Denafrips 'Pontus' R2R ladder DAC - close up view

Apr 24, 2025 at 4:26 AM Post #2,267 of 2,309
Or you could try one and let us know what you think - I did leave the suggestion :relaxed:

Good luck.
 
Apr 24, 2025 at 8:28 AM Post #2,268 of 2,309
If you're thinking about WBC and live in the US, I highly recommend the custom cables from PerformanceAudio. Opt for the Mogami 2549, Neutrik connectors (NC3MXX-B/NC3FXX-B) and silver solder—this combination delivers exceptional build quality and sound, and the cost is comparable to that of WBC. They claim that these cables will outperform audiophile cables over $1k.
 
Apr 24, 2025 at 12:46 PM Post #2,269 of 2,309
Outside of custom building, I still stand by my Worlds Best Cable (WBC) recommendation where price to performance is concerned. For what you get out of those (XLR) cables they're hard to beat. And let's be real here, unless you have a highly resolving super expensive system, do you really need fancy expensive cables?

Anyway, I actually placed an order last night (before my posts above) with PerformanceAudio for some wire (Mogami W2549, and Mogami W2534 Neglex Quad cable), Neutrik connectors, and sleeves for some DIY XLR cables...

Custom Cable Order.jpg


Until then...
 
Apr 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM Post #2,270 of 2,309
I'll say again cause you're not hearing me... the Pontus has no volume control so the volume buttons on the remote isn't going do anything. That remote Denafrips is selling is a generic remote suitable for their various components; however, not all functions/feature on the remote is going to work with every device - meaning the volume buttons are useless for the Pontus (or any of their DACs) because it doesn't have volume control. Don't believe me?.... ask Denafrips :wink:

Now if you connected one of Denafrips Pre-Amps - Hastia, Hades, Athena, to the DAC, those volume buttons would work there because those have volume controls. Again. don't believe me, ask Denafrips. And make sure you specifically ask about the "DACs".


Please point out to me where this volume control is??? - You can find the Pontus 15th user manual - here. And yes, I have both the Pontus 15th, and Pontus 12th-1.

Again, that remote is a generic remote so every button on it isn't going to be applicable to the Pontus (or any of their DACs).

BTY, I forgot Denafrips sent me a picture of the remote cause I was going to buy one. Is this the one you have?....


If so, that's different from the one I saw posted earlier here, but still, those volume buttons are most likely for their pre-amp use cause it would truly be worthless if you had that remote with both the DAC and pre-amp, and the remote had no "volume buttons" :astonished:
I did find an rca cable and nope can’t change volume with it. Guess since I have other device without volume control on the unit, that are web base interface I was wrong about the Pontus. The Pontus manual could be clearer also on this function.

Since I was wrong on this information. Guess can let that horse die.

I also use world best cables. Anyone try these?
https://iceageaudio.com/ice-age-audio-store/ols/products/ofc-power-cable/v/OFC-PWR-CBL-4FT-LNG


If manual had just stated non functional volume control would saved some confusion.

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Apr 24, 2025 at 4:39 PM Post #2,271 of 2,309
To clarify, when I'm talking about Worlds Best Cables, I'm only referring to their XLR cables; have zero experience with their other cables.

With that out the way. I've not tried any power cables other than Supra's LoRad power cables.... both silver and copper based.

Power-Cables.jpg


https://iceageaudio.com/ice-age-audio-store/ols/products/ofc-power-cable/v/OFC-PWR-CBL-4FT-LNG

I did find an rca cable and nope can’t change volume with it. Guess since I have other device without volume control on the unit, that are web base interface I was wrong about the Pontus. The Pontus manual could be clearer also on this function.

If manual had just stated non functional volume control would saved some confusion.

That ^^^ manual you speak of is only for the Remote and has nothing to do with the actual operation / owners' manual of the Pontus 15th. I suspect, as I said earlier, that the "volume buttons" are there for those who may also have one of Denafrips' Preamps paired with the DAC.

Standalone DACs such as the Pontus don't have volume controls; that if you want volume control, you'll need to pair the DAC with a device that does have volume control; and thus, probably why Denafrips didn't make such a distinction in the manual for the remote. That said, yeah, they probably should have mentioned it.

Glad you figured it out now.
 
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Apr 24, 2025 at 5:46 PM Post #2,272 of 2,309
To clarify, when I'm talking about Worlds Best Cables, I'm only referring to their XLR cables; have zero experience with their other cables.

With that out the way. I've not tried any power cables other than Supra's LoRad power cables.... both silver and copper based.

Power-Cables.jpg

https://iceageaudio.com/ice-age-audio-store/ols/products/ofc-power-cable/v/OFC-PWR-CBL-4FT-LNG


That ^^^ manual you speak of is only for the Remote and has nothing to do with the actual operation / owners' manual of the Pontus 15th. I suspect, as I said earlier, that the "volume buttons" are there for those who may also have one of Denafrips' Preamps paired with the DAC.

Standalone DACs such as the Pontus don't have volume controls; that if you want volume control, you'll need to pair the DAC with a device that does have volume control; and thus, probably why Denafrips didn't make such a distinction in the manual for the remote. That said, yeah, they probably should have mentioned it.

Glad you figured it out now.
I'm really interested in what you find with those Supra Cables. I have the one on the top right powering my Pontus 15. Is the top left the Silver?
 
Apr 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM Post #2,274 of 2,309
I'm really interested in what you find with those Supra Cables. I have the one on the top right powering my Pontus 15.
Honestly, I just got them cause a few people in this thread recommended them. Can say how they compare to others as they're the only "premium" power cables I've used.

I will say if you want a "brighter" sounding system, use the silver. If you want better bass, and lower mids, use the copper ones. Like all things cables, the difference is subtle, not night and day.
Is the top left the Silver?
That's what's labeled (shown) on the package :sweat_smile:

BTW, and not to bring up old wounds, but the last time I asked you a question, you ignored it. Only bring it up cause that was the second time.

Sorry! I thought you had it on hand. I just ordered the pro version. I'll try that first and report back.
If you read the post, you'd know I do have one. Also posted a review video of cable currently in use.

Anyway, give it a couple of days before judging. And try different genres and types of songs as some stuff my sound bad, and some great. And if you have a favorite song, give it a careful listen to see if you hear anything different about it vs the cables you were using.

And remember cables difference are rarely night and day so it may take a few listens.

Good luck 👍
 
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Apr 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM Post #2,275 of 2,309
To clarify, when I'm talking about Worlds Best Cables, I'm only referring to their XLR cables; have zero experience with their other cables.

With that out the way. I've not tried any power cables other than Supra's LoRad power cables.... both silver and copper based.



https://iceageaudio.com/ice-age-audio-store/ols/products/ofc-power-cable/v/OFC-PWR-CBL-4FT-LNG


That ^^^ manual you speak of is only for the Remote and has nothing to do with the actual operation / owners' manual of the Pontus 15th. I suspect, as I said earlier, that the "volume buttons" are there for those who may also have one of Denafrips' Preamps paired with the DAC.

Standalone DACs such as the Pontus don't have volume controls; that if you want volume control, you'll need to pair the DAC with a device that does have volume control; and thus, probably why Denafrips didn't make such a distinction in the manual for the remote. That said, yeah, they probably should have mentioned it.

Glad you figured it out now.
Yep glad that we finally agree the manual is confusing as it shows the remote that is sold with the Pontus 15 that clearly states volume controls in it without stating the function does not work. It would be a simple edit by them saying volume function button doesn’t function.


Have another question anyone know what is the differance between
LPNO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz
TCXO - Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator?
 
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Apr 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM Post #2,276 of 2,309
Yep glad that we finally agree the manual is confusing as it shows the remote that is sold with the Pontus 15 that clearly states volume controls in it without stating the function does not work. It would be a simple edit by them saying volume function button doesn’t function.
While I'll somewhat agree they could state the volume buttons don't work on a standalone DAC, there's also the presumption of you knowing what it is you're buying. Not sure if you're new to hi-fi gear, but it's pretty obvious there's no volume controls on the DAC, and none mentioned in the DACs owner manual.

Yeah, I know you got a remote with volume buttons, but if you understood what you bought, you'd know those volume buttons are useless on the Pontus. That you'd need something (preamp) with a volume control to control the volume output from the DAC. So yeah, honestly the confusion is all on you.

Have another question anyone know what is the differance between
LPNO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz
TCXO - Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator?
Not sure I understand the question, but the TCXO - Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator are the more premium oscillators used in the higher end DACs and DDCs such as the Venus and Terminator, and in both the Hermes DDC (which I have) and The Gaia DDC. They have to do with the timings of the digital signals. Beyond that, their workings are beyond my scope (or need) of understanding.
 
Apr 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM Post #2,277 of 2,309
While I'll somewhat agree they could state the volume buttons don't work on a standalone DAC, there's also the presumption of you knowing what it is you're buying. Not sure if you're new to hi-fi gear, but it's pretty obvious there's no volume controls on the DAC, and none mentioned in the DACs owner manual.

Yeah, I know you got a remote with volume buttons, but if you understood what you bought, you'd know those volume buttons are useless on the Pontus. That you'd need something (preamp) with a volume control to control the volume output from the DAC. So yeah, honestly the confusion is all on you.


Not sure I understand the question, but the TCXO - Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator are the more premium oscillators used in the higher end DACs and DDCs such as the Venus and Terminator, and in both the Hermes DDC (which I have) and The Gaia DDC. They have to do with the timings of the digital signals. Beyond that, their workings are beyond my scope (or need) of understanding.

Was just curious when I bought the Pontus 15 the web site listed TCXO-Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator now it’s just says LPNO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz.

Searched online but couldn’t find any info on the LPNO Crystal so asking here.
 
Apr 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM Post #2,278 of 2,309
Searched online but couldn’t find any info on the LPNO Crystal so asking here.
It is probably generic name for a Low-Phase-Noise-Oscilator, which means no-name low phase noise series. Expect performance slightly better than a general use type, but not matching ultra-low noise series like from Crystek or Accusilicon.

Other than that, it can be a brand family like LNMO from Safran, but I doubt so.
 
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Apr 25, 2025 at 12:06 PM Post #2,279 of 2,309
Was just curious when I bought the Pontus 15 the web site listed TCXO-Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator now it’s just says LPNO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz.

Searched online but couldn’t find any info on the LPNO Crystal so asking here.
They're actually called Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators (OCXO). Anyway, Denafrips website has never stated the Pontus as having the "Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator", because the Pontus never had them. Only the Venus, Terminator, Hermes DDC, and Gaia has the higher performing OCXO oscillators.

Anyway, this is why it helps to visit the official website for info.
 
Apr 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM Post #2,280 of 2,309
They're actually called Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators (OCXO). Anyway, Denafrips website has never stated the Pontus as having the "Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator", because the Pontus never had them. Only the Venus, Terminator, Hermes DDC, and Gaia has the higher performing OCXO oscillators.

Anyway, this is why it helps to visit the official website for info.
Are you sure looks like they listed it here
IMG_1420.png
 
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