Hi again, buddy! I’ve researched the tubulus comcentus i2s is an amazing cable. I’m thinking about the iris but after reading your post, maybe I should step up to the hermes. Last night was the first night I feel in love with the pontus ii. Lol.
Denafrips Pontus II vs Venus II
Seeking experiences from people who have compared both in their systems. Is the Venus II worth the extra outlay in a system costing up to $20k.
The differences between all Denafrips models are described in the link below but I thought of seeking more thoughts from people who have made the comparison specifically the Pontus II and Venus II.
Showing 10 responses by stevebohnii
I just bought a pontus ii and don’t have 200 hours on it yet. I was using a Chord Qutest and read all the amazing reviews about the pontus ii, so I thought I’d give it a try. I also read it needs at least 300 hours before it fully breaks in and sounds amazing. Right from the start, the soundstage was way bigger than the Qutest but the detail was gone. The next week, it started to sound better and I began to feel a little better about my decision. I’m going down to listen in a few and I’m hoping it sounds even better than last week. When researching the pontus ii I found out about Denafrits’ DDCs. The British Audiophile believes of you buy the iris DDC it will bring your pontus ii to the same level as the venus ii (for less cost). I don’t know if the addition of the iris to the pontus ii is better, but the clock in the iris is the same clock in the Venus ii. In a few months (if I love the pontus) I’m going to buy the iris and see what happens. |
I’m interested to know which DAC you are considering over the pontus ii. I do think, halo makes some amazing DACs and wish I could have tried one of their models before purchasing the pontus ii. I really do like the pontus and think the sound is improving over time. The hi-fi store I go to let me take home a transparent premium and a cardas clear beyond power cords to try with the pontus. I’m excited to find out how they will sound. Denafrits makes two other DDCs in addition to the iris which are more expensive (hermes and gaia). Best of luck. |
Wow, what a difference! I have a few cheap pangea and audioquest power cords on hand just in case I need them. I had the pangea hooked up to the pontus until I could audition a few higher-end cords. I auditioned the transparent last night and everything came together. The pontus came alive with even more soundstage and amazing detail. The soundstage was always big but the detail had been lacking. I’m going to try the cardas clear beyond later tonight. I have to say, I’m a little scared to try it because it is a little out of my price range! I’m currently using all cardas cignus and clear cables. I might try a clear power cord with the pontus before purchasing the transparent just to ensure I’m making the right decision…lol. |
Yeah, I tried the NOS and felt the same way. Just lost the detail the OS provided. I reviewed the Bricasti M5 and it sounds like a very nice streamer. Can I ask if you bought it new or did you find it used? Also, what power cord are you using for the pontus ii? The Acoustic Zen Absolute 110ohm AES/EBU specs look amazing and so does the price tag…lol I bet your system sounds great. I’m thinking I will go with a ddc next and then upgrade my streamer. Currently, I’m using the ifi zen stream. It’s okay, but looking to upgrade. Just need my wife to approve. |
yes, I connected my Hermes to the Pontus II I2S via an Audioquest carbon. I plan to upgrade my HDMI cable over the next few months. You’re correct, using the I2S is the best connection. From the Hermes, I’m using a Cardas Beyond to the Pontus and Cardas Cygnus RCA cables to my Atoll IN300. I have to say, the Hermes has made a huge improvement over something that was really good to begin with. How do you like the Iris? |
@vthokie83 please write back after you have tested the I2S with your Iris. Can wait to hear about your results. |