Denafrips Ares II DAC review. Amazing budget DAC? 

Sound Demo Time Stamp Ares II 12:40 Musical Paradise 13:38 I forgot to mention that you need to change the tubes in the Musical Paradise DAC to 6922 to bring out its potential. You will have to factor that into the cost.

Night and day difference between the two dacs. Quite surprising though just how large the gap. I own the Ares II and agree with your findings completely, but would like to add that its not uncommon for me to jump, contort, finger-snap and attempt to boogie while listening. It's not pretty.

Constructive criticism: For your spoken word, the audio is VERY quiet. Even with a volume booster, I have my MBP turned up to 2/3. When I switch to other videos by other YT'ers, I have to remember to turn the volume down or I'll get BLASTED with sound!

To me Ares II sounds better more airy and better soundstage, while the second dac was sounding more like a closed in sound much more narrow according to my hd800

wow the ares crushed it in the demo for me

Hi, I have a Marantz NA-11S1, do you think this Denafrips Ares II DAC are better in sound and quality? do you think is a good idea to replaced with this one? Thanks and let me know.

I would love a comparative review of the Denefrips and the Bifrost 2...are you up to the challenge? Cheers

Great video, Thomas! You really have a knack for capturing the nuances of equipment. I'm always left with a good grasp of what to expect from the equipment you review. I'm glad you take time to emphasize how important gear synergy is. It's easy to get excited about something and forget that you need to think about the system you're putting it into. I am still very happy with my Musical Paradise D1. With the right tubes it sounds very good. The sound demo was interesting. Yes, I know it's RU-vid, but I liked the bass on the Aires. However, the MP-D1 did sound more analog.

I thought id like the Ares more but i found myself "chair dancing" to the musical paradise. Go Figure.

I wonder why u loose ur precious time testing Denafrips with this setting : it's amazing how crazy cheap it sounds here compared to Paradise DAC. I would put this sound demo aside... sorry but big health problems might be ahead. Have u done a recent audio check ? I'm afraid u fried ur ears or just did not check this demo. Sorry it's a bit straight but, the sound out of this ARES II u provide here is an industrial disaster... what more can I say : check it.

For $700, it is a great way to experience R2R. Ordered today. Amazing review and thoughts.

I just purchased the Ares II... Game changer for me. Paired with the Model 5 speakers, I went back in time. There was that sound I grew up with, those records on the record player. I heard an immediate difference in SQ upon installing the Ares II in my system. Dean Martin and his orchestra sounded like it should, like it would have back in the Las Vegas Sands showroom, which I have been too. That bite from the chip DACs was now gone. The shrillness of the horns, gone. Dean's voice was silky smooth, like I expect it to sound. Even Frank Sinatra sounded good, LOL! The Ares II took that live recording to another level vs my Gungnir and or Cambridge DACs. Yep, game changer. And here I thought it was my system, no it was the DAC. So, if you are sitting and listening to music, even casually, and find it is no longer enjoyable and you just can't put your finger on what is wrong, maybe give the Ares II a look. Is it the best DAC in the world? Hell, I don't know. What I do know, is that I can now sit and listen to my tunes without getting a headache.

You should take a look at the Topping D90. It has received a very favorable review compared with the Aries II.

Where is the budget DAC mentioned in the title ? Cheers thaynamite :)))

As soon as I heard bright I decided not for me, can you review the $999 musical paradise dac?

I really like the short sound demo at the end. Specially the short section that demonstrate the stark difference between the two. Short, precise, and effective! Speaking about the difference though...wow!

Luna? Is off topic. How about a review on the carver crimson 275 as compared to pprimaluna

There's a bass resonance at the end of the third note from the synth (left channel only). Not sure if it's really there because the Ares reproduces it and the Musical Paradise does not. That being said, I sort of prefer that the Musical Paradise sits back a little bit from the images. Sounds more refined. That being said, you really can't go wrong with either of these.

You need to review the mid tier Venus II or Pontus and test those different settings. Most reviewers are finding there is a clear difference

Thomas, could you comment on how you expect Ares ii to sound with Willsenton R8 driving LS50 Thanks

Hello Thomas it's been awhile I have an excellent question for you In one of your videos you mentioned monitor audio how the speakers are bright I also have an Onkyo receiver which is probably bright so my question is what type of DAC would smooth things out

I'd really be curious to hear a comparison to the Chord Qutest.

u should audition the new Tannoy gold monitors if you ever see them.

So now you need to review the Denafrips Terminator :)

Tough call, good review. For me what is important is for the DAC to be the least digital and the most analog sounding. If that means softening or rolling off the highs then so be it.

You kind of talk down to people and in circles a little long winded

Thks for the review Thomas and I have the Denafrips Ares II. The sound demo comparison was very useful and I do prefer the Ares II over the MP-D1 MK3. The latter sounded softer, more laid back and less dynamic.

The Ares sounds MUCH BETTER when operating on a separate A/C line circuit, even if you must use a very long extension cord to reach another outlet in your home that is on another circuit breaker. No disrespect to the reviewer, but seems you are struggling to find fault with the Ares.

Wow! I follow various HiFi review channels, from Steve to Zero Fidelity and your channel is becoming the one that stands out. The music comparison at the end is a home run. Lot of good advise in this video too. You are becoming the HiFi Sensei!

If you listen large symphonic pieces you'll like the Ares. Also reproduces grand piano like nothing else.

I’d like to know where you can buy this DAC for $700.00? From what I can tell there’s only one distributor WW and the price is $1,028.00 and it’s been this price for the last six months.

I'm thinking of getting the new Vincent SV-737 hybrid...designed in Germany...it has a optical and coaxial...how much would it benefit me to use one of your favorite DAC's with it?...Why is it that only the cheaper built Korea and china Dac's have an hdmi ? I'd love to use one with eArc...thank you!

Hi Thomas, do you think my system would be "worthy" of the Ares II? It's a Rega Elex-R amp with Dali Oberon 5 speakers, would I get most of the mojo out of it? Or is the Ares too good for my gear?

Excellent Review +1 subbed Comparisons Intro Voice Siblance Crystals Base Denafrips Ares II 12:41 12:56 13:04 13:19 13:28 Musical Paradise 13:41 13:55 14:03 14:18 14:30

Hello Thomas I'm just wondering do you have a good better best stand-alone dac for home stereo. Budget would be $600 Canadian or less We aren't rich like Thomas I don't think most people have 15,000 $ plus speakers so we might not notice the flaws. Just a thought

Hey Thomas - I’m playing this video in my car and have the volume on the stereo turned up to 100% maximum and can still barely hear you. You really need to start using a limiter on the audio mix of your videos to normalize/maximize the overall volume/level closer to the RU-vid LUFS standard. It makes it very difficult (and dangerous) to watch your videos. If I forget to turn the volume back down before the next video starts playing, I will literally damage the speakers in my car.

Hi thomas, the ares II was a very good dac wished i'd had a bit more time with it:) of the the bat it was a fun dac the high end wasnt to bad nothing a cable couldnt adjust, the bass welll a sub can fix that. But yes the textures were good gave depth to the instruments. As usual very informative to listen to your review ! Ooh and i think your roasted on an other youtube channel,you should look into that:)

But is the Ares 2 “good enough”?

You need to try the Denafrips Terminator, it's several levels above. Did you try different cables? The brightness might be your silver cables

Love the demo section. Really do helps on pin pointing the criteria that you have mention in your assessment. The difference is quite obvious between the two.

After listening to several reviews about this Denafrips Ares, I ordered one since it is not expensive, and my new Denon CD player sucks! I used to use a $4K CD player. The old CD player has problem with the laser, and they cannot fix the laser anymore. Therefore, on July 3rd I placed an order directly to Denafrips in Singapore, and this morning I received the Denafrips Ares II. I connected right away to my system. I cannot believe what I heard. It is a huge improvement in all aspects. The timbre of human voices or any musical instruments sound much better than what Denon CD player or my $4K CD Player can produce. I am REALLY happy with $738 that I spent on this DAC. I really recommend this DAC if you want to improve the quality of your CD player without spending a lot of money.

Surprise Taylor Swift interruption at 8:05. Wouldn’t have heard it if I wasn’t watching this on my system 😅

I have the same experience too, the best way to hear the technologies is to try the entry level products, the higher end you go the more things that sound similar.

Good news! Price gouging no longer applies to toilet paper/masks/hand sanitizer - it has now moved to the audiophile world. Someone in China’s trying to sell the new Ares II on eBay for the low price of $928, about $226 USD over buying it direct from Vinshine. The kicker is that they’re not promising delivery until between April 14th and June 9th.

First video of yours I've watched and really enjoyed your insights. I was sold on the Ares. Then I heard the demo and I found the vocals on the MP "smoother"? and more appealing. Also, the intro on the Ares more detailed but a bit too much in the high end. I'm def no audiophile but the difference surprised me. So now I've got a conundrum lol. Regardless, subbed.

I am waiting for the review of the new Denafrips Ares 15th

You're DEEP! And like good wine---for which I've also had some great recipes over the years :)---you keep getting better. The Ares was on my radar a few months ago, BUT, I also had a need for some sort of preamp to go with my new Neurochrome power amp. I ended up with the Singxer SDA-2 after looking at a few others in that category. The decision was heavily influenced by availability and delivery time. It's not bad and it'll hold me over for a year or 2 as I build my dream system. Ultimately, I want to end up with the Denafrips Terminator...combined with a balanced tube preamp; speakers utilizing a sophisticated electronic crossover; and a SWARM-style bass array. In the meantime, thanks for providing first-class entertainment as I travel the path.

Wow listening to the sound check at the end it apparent what a big yet detailed sound the denafrips has very impresive -thank you Thomas.

of course, just relative comparison but MP sounds compressed, that is why the Aries comes out as brigter but more impressive.

i just cannot convince myself that a DAC is worth that much

Excellent review Thomas. Had you the chance to test Denafrips Ares !! vs Topping D90? Thanks.

Hi Thomas, informative as always. Being familiar with the Buchard S400’s warmish top end, how do you feel it would combine with the ares 2? Was thinking that plus the Billie amp further down the line and budget, ha. Curious about your thoughts!

It looks like SMSL M400 beats this Denafrips: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rjus0erFU_4.html

I get the point you were making, and it is very true in many ways, that being said: There most certainly is a "best" dac at any price range. Whether it the best sounding, or the one you like the most, is something entirely different. I really wish people, especially in HiFi could learn do understand objective vs subjective evaluation.

Hi Thomas. I now had the Denafrips Ares2 for about four weeks. I can confirm that this is an excellent DAC , with excellent soundstage, and in my system with the Innuos ZEN3, Yamaha A-S3000, and the Canton Ref.8K , and Mogami and Canare cabling, it is producing the sound I prefer, especially on classical music and jazz. I must say....not for the price, but at any price, it is a fantastic DAC in the right room and system!

Thomas, I have not heard the ARES 2. Can you tell me how you think it would pair with the Willsenton R8? I am considering the ARES 2, bifrost 2, or Topping D90. My aim is natural and spacious, not clinical or dry. Playing through double impacts, no sub. Thank you

I hope you review dacs from Questyle soon. Thanks

tfw he calls a $1k dac "budget" and "entry level"

Hi Thomas, Happy new year.. another year of enjoying the music and hopefully ending the pandemic, I have a question regarding the Lumin D2 verus bluesound node 2i/denefripp Aries II, which do you believe would be superior. Thanks!

Hi Thomas, I've noticed that you don't talk very much about USB interfaces like the IRIS from Denafrips or others from SMSL or topping, etc. Actually, I have a Gungnir dac, modded, with the first usb version and this is really the weakest board in the system. Many people should just change the interface, not the dac. I'm happy with mine, (my dac). So, what do you say about making a video under the interface subject, or favourite one, in the price range of the Iris? I bet many people would like it. I confess that I am in a crossing road, not able to make a decision. Well, most the times we see your videos to make an opinion about a specific item, ultimately an item we want to buy, and I don't know what interface should I aquire in this moment. It it is of some interest for you, or if you feel like doing that video, I really would appreciate very much and so many of us, I am sure. That being said, I want to thank you for the interesting videos and the nice and honest work you do for all of us, I like it, we like it !

Thanks; have been anticipating this one for a while; wanted to see how your review and Jay’s compared.

Thomas, you should try an r2r dac closer to the exa's price. I'm curious to see if it remains your endgame dac.

Do you think this one can be a major upgrade from built in Bluesound Node (2021 model) solution?

Ares 2 sounds very different in OS and NOS modes. You have basically two different DACs. I found that for my electrostatic headphones the NOS mode lacked detail. Although, for some other drivers that are less revealing that mode may be sufficient. OS, however, brings up the detail level without making the DAC sound too digital.

Damn 850 is budget... I'm too darn broke I guess ha. Thanks for video!!! Love them

I'm so buying this but I doubt I can hear a difference Using silver cable is cheating lol...

how well does the Denafrips delineate instruments compared to the Bitfrost? how does it compare to the Qutest? due to Covid i can not fly to SGN. going nuts. thanks

Ares 2 vs schiit gungnir multibit what's better sound? This dacs are close in $ over all sharpness openness details etc. What do you think ? Should compare this to the d90 and multibit schiit gungnir

A question for all you knowledgeable audiophiles out there, this "budget" DAC has a large toroidal transformer, while the high end ones that I have seen do not seem to have a transformer at all. More than one way to skin a digital cat, or what?

Thomas you got me all worked up for a new DAC! Didnt want to spend more than 500$ CAD. Just got an 8 year old PS Audio digital link 3 of CAM for well below my maximum budget and man, compared to my old Cambridge DAC magic it's a game changer!! I get the feeling that when it comes to DACs, used is the way to go.

Sound demo...massive difference. Denafrips appears to be night and day above the Musical Paradise....

I'd be interested in a head to head with the Bifrost 2 Thomas. Another DAC that's getting great reviews with its multibit and unison USB tech.

For your readers to consider. The Ares II does provided NOS and OS, the latter with slow or sharp filters. These 3 variations on the sound do make a difference and should be experimented with if you need to match to a particular system characteristic, that is to say if your system is on the bright side of neutral or on the warm side, as Tomas laments during the entire review. Even going from recording to a recording, on a micro level you can even use these filters to improve the recording from one another, simply push a button. So “two button” toggling to me sounds pretty innocuous especially when the manufacturer went through the added costs and giving the end users these flavor options at such a modest price point. All for around $700US. Is it a $4,000 dac? No. Does one need to spend that much money in 2020 to get really good sound? Nope! Dacs have come a long way.

3050i OMG!! When is the review out? I can spoil it to you tho'... rolled of highs, damn good vocals and muddy bass (sometimes). Add a subwoofer and it sounds really good.

Hi, Thomas, I'm a subscriber to your channel and considering buying a Pontus. However, I have read that improvements from the Ares, which I now have, are accompanied by a loss of warmth. I have Klipsch IV speakers. If there is a loss of warmth upgrading to the Pontus, depending on the amount, it might impact my system's SQ adversely. I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this. Your channel is a must-read for me. Many thanks.

That demo was very obvious but i wonder if in person, it sounds a little too forward and "harsh" to pair with Klipsch or other horn based speakers?

The one left in this range might the NME API-2 with filter and eq. Now that sounds as if it's versatile to tailor the sound

I got one! It’s nice!

Definitely a lot of energy in the Presence/Sibilance zone. Maybe a little too much for my taste

Does anybody know if this corona virus pandemic is affecting placing orders over at denafrips? Thanks!

Well done on approaching with a scientific method. ie. No such thing as best. Just different. And what is best for you is dependent on your system and tastes. I have a Topping D90 and love the sound but miss the depth of imaging I've had with other DACs. The Ares II would definitely improve on that but my system needs all the punch it can get, and the treble needs to be tamed. So no Ares II for me. When you get a chance, review the SMSL VMV D1se

I have one and it's great

I use an Ares II with a Schiit Freya + and that combo is a match made in heaven in my system ( Bluesound node 2 - Schiit Aegir x2- B&W Matrix 3 series 2 and 2xRythmik F12SE)

Hello Thomas , firstly thanks for a review. A little general question. When we decide either the dac (for example) is bright or dark sounding, do we take in consideration the interconnect cables ? In my case I have AQ King Kobra and Nordost Purple ... And they change so much tonallity of any system I tryed. The same I can say for speaker cables. And I would say I am so tired beacause of this change of sound made by interconnects. I have no found the one I like. If there was the good solution all in one like Marantz PM7000N but better sound quality I would go with this. Also, if the audio was like the computer where there is a standard interfaces and intefchangable modules it would be so good. Imagine only, Like you upgrade graphic card in your desktop, the same way you upgrade and put module dac of any company in your audio box. And there is not any interconnect cables 🙂👍

@thomas I have adx5000 headphone, can I check with you whats the budget choicd for my dac n amp or all in one choice?

Thank you very much ....I am new friend ..... stop by

Hi Thomas and Audio Community, Does anyone know where I can find Denafrips products? It seems like the only place I can find this company's lineup is in on AliExpress. Nothing against AliExpress, but there are a lot of counterfeit products on that site, just like Amazon, but more so on Ali. Thanks

How about the other Denafrips R2R dacs like Venus and Terminator?

Own take; sounds analogue without sounding as though it's trying to sound analogue! I believe Willow Tree Audio in UK are dealing in Denafrips. Interesting comparison, and I guess tube pre could warm the sound of the Denafrips.

I've got one at the moment Thomas and I agree with you about the tone and soundstage which are terrific but I think the treble is spot on and not bright, plus it is very accurate in treble. I'm using with the KEF LS50 metas / Monitor Audio Gold 100 and my Hegel and PMC's. Against the Qutest the soundstage is less but the Qutest is double the money and the Chord's MO. Also an RME ADI-2 DAC FS outperforms both for its detailed and balanced approach but again 30-40% more money. I think my overall impression is the Ares II suits someone who wants to trade detail for tone (its plus 2 with bass on the tone dial) because on all accounts something like a CA DAC Magic 200M will be more searing this way with detail. I agree it does perform well with a caveat that detail is reigned in, in the midrange. But it is for people who want lush tones, no sibilance, or who are sensitive to this, or have a HiFi system which isn't hugely resolving and where any shortfall in detail will not be limiting. Or for people who like Vinyl, or those who want to tame brightness in a HiFi. If you've got a really good HiFi I would recommend the Venus II I reviewed instead as the detail AND tone are all there.

I ordered my ares 5 weeks ago..can’t wait to get it in my system ...

It doesn’t measure any better than much much cheaper Topping (E30 as one example) DACs … so why exactly should this DAC even be considered?

Hi @thomas & Stereo What are your thoughts on OS vs NOS and OS with Slow vs Fast? For me NOS was what drew me into this DAC vs my McIntosh C47 DAC. I’ve switch all digital to the Ares exclusively. Lately I’ve been playing with the NOS vs OS + filters.

It will be interesting to compare denafrips dacs with chord dacs.

Thomas: do you think this could go with KEF LS50? Also, do you believe in such a thing as an audiophile setup to recreate accurately the experience as the artist intended? Rather than tweaked to suit your own taste?

This review your voice is too soft!

You didn’t even test out over sampling mode?

👍💪🤗 well this is the fastest 14 minutes that ever went by in my life LOL I've been waiting for this a very long time thank you, very much I've made up my mind I'm going for ares i have musical Paradise Mark 3 i think this is a good mix keep up the great work please stay safe we need you Thomas a big fan... Steve Costello🙏🙏👌👌🤗

Ares is really bright. MP is smooth as baby bottom.

Hi Thomas. For now , my system is Buchardt s400 (Magnepan 1.7) + Kinki Studio EX-M1 + Arcam Irdac + laptop. If i swap my actual dac with Ares2, does it make a big difference? Thanks.