generally positive.
My reference SS amp is the Vio V280 - sadly no longer in production. It plays well with the Enyo too, being on the slightly warmer side of the SS amp spectrum.

 

[MacMan31]

Never heard the Midgard but I saw the reviews were generally positive.
My reference SS amp is the Vio V280 - sadly no longer in production. It plays well with the Enyo too, being on the slightly warmer side of the SS amp spectrum.

The Midgard is a pretty decent amp. It's not actually balanced even though it has the in/out for balanced XLR connectors. Guess I just have the upgrade bug and looking for something "better".

So apparently I was "double posting" (whatever that means) so instead I will edit this post. So I got my Ares II today. Testing it out via the Schiit Midgard and Focal Hadenys. Sound is good so far but maybe it will improve more once the Ares II is more warmed up. I'll try it later with my Feliks Echo Mk2.

 

[svanberg]

Hey guys! Im looking at the Denafrips Enyo 15th as my next DAC upgrade. My signal chain is PC to DAC via USB and I have heard that many of the R2R DAC's specifically are much more sensitive than Delta sigma DAC's when using USB connection.

I wouldn´t want to buy an Enyo 15th and then notice alot of noice and jitter from the USB port and it has got me thinking twice about this upgrade. I also don´t want to spend the extra money for an DDC to clean up the signal between the PC and the DAC.

What is your experience on this?

 

[jim723]

I don’t recall noticing any noise from my Denafrips Ares II. That said, I’ve always used a Schiit Wyrd USB Decrapifier between my laptop and the Ares II, which I believe really helps clean up the USB signal.

Later, I also added the Iris DDC, and I think it was a worthwhile investment. It made a noticeable improvement in sound quality, particularly in terms of soundstage and overall clarity.