Teardown: DENAFRIPS Ares II DAC

Is Ares II a true balanced DAC? Let's find out!

It's not advisable to connect both outputs simultaneously.
Once both outputs are connected, regardless whether the device is on/off, the DAC will 'see' it as a connected load (resistive/inductive/capacitive).
It may have an adverse effect on the sound. 

[patricksullivan]

I Love the sound from this DAC! I hope to try a Pontus II soon. thanks Alvin!

[medonkrs]

The ARES II DAC is a really fine piece. Had mine for 3 month now. It sounds rich, makes you enjoy your music, toe tapping. Highly recommended!

[macgeek]

I've had mine for a week now. Thanks for this video. I never doubted the balanced claim but this video was informative. Unfortunately, my SVS XLR cables have been stuck on a boat waiting to unload for weeks and I won't get them until the end of May at the earliest. By then, I'll be traveling again and it will be months before I get to use the DAC again.

[CP-qeym]

great, glad that's sorted - now explain how it's a true NOS please

[giordylan]

hello Alvin, congratulations for your explanations!

[boballard]

Enjoyed this video Alvin! Great information as usual.

[WYNT]

Can you please make a video on how to replace the footing on the Ares II?

[ah.l]

Next video, how going from aresII to higher denafrips dacs help the the quality of sound and what architecture or parts helps those dacs to achieve it.

[pdanabie]

Hi Alvin. You mentioned not to use the XLR and single ended outputs at the same time. Can you tell me if this applies to your other dacs such as the Pontus?

[d_dude_is_here]

The louder question is whether Ares II is NOS or NOT ?

[barryagrant]

What is the value of the fuse? I couldn't quite catch what you said.

[ivanstegachev]

This is amazing sounding dac for sure. The only drawback is that it can't be a REALTIME at any given buffer size. For musicians and mixing engineers this dac isn't suitable and in my opinion this should be pointed with a big red font at the site ahaha

[anthonyjriz]

hi there, when I connect this unit to my MacBook Pro, I select 24 192 in my Mac settings, but when I listen to a 16 44 file on Apple Music, the lights on the front of the DAC show "24 192". is this normal?