Part 01 - Denafrips Pontus II & Iris Review - worth the upgrade?

The Denafrips Pontus II is an exceptional R2R based DAC but is it a worthy upgrade from the Ares II at more than twice the price? In part 01 we'll try and answer this question.

Part 02 will focus on what additional performance can be gained by adding the Iris D2D (digital to digital) converter.

[johnratcliffe]

This is exactly the combination I am thinking about for my headphone station. Trying to decide between this and the new Schiit Yggdrassil LiM.

[keeferdog]

THE PONTUS II IS SIMPLY THE BEST “DAC FOR THE JACK”

[johntan]

How come your unit has four feet? Mine has three.

[random_ramblings]

Popped my cherry.
1st view, 1st comment, 1st like!😊

[kerryvanderkamp]

Another great review on equipment I’m looking at. Your channel seems to have the highest hit rate for me in that regard and I’ve been a long time subscriber as a result. I also appreciate the collabs you’ve done with MrAyrit and the tips on buying/selling equipment. In that vein, any chance you’ll be parting ways with this DAC in the near/medium term and looking for a potential buyer? I might be able to save you the PayPal fees if it works out. 🙂

[ColocasiaCorm]

Great analogies! Liked your review very much thanks!

[SmartCaster]

I have it, but with 3 legs on the bottom

[djradman]

Nice!! What is source you are pairing with this?

[falcogol]

pls compare it to border patrol and chord stuff.
thanks

[SpaceEncounter]

How does the Pontus compare to the RME ADI-2 DAC?

[juneguts]

Interested in seeing a comparison between this and an mhdt pagoda with 6922 tubes (about the same price as the pontus)

i haven't seen any direct comparisons and i think it would be a fascinating apples to apples comparison whereas when people compare pontus and mhdt orchid it really feels like a pontus vs bordercontrol comparison which is more of a flavor difference before you get into the tech

[joeldouris]

Great review. I had the Border Patrol SE-i and the Pontus II at the same time last year. Ended up sticking with the Border Patrol because I liked the warmth/texture of the bass better. But it was a tough call for me. Interested if you have thoughts between those two DACs?