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Denafrips Pontus 12th Anniversary

Greetings 

I’ve been considering moving up from my Ares ii to a Pontus ii and there have been a few of them coming up on the pre-owned market lately.

Now I’m seeing that Vinshine is offering the Pontus 12th version and there’s not a whole lot of info about what is improved on it.

Sounds like some power supply improvements and also some gold plated screws?

Has anyone heard the new Pontus 12th or know any specifics about how it compares to the Pontus ii?  What are the improvements, if any?

Pre-owned Pontus ii’s are selling for about $250 less than a brand new 12th. (At least in the U.S.) So not a huge savings.  Plus there’s shipping .., I can’t remember if Vinshine charges shipping.

Thanks in advance 

JS

 

j_andrews
tds3371
49 posts
 

Unless they've changed their policy, I believe Vinshine includes shipping to the U.S. 

If the difference between new and used is truly only $250, it's a no-brainer:  Buy brand new from Vinshine and get the latest version, factory packaging, fully factory warranty, etc.

However, what used DACs are listed for and what they actually sell for may be two different things.  I love my Pontus II, but I'm not sure I could get $1600 for it.

My 0.02.

Terry

j_andrews OP
146 posts
 

Thanks @tds3371 

You’re right , I had my conversion rate from Singaporean dollars to US dollars off a bit.

The current price for the Pontus 12th is S$2449 which translates to US $1853.
They seem to be listed at roughly $1500 on the used market give or take.

as you say they could be selling for less

So the difference is more like $350.

I’d still like to know how the units compare.

tds3371
49 posts
 

@j_andrews 

Understood.  I can't answer the question of comparability - but doubt you'll go wrong with either.  IMHO, the Pontus is the absolute sweet spot in the Denafrips R2R DAC line.

Good luck - please keep us updated!

jl35
3,936 posts
 

yes be careful, many sellers of used Denafrips list the Singapore dollar price as the USD price, and Denafrips does include free shipping...

backgroundblur
57 posts
 

I've got it, letting it break in to eventually head to head it against a border patrol dac se, to see what I like better.

 

I've only had it for 2 days, so take this with a grain of salt.  1st day, it's completely unlistenable.  No extension in the bass, everything sounded flat and harsh.  2nd day, still sounded bad, then all the sudden, it didn't.  It sounded wonderful, and I was up listening to music all night.

 

I, as well, couldn't find any meaningful data on what, or if, anything was actually upgraded (gold screws inside maybe?).  I have no experience with the Pontus ii, but I had the original Pontus on a long term loan from a friend, and early impressions are that this 12th is better.  More top end air, and easily as pleasant sounding.

 

I can keep you updated once I break it in, if you like.  Don't know if this helps at all.

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