GAME CHANGER! Denafrips Ares 12th Anv. DAC Review 

You are the best audiophile here on the Tube, honest, direct, to the point and objective - all without the typical fluff so common among other audio reviewers.

Thanks Tarun for explaining, in just the right level of detail, the true changes between the Ares 2 and 12th. You have a rare ability to break down tech details into layman vocabulary words, which is one of the reasons why I love this channel! 👌

Tarun, I so enjoy your channel. Clear concise reviews and this was no exception. And you have created such a great community, sharing the joy of this hobby.

A wealth of information, presented i in such a glorious, relatable way. Not forgetting (of course) a healthy dose of wit and charm! Thanks Tarun, I'm proud to be a patreon 😁😁😁

Very timely comparisons for the current market, much appreciated and will help inform my purchases.

That Alterra chip is actually an FPGA not a DSP - it can be configured as a DSP like in this case but it allows complete software reconfigurability of what one is trying to do - so it greatly benefits from any software algorithm upgrades. Great video as usual. This is my goto high end audio channel now due to the fabulous job you are doing Tarun.

"You don't miss won't you haven't got" is good advice for audiophiles always itching to upgrade. Just enjoy the music! I use USB mostly now with my Schiit DACs and their Unision USB implementation.

Great review, as always. Simple , smooth and effective.

An excellent and concise overview of spdif, i2S and USB -- which will become my reference for the future. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Some non-audiophile but technically proficient people have claimed that jitter doesn't matter and the problem is highly exaggerated. NOT true. I remember accusing my guitarist of being out of tune, and needlessly making him re-record things, which made him angry. He said he couldn't hear an issue. Then one day I was listening to music between my PC and external Firepod, and it sounded off, until 'whip whoop' it sounded like someone making those silly 'DJ' noises with an LP record. I was like 'KNEW it. It wasn't just my imagination!' If it hadn't been for that brief but large sound of the clock playing catch up, I would never have realized I had a jitter problem. I actually do notice jitter. And jitter is the devil. Thank you A British Audiophile for pointing out that Denafrips DACs have fantastic internal clocks. I hope one day to have the money to buy a Denafrips. Still working on it. But sadly, as a minimum wage worker, I may never do it. I already spent my life savings on a pair of headphones and a a cheaper DAC that you reviewed :P

again an extraordinary and clear explanation of digital information. Because of your reviews I bought a Pontus2 and Hermes last year. I chose the Hermes because I also wanted a CD transport connected to it. Apart from the fact that streaming has taken a big step in the musically right direction, CDs have also acquired an extra musical character. Thanks !

Excellent review, thanks 🙏 Tarun .

Great review as usual!

Another excellent review and explanations.

Thank you Tarun! Delightful video. I'm using the pi2aes to feed my Pontus 2 via i2s and Burson Composer 3x via optical. I was surprised to hear how much noticeable the glare dropped when using that over MAC+Adiorvana/Roon via USB. Hope that one day you will have the chance to review the pi2aes.

I should also say that it would be really nice if Denafrips made a streamer; would be great to see what they could come up with!

THANKS TARUN…HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL 🤗👍💚💚💚

Thank you for the review! As for digital connection, I use the USB with a AudioQuest Jitterbug filter and I perceive it to be noise-free. It is perhaps worth mentioning that my source is a transport in the form of a Silent Angel Munich M1T, which is significantly less noisy than a regular PC.

Thank you so much again for taking time and making the effort to review this equipment. So many DACs, so little money. Should I go with 'good enough' or save for eternity to get a 'good DAC'? I also have my 'GAS', (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), to deal with too. I will just keep watching you and hopefully something in my 'affordable' price range will appear. All the very best, Sir, and keep up the great work.

Honestly, the manner in which you explain how dedicated components can reduce jitter really brings all this into focus. And is very much appreciated! I’m torn between the Gustard and the Ares 12th. Using a Pi2 Design DDC/streamer over here in the U.S. Don’t know how that might compare to the Iris. Maybe part way there in combo with the Denafrips 🙏🏼👍🏼

Another very interesting video

The TOPPING LA90 integrated amp would be an interesting review, thanks for your insightful reviews!

I would have loved to see the Pontus 12 included in this review. Giving from what I am seeing and hearing, possibly the better choice would be the Aries 12/ Iris combination over a standalone Pontus 12 and saving some money. Outstanding description of the differences between digital inputs and how they may effect one’s sound quality.

Thank you very much Tarun for another excellent review. I've been waiting for this review since the Ares 12th Anniversary came out, as well as the R26 review and both reviews met my expectations. Last week I was going to buy the Ares 12th Anniversary, but unfortunately or fortunately, the seller gave me a 300 € discount on the Pontus II, due to the fact that he was going to receive the new models and I couldn't resist, so I ended up buying the Pontus II. I'm now doing the burn-in 😄.

hi, great review as always. i almost bought the ares 12th+iris but changed my mind and got the border patrol se i for around the same price. it's handwired p2p in usa,r2r around an old philips chip, has a nos tube rectifier and internal i2s.sounds great so far(my reference is ifi idac 2 which is still nice) and i plan to add the ifi iusb 2 and ipurifier 3 as ddc since they use usb. i use usb connections with ifi cables and an isilencer from the pc.

Thanks Tarun for another good and easy to digest review. I use the Denafrips Terminator plus with Gaia DDC. The T+ provides the clock to the Gaia over clock BNC cables. I use the RJ45 link to provide an I2S connection using a cable especially designed for I2S - hand made in the Netherlands. It just helps the T+ doing it’s job and gives a small sonic improvement:-)

Hey Tarun, good review as always. Interesting they’ve reduced the filter cap arrays, however, I’m guessing they wouldn’t have chosen sub standard replacements. Be good to know how long they’ll last too.

Thanks Tarun,, 👍‍‍⭐👍‍‍

Hi Taun, When you reviewed the Atoll IN 200, I went ahead and got myself one. (I was lucky to acquire a 2015 manufactured model in premium condition from a dear friend). Then, I saw your review of the REL T7x. I decided to purchase a pair of T5x to complement my Xaviaņ MIA! Bookshelves. Now, I've come across this review. I'm interested in trying an R2R DAC instead of a Sigma Delta DAC and have made up my mind to purchase this DAC to replace the (Qncoz LA QXD1) DAC I'm currently using when I decide to upgrade. My music listening experience has been greatly enhanced. So far, I haven't done any acoustic treatments or room correction for the system. I mention this because I was specifically looking for these particular sound characteristics in the equipment I wanted in my system, and your explanations about them were precise and detailed. This helped me make my decisions immediately. The purchases happened only after I saw your reviews on those products. Thanks for all your efforts in providing us with these informative videos.

A good review . I recently updated the firmware of my Aries 2. I was worried about potentially bricking the DAC, but took the gamble. It does seem to have improved it a little. The DAC was already good to start with. The firmware did sort out the usb input not working. I was originally feeding the DAC from my computer with a singxer f-1 to spdif, which I still think is good solution. Amp topping pa5 to triangle bro02. I get a detailed 3d airy non fatigue sound in my office setup. I also have a Dali smsl setup in the office which is more up front and direct sound wise. I sometimes prefer this setup for loud indie alternative rock.

Thank you Tarun, the usual high standard of review one comes to expect from you. As for the DAC reviewed, I don't know why Denafrips don't have a remote controller. No volume control isn't a bother but not being able to select inputs without having to get up and walk across the room would probably only appeal to turntable enthusiasts. It's the one reason I would not buy a Denafrips DAC when there are plenty of great DACs that have a remote. Surely the cost can't be that prohivetive.

Great review I’ve the gustard but I’d like to try the denafrips

Love your reviews, in-depth and to the point! I only have the Ares II, but I was disappointed how it ranked vs the internal dac in my Rotel 1592 MK2. Couldn't really pick up much of a difference between them, which I guess is a testament to the quality of the Rotel.

Hi Tarun, another great review and FINALLY a clear explanation of synchronous versus asynchronous connections to Dacs I have been looking for! One clarification: if using a DDC and i2S (synchronous) into the Ares2, does that mean the Ares2 clock is fully bypassed from the circuit and plays no role at all in the sound signal chain?

Well done.

Hi Tarun, very good review as usual. I always learn something new with your reviews. I have a question: currently i am using an audiolab 8300 cdq as a dac/preamp. Do you think that this ares 12th could be a significant improvement? (Just for the dac part, of course). Thanks a lot.

Loving the review as always! I think I'm closer to picking up an Iris than I am to an Ares -- somewhat paradoxically. Personally I'd love to know your thoughts on the brand new KEF R3-Meta (successor to the R3) and in particular how it compares and contrasts with the Amphion Argon-1.

I use USB from my Nucelus to Ares ll, love the sound.

Good job Tarun. I have an ARES 12th arriving from Vinshine on Tuesday. I already have the Iris from my previous two Denafrips DAC purchases. Looking forward to having the Ares in my system again; Pontus II 12th was a disappointment.

Great review, Tarun….with tons of tech info! I am anxiously awaiting the firmware update for my Pontus II. Photos already taken! 📸. I have Qobuz streaming on a Mercury Streamer going I²S to my Pontus II. Would I benefit from an Iris (used market) or should I just step up to a Venus 12th?

Thanks Tarun. Always well done. Kindly suggesting a terminator II review (and if a ddc makes a difference for a dac with that quality internal clock, slave vs master etc.). Worth the upgrade for pontus II/ddc owners etc? You are hitting the denafrips stack nicely....next step T-town!

Had an ARES II, now VENUS II. Both sound(ed) best when fed via USB, preferably a dedicated streamer. I use the Auralic Aries (original "pagoda" version 2015). SPDIF sounds worse with this very streamer, and cheaper streamers lose even more in sound quality (tried Primare NP5 and Argon Audio SOLO as digital inputs for the ARES II/VENUS II). Thanks for pointing out the importance of digital inputs for external DACs, most people (including me, until last year) assume that digital is digital and therefore perfect, no matter how the link into the DAC is done.

Great review .. I was wondering seeing that you have the older Aries 2 would you consider a review after having that dac upgraded with the software update and then comparing it to the new Aries 12th edition .. I have the Ponts 2 and plan to get the software upgrade when it us available. Buy the way I have my Pontus connected from my Oppo 105D via the I2S to the Pontus using an after market converter with two 30cm runs of hdmi cable .. and it does sound better this way than using the SPDIF plus I can play SACD discs in DSD format.

The RU7 will be my first foray into R2R, being able to have that sort of sound in a portable format is incredible. If I end up enjoying R2R, I might end up replacing the RME with this!

Hi Tarun, I like the details you present in such an easy way...mesmerizing! Just curious: I heard Denafrips DACs are not quite suitable for snappy, quick and defined bass presentation (rock, electronic music) that we can get from any good desktop solution like Edifier active speakers. How true is that for Ares 12th + Iris 12th combo?

Hello Tarun, I wish my hearing was as good as yours! I have had the Ares 12 in my system for about a month. My CD/SACD player is an Oppo UDP 203. I connect the 203 to the Ares with an HDMI cord and a coaxial cable. I also run RCA cables from the 203 into my McIntosh c50 preamp using the DAC in the 203. My main speakers are 1990’s Klipsch La Scala’s with Crites crossovers. For Amplification I have McIntosh mc352 AB solid state, Carver Crimson 275 tube amp and a pair of class D amps that are DIY. I also have 2 REL Tzero subs and 2 NHT Ten subs, all 4 working together in stereo. In all honesty, to me,there’s little to no difference between the Ares and the DAC in the Oppo. When I compare the DAC in the McIntosh to the Ares and Oppo, the soundstage sounds squished between the speakers, as opposed to wider and deeper with the Ares and Oppo. When playing SACD disks I actually hear no difference between the Ares and Oppo. The big difference is between the HDMI connect and the coaxial cable. The coaxial has a reduced volume. I also have a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV speakers which sound great, but are out performed in every way by the 40yo upgraded Klipsch La Scala’s.

SOLD! Ordered one this week 😎

Thanks for the review. I have the Ares II with the firmware upgrade. I have loved the sound of the Ares II but have been thinking about upgrading to the Pontus II or should I just add the Iris?

Dear BA, I don't own a Denafrips, but you asked which digital connection the viewers use. I use AES-EBU.

I have an Arcam irDac with an external Sbooster power supply & I also have the Denafrips Ares II, I haven’t done the upgrade yet. On both dac’s I use the SPDIF inputs.

Thanks for the excellent review! I am a happy owner of the original Ares ii (No i2S connection) and recently did the firmware update and was really surprised of the improvement on clarity and soundstage depth and even width, but i was already planning to move up to what I consider maybe my top for now, the Pontus ii, my question is... do you think a ddc would be of any benefit in my case, using the coaxial input to the Ares ii? I have the opportunity to get a Denafrips Hermes at a very good price but I don’t know if it would be a mistake because my dac lacks the better input... Or would i have a greater benefit from the Pontus? Hope I was clear and thanks so much!

Outstanding review as always. Do you think that the Ares II would be overkill for my system, which is a Rega IO and Rogers LS4A speakers? I'm currently using a cheap DacMagic 100 and I 'm happy with it but I feel my system could perform much better with a better DAC

Thanks Tarun, great insight as always, especially regarding USB. So with the Ares 12th and the Exposure 2510 what would be your highest speaker recommendation, £1-2k?

Hmm. Ty for the top tip. Fink I will get me a mojo1. I really need a bit more warmth in jack Johnson's guitar. After all its called wood and steel for a reason. BTW, Ace review. 😊

Thank you for this (and for all of your incredible posts!). I own an Ares II. Really enjoying it. Do you recommend moving ahead with the July 2023 firmware update?

I’d sure love to hear you review the naim uniti atom, comparing the streamer/dac portion to the Aries 2 for dac purposes. My system is higher end linn, but I’d o listen a bit with headphones, and love to improve that system

Great review. The Aries 12th is really a reasonably priced DAC. Did you notice large improvement over the Chord Hugo? What types of devices have I2S output capability? I'm not familiar with this type of input.

Does the new Denafrips Arce streamer also act as a DDC and do that relevant cleaning and reclocking of the signal? As others have described, your reviews are incredibly insightful and a real treat. Cheers from Spain!

Hi Tarun, great review as usual. Just came back again to this review to brush up on your findings. Just took delivery of the Ares 12th-1 2 days ago. I know it not really long enough for critical listening. But my question is, I'm confused about the phase button. I know what it does but hear no difference at the moment. What is the usual default setting that it would normally be set at. In positive or negative phase. As in light on or off. Thanks again for a very detailed review. Sean.

Thanks for the review and the explanation of the digital inputs. I was not aware that the source clock is still used with i2s. Having a Pontus 12th and a Nuprime CDT-8 Pro, so far I was out of luck to use the i2s. I have to use coax. Not sure what the problem is. I compared the connection in the manuals. The Pontus (and I think the Ares too) can be configured which pin gets what signal. There are 7 or 8 i2c different pin combinations to select from. I hope it is ok to ask a question which is a little bit ot. In addition to the Pontus, I use the Denafrips Athena preamp (maybe an overkill?) together with an Atoll IN200SIG in path-though mode. I'm not sure but it could make sense to switch to 2 mono blocks power amps. My question is, is there any you could think of which is worth looking into? Then problem here is there are far less mono power amps as integrated amp.

I like the I2S input - because the Iris is the same size chassis as the Ares 12. But I don't like the "loss" of the second coax input - on my Ares II, I always used both the coax inputs; one for my Node 2i and the other for my CDT-6000.

Taking a nod from you recommending USB over SPDIF, I got a USB R•2R DAC that has OS / NOS w/ SE & XLR outputs. Even with its more complicated architecture, sound quality is much fuller than similar sigma-delta units, as you stated. R•2R seems to be the way to go.

After this review I made the "mistake" of moving my Ares2 upstairs to the Living room system to try playing the HR files my older Mu-Fi DAC could not play... Ordered the 12th-1 Tuesday and it arrived in Montana on Friday! Amazing service Alvin 😊 Will compare the Ares2 and Ares12th after it's burnt in for 50 hours. Already persuaded that I should get the firmware updated to 12th on the Ares2. Btw the silver model looks bigger compared to the black '2. I prefer that. 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

Good coverage of CDs original jitter issue, in a very compact form. Which I lived through in real time and which was a very serious problem for the medium that bragged of Perfect Sound Forever". Myself I still feel resentful that digital sound reproduction must cost so much, compared with analog...

Enjoyable and informative as usual. Perhaps or or one of your knowledgeable follows can answer a question? I use the Ares II (enyo) withe my CD player and, primarily with a Bluesound node. I just installed the 12th annv. firmware update but haven't had a lot of time to make a judgement. I looked at the website info and manual for the Iris DDC. They mainly talk about improving the performance of computer sources. I don't generally use my PC directly as a source. Would you expect the DDC to also provide improvement from the streamer an CD player? I've also ordered the linear power supply and mode for the Node and hope to get it in the mail soon. Hum? What was it you said about being satisfied with what you have?

The Gustard R26 also benefits from a DDC. I use it with a Gustard U18 DDC (also via I2S), and the difference in sound is remarkable. It feels more "right, " relaxed, and natural with the U18. By adding an external clock, it could be improved even further, although I don't have one yet. I also own an Ares II and really like it. However, the R26 is on another level IMO. Thank you very much for your reviews, always extremely helpful and informative!

I use kernel stream output from Foobar, USB2 audio into an inexpensive TCXO controlled DDC then into a AD1865 based NOS R2R DAC with valve output and rectification. My digital chain is £400 in total and Foobar is free.

Do I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of Denafrips DDC? Thank you for this review! I have the Ares II and feel like it's a perfect match for my system; Line Magnetic tube integrated, Klipsch Heresy II (upgraded tweeter and x-over), pair of REL t5 subwoofers, mostly streaming Spotify via Node 2i and with occasional Technics 1200/Grado cart spins. My system (and my room) may not be resolving enough to truly appreciate higher end DACs (also not within my budget) but it has a very musical and engaging sound that I think is "good enough" and a lot of fun. I definitely heard a difference when I swapped my old Schiit Modius for the Ares. Ares wasn't better but different and like you described, it was closer to my vinyl set up, richer, thicker, without any loss of detail, deeper soundstage. This review left me a little confused as to whether you think the Ares 12th is an upgrade if you stick with SPDIF. Would I need to upgrade to the 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of incorporating the Denafrips DDC because of the i2s connection? Rather, would I need to upgrade to Ares 12th to fully appreciate the benefits of DDC?

My I-fi DAC Zen v2 is connected to my sub (Adam t10s) by balanced connection and then from there to my studio monitors (Adam t5v) by balanced connections. These are great. Before I had background noise from the computer components. Now I have absolutely none. To connect the computer to the dac I use the standard USB cable. This also powers the dac. There is option to add the I-fi low noise power supply for about 100 extra to power the dac instead of usb. Would you consider this a worthwhile upgrade?

Mostly, I use a Canare USB cable to connect either my computer or my smartphone to a Lynx Hilo converter, and then, a TOS cable for connecting my Marantz CD player to the Hilo. I also own various portable DACs.

Pi2 Design Mercury V2 Streamer to Pontus II via I2S, so no DDC for me as Mike Kelly's Streamer uses the best overall components for the price (bar none). Wish you could get your hands on a Mercury v2 Streamer Tarun.

A couple of points. • the CD transport clock, while important, matters less than electrical noise. Improper ground paths and poor filtering create more noise than transport related jitter; • the "O" transformer is a toroidal transformer with its core edges rounded to reduce sharp bends on the wire for tighter, more uniform windings and magnetic field containment. With respect to source--CD vs files--I have yet to hear a file better the "lowly" CD when played through the same DAC. Not to say this may not one day be the case, but after listening to some rather highfalutin products in highfalutin systems--costing (ridiculously so) upward of US$500K--the physical medium has yet to be surpassed. And then there's tape and vinyl. . .

Great review als always. Would you at about the same price prefer the Pontus 2 or Ares 12th + the Iris Clock ? Thanks so much Tarun.

Hi ABA, Unfortunately, for me at least, there are two problems with Denafrips products. 1) Impossible to demo 2) Impossible to return if I'm not satisfied

Excellent review! Do you use balanced to your amplifier? My amplifier doesn't have balanced in and I've heard Denafrips DACs don't sound as so good on single ended out. Is this true? Thanks.

Hey which DDC would you recommend with Gustard r26? if paired with good DDC do you think it would be better than Ares/ddc stack?

Thanks for the description. I wonder would the Gustard r26 benefit from a Denafrips Iris? Best regards Mikael

I upgraded my Pontus 2 for a Venus 2. On the Pontus, I found the quality and detail improved using an i2s connection over the coax. When I got the Venus, I never went back so….i2s it is. I’ve heard that pretty much all Denafrips DACs sound best using i2s….and I’d vouch for that as well.

I wonder how i2s compares to fiber optic(not toslink) like used by Playback Designs and Wadia

Good evening Tarun. I've no experience of external DACs, but I get the impression they're similar to buying a Windows PC from twenty years ago, i.e. there's new technology just around the corner. With wider innovation in mind, how long do you expect this, and other comparable DACs to be current/latest technology? Many thanks.

I'm switching my VMV D1se to a Ares 12th for a headphone setup and hoping for improved SQ. I have the Iris already, and note the D1se works with the Iris' I2S but left and right channels get swapped.

I would like to see a double blind study comparing Is2 and coaxial inputs. Are any available?

I use an HTPC running KODI for all my music, and even a really nice sound card with optical out is inferior to basic USB audio with my SA300.

Great review Tarun - In the Mojo2 review you mentioned that it beats the original Denafrips Ares II (now Enyo), so how close the Mojo2 is to this Ares 12th edition you wager? thanks!

latency was always what held me back from trying r2r dacs, since i´m not using my pc for listening to audio only. is that a non issue anymore after the 12th anv. udgrades?

Hi....Amazing review.. I have a question, do that mean if we use DDC (IRIS) to DAC (Ares II), the digital signal has been processed twice before convert to analogue?

Recent interview with Rob Watts discussed I2S connection. Rob said there's still the (bigger) problem of how to handle a clock signal, which I2S does not solve.

I bought a Musician Pegasus. I had a slight issue (only happened twice for the month I had it) which turning it to standby and back on fixed. I just didn't want to take a risk with such a new product. However I feel like that staged leagues above my R26. The Pegasus It had a more realistic timbre and decay on a lot of interments that completely separated it from the speakers. However the quality ended there. It sounded rather bland (but realistic). The R26 seemed like the better dac from a technical standpoint. The R26 is equally as wide as the Pegasus, it just doesn't feel as holographic (no depth). I plan on buying the Pegasus again in the near future as I can't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed it. Hopefully after a few more years it'll work out some of the early kinks. From other reviews, the Pegasus seemed to have the edge on the Ares in multiple fronts in terms of sound. As it did already come with the I2S connection from the start. I also saw no delay when gaming or using it for any other types of media.

I've been using optical for 15 years now as I have my music collection on a computer, more specifically I run a small server with no moving parts that in its latest version uses around 8 watts of power and I'm using Slimserver as the music software - I can control playback with an app on my phone or using a browser from any computer on the network (including smart TV's). I like the optical connection since it means zero electrical connection between my HIFI and the computer parts, it gives me peace of mind knowing the "dirty" computer electronics isn't "touching" HIFI. As for jitter, from what I understand it has not been a real issue for a long time. Or at least I believe so as I understand modern DAC's all have a buffer, that means jitter is sorted out by the bits being buffered so they flow in a controlled stream. I I have misunderstood something then please do let me know. My DAC is a Cambridge Audio DacMagic which I am looking to replace with something better, which is what took me here 🙂

what about asynchronous usb to spdif? Is that better than just spdif to spdif even if aes/ebu balanced?

Hi Tarun,i was looking to upgrade the dac on my wiim mini streamer and my prime candidate is mojo 2. I want the most an upgrade in sound stage depht and space. How does it compare with ares 12th and do tou think it makes sence in a system costing around 2500€. Thanks

I got a Gustard X26 Pro with a Gustard U18 DDC. I use i2s but unsure of what HDMI cable to use. On a few forums state side, many are of the opinion that i2s cables sound much better. I.e the blue jeans i2s cable which is impossible to buy here in europe. Apparently i2s cables do not carry video signals just audio. Also I would like to know what cable you using to connect both Aries boxes. Thanks

I’m using an Ares II that has had the new 12th anniversary firmware update . It’s being fed by the Iris DDC via a quality coax Spdif cable from Triode Wire Labs. The Iris is fed from my streamer via usb. The combo has been great and the firmware update is a significant improvement in sound quality from the dac. However , as you said You don’t miss what you don’t know. I’m wondering how much of a gain there would be to replace the Ares II with the Ares 12th just to get the I2S input. Seems kind of crazy to replace the Ares II just for that input….but I’ve been called worse 😅

Hello Tarun, Whilst discussing the new Ares 12 you mentioned some amplifier pairings. You hopefully still have the Willsenton R8 in your stable and did the same with it. I currently use a Bluesound Node with the Willsenton R8 and wonder if adding the Ares 12 is worth doing. Your opinion is appreciated. Thank you.😂

I notice the output resistance of the Denafrips dacs is quite high. I wonder if this has any audible effect.

Thanks, Tarun, Ares 12 with Iris vs Pontus II??

I’m surprised that you didn’t compare the sound of the firmware-upgraded Ares II with the 12th. Do you not have the II on hand anymore?

Can you please review the Billie MK2 amplifier made in Canada? Pretty please

Holo Cyan 2 should blow both these away, review that.

They left out the inlet power filtering, that was present on the previous model...