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

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

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.

@t_ramey   That's a good question for @alvin1118

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

@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.

@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=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.

Hello guys,

Thank you for the support! Happy holiday season!

Enjoy the music :)

Best,
Alvin
www.vinshineaudio.com

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

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.  

You probably have a faulty transformer there.

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

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.

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

@dgarretson   That's correct. Three DDC (digital to digital convertor) models are in development. 

“Three DDC (digital to digital convertor) models are in development.”

That’s a very exciting news for current owners and those contemplating DAC upgrade in near future. Thanks for the info @david_ten. 

@alvin1118 FWIW, it would be nice to include a digital output in your new DAC.  I use that to record streaming services in real time on a DSD/PCM hires recorder with an AES/EBU input.

If  you guys do not mind  me asking a noob question. 
I just bought (used) the original version of the Denafrips Ares.
For those who have it, where in the chain do you add it?
My source is a Oppo 203. Prepro is Marantz 7703 and amp is Outlaw 7000x and speaker are a LSim 705 includng lsim center and 703 for surrounds.
Thanks for any guidance.

Oppo > Ares > Marantz

Slimdub14 Keep in mind that the Ares is a 2 channel DAC and will only work with the main left and right channels. A DAC is a digital to analog converter. You use it to convert any digital sources such as the digital out put of a cd player (to bypass the built in one) or a bluray disc player, a computer or a streamer or server. Then connect the output (the RCA jacks) to any available input on your Marantz. Not a phono input though. Also be aware that your home theater system may not be able to take advantage of all the performance that the Denafrips has to offer.

Good luck!

This post is bittersweet.  I conducted an extended component evaluation over a month ago and just recently had the opportunity to acquire it. 

I've decided to move on from my Terminator. It has found a new home and the new owner is looking forward to pairing it with his Jays Audio Transport. I'm sure he'll be posting his findings in the near future.

I'd like to recognize Alvin / Vinshine Audio and DENAFRIPS for their support and for the joy the Terminator has delivered on, as a primary component in my system over the past two plus years.

Hopefully one or more members will carry this thread forward. I encourage you do so and I will continue to contribute, though much less often.

Here is the link to my system for those of you who may be curious about the recent changes.

https://audio-system-details.blogspot.com/

https://shoutout.wix.com/so/80N1aRs7q?cid=9ff80106-f73c-4d75-ab65-de1a11dc213e#/main


this is the one where Mike talks denafrips/jays etc...

Wow @david_ten , that’s quite the piece you are replacing the Termi with. Congrats on the new device. Would love to hear your comparisons. At five times the price it should blow away the Termi.....

@snafujg Thank you. The T+A unit replaced my streamer/player + DAC + Pre. Those units (actual cost to me and inclusive of the extra cables) came to 23K.

I’ll share my notes from the comparison in a separate thread (I’ll PM you when I do so). However, since the T+A unit is an ’all-in-one’ I chose not to separate out and focus on the DAC sections (head to head).

Congratulations David!
One heck of a digital front end indeed!
Love to hear your thoughts.
A new thread possibly?

Thanks, uber. Likely on the T+A HV thread...

I was lucky enough to have acquired David’s Terminator and I couldn’t be happier!

Its a superlative DAC that has transformed my musical enjoyment. I didn’t realize just how much information was on my cd’s......yeah, I still spin them.
I’ve been fortunate to have owned DAC’s from Border Patrol, Concert Fidelity, PS Audio and the Schitt Yggdrasil and the Denafrips Terminator brings more musical enjoyment to my ears........ by far. It has the uncanny ability to portray crystalline clarity and detail while being extremely musical. 

I can only imagine how magical the T+A that replaced this unit must sound and I’ll have the good fortune of actually hearing it in a couple of weeks. 
Thank you David, being able to purchase your Terminator, it has brought me musical joy that will be appreciated for many years. 
Tom

FYI: The latest licensed Thesycon Driver (For Windows PC) v4.82.0 is available to download here:

https://www.denafrips.com/single-post/2020/03/07/Thesycon-Driver-v4820?utm_campaign=dbdb3962-3149-410c-81db-f0a5426172bd&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=6a6bbfad-aefa-4c9d-9edc-f0321a709747

@timrvtl
https://shoutout.wix.com/so/80N1aRs7q?cid=9ff80106-f73c-4d75-ab65-de1a11dc213e#/main
Pure adulterated dealer BS. When he was selling it, it was the best DAC under $100,000. Now he isn't selling it & it's a mediocre DAC worth $1,800.
Who would be stupid enough to ever listen to this guys opinions ever again.

@thenewguy007. Yea I hear you...was going to get a ares but never heard back after sending an email...did get the kinki int from him...which I like 

@mac48025  Tom, great hearing the Terminator is working out well for you!  I'm curious and excited to hear the Jays Audio Transport via I2S into the Terminator and hope to have the opportunity to do so in your system.

Looking forward to your ongoing reports.

Just watched the OCD guy video linked by newguy007. What a structureless incoherent ramble it is. Mikey is his own worst enemy. Would YOU buy anything from such a deluded double talker as this wacko? I rather imagine there is a lot of truth to what he says about the conditions in China and I, for one, have never been inclined to buy gear originating in that country but if the point of the video was to CLARIFY why the Denafripps and Jay's Audio should be avoided to due to sonic inferiority then all I can say is he failed miserably. Please, Mikey...make us all a video explaining in those same concise and organised ways why the Rockna should justifiably command triple the Termie price based on its sonics and perceived build quality.

Hi everyone, what is your experience with XLR vs. RCA output on the Terminator? Does one sound obviously better than the other? Is there any point going balanced if it's a short length anyway?

@divertiti  The general guidance is that XLR out is the way to go. I used 1M XLR cables. I'm sure many are using SE cables, but if XLR is an option I'd go forward with it. Check with Alvin / Vinshine Audio as well.

Hello guys,

I've posted some video guides to demonstrate the DENAFRIPS DAC configuration/settings:

• Ares II
• Pontus/Venus (New DSP)
• Terminator (New DSP)

I hope the video guides are helpful!

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely,
Alvin Chee
www.vinshineaudio.com

Wanted to find out if anyone else has had any audio drop out issues with the Termy.  I bought one used a couple months back.  I have occassionally had issues with drop out, and it seems to have gotten worse last night when listening to a Fleeetwood Mac playlist from Tidal Masters.  Here's my chain:

Blusound Node 2 (using ethernet, not wifi) > Wireworld Gold Starlight 0.5m Digital Coax cable > Termy > BAT VK33SE > Amp > Revel Salon 2

I mainly stream from Tidal.  I do have some stored files on a HD attached to my Node 2 via USB.

The playlist last night being from Tidal Masters was MQA.  I know Termy doesn't support MQA, but could there be some issue there?  The Node 2 will do the first unfold and send the signal to the Termy.

I will try to do some additional troubleshooting today playing from my stored files, which I have on a drive attached via USB to the Node 2.  Will also try streaming regular Tiday, not Masters.  See if I can narrow down when the drop out is happening.

But in the meantime, curious if any other Termy owners have experienced any audio drop out issues.

I have noticed more dropouts with tidal in the past few weeks. I suspect, with so many people sheltering at home, that their servers are much more heavily loaded than normal. Have you noticed dropouts from local content instead of streaming?

@snafujg  In my experience dropouts for Tidal are almost always upstream of the DAC. 

However, just in case, make sure your Terminator is up to date with it's firmware.

Logging out of Tidal and logging back in may help. Make sure you are up to date on Tidal software and push an update if necessary.

After that, powering off your server and reiniating / rebooting may help. You can also look at updating the software for the your server.

Since I'm not familiar with BlueSound I can't address it, specifically.

Updating my Router firmware has also fixed dropouts, and it is the first place I now go to start troubleshooting.

@jaytor , I will be trying with my own files today and will report back later tonight.

@david_ten , thanks for all your hints so far.  I've checked my router and it's on the latest firware.  Same thing with my Blusound Node 2 that serves as my streamer to the Termy.  My Termy was purchased new June 4, 2019.  I did get it used but was told it had the latest DSP board in it.  Is there a way I can check on the current FW installed?  I tried searching around for it but can't find the procedure to see what FW I'm currently on.  

Perhaps @alvin1118 can comment.

I don't have the unit so I can't actively check. My advice would be to go through the firmware update anyways, that way you will be sure to have the most current version. 

However, I'll repeat what I stated above...Tidal dropouts are more likely being caused by something other than the DAC.