Sounds like there will be a Terminator in your future.
What do you have now?
Has anyone compared the Dinafrips Terminator II to the Terminator +?
I've read and watched countless reviews. The T+ is $2500 more than the T II. I am fully aware of the new 12th edition upgrade to them. What I am trying to figure out is if you really get much more in the Terminator + for the extra $2500? I have a Hermes DDC to sync the clock to either one, which I hear really improves them. I've emailed Alvin and he described the differences as:
The differences between the Terminator II and Plus, the Terminator Plus comes with premium offering of:
- Aluminum anodized curvy front panel
- Precision, hand-picked, premium OCXO
- Hand-picked R-2R board
I am saving up for one of these DACs, one could happen quicker than the other.
9 responses Add your response
@jeffseight I have a Venus II/Hermes combination. |
@fthompson251 Steve Huff would most likely be able to answer your question. |
@lak How do I contact him? (I found his reviews on line and THAT helped.) I guess it is just a matter of is the $2500 worth that small step in refinement, that is ups to me to decide. The Terminator II is no slouch. |
@fthompson251 I believe this is Steve Huff on Audiogon: stevehuff you could message him on Audiogon.
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Just a comment. I've have Denafrips Ares II, Pontus II in other systems and am currently using Terminator II linked to Hermes DDC with I2s in my main system. I've had the T II since it was released awhile back. The rest of my system is Aavik, Ansuz, and Kudos. I can not believe the sound from the Terminator II and Hermes combo. I've looked at "upgrading" to an Aavik D-280 or Terminator Plus 12th in place of the T II/Hermes combo but just can't bring myself to do it. Everything sounds so right. I think the Terminator II/Hermes DDC combo gives a magnificent sound an is an unbelievable bargain. Hard to better even for 2 or 3 times the cost. |
@sro That is the combination I am working toward. I want a black T II 12th to replace my Venus II. I am saving up for it in the spring in April. I already have the Hermes, then I can do the clock sync. I also have the I2s connection already. Intusik Argentus cable. Thanks for the comments. |
I upgraded from the Terminator (with the latest DSP board prior to the T II) to the Terminator +. The T+ has a tonal balance and presentation almost exactly the same as the Terminator, but with a bit more detail and a smoother top end. I don't regret in the least doing the upgrade, but I suspect the T II is closer to the T+. In both cases, I coupled the DAC with the Gaia DDC. The Gaia is connected to my streamer (Sonore Signature Rendu SE) using an AQ Diamond USB, and to my DAC with a Tubulus Argentus I2S cable. The Gaia and T+ make an outstanding combination. |
