Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC Review - It's About the Music!

The Denafrips Ares II DAC is special for a few reasons. For one, it does R2R properly and without compromise. This brings a more analog experience from your digital sources, making it sound more present and real. The Oversampling mode is selectable, as is the fast and sharp filters. The custom USB audio driver disabled Windows volume control, but is claimed to help with maximizing sound quality from a Windows-based USB connection. It's detailed but not fatiguing which means you can listen to music all day without issue (something I love to do). I didn't realize what I was missing until I switched over to this!

You can purchase it directly through the Denfrips store here:

USB Driver and Owner's Manual:

Settings Quick Info:
Oversampling:
- Opt1 On = NOS
- Opt1 Off = OS
Filter:
- Opt2 On = Slow Filter
- Opt2 Off = Sharp Filter

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#audiophile #hifi #stereo

[earthoid]

I ordered the updated Ares DAC a couple days ago and found your review today. Confirmed: I'm buying the right DAC for my particular tastes in music reproduction. Thanks for your simple explanation of the differences between R2R and delta-sigma DACs.

[xstensl]

Alvin is great. received my Ares 2 and very happy. my local dealer provided a demo unit for me.

[michaelwright]

Great review sir! 

The Ares II was my last ditch effort, after multiple, make my ears bleed chip DACs... I wish I would have simply bought the Pontus II to start. The Ares II is a game changer, especially if you suffer from hearing fatigue listening to your system. I was so impressed, I bought the Denafrips Iris DDC, their Hades pre and Thallo amp, paired up with the KLH Model 5 speakers. Kick ass sound!

[MarylandDevin]

Thanks for the review. I have the Bifrost 2/64. I've wanted to hear and compare this DAC so bad. Maybe one day!

[ntraxmartin]

One of the best DAC at the price range.

[Percival]

I had my eye on one of these. But then another reviewer reviewed the SMSL M500 mk2. And said that was now going to be his main DAC instead of the Aries 2. The SMSL is a few hundred £s cheaper. But I’m thinking of getting the Cambridge CXNv2 as it’s highly rated, as I need a proper streamer and they say the DAC in it is really good!

[bretspangler]

My Ares II has reinvigorated my love of music like you described the music is more alive and 3 dimensional, cymbals sound more real, and acoustic music is so much fun to listen to. I avoid MQA, a lossy compression scam with zero data to confirm its creator's claims, just another scam to charge for the music we already own, who needs a new lossy format?

[timsdeskontask]

A little late to this review, but really enjoyed it. Have you had a chance to pair the Ares II with your Vincent SV500. I own the Vincent and have been considering the Ares II for awhile now. Thank you!

[marigold]

Considering this dac to run from my iMac running Roon then into a Purifi amp as a desktop system into some little Harbeth speakers. My question is how does everyone who is running from a computer into the dac adjust volume without a volume know or preamp? Does using the volume adjustment on the computer hamper the sound quality?

[JTB--]

I'm very interested in this Denafrips Ares II DAC. I wonder how different it would sound compared to my Schiit Bifrost 2?

[thewaygokid]

If I buy one of these for a headphone setup do I need to use a preamp or can it go directly to an amp like an A90?

[djradman]

Great review!! Will you be reviewing the pontus ii also?

[dommyap]

Your 14 minute mark description of the ares 2, really hit the spot for me. Does pairing this to a cool and analytical amp like the buchardt i150 bring me that middle ground between tube and solid state sound that I'm aiming for? :)

[rorytaylor]

Love to know what you think about amp/dacs specifically for gaming. I use a Sennheiser GSX 1000 but I want to know what else is out there. I know the Schiit stuff is supposed to be good. Any others?

[sunnisun]

Great Video ! Have you tested the Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC with linux ? Because i am considering the dac but iam a linux user so i dont know if it works :)

[jasperstromy]

Thx great video...I have Ares ii, peachtree Nova 300, Blusound node and Tekton Pendragon speakers. Sounds great. I dont know much about systems cause I've only started listening again for about a year. Understanding things like sample rates, files, etc comes slow to me. I do have a couple questions. 1st would the denafrips iris compliment the ares ii or instead of going that direction would you just upgrade to the Pontus. Not saying I'd make a change but maybe someday. Or would the iris ddc not do much to improve sound in your opinion with the ares. 2nd do you recommend any headphones under 2000.00
Thx

[brothatwasepic]

Hi guys D90 vs Ares ii with a HE1000SE or similar analytical headphone?

[rightslot]

Hello GadgetryTech!

Would you be open to a Private Message? I have the Denafrips Ares II and I'm having som major operational problems. I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing or NOT doing. But I found your mode selection discussion to be one of the best, so I feel like you may know. Thanks...

[ricardocamejomedilusa]

well -$828 on mi wallet . Good review. Just making mony some day for the Arya Stealth and build a endgame for some time

[saab_]

I am interested in buying this DAC, I wonder what is the best setup in combo with this DAC and AMP and my DUNU SA6 IEM...(dont want any hissing)