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

I like it. Now..which one do you enjoy more the yggy or the ares?

@bstatmeister  I only have the Terminator and the Yggdrasil. You'll have to report back! : )

Just installed the New DSP board for the Terminator DAC. It took under 5 minutes to do so. Less than ten minutes from powering off to powering back on with the new DSB board.

The USB connection and handshake with Roon took immediately.

This is as simple as an install gets. I’m now playing music with the new board in, all in under ten minutes!!!

I’ll report back as I get some hours on the new board. First listen is very promising...and is different than the old board.

Here is the link from Denafrips / Alvin of Vinshine Audio to walk you through the board install.

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/06/18/How-To-Upgrade-DSP-Board?utm_campaign=7629eada-25c7-4c4f-a389-d6fa4664e3ec&utm_source=so

One thing to point out:   My streaming system is Linux based, which meant an immediate (driver-less) handshake [same for Mac]. Those with Windows systems will need to load the Thesycon USB driver.

Here is a link to Technical Highlights and Specifications [from Denafrips]:

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2019/05/31/DSD1024-PCM1536---Are-you-ready

Early impressions, now that I have over 30 hours of playtime on the DAC and over 40 hours of energized time on it:

First, I concur with what others have shared based on their own early impressions (mainly on Head Fi): The presentation is Clearer / Cleaner and with greater Clarity than the fully-run-in previous board.

Second, there has been variance in the sound as well as progression (in a good way) as the unit breaks in. Therefore, I’ll hold off on my other findings until I have over 100 hours of playtime on the DAC / new USB/DSP board.

Third, the sound signature of the new board departs enough from the previous board, for me to label it as ’significant,’ at least in terms of making a decision on one vs. the other.

Fourth, the write-up that was linked earlier in this thread [at the 10 hour point] is too early for an evaluation, in my opinion. Hopefully the author will follow-up with another quick review once he has many more hours on the board. The changes and progression I’m hearing is why my feedback above is very limited, at this point in time.

[PLEASE NOTE: I am only using the USB input and I am only using NOS mode, at this time]

Srajan Ebaen’s 6Moons review and 'Realization Awarded' Denafrips Terminator New DSP Board:

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/denafrips4/

Hi @david_ten ,
it was my quick 10 hours mark over view at head fi. I did realize that sound might change during break in, but the findings were exciting that I had to share them :)
also,  DT caps and ladder dac resistors were already broken in. i assume the effect of the DSP components will be minimal compared to the whole unit break in, which as I recall was a bit long - I stopped hearing changes in sound back then at about 1000 hours mark!

well for the new DSP, its past 300 hours mark for sure, more like 350 hours. 
I can't add much beside that I'm loving my terminator even more and glad that I made this choice over other options at that time, the DSP board dissipated any doubts I had about DT technical abilities, which it was in the back of my head at times.

what I did actually notice compared to what I remember at that 10 hours mark, there was a slight hint of harshness that I usually associate with most new components. its completely gone now. all good things that we got more of with the new DSP, like 3D, separation, tonality and transparency remain same if not improved ever so slightly. honestly I was very happy with results out of box that i was not on a mission to focus on day to day changes, so this is probably my only comments that I'm sure off. things became smoother with initial "slight" harshness/sharpness completely gone.

worth mentioning that I have added during this time an AQ thunderbird bass cable, for a true bi-wire. it is said that this should enhance the purity of highs and mids, with less distortion over all. so I can't tell for sure (like 100% sure) if the cable had nothing to do with the additional smoothness I witnessed. 

please note, I use AES, in NOS mode only.   

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]

I have a Samsung tv on a wheeled stand and I bring it in the middle sometime to watch TV using my main stereo system, of course using optical. Its working 100% with new DSP. I don't know your problem exactly, but from experience, DT will only decode stereo. If output from your TV was not set to PCM you might hear loud crackling noises if i remember correctly. If its another issue, might be related specifically to the board you have in hand. My experience has been flawless

One other customer has reported the same to Alvin. I also use a Samsung (a 2018 flagship model) and it is set to PCM, as it was with the former board. I immediately checked audio output settings once I heard the problem. I also checked different sources via Optical, same issue. At this point, it appears to be isolated to some boards. I will re-test prior to swapping out the board. My concern is driver damage at the speakers. Putting the old board back in will inform as well.

Denafrips is looking into it.

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.

Can someone recommend a power cord for the Ares DAC that is below $100? The cheaper the better really.

Just looking for a step up from the one provided as I have read it makes a big difference with this unit.

BTW enjoying the Ares that I got new 3 days ago.

Thanks!

Phil

The waudio ones on Amazon are fantastic for 60 dollars or so

@philjolet If you can, spend a little more for a PC built and designed for digital. VH Audio Flavor 1. Maybe you can find a used one.

https://www.vhaudio.com/powercables.html#Flavor1

Glad to hear you are enjoying your Ares.

My personal advice stick with AQ power cords and AQ in general, Minimal coloration, dead neutral and clean power. I have 2 firebird source and firebird high current. Those are very expensive i know, but even much lower grade cables will give excellent results. The best thing would be to get a bunch of demo cables if you have a nice dealer around and try yourself ))

Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions, I guess I was hoping someone had actually tried some PCs with the Ares. 

Almost on a whim, I ended up buying a Supra LoRad 2.5 CS-US PC.

It cleared some high end hash that I had not noticed was there. The result is blacker blacks in the background, making the low level detail easier to hear.

I am blown away at how good the Ares is. I would not have guessed such low level resolution could come out of my LRS speakers. Also there is a huge amount of space between instruments, of which each has it's own space and almost sounds illuminated from within.

Before I get too carried away I am signing off.

Thanks again everyone

Phil

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.

@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 

@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/

Thanks d_ten! 

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

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.

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

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...

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. 

@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!

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

Replacement on Terminator on the way!

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 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!😁

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

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

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

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. 

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

@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. 

@jriggy   The upside of waiting will be getting the new board with the latest firmware pre-installed.

@73max  Any updates on your new Terminator?

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

Great little dac for the money.