Blown Away!! High End DAC but AFFORDABLE! The Denafrips Ares 12th-1 CAN BE YOUR END GAME!

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Today I talk about a DAC from Denafrips called the ARES 12th-1 and this is one of the entry level DACs in the lineup. It is the 12th anniversary but improved from that! This 12th-1 DAC comes in at only $1,350 yet sounds like a $5k DAC and this can be END GAME for most of us.

This will deliver 90-94% of those DACs that cost $10k, all for thousands less.

IN the past I have reviewed the Denafrips Pontus and Terminator series. This little guy brings a similar sound and I talk all about it in today's video.

Enjoy!

[morrimoto]

it’s $1, 300 singapore dollars… closer to $1, 000 USD.

[robertgross-pj]

How does this DAc compare with the Weiss 204?

[michelrichert]

Why do so many DACs have so few digital inputs .. this DAC has only 1 optical, 1 coax and 1 USB input .. period ! I need 3 optical inputs ! Or 2 optical plus 1 coax .. for my streamer, CD player, and TV .. I think every DAC should have a minimum of 2 optical, 2 coax and 1 USB inputs .. at that price it should be obvious 🤔🙄

[crashkdw]

It's pronounced "Deh na frips, " not "Dayy na frips." You Ohio guys, lol ;-)

[jamesmilton-willmott]

I would like to ask the same question as the first commenter questioned. How does this dac compare to the internal dac in the eversolo dmp-a8?

[SpirallingOut]

I'd be interested in a comparison between the Ares 12th-1 and the Geshelli J2 Socketed (AK4499 version), with Sparkos SS3602 op-amps.

[Seedlinux]

I bought my Ares12th-1 a few motnhs ago. I am totally agree in your review, its a stunner. I pair it with a Luxman integrated and it actually improved so much the lower end. Sounds so organic and it really has that analog feeling. I will stick with the Ares12th-1 for long time, I am totally satisfied with Denafrips.

[Hi-FiChess]

It's not $1, 350, it's roughly $1, 000 USD

[officialMainspring]

better price now. currently Denafrips now offer the Enyo for $699, which is essentially the 12th-1. They upgraded a few components on the new Ares 15th and it's sitting at $1199. I'm going for the Enyo. Looks to be all the DAC I need.

[vincepack]

You came soooo close to the comparison I need - the Weiss DAC 204. I had one in my system for a little over a week just after the new year. I absolutely loved it. I’m also using the Node X and a yet to be determined CD transport. My question would be a comparison between the Weiss and this Denfrips. Thoughts?

The Pontus 12th is also in the mix if that one compares more favorably with the Weiss. The Weiss is just a bit out of my budget for a while.

[ibassnote]

There are days where I just feel like going back to an all analog system. You know?

[ebenezerjebaraj]

Thanks for the great review. How different is Ares 12-1 compared to Ares-2 with latest firmware?

[reasoned]

Note: published prices from distributor are Singapore prices, US price about 20% less. Got the Pontus about a month ago. Mighty fine, elegant SQ and hardware quality.

[akdomun]

How does it compare to the Schitt Bifrost Multibit? It would be interesting to do an A/B comparison!

[acheresh]

review some really popular dacs like schiit bifrost 2/64, gustard r26, ferrum wandla, you will be surprised by their price to perfomance ratio

[russelbear]

Hi tnx for the review. Have you heard the holo audio dac spring 3 ?

[janulik]

but there are known options as gustard and musician, I belive it would be worth to consider them

[bunjidogg]

Wonderful for you that you consider a $1300 DAC to be affordable.

[mlo]

There are no Denafrips engineers, just Schitt engineers. I thought I was being so funny I coughed my beer over my Von Schweikerts.

[oscarmeelhuysen]

Very satisfied with it, especially in combo with the Iris 12th.