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

@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!

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

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.

Do keep us posted as to your listening impressions of the Denafrips Pontus II 12th.

I just ordered one, and I am very interested in listener impressions, what mode (OS, NOS), what digital connection and cable, etc. System details.

Enjoy!