Hi @saleh84 Thanks for the additional information and clarification. I understand the excitement...believe me... The new DSP board is excitement inducing... : )
Importantly, Mr. Ebaen concurs with your findings!
I ran into a problem last night when I ran Optical Out (for the first time) from my TV to the Terminator. I've discussed it with Alvin and he is having Denafrips investigate and address.
I'll be swapping in the former board (this evening) which will allow for my first A/B. This will be at 50 hours of runtime on the board via the USB input.
[Note: I've been evaluating the new board via the USB input only, with the exception of the one time via Optical] |
A brewing thunderstorm allowed for a temporary system shut down. I took the opportunity to re-test the Optical Input sound prior to powering off. Same issues as last night.
Since my system was down, I went ahead and swapped the original Amanero USB / DSP board back in and now have the system up and playing.
Not a single glitch with the Optical Input based Sound (performance and quality) using the original board.
I’ll ping Alvin later since it is 2 am his time. |
For those WITH / OR getting the new DSP board, a few points:
1. If you are A/B’ing with the original board, give the original board at least an hour to come into song. Based on what I’m hearing, I recommend a minimum of 3 hours with 5 hours being ideal.
In other words, if you are planning a quick A/B you will not hear the original board at it’s best. I have 7+ hours of play time on the original board, as of now...if I notice any additional improvements, I’ll post accordingly.
Please note: my original board was "out" for 3 days. I can’t speak to times, if your original board is out longer.
2. I have not swapped in the new board, NOR is mine fully run in...therefore, I can not advise on the hours required for it to come on ’song’ once it is fully broken in, dependant on time "out" of system of course.
3. When you swap in the original board, make sure it is fully ’seated.’ When I removed my original board (to swap in the new board), I noticed there was very light "play" in the ’seating.’
Listening to the original board, completely / fully seated, has been a revelation. : )
[Note: as of this point in time I am only using USB in, NOS setting for my comparisons] |
Note: a simple FRESH re-seating may be responsible. Similar to what happens with cables, tubes, etc.
For those of you with the original USB / DSP board, I highly recommend doing this. If you do, please share your results. Thanks. |
A deep dive into the audio closet, a rediscovered OPPO 105, and a few hours later another test of the Optical Input into the NEW DSP board. Same issues / problems as when fed an Optical Digital signal from the OPPO.
Alvin asked me to check the Coax Input. Since I only have Optical and HDMI ARC on the Samsung, I tested the Coax out from the OPPO and it works fine.
As mentioned earlier, the Optical Input of the Original Board works perfectly. |
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@73max I understand and relate to your disappointment and frustration. You have my sympathy and empathy...I’ve gone through the same with a number of different components across manufacturers.
It sucks getting something one is so excited about and then being let down by a non-working unit.
Alvin of Vinshine Audio has been terrific in his support of me when I have run into issues and based on feedback from others he’ll be right on it.
Hopefully he will resolve it to your satisfaction!!!
The Terminator with the new board is worth it! |
@73max Great to hear. Looking forward to your impressions and results, once you have your Terminator up and running in your system. |
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@73max Great to hear you've got the unit. Looking forward to your impressions and how it works out!!! |
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@jriggy The upside of waiting will be getting the new board with the latest firmware pre-installed. |
@jerseytrain Congratulations.
I've been happy with Triode Wire Labs. There are a number of power cable threads that you can review for guidance with respect to making a good choice. |
@73max Any updates on your new Terminator? |
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@garn63 Thanks for sharing your findings on the Ares 2 in your system. As you say... Great little dac for the money. |
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@t_ramey That's a good question for @alvin1118
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@rdoc Yes, it's a solid, slam-dunk recommendation! Also, good to hear Steve compare the Terminator and Yggdrasil. |
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Also note Steve Guttenberg's comments on the two "DSP" boards. It was great to hear his take on the two boards and his preference for the original board. My take on the two DSP boards and why one may prefer the first DSP board... is re-linked here: https://dsp-board-denafrips.blogspot.com/ |
How can I elevate the performance of the Terminator DAC? Power Cable. Try some.
I'm evaluating a single cable, that I will not name at this time, to the Terminator. WOW.
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@milpai I do. And I agree...very effective. Thanks. |
The Next Best Thing Studio’s video review of the Ares 2 DAC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa1MswOqYpkFantastic Review. Refreshingly real. Note, the Ares 2 is USD ~$760 (per today’s exchange rate)...I believe the reviewer is using Canadian Dollars. |
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@dgarretson That's correct. Three DDC (digital to digital convertor) models are in development. |
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+1 @abd1
i was starting to think the same thing. I’m going to sit with things for a while but might want to try the gaia at some point.
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@abd1 Thanks for sharing your comparative impressions and findings.
If you do decide to list the SW1X, consider getting a Denafrips GAIA and going I2S from it to the Terminator. You may be surprised. : )
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@anzaanimalclinic Congratulations on moving to the Terminator Plus and Iris combination and the stellar results you have achieved!!! |
@dvdboulet I believe you will achieve good results with either DAC specific option. You'll have to figure out the +/- of a standalone pre vs an included volume control. I'll add that there is a healthier resale market for Denafrips. what's a wiser way to spend |
@toddrhodes Sounds like fun! Post your findings and results! |
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Denafrips Terminator Plus review by Christiaan Punter / HFA / HiFi-Advice: "This DAC is simply without flaws. It sets the standard not only at its retail price but it’s one of the finest DACs that I have heard irrespective of the cost. Whether or not you will like its super-transparent and ultra-precise rendering of the music is a personal matter but I will say that it’s rare for an audio component with such extreme levels of precision to remain refined and nuanced while also being musically appealing and emotionally engaging. Direct competitors in order of ascending retail prices are the Mola Mola Tambaqui, the Aqua Formula xHD, and the CH Precision C1. All three offer different facilities and provide different tonal- and spatial presentations. But these differences are not nearly as large as one might suspect based on the cost. Most impressively, none of the other DACs manage greater levels of transparency, detail retrieval, or overall precision." https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/spdif-dac-reviews/denafrips-terminator-plus/ |
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FYI, Per Vinshine Audio: "Thesycon v5.27.0 USB driver is available now. What's new? http://www.thesycon.de/usbaudio/TUSBAudio_history.txt Please note that the v5.20.0 (and above) supports Windows 10 onwards. Operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are not longer supported due to Microsoft discontinued vendor signing. The latest licensed Thesycon Driver (For Windows PC) v5.27.0 is available to download here." https://www.denafrips.com/support |
Review | Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC and Gaia D to D Converter By: gmgraves / Audiophile Style https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/review-denafrips-terminator-plus-dac-and-gaia-d-to-d-converte..."Overall the T+ is a world class DAC. Alone, it produces a liveness and a palpable realism that just a few short years ago would have seemed impossible at any price. I don’t really know how to describe the refinement of that amazing performance made possible by the addition of the Gaia D-to-D. But all I can say is that whatever magic the T+ is bringing to the table with it’s incredible performance, the Gaia takes that magic and turns it into sorcery!" |
@jackiejr I'd check with Alvin at Vinshine to be absolutely sure. @alvin1118
I remember my Terminator's I2S input being configurable. I do not know if the Pontus II is or is not; AND whether the configuration can be setup to be compatible with your Project CDT.
Perhaps Pontus II owners will also post on this.
All the best. - David. |
FYI for those considering Denafrips products...From Vinshine Audio:
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: ANNOUNCEMENT OF PRICE INCREASE
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Date: 1st December, 2021
"Greetings from all of us at Vinshine Audio (Singapore)!
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and global economy outlook, the cost such as raw materials, electronics, components, and shipping has increased.
Please be rest assured that we did everything we could to avoid raising the prices. However, the situation has continued, there is no sign of slowing down. Unfortunately, we will have no choice but to adjust our pricing to reflect the increased cost. It is unprecedented. The new pricing will take effect on 13th December 2021, 00:00hr Singapore Time.
Any order placed before 13th December 2021, 00:00hr, will be honoured at the lower prices. We highly encourage you to place an order today.
The increase helps us ensure our commitment to providing the very best products and services for our customers. As always, we appreciate your business and continued support."
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@kingdeezie If you search for Terminator 'burn in' or 'break in' you'll likely find feedback that addresses your question (including within this thread).
@jl1ny Can you find a friend who can help you? The videos and instructions are fairly straightforward.
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@jl1ny I understand. I'm guessing, but is this regarding downloading and installing the Thesycon USB Driver? If so, instructions are on the 'Get Support' FAQ page, linked below.
Reach out to Vinshine Audio if you need them to walk you through it.
FAQ Support for Downloads etc.
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@abd1 I just came across your OP thread that provides much more detail. Feel free to PM me to continue the discussion off thread. I've used the strikethrough function, for my earlier post.
I cannot help you with your question since I did not compare the two models.
My feedback, therefore, is general.
I’ve learned it is far better to stretch one’s budget and get what will serve you over the longer term.
If I was in your position, I’d choose the original Terminator with the latest board OR wait for a used Terminator II listing.
All the best in your choice, whatever that ends up being.
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