the Ares 12th-1 is a game changer.
- support585263
- Sep 12, 2023
- 1 min read
I’d like to break the ice by describing how I started my audiophile journey. I’ve been a music lover all my life but it’s only been maybe 5 years since I started buying serious audio gear.
My modest setup is as follows:
Audiolab 9000a integrated amp (QED XT401 cables, Symphony II XLR interconnects)
Q Acoustics 3050i floor standers
Wharfedale SW150 sub
BlueSound Node 2021 streamer
SMSL SD9 streamer
NAD C538 cd player
Topping D90SE dac
IfI NEO Idsd dac
and of course, (drum roll…..) the star of the show and the single most important piece in my rig: my new:
Denafrips ARES 12th Anniversary R2R dac
I’m no audiophile reviewer but let me tell you this: the Ares 12th-1 is a game changer. The imaging, stereo separation and wide soundstage is simply amazing. My favorite album to listen to is Eric Clapton’s Lady In The Balcony Lockdown Sessions. My favorite tracks here are Black Magic Woman and Layla; Eric’s bluesy guitar playing, Nathan East’s impeccable bass and Steve Gadd’s legendary drum skills come to life with these tracks on the Ares 12th. The sound is holographic, sweet on the edges, never harsh. I'm speechless at times when I'm listening to the music.
I really appreciate your email. I’m sharing some photos of my simple and modest setup.
Let’s enjoy the music, shall we?
Credit: Sotero T. @ Singapore
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As someone who’s been tinkering with DACs for over a decade, I’ve gotta say—this review gets it. The ARES 12th-1 doesn’t just reproduce sound, it brings out emotion in the music, especially with jazz and classical. I used FlexShopper to spread out the cost on a bunch of gear—speakers, sound treatment, even some solid cables (you can browse reviews at https://flexshopper.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html). One tip I’d add: give the unit 200+ hours of burn-in; it does open up. Trust me, your ears will thank you.