DENAFRIPS Iris & Pontus II DAC

If you stream music via a computer over USB to the DAC, you might like to consider the DENAFRIPS DDC - Digital To Digital Converter.

The DDC effectively reduce the noise from the USB Host, output cleaner and lower jitters digital outputs (I2S/SPDIF) to the DAC.

Iris DDC is a great companion with the Pontus II DAC. Here's the video we talk about how to configure the DAC to work with the Iris DDC over i2s.

[Woofy-tmsi]

I received my Pontus II / Iris combo about a week ago. I had been using the internal ESS DAC in my Oppo UDP-205 for several years. The improvement was jaw dropping at first listen. Thanks to a few LONG playlists I have in my JRiver Media Center set in audio-only mode, the duo has been in continuous, 24-hour operation for the last 8 days. The combo's sound quality seems to improve over time and is absolutely superb. Gone are the days when I've had to rely on a tube buffer to keep my ears from bleeding because the Oppo's ESS 9038 DAC mercilessly exposed every less-than-superb recording in ruthless ear-slitting detail. Strangely, the Pontus II/Iris is consistently more revealing and transparent, and does so without accentuating high frequency detail. It's like the music just flows out of it.

[brianhaselden]

Thanks Alvin. This is the exact combination I bought from you. It sounds excellent and was a worthwhile upgrade from my Ares II.

[joshuafox]

I love these videos. Loyal denafrips fan here and these are very helpful.

[Smokej]

Thanks Alvin, a great explanation on the need for a DDC. Now that I have a very good Streamer the best solution for me is to upgrade my DAC in the future. Keep up the great work and all your support!

[robertwang]

Thks for the I2S configuration explanation, it helped me a lot in setting up my Iris with the Pontus 2 with Jays Audio I2S, it’s quite a big improvement in sound, very happy with the purchase. Keep up the gd work.

[robertwang]

I bought this combo, using Jays Audio I2S cable - the DDC really cleans things up a lot. Great purchase.

[homerjones]

I had the Ares II but upgraded to the Pontus II and glad I did - should’ve went to the Pontus first. Got an Iris but it’s connected to a good streamer so I really didn’t notice any improvement. Keeping it hooked up anyway, wasn’t expensive, see no need to get rid of it.

[McPhist]

@Alvin: Does the Pontus take advantage of the higher quality clocks of the Iris (I2S connection) when it is known that the Pontus buffers and reclocks every incoming signal? Or is the cleaner signal the only benefit?
PS: Thanks for the vids!!!

[giordylan]

a question ... does the use of iris on Pontus 2 limit sampling?
I read in the specifications that on i2s the pcm is not usable for the entire frequency that the pontus2 supports 1.536mhz
and on DSD it is limited to 512 against the 1024 that pontus2 supports
it's correct ?

[fredfungalspore]

Hi can you hook up the Matrix Element I streamer to this DAC please..i do not have the electronic background after watching you but you may be able to advise me if it is doable if so i will take it to someone who can set it up thanks 🙏

[johnratcliffe]

This is the combination I am considering. Trying to decide between that and the Yggdrasil LiM. Really hard to decide.

[myu]

I have an UltraRendu streamer. Do you think this would be an improvement into my Pontus 2, 12th?

[vovans]

Hi Alvin, great video. Thank you. If combining Iris DDC with the Pontus 2, does the USB cable from the Mac to the DDC quality matter then ? Which cable do you recommend ? Thanks!

[brians]

How much latency does the Iris add? I do use my Pontus II for streaming movies, etc., which has worked out with low buffer settings. Thanks.

[metatron]

Just out of interest Alvin, what's the name of the Audio Cables you use.

[mrright]

Hallo Alvin. I have Pontus II and want upgrade with IRIS. I stream via USB, Macbook + Audirvana. Is update still required if i order IRIS or are the new devices already updated. I recently watched your youtube video that explain updating IRIS via Macbook. I really appreciate your assistance. Thank you.

[Leo-ynfx]

Does connecting the dac straight to the pc make things sound muffled and veiled without the ddc? Even if you don't hear any fuzz or static? Should I go with i2s over usb for being cleaner output?

[sonicplayroompiano]

I have a Pd creative modded node 2i with Gieseler linear power supply. Do you think the iris would be worth it? My Dac is the pontus 2 12th-1. Thanks 🙏

[ayewhite]

Please please please make a SILVER Ares 3 DAC. With manual button to change filters. I need silver to match my other components but I can’t afford Pontus II DAC.

[tomasriedel]

Hi Alvin, isn't the silver variant for Iris also being considered?