DENAFRIPS DAC ---- Owner Impressions, Feedback, General Discussion, Questions and more....

I read in another forum that a further update to Terminator is in development-- which may include a link to an external master clock.

Owner Ken sharing impressions of his new Ares II DAC:

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2020/01/20/EMOTION-of-the-Performers?utm_campaign=bbb1a0eb-8693-408d-a77c-76d8b001789b&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

I have a Terminator and wanted to know which of the six caps are the output caps?  I’m might want to try better caps to squeeze a little better performance out of the DAC.
I use the I2S input.

Some words from Jacques M.  A "Very Happy Terminator Owner"...

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2020/01/14/Very-Happy-Terminator-Owner?utm_campaign=c0af71ca-c465-44fa-920a-56eaec59f9f4&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

You probably have a faulty transformer there.

Just plugged a Denafrips Ares II into my system and its an immediate noticeable improvement from my previous DAC:  the PS Audio Sprout100 internal DAC, which I was already impressed with over an older Peachtree Nova 220SE internal DAC.
I'd argue the space is doubled, highs higher, vocals clearer, bass lower.  I use a CD of Seal's 1991 album as my reference.
One unfortunate complaint however which I have yet to mention to Denafrips, is there is a somewhat minor but low hum from the DAC when plugged in.  For me, this is not acceptable.  It's apparent when plugged in and turned on.  I've testing with nothing else connected and in multiple locations around my home and I've testing multiple power cords.  

I'm puzzled how the Border Patrol SE using out dated chips can sound better by some compared to the latest R2R dacs?

Hello guys,

Thank you for the support! Happy holiday season!

Enjoy the music :)

Best,
Alvin
www.vinshineaudio.com

The Next Best Thing Studio’s video review of the Ares 2 DAC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa1MswOqYpk

Fantastic Review. Refreshingly real.

Note, the Ares 2 is USD ~$760 (per today’s exchange rate)...I believe the reviewer is using Canadian Dollars.

@milpai   I do. And I agree...very effective. Thanks.

@david_ten ,
Do you have some vibration damping products underneath the Terminator? If not then try some footers underneath it to kill vibrations. Herbie's Audio Labs or Isoacoustic products can do that.

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.

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/

@rdoc   Yes, it's a solid, slam-dunk recommendation! Also, good to hear Steve compare the Terminator and Yggdrasil.

Very high praise indeed.  The Terminator make a great pairing with my Musica Pristina A Capella server via HDMI with I2S.  

Video Review of the Denafrips Terminator DAC by Steve Guttenberg / Audiophiliac Daily Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsgCMjEMe6c

Hi @t_ramey ,

Yes i am still carrying those products. I will take this private as not to violate the forum's rules. 
Will be sending you an email shortly. 

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely,
Alvin Chee
www.vinshineaudio.com

I was looking at their Hestia/Hyperion combo (which looks to be an amazing preamp/amp) and wanted to see what the current price of the Kinki Studio ex-m1 but saw only Denafrips. Not a big deal was I thought for sure Alvin used to deal Kinki Studio.

BTW, I sent Denafrips a message a few days ago asking about the Hestia and haven't heard or seen a response. I decided to send Vinshine a message regarding the same thing and got a reply within 10 minutes. After reading and seeing some awesome reviews of the Hestia/Hyperion I can't believe there's not more talk about them, especially if they are in the same vein as their dacs.

@t_ramey   That's a good question for @alvin1118

Does Vinshine only deal with Denafrips brand now? I thought at one point they were carrying other brands but it seems Denafrips is all I see on their website.

Owner write-up on the Pontus DAC...

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/12/01/Music-with-body-and-space?utm_campaign=95d7654c-612b-49f0-abba-971e85bfa2b6&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

@garn63   Thanks for sharing your findings on the Ares 2 in your system. As you say...  

Great little dac for the money.

I bought a Denafrips Ares 2 dac some 5 weeks ago and thought I would post my findings to maybe assist the inquisitive amongst us.
I do all of my listening through speakers and the dac is left on always.
For critical listening I would recomend that running for at least 300 hrs before the sound improves and maybe 500 hrs before making a true evaluation. It may sound overly punchy and bass heavy until run in.
It was used with a detailed source and neutral  cable feeding the Ares 2 before connecting again with same neutral cable into a warm/meaty amplifier. The speakers are small bookshelf capable of high resolution.
My worry after early initial impressions were that my set up (matching) might be a little bit rich. After running in the sound became more detailed,spacious with a better tonality to the bass. To my ears far more balanced. I was pleased because then I knew it was a keeper and my old dac would be sold.
The settings on the dac are a noticeable nice touch. I settled with the nos/warm as my default. It suited my set up best.
If describing the dac sound...I would say it has a warm rhythmical signature and is very easy to live with. System matching with detailed / highly resolving components should work just okay.  Careful not to over egg the pudding with too rich a mix.
Great little dac for the money. Came in at just under £700 u.k (after paying duty)
It's certainly not overawed when used with more expensive company, and sounds far more cohesive (lifelike/musical) than more expensive equipment I have owned.

Though only I listened to it through youtube with my earphones on, the Terminator is the one I’d like to have in my system. it’s a musical beast, that’s for sure.

I purchased a new Denafrips Terminator with the new updated board from Alvin at Vinshine Audio in June of this year.  Alvin provided exceptional service in that purchase.  I have owned several high end dacs including Berkeley, Bricasti, and PS Audio.  In my system using the HDMI I2S from my Musica Pristina server, the Terminator just stomps the other dacs that I have had in my system.  It is so detailed and yet so easy to listen to.  I just never get fatigued with listening for hours.  The music just blooms!  I am am very highly pleased after months of ownership!  I know that digital changes rapidly, but I may very well be done.  I have absolutely no desire to upgrade at this point.

Choose between resolution and musicality? Owner feedback:

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/10/21/Choose-between-resolution-and-musicality?utm_campaign=92bda7fb-d9f3-40e1-a635-de87ed40354b&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail#38;cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

@jerseytrain I second the TWL Digital American. Organic and natural. 

@73max  Any updates on your new Terminator?

@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. 

Just received the Pontus from Vinshine yesterday.  Can you recommend any power cords that pair well with Denafrips?  

Been waiting on the new DSP board for weeks. But it’s supposed to be soon, now that some 10 day Chinese holiday is over on the 10th. 

Looking forward to more reviews! I still need to find a way to get ears on one of these. 

Firmware Update is available for the Terminator and Ares II DACs. This is for the latest New DSP Board.

https://www.denafrips.com/firmware-update

@73max  Great to hear you've got the unit. Looking forward to your impressions and how it works out!!!

Replacement Terminator arrived. Perfect. Yeah, it was a little frustrating to go through a return but it did allow an insight into their all important after sales support. If you’re concerned about buying overseas, based on my experience with Alvin and Denafrips, worry not! Review to follow....good stuff!😁

A different, interesting, and very well written review of the Denafrips Terminator DAC:

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/10/02/When-Just-Any-DAC-Won%E2%80%99t-Do?utm_campaign=412dd6c8-160a-45c2-a428-d2fed55f92fb&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

Replacement on Terminator on the way!

@73max  Great to hear. Looking forward to your impressions and results, once you have your Terminator up and running in your system.

Alvin got right back to me!  

He asked some questions about the AC power and lines in my home and suggested some troubleshooting of the mains. Definitely the right place to start.   

After ascertaining the  problem was not with the AC mains he offered to ship a new unit!

I’m thinking the unit was possibly damaged in shipping. Frustrating...yes. But these things happen sometimes.  It’s great to know when they do happen the manufacturer will be there for you. 

Hats off to Denafrips 

@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!

Thanks for suggestion, but I believe the Transformer and power supply is buried in a separate box under the main board...big disassembly job. Wouldn’t want to void warranty either.  At least we’ll get an idea how warranty work is handled. May be informative for future buyers. 

Sorry to hear this. Very frustrating. It may be worth taking the top off and looking around the tranny as it sounds like something happened during shipment. It may be a very simple fix you can do. I have had this happen and the fix was a simple re-securing of a part etc...

I’ve been there. Not with my Terminator but with other great gear...more than once. It happens. Has even happened with cars! 

New Terminator... 

I was looking forward to posting a review of my newly arrived Terminator.   Unfortunately, upon plugging it in there was a terrible transformer hum. I went no further, made no other connections. Back in the box. Emailed Alvin. Waiting to hear back 

 After waiting weeks and sitting all day waiting for delivery, such a disappointment.  Now I have to box it up, and go through the return rigmarole. Not to mention the added wait for it to get shipped back and forth. 

I’m hoping for a new replacement or possibly a refund. Somehow it doesn’t seem right to have a brand new $5K unit you haven’t even listened to in for repairs....makes it seem like a refurb. 

Surprised the unit was sent in this condition. The hum cannot be missed. Supposedly they burn these in for 100 hours prior…(before  anyone asks, it’s not the mains. I have two other dacs  and tens of thousands of dollars of other equipment. Nothing else hums. Newer house, great utilities.Two separate lines in the room.  The dac  was completely isolated. Nothing else was plugged into it whatsoever)

Sorry to vent, still fresh. Frustrated and disappointed. Will keep you updated.

Has anyone compared the Denafrips DACs to R2R DACs from the past? Of course Redbook CDs only.

Thanks d_ten! 

@jriggy Thank you!

There is an embedded link to my System within the Blog.

Here is the direct link: https://audio-system-details.blogspot.com/

@david_ten what’s the rest of your system again? I feel like I read it somewhere a while ago. 

Good write up BTW

Thanks
 Jason 

My 'review' of the New Terminator DAC DSP Board is now live.

https://dsp-board-denafrips.blogspot.com/

Feel free to ask questions, etc.

And let me know if it is helpful and how I might improve on it.