Denafrips Ares II, Pontus II, Venus II, and Terminator Plus
In comparison to the Aqua Formula xHD
When compared with the Aqua, the Ares II is a little bit too much out of its depth. As described, it is a very fine DAC for the money but as one can expect, it cannot compete with a 14.000-euro DAC. But when taking one step up in the Denafrips portfolio with the Pontus II, matters already become less clear-cut.
In a direct comparison, the Pontus II feels similarly detailed and expressive as the Aqua and it is tonally actually quite close, even in terms of bass solidity and overall fullness, if a little darker in the treble. While it is the most sonorous of the four Denafrips DACs, it still recognizably has the Denafrips DNA which is geared toward a very precise audiophile sound, rather than the freer and more organic nature of the Aqua. That said, on an absolute scale, I have always regarded the Aqua as being slightly on the (c)leaner audiophile side, although it has a more organic and free-flowing nature than all the Denafrips DACs.
The Venus sounds more lucid, more highly resolving, and more refined than both the Pontus and the Aqua, with a clearly better low-level resolution, which is quite evident in decays and reverbs that are now much more distinct. The bass is also faster and more articulate. At the same time, perhaps because it is even tighter and cleaner than the Pontus II, the Venus II also feels a little restrained. This is an aspect that is not so easy to quantify but after the Pontus and the Aqua before it, the Venus feels less inviting or “soulful”, if that makes any sense. On the other hand, its combined set of skills does place it closer to the Aqua in terms of overall performance, if not in terms of overall character. Mostly, the difference can be likened to an amplifier with a higher damping factor (Venus) versus one with a lower damping factor (Pontus or Aqua).
The Terminator Plus takes key aspects from the Pontus and Venus to bring the performance to a superlative audiophile level. It actually outperforms the Aqua in terms of precision, transparency, neutrality, nuance, and resolution, while remaining musical and involving, and avoiding tipping over into an overly clinical sound. It makes my foot tap, more so than the other three Denafrips DACs. Like the Aqua, the Terminator Plus can boogie. By comparison, the Aqua paints with broader strokes and images less distinctly, but where it still has the upper hand, is in the depth of tonal saturation and the flow of the music. This gives the Aqua a less highly resolving and less precise, but more forgiving and more easy-going, arguably more organic presentation.
Listening Round Two – USB
Now that I have assessed all four DACs using what I regard as the most predictable connection method and my preferred standard, AES/EBU, let’s see how they perform using USB. Sure, Asynchronous transfer should be superlative to a DAC slaving to a muxed (multiplexed) clock signal. But as I have found in practice, no two USB interfaces sound alike, and despite the theoretical advantages, a USB connection often leads to an overly controlled and almost mechanical sound, at least compared to a well-implemented AES/EBU interface. But in all fairness, I also have to hand it to the format that, when the two interfaces (server and DAC) work together perfectly, the format can achieve superlative results. In any event, Denafrips sure went the extra mile paying special attention to the USB interfaces with their proprietary solution via STM32F446 Advanced AMR Based MCU.
Switching between digital Audio (AES/EBU, Coax, BNC) and USB on the Antipodes K50 is done via the sleek-looking web interface
Having swapped servers from the Grimm MU-1 to the Antipodes K50 connected via the Jorma S/PDIF cable as well as the Final Touch Audio Callisto USB cable, the second comparison round could begin! For those who have not (yet) read my reviews of the MU1 and the K50, the TLDR is that the MU1 is tight and fast and most neutral and detailed, and the K50 is smooth, rich, more relaxed, and more organic.
Ares II
Starting with the Ares II, the USB sound is considerably airier and more agile than coax, as well as leaner and tighter but still with good fluidity and decent flow. With this DAC, the sound becomes more controlled with USB, but in a good manner, and certainly not overly so. However, the K50’s coax output sounds beefier in the bass, as well as tonally considerably fuller and even though the USB connection yields increased refinement and higher resolution, these two aspects compensate very nicely for the Ares II’s inherently lean character. But besides tonality, there’s another valuable aspect of the K50’s digital outputs which is that with almost every DAC, they provide a deeper and more 3D soundstage than the K50’s USB output. And indeed, with the Ares II, this is the case.
Pontus II
With the Pontus II, the same benefits are heard when switching from coax to USB, but this time, the tonal balance remains well-balanced and almost as full. The bass does gain tightness and agility but overall, the sound remains sonorous and toe-tapping. And, swapping back and forth between USB and coax, I’m no longer so sure that the latter provides deeper imaging. What I hear mostly is that the soundstage is a little bit more forward with USB but that could also be a psychoacoustic phenomenon induced by the increased articulation and incisiveness. Bottom line, with this DAC, on balance, I think I prefer the tighter, faster, more detailed, and more expressive sound of USB over the more relaxed and tonally slightly fuller sound of coax.
Venus II
My first response after hearing the Venus II was to second-guess myself. Wait… this is coax? And, hang on, this was definitely the Venus DAC? Yes, and yes. I’m glad that I did this test as it now turned out that the Venus II combines much better with the K50 than the MU1. For starters, the Venus II now sounds solid in the bass and timbrally full, as well as airy, refined, fast, and articulate, almost as if I’m hearing the USB input. More importantly, the Venus II now sounds more confident and toe-tappingly rhythmic than I have heard it with the MU1. I think that this is one of those cases where an especially great synergy is achieved. Before moving on to the USB input, I’m already inclined to state that the Venus II is most definitely a better DAC than the Pontus II… but it does require careful matching.
Switching from coax to USB, interestingly, the Antipodes’ signature fullness is largely retained, but the DAC also gains control and tightness, so much so in this case, that it becomes a bit too controlled. With the coax input, it sounded absolutely perfect, but with USB, I feel that the downsides as noted with the Grimm MU1 have returned. And because the Venus II already sounds extremely refined and detailed, it can be argued that the advantages of USB do not really pay off.
Terminator Plus
Hearing the Terminator Plus with its coax input again puts a smile on my face. This DAC sounds beautifully crisp and confident while craftily avoiding sounding too clean. And it just gets the flow right, with the Antipodes just as much as with the Grimm.
When used with the Antipodes server, the Terminator Plus’ coax has a seductively creamy-smooth presentation that will probably be the go-to method for those who favor saturation and organic flow over tightness and precision. And it will also work well when the DAC is used in systems that lean to the analytical-clinical side or are just a little too lean-sounding in their overall balance.
For me, however, there is no doubt in my mind, as no matter how involving the coax connection sounds, it’s nowhere near as precise as with USB. And with the Terminator Plus, the USB connection does not come with the usual penalty of inducing too much control. With USB, it’s not just the drums or bass that benefit, but the superiority of the format is also clear when listening to left-hand low piano notes, which are clearer in pitch, more incisive, and much more percussive. It all leads to a rendition that is not only involving and toe-tapping but also sounds most realistic. Clearly, the Terminator Plus matches extremely well with the Antipodes K50. And since it sounds best with USB, I’d wager a guess that the Antipodes K30 might achieve very similar results for considerably less money.
Summing Up
Ultimately, although the Terminator has the fullest sound of the quartet, the Aqua sounds tonally richer and more saturated, and the CH C1 even more so. This leads me to conclude that the Denafrips family sound in general is a little on the lean and slightly analytical side. This, then, becomes a matter of personal preference (higher precision versus deeper organic flow), as well as one of system setup. For instance, when I use the fuller and more solid-sounding Aries Cerat Impera II as a preamp instead of the CH L1, the case for the Denafrips DACs is already changing. And what if one were to use warmer or richer-sounding speakers?
In certain aspects, the Denafrips house sound is reminiscent of what I heard with the Weiss DAC502 and the COS D10 DACs, and to some extent, also the Mola-Mola Tambaqui. I won’t say that all DACs perform on the same level across the board as they ultimately all have their respective qualities, for instance, the Weiss being particularly resolute and robust and the Mola-Mola being especially noteworthy for being precise as well as organic. But what they all share is a highly articulate, fast, linear, transparent, and precise sound, and what makes the case for Denafrips so appealing is that these DACs achieve this high audiophile standard at lower than usual prices.
Conclusion
With this review, I have reached two important conclusions. The first one is that Denafrips makes truly excellent DA Converters. The second one is that it is, indeed, well-worth investing more to step up to the next model, if you have the funds. Even if the four DACs seem to be more similar than different when going from the specs alone, each next model brings profound improvements to the table. The long and short of it is that the Ares II is really good for the money, the Pontus occupies the sweet spot in terms of performance for the money, and while the Terminator Plus costs relatively much, is also the very best. Denafrips has my highest respect for all four DACs in their respective price categories but my favorite two DACs are the Pontus and the Terminator Plus. The former already scratches the surface of the true high-end and the latter is so good that it makes life difficult even for DACs that cost considerably more.
All four Denafrips are great performers but especially the Pontus II and the Terminator Plus are highly recommended!
More Denafrips
External Links
Manufacturer: Denafrips
Available from: Vinshine Audio
Christiaan,
I very much appreciate your review methods and style as well as the content. I am not currently in market for another DAC, but this review, for me, paints the best picture of system interplay for Denafrips I have read. Well done!
Thanks Will!
Hi Christiaan, great review of the Denafrips lot. I end up buying the Pontus II and I am truly happy with it. It delivers a more “real” sound than my previous Chord Qutest. Amazing job :once again 🙂
Thanks for the feedback Vasco!
Older Terminator II? That must be a mistake as this one has just been released. Also, I2S is the best input for TII and Terminator Plus
I meant “original Terminator”. Now corrected. Yes, I2S is technically best, please see my separate Terminator Plus review for a report on this interface.
Thank you Christiaan for clarifying. Any chance to review the Terminator II anytime soon? That would be nice to compare it against the Venus II and the Terminator Plus
I think chances are slim, but in any event, there are no plans for this.
Epic review, bravo! I have Pontus II and i like it a lot. Based on your review i think that i would prefer it over the more expensive models even if they are technically better. I tried Ares II in the past and wasn’t that impressed to be honest but Pontus II is not going anywhere. I combine it with Iris DDC.
I just purchased the AresII about a month ago. I use it with a Schiit Jot2 amp, and my Audeze LCD-2C headphones, and I absolutely love it! Tho I know it’s good, this was a great article to explain how the other DACS compare. Invaluable! Great job!
Can you compare the Terminator Plus to the latest Aqua La Scala? I’m interested in bypassing the internal DAC in my Trinnov. I’m running a pair of subs which will still use the analogue outs on the Trinnov and am crossing my Quads over at 50 Hz so the external DAC would be working from 50 Hz up.
Hi Ken, While I don’t have the Scala available for a direct comparison, I remember how it compares to the Formula xHD. Do note that while there are large differences between external DACs, comparing one to a built-in DAC can be tricky. Also, I wonder if you’d be lowering the coherence if the subs receive their signal from a different DAC than the main speakers.
That said, the La Scala with its tube output stage sounds fuller, richer, sweeter, and slightly more sonorous than the Formula. However, the latter sounds significantly more linear, refined, detailed, and transparent. The Termninator Plus goes even further in that same direction. In a nutshell, for the highest precision, the Terminator Plus is your best bet, but it won’t offer any of the rich tube-goodness that the La Scala does.
Thank you for this. I owned the Ares and did not gel with its tonal character in my system (indeed to lean and a bit sharp at times). Several dealers confirmed that the Pontus has the same character, why I had decided to move in from Denafrips. Maybe I should yet give the Pontus a try 🤔
If accuracy and transparency (and not smoothness or forgiving warmth) are what you are after, then I would definitely give the Pontus a try. It shares the general Denafrips house sound but is fuller-sounding nonetheless.
Thanks Christian! I think I would like to try something in the more smooth/forgiving camp tbh 😊 Am considering the Spring DAC, but not sure it’s the way to go either. Would like something that is a big step up from the Ares II/Rega DAC that I have been using. Full lower mids welcome 🤗
Thanks Christiaan. I’ll have to run the Trinnov room correction again with the external DAC. Latency could also be a problem but the Trinnov is so capable I’m confident it can make it work.
The Trinnov sure is a fantastic piece of gear but it’s hard to forecast how the combination with another DAC will work. That said, I’m pretty confident that the Terminator Plus will outperform the built-in DAC in quite a few important areas. Ultimately, I’m afraid it remains a matter of just trying it out.
Hi Christiaan,
really compliments for your style, the precision in the descriptions (above all, as far as I’m concerned, in the highlighting of the different sonic nuances), really appreciated by us fans and for this reason even more fun to read.
Reading your personal comments about the Terminator brought me back to a very similarly priced product that you tested: the APL DSD.AR.
The curiosity to read your comment about the pros and cons of the Terminator compared to the DSD-AR (at least indirectly but with the same references) is killing me!
Please let me know what’s your opinion about these two dacs and whether you consider them overall more or less competitive !
Kind regards
Stefano
Hi Stefano, thanks for the compliment! Regarding the APL DSD, as I don’t have it at hand for a direct comparison, I can’t make any hard claims but one thing that I’m sure of is that the APL is sweeter, fuller, and more relaxed, less tight, but with more flow. I recall it as being quite precise, detailed, articulate, and transparent but I think if I were to now put it up against the Terminator Plus, then the latter will outperform it in these areas, and probably by quite a margin. Are they competitive? Well, I’d say yes if we consider the overall sound quality. But I would say no if one is looking for a particular sound since these two DACs really sound quite different.
Hey Christian I’m a bit late seeing this review but as usual fantastic job! A really thorough comprehensive comparison of a very popular line of Dacs. This should prove invaluable information for lots of folks looking for a new Dac. I am not in the market and still enjoyed the heck out of reading the review.
Cheers,
Jon
Thanks Jon!
I really was reading these notes seriously until the audiofoolery vomitted out. I can point out specifics, but it is too far gone to bother with.
Amazing review, as always Hifi-Advice.
I´m going to try one of this amazing Dacs. I have only a question because i hate warm sound:
Are this Dacs with Neutral tone?.
Big Hug!
Hi Francis, Denafrips DACs are amongst the most neutral DACs that I have heard. Only the Pontus DAC could perhaps be said to have a dash of warmth, but mostly, I see this as more full-bodied and tonally fuller than for instance the Venus, I don’t see it as warmth. I am currently reviewing two Denafrips preamps and these too are very very neutral, with no warmth.
Christiaan,
You say the Pontus II “sounds more spacious and the soundstage has more depth”. I’m a huge fan of soundstage… you could say holographic soundstage. Its why I’m on my 4h set of Martin Logans. I LOVE soundstage, lol. How would you rate the Pontus on this sound feature? How much deeper, larger a soundstage does it create say compared to your usual implementation of a delta sigma design?
Thank you! -Marc
By “usual”, I mean, “average”, aka…similar price range.
Sorry Marc, I can’t really answer that question.
Guessing that means you haven’t reviewed the average to make the comparison. How about just in terms of what you’ve seen out there compared to the Pontus in terms of overall soundstage performance? Does it perform well in this area against the DACs you’ve used? What brand would you say does it best, is it a huge margin?
Soundstage depth is as much a function of the source as the DAC, as well as depending greatly on the interface (USB/etc). All things being equal, the Pontus has great soundstage depth and I don’t recall other DACs in its price range beating it in this regard.
Thanks Christiaan! Pontus it is. Now have to figure out pre.
Literally burst out laughing when I read your comments about stacking components.
How exactly would stacking components with no moving parts have any effect on sound quality?
Good evening Christiaan, one quick question please:
Audio GD R8 or Denafrips Pontus II? if you had to choose, what would it be? I know it’s not simple, I have R8 (2020). Thank you in advance..
Both are very capable DACs, and honestly, I wouldn’t know which to choose without listening to the R8 again and having it side by side with the Pontus. I think maybe the Pontus is airier and more refined and the R8 is perhaps earthier and less analytical. But I’m pulling this comparison out of my hat and I might be wrong. In any case, it’ll mostly be a matter of taste.
Very nice review . Thank you. it helps a lot. Could you please tell me how many % of the terminator do we get with the Pontus in your opinion ¿
Many say for instance that you get 70-80% of chord Hugo tt2 with the qutest , is that the case with the terminator and pontus¿ thank you
Sorry, I feel it is impossible to put this into a percentage. For me, Terminator has part of Pontus and part of Venus, yet is better than both.
Good morning Christiaan
I love your Website and all of your knowledge!
You are the Pro of the Pro’s 😉
I’ve got a little question about my audio setup:
Denafrips Hades
Denafrips Thallo
Matrix X-Sabre Pro
Boenicke W5
What do you think about the DAC Matrix X-Sabre Pro vs one of the line «Denafrips», maybe a Venus II or Terminator II?
Do you think an upgrade to the Denafrips is a big thing or just a little «nuance»?
It would be more than great to hear from you.
I wish you a beautiful day.
Best regards from Zurich
Aldo Wipfli
Hi Aldo, thank you for the kind words:-) I’ve reviewed the Matrix X-Sabre pro on this site (do have a look) and I feel that with the exception of the Enyo and Ares, the Denafrips DACs outperform it. It’s more than nuances but depending on what you are looking for it may also not be a major difference. For instance, the Matrix is plenty explicit and direct and you’re not going to find that the Denafrips DACs open previously closed curtains or something to that effect. But you will find that there can be much more refinement and retina-like resolution, fluidity, air, and transparency. Certainly the Terminator is a beast of a DAC, one of the best I heard, with competition only in the 10K+ range.
Hi, I often read your reviews, and like the way you test, but I really have my reservations about denafrips.
I’ve had a Pontus II and found it to be a dead sounding dac, artificial (lying on top) highs, rather thin in the lows and too present in its screamy mids, compared to the many other dacs I’ve owned. In addition, the USB port is unusable due to all kinds of sync problems, the DAC will distort every few hours (kind of pink noise effect). The overall sound image of the Pontus II is smooth, lack of dynamics, but especially the lack of real presence of the instruments / voices, there is a kind of misty tinge to the music. The only thing you can learn from Denafrips is marketing, which is fantastic, how do you create myth with followers without a serious product. Unscrew one of these and see, cheap plastic junk, I really wonder if they send testers the same thing that the consumer gets?
I feel confident in saying whomever wrote this has mental issues. You really think the material a shelf is made out affects the tonality of a component? Dear god this is a mental health crisis
This is a model review. Detailed, intelligent comparisons on otherwise the same equipment.
A Pontus II 12th-1 is in transit for delivery this week.
Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks for this nice review. How would you see a LAB12 vs a La Scala? Or some other idea with valves?
Please see the Aqua La Scala review for more info. I have not heard the LAB12.
Excellent review and helped me decide on acquiring a Pontus ii
Hello . I have B & W 706 s2 speakers which I find sometimes bright . Someone recommended R2R DAC to me to reduce the brightness . Which of the denafrips DAC would you suggest ?
If the aim is to reduce brightness, Denafrips may not be the ideal brand for you. All their DACs sound super-accurate and neutral, not smooth, warm, forgiving, or dark. I’m not sure why you were recommended R2R DACs to reduce brightness, as in my experience so far, all such DACs are crisp an clear sounding. DACs using Classic Philips converters such as TDA1541/TDA1543 and a few others, might be more fit for that task. In any case, from the Denafrips lineup, I would recommend the Pontus as it has the most robust, full-blooded, and least bright sound.
Anyone know what happened between the Denefrips and Vinshine (their dealer and customer service)? Fallout from cultural and/or business differences?
I have no more information than what was published by Vinshine, but it looks to me that Denafrips is simply looking to increase their margins by going factory-direct.