"One of The Best R-2R DACs under $1000, Upgraded"
To commemorate DENAFRIPS’s 12 years of digital audio excellence, the Ares 12th Anniversary Edition features the most frequently requested - I²S input, redesigned front panel, as well as performance enhancements.
If you’re a music lover and you want the music to sound good, expressive, and analog-like. The Ares 12th DAC might be one of the key ingredients in your stereo audio system.
FOUNDATION of GOOD SOUND
Good quality power supply is the foundation of good sound
Ares 12th is spotted with enhanced Linear Power Supply section with 'DENAFRIPS' capacitors bank. A large heatsink is glued on top of the constant current LDO Linear Regulators. The FPGA, modular USB module, as well as the balanced R-2R Ladder Networks are powered by eight(8 multi-stages LDO Linear Regulators.
The oversized O-Core transformer is hand-wound by DENAFRIPS in-house, with multiple layer of copper shielding in between the winding to reduce the EMI/EMF.
ENHANCED FEATURES
Ares 12th I²S can be connected to DENAFRIPS DDC and/or compatible I²S transport to take advantage of the I²S connection.
Non-Oversampling R-2R DAC /Signal fed to the DAC remain in its native sampling rate without additional processing. Ares 12th is a true NOS DAC.
R-2R DAC for MUSIC LOVER
The Ares 12th R-2R DAC is the perfect DAC for music lover with modest stereo audio system. Its ability to reproduce music with great emotional connection is simply mind-blowing.
Rediscover your music with the Ares 12th DAC, tuned with rich analog tone.
FEATURED REVIEWS
(Ares II / Enyo)
HI-FI Trends: Highly Recommended!
I highly recommend it for those who have systems on the hyper-detailed side, I think it will be a good balance. I also recommend it for those who want a good representation of what R2R DACs have to offer without spending a boatload of cash. Highly Recommended!
Credit:
Paul Cash
Twittering Machines Favorite DACs
If you want excitement from your digital music, the ARES II does that. If you want natural beauty, the ARES II does that too. If you want to stop chasing bits and fretting over sampling rates, file formats, and DAC topologies, the ARES II offers a cure. Finally, if you want to sit down with your music and let the world slip away for an albums- or days- or weeks-worth of time, the Denafrips ARES II is your little red pill.
Credit:
Michael Lavorgna
Audiophilia Star Component Award
The Denafrips Ares II is a pretty incredible value at $750 (S$1028), it is a no-frills device with tank-like build quality and a natural analog sound signature that will please many digital-skeptics. A lot has been made about this DAC’s ability to punch above its weight, and I do think it sounds better than many competing units in and above its price bracket.
Credit:
MICHAEL JOHNSON @ Audiophilia
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
Over the last decade ladder converters have drastically gained in popularity, especially in the higher price ranges. This Denafrips Ares II only costs about € 780 but still has a linear power supply, balanced outputs and even does PCM 1,536 kHz and DSD1024.
Credit:
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
A British Audiophile - Outstanding Award
The Denafrips Ares II is a well reviewed and highly acclaimed DAC. In this video, I take a look and see what the fuss is about. I discuss the virtues and drawbacks of R2R DACs vs Delta-Sigma designs. I also share some technical insights about the Ares II which have not been in the public domain before.
Credit:
Tarun @ A British Audiophile
Five Stars & Alpha-Audio Approved Award
The little Denafrips Ares II looks very cute but surprised us by its mature presentation and versatility. You can choose the setting that best suits your setup and there are enough connections to connect multiple sources. It is built like a tank and is full of quality components. is a unique device that charms and intrigues. The Denafrips Ares II is truly a divine d/a converter!"
Credit:
GEOFFREY VANHOUWAERT
6moons ARES II DAC - Realsization Award
Let's try to refine the picture for Ares II. The comparison to a high-quality 2A3 SET is still spot on. Ares II has that luscious sweet midrange you'd expect, with a sunny treble to illuminate the soundstage without putting anything in a harsh light. It doesn't quite have the ephemeral lightness of a 45 SET but far more robust bass and it avoids the bloat and slowness of lesser 300B amps.
Credit:
Frederic Beudot @ 6moons
