Denafrips 'Pontus' R2R ladder DAC - close up view

[rafalc]

I being doing some comparison on the inpurs on Pontus 15, I think I can hear a slight difference betweein RCA SPDIF and I2S, I2S seems brighter and more fuzzy, SPDIF sounds more refined in treble witb deeper background.
i am using cheap computer HDMI cable.

Like to hear others experience, and how sensitive to cable quality is I2S input?

 

[sygnus21]

My only comment would be these inputs can be influenced by a myriad of things so what's better for you, may be worse for others. Also gear selection / configuration can influence what sound better for with what.

I won't go do any deep diving but will simply say I'm running my Pontus runs off my Hermes DDC via I2S for digital file playback, while my CD player runs through the Pontus via optical cable. I'm happy with where things are that I see no reason moving things around.

I use my connection more for convivence of connection certain components than for what's the best sound where. But, for clarity, I tried both AES and I2S when I first got my DAC, and heard no discernable difference that made me feel I needed to use one over the other. I simply use the I2S connection from my Hermes to DAC, because that's the best solution for that combo, an as suggested by Denafrips. BTW, I'm using a Supra HDMI cable, and it works well enough that I've not looked for anything else.

On the other hand, I've tried a myriad of XLR cables to find the best sound between the Pontus and my Denafrips headphone amp, so.... Point? you can spend a lifetime (and money) chasing after cables to get that "perfect sound". My suggestion is to try a myriad of music while trying different cables and settle on one that provide the best "overall" sound. Something you will find easier said than done and only kept in check by that mass of cables you didn't like now stuffed in your drawers

Good luck.

Edit: This > might interest you. If you follow the thread from there, you'll see went back and forth, to now finally settle on I2S.

 

[davidbea]

I'm just running in my new Pontus 15 and using USB from my old MacBook Pro and optical form my Brennan B2. I noticed the Brennan B2 has an HDMI connection on the back. Can I use that with the I2S connection?

 

[sygnus21]

I'm just running in my new Pontus 15 and using USB from my old MacBook Pro and optical form my Brennan B2. I noticed the Brennan B2 has an HDMI connection on the back. Can I use that with the I2S connection?

There's a note in the owner's manual stating I2S (HDMI) is only for I2S purposes, so if said device doesn't support I2S, no. Forgot to mention, that even if it does, it has to be configured through the DAC to properly work.

One thing to consider is to ensure you're using at least an HDMI 2.1 spec'd cable for I2S. Said spec is usually stated in the marketing materials for said cable.

 

[davidbea]

There's a note in the owner's manual stating I2S (HDMI) is only for I2S purposes, so if said device doesn't support I2S, no.

Thanks.

 

[Ufanco]

I being doing some comparison on the inpurs on Pontus 15, I think I can hear a slight difference betweein RCA SPDIF and I2S, I2S seems brighter and more fuzzy, SPDIF sounds more refined in treble witb deeper background.
i am using cheap computer HDMI cable.

Like to hear others experience, and how sensitive to cable quality is I2S input?

Just hooked up the Silent Angel Munich M1T v2 using a BJC Series-FE Bonded cable. Even with a inexpensive cable it sounds much better than the Wiim Pro I been using. Was a super easy setup the Silent Angel uses the default Denafrips i2s settings.

Going let it burn in more but initial impressions are great. I though the wiim pro using coax was good but this is on a whole different level.

 

[sygnus21]

Just hooked up the Silent Angel Munich M1T v2 using a BJC Series-FE Bonded cable. Even with a inexpensive cable it sounds much better than the Wiim Pro I been using. Was a super easy setup the Silent Angel uses the default Denafrips i2s settings.

FYI, the real test is with DSD files as the channels can swapped if I2S isn't properly configured. Also, high res (ex: 24bit /192 kHz) files may not play if I2S isn't correctly configure. Point just because 16-bit files play doesn't necessarily mean I2S is properly configured

Now if DSD or hi res aren't your thing (DSD aren't mine) than perhaps no worry, but I like things set right so I make sure DSD plays correctly, even though I don't use. Check your owner's manual on how to. Also please make sure you download the Thesycon USB drivers. You can also download the Test Tone files for I2S testing.

 

[Ufanco]

FYI, the real test is with DSD files as the channels can swapped if I2S isn't properly configured. Also, high res (ex: 24bit /192 kHz) files may not play if I2S isn't correctly configure. Point just because 16-bit files play doesn't necessarily mean I2S is properly configured

Now if DSD or hi res aren't your thing (DSD aren't mine) than perhaps no worry, but I like things set right so I make sure DSD plays correctly, even though I don't use. Check your owner's manual on how to. Also please make sure you download the Thesycon USB drivers. You can also download the Test Tone files for I2S testing.

Good advice if I can find my usb stick I have to check the i2s settings, it’s showing on the Pontus that it is receiving 24/192. Since I don’t use dsd really happy with the sound improvements I hearing with it. Thanks for the link to test tone, the drivers are only really needed for windows computers but good advice for others.

 

[Blindranger]

When I started my journey into head-fi, my goal was to build a highly musical system that was also resolving enough to let me explore the subtle differences each piece of gear brings to the table. Well… I think I’m finally getting there.

I just swapped out my Blue Jeans digital coax for an AudioQuest Carbon feeding my Pontus 15th, and I’m genuinely impressed. The improvement wasn’t subtle: I’m hearing noticeably more detail, clarity, and air, with instruments better separated and the soundstage stretching wider than before. The Pontus already has great spatial performance, but the Carbon seems to let it breathe even more. I feel like I have opened Pandora's box, because I I just put in the order to upgrade the XLR cables heading out of the Pontus.

Side note, I found the AudioQuest Carbon as an open box deal from HCM Audio at a crazy good price. When it showed up, it looked brand new. I've already ordered my next open-box deal from them.

 

[Tlaudio]

Is there anyone who can put into words the nuances of OS/NOS?

I can vaguely tell that they're different. But I can't really explain "what the difference is" or "this song is better with this one."

Some people say "just use whichever you like," but I'd like to have a guide for when to use them.

 

[CalvinandHobbes2020]

To my ears, the OS Slow mode sounds smoother and the NOS sounds like it conveys more texture from the music. I don’t have a good recollection of how the OS Fast mode sounds as I haven’t listened to that mode for a long time. My preference is the OS Slow mode as it seems least fatiguing for extended listening.

 

[Smoothstereo]

In my experience, equipment listed on my signature, NOS sounds more raw, more attack, dynamic, more crisp and livelier. OS Slow smooths things up and more laid back but has the detail nuances in a refined way. Not night and day different but noticeable and repeatable each time I flip back and forth. I prefer NOS for my music, gear, and preference.

OS Fast not to my liking and I haven't listened to it since my earlier days of owning the Pontus2.

 

[ma151]

Silly question: I'm looking to buy the Pontus 15th in the future to use with my power amp on my speaker system, but I don't want to spend the extra to buy a Pre-amp to get volume control (as my power amp doesn't have one...), can I control the volume of the Pontus with this DN-Y3 remote controller (https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/remote-controls-and-receivers/denafrips-dn-y3-silver-p-20486.html) ?

And if so, how do I "know" in which volume is it (since the Pontus doesn't have a screen) ?
And will the last chosen volume stay after a reboot of the Pontus ?

 

[CalvinandHobbes2020]

Silly question: I'm looking to buy the Pontus 15th in the future to use with my power amp on my speaker system, but I don't want to spend the extra to buy a Pre-amp to get volume control (as my power amp doesn't have one...), can I control the volume of the Pontus with this DN-Y3 remote controller (https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/remote-controls-and-receivers/denafrips-dn-y3-silver-p-20486.html) ?

And if so, how do I "know" in which volume is it (since the Pontus doesn't have a screen) ?
And will the last chosen volume stay after a reboot of the Pontus ?

Maybe with your streamer?

 

[sygnus21]

Silly question: I'm looking to buy the Pontus 15th in the future to use with my power amp on my speaker system, but I don't want to spend the extra to buy a Pre-amp to get volume control (as my power amp doesn't have one...), can I control the volume of the Pontus with this DN-Y3 remote controller (https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/remote-controls-and-receivers/denafrips-dn-y3-silver-p-20486.html) ?

The verbiage says it works with the Pontus 15, but I'd contact Denafrips about that. Yes, they have a Remote for their DACs but I don't know if that's it.

Anyway....

Silly question: I'm looking to buy the Pontus 15th in the future to use with my power amp on my speaker system, but I don't want to spend the extra to buy a Pre-amp to get volume control (as my power amp doesn't have one...), can I control the volume of the Pontus with this DN-Y3 remote controller (https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/remote-controls-and-receivers/denafrips-dn-y3-silver-p-20486.html) ?

And if so, how do I "know" in which volume is it (since the Pontus doesn't have a screen) ?
And will the last chosen volume stay after a reboot of the Pontus ?

This reply is a little curios....

The remote I think only works with analog inputs to adjust volume. Mine doesn’t change the volume using the digital inputs. I don't have any analog cable to check. If planning to use it to change volume looks like you might have to use RCA input.

None of Denafrips' DACs have and adjustable volume control (aka no volume control) so I'm not sure how a "remote control" is going to change the volume of said DACs- whether one is using the XLR / RCA outs or digital inputs. If you want volume control, you're going to need a device that has a volume knob connected to the DAC itself.

Now if you're alluding the remote can control a pre-amp feeding into the DAC, then yeah you can change the volume there, but volume control from the DAC itself, no.