Denafrips product owners please fall in

[Abyss Man]

@Abyss Man

Hey, can you give us an update on your latest cable experiments?

Hi Blake,
Work has been a killer for the past week boss. I have had no time to listen to my set up. Hope to update once I get a chance to sit down for some critical listening. The other isssue is, I have had so many changes, I don't know what is doing what now. LOL.

 

[Blake]

I am interested in trying other clock cables, open to recommendations.

I have no experience with Sommer, but I like the Kimber D60. I think Alvin enjoys the Sommer if memory serves.

After purchasing the Kimber I then tried a Stealth Audio cable and it is truly exceptional (but crazy expensive). Just amazing and the amount of additional sonic improvement over the Kimber was surprising to me, but I am not advocating anyone do anything beyond Kimber. If you are obsessive and budget allows, then Stealth is my choice hand's down.

So, I have a Stealth on one clock, Kimber on the other clock (that may not ever be needed as my music format for everything I listen to and own goes through just the one clock using the Stealth.. I am just keeping the Kimber on the other clock in case I ever purchase music in that format which is doubtful).

 

[Koso]

Agree with @Blake , Kimber D60 is good cable.
I can recommend "Chord Epic" cable as well (wchich is in the same price range as Kimber D60).
Now for Stealth cables. They are indeed exceptional and crazy expensive. I had the chance to auditioned some Stealth cables at local distributor setup. Never heard anything that good (and anything that expensive). There is pretty good chance in some case, that Stealth digital cable is more expensive than component to which it is connected

PS: ...just ordered Venus II DAC few days ago. Can't wait for listening to Gaia + Venus II combo.

 

[Blake]

Agree with @Blake , Kimber D60 is good cable.
I can recommend "Chord Epic" cable as well (wchich is in the same price range as Kimber D60).
Now for Stealth cables. They are indeed exceptional and crazy expensive. I had the chance to auditioned some Stealth cables at local distributor setup. Never heard anything that good (and anything that expensive). There is pretty good chance in some case, that Stealth digital cable is more expensive than component to which it is connected

PS: ...just ordered Venus II DAC few days ago. Can't wait for listening to Gaia + Venus II combo.

We are surfing the same wave... I had placed an order for the Pontus a while back for my headphone rig, but switched the order at the last minute to Venus II. Looking forward to its arrival.

 

[Koso]

We are surfing the same wave... I had placed an order for the Pontus a while back for my headphone rig, but switched the order at the last minute to Venus II. Looking forward to its arrival.

...And quite coincidentally, my favorite youtube reviewer Hans Beekhuyzen posted very nice review of Venus II. After I placed the order though Hope I am not breaking some rules by placing the link to review here.

 

[Blake]

Venus 2 arrived in Salt Lake City just 3 1/2 days after shipping from China. A new record in shipping time for my Denafrips purchases!

I hooked up all my digital cables (HDMI, Toslink and spdif) between the Venus 2 and Iris. After I burn in the Venus I will start switching around to different inputs to see which digital input I prefer.

 

[Abyss Man]

Hi Blake,
Enjoy the new toy buddy, question, how are the footers?

 

[Blake]

Hi Blake,
Enjoy the new toy buddy, question, how are the footers?

Thanks Raj! I just purchased these footers for the Venus. They are the Mig 2.0. I have a few sets of the cheaper regular Mig's as well. My early impressions are that the 2.0 are comparatively more neutral, whereas the originals impart a comparatively warmer signature. I normally run Stillpoints footers, but do quite like these Mig's as well and they are much cheaper which is nice.

I need to do more experimentation, but like you, there are so many changes in my headphone system that happened in rapid fashion, my head is spinning. I will sort it out eventually. Supposedly my RAL HDMI is shipping next week but I am not holding my breath!

 

[anhton82]

I'm happy with my Denafrips Pontus DAC and enjoy to this topic. Hope every body will help and share experience.

 

[Blake]

Venus 2 arrived in Salt Lake City just 3 1/2 days after shipping from China. A new record in shipping time for my Denafrips purchases!

I hooked up all my digital cables (HDMI, Toslink and spdif) between the Venus 2 and Iris. After I burn in the Venus I will start switching around to different inputs to see which digital input I prefer.

Well, I am not surprised by the result as I did the same experiment with Gaia + Terminator Plus, but I2S is still my favorite input. It was nice to go back and double check myself though.

 

[Abyss Man]

I'm happy with my Denafrips Pontus DAC and enjoy to this topic. Hope every body will help and share experience.

Hi ahton82,
Welcome to WBF and Denafrips thread. May we know your upstream and downstream gear so that we can help you spend more money. LOL.
Jokes aside, what other DACs do you have experience with prior to the Pontus? Do share if you can, much appreciated. Stay safe.

 

[alvin1118]

Hello guys,

We've published the basic setup guides for PC/Mac computer audiophiles who use DENAFRIPS DAC via the USB input, feel free to check it out:

- Windows PC
- Mac

 

[sale]

How would the mentioned setups score against the following, if anybody did any comparison? (Pros/Cons, bang for the back, complexity vs gain, etc.). E.g. how does Antipodes P2 score against GAIA and PhoenixUSB? Is the price $6000 of Cary DMS-700 streamer/DAC w Crystek oscilator and R2R/FPGA DAC justified compared to other possibilities (e.g. CX/EX/P2 combo $7500 plus T+ $7000 = almost $15000). So far I've heard excellent things about PhoenixUSB, GAIA, Mutec Ref10 (now replaced with SE120), Termy+, R2R/FPGA combination, different accessories but all of which surpass the total price of some high end devices, etc.


Antipodes CX----direct eth--->Antipodes EX----->Antipodes P2----usb--->T+
Innuos------usb---->GAIA-----I2S----->T+
Innuos------eth------>Aqua LinQ-------I2S------>Aqua Formula
Innuos-------------usb--------Aqua Formula
Innuos------>PhoenixUSB--------->T+
Lumin U1------->T+
Lumin U1----->GAIA------>T+
Lumin X1----->GAIA------>T+
Computer-------eth---->Soundaware d300ref------->T+
Computer-------->SOtM Stable / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Antipodes DX Gen3 / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Antipodes DX Gen3------>SoTM Stable / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Computer--------eth------>Cary DMS-700

 

[richard_crl032]

How would the mentioned setups score against the following, if anybody did any comparison? (Pros/Cons, bang for the back, complexity vs gain, etc.). E.g. how does Antipodes P2 score against GAIA and PhoenixUSB? Is the price $6000 of Cary DMS-700 streamer/DAC w Crystek oscilator and R2R/FPGA DAC justified compared to other possibilities (e.g. CX/EX/P2 combo $7500 plus T+ $7000 = almost $15000). So far I've heard excellent things about PhoenixUSB, GAIA, Mutec Ref10 (now replaced with SE120), Termy+, R2R/FPGA combination, different accessories but all of which surpass the total price of some high end devices, etc.


Antipodes CX----direct eth--->Antipodes EX----->Antipodes P2----usb--->T+
Innuos------usb---->GAIA-----I2S----->T+
Innuos------eth------>Aqua LinQ-------I2S------>Aqua Formula
Innuos-------------usb--------Aqua Formula
Innuos------>PhoenixUSB--------->T+
Lumin U1------->T+
Lumin U1----->GAIA------>T+
Lumin X1----->GAIA------>T+
Computer-------eth---->Soundaware d300ref------->T+
Computer-------->SOtM Stable / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Antipodes DX Gen3 / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Antipodes DX Gen3------>SoTM Stable / MC3+ / Mutec Ref10
Computer--------eth------>Cary DMS-700

Antipodes CX----direct eth--->Antipodes EX----->Antipodes P2----usb--->T+

Hi Sale,

I am enjoying my Antipodes setup of EX+CX -> usb -> TP but none of your mentioned to compare unfortunately.

P2 usb powered by EX and Gaia/Hermes are not used since direct usb to TP sounded best ... P2 uses femto clock vs encased oxco clocks of TP and shortest path perhaps are some of the reasons.

Gaia/Herme improves sound quality to my ears for my allo usb bridge and Nuprime Omnia S1 but deteriorate the Antipodes stack.

Cheers.

Richard

 

[sale]

Antipodes CX----direct eth--->Antipodes EX----->Antipodes P2----usb--->T+

Hi Sale,

I am enjoying my Antipodes setup of EX+CX -> usb -> TP but none of your mentioned to compare unfortunately.

P2 usb powered by EX and Gaia/Hermes are not used since direct usb to TP sounded best ... P2 uses femto clock vs encased oxco clocks of TP and shortest path perhaps are some of the reasons.

Gaia/Herme improves sound quality to my ears for my allo usb bridge and Nuprime Omnia S1 but deteriorate the Antipodes stack.

Cheers.

Richard

Thanks, it makes sense. What are your thoughts about the new K and S line compared to EX/CX? They say it is a radically new design rather than an improvement. Did you have a chance to compare?

Cheers,
Sale

 

[richard_crl032]

Thanks, it makes sense. What are your thoughts about the new K and S line compared to EX/CX? They say it is a radically new design rather than an improvement. Did you have a chance to compare?

Cheers,
Sale

Hi Sale,

Ya .. that is the sad part. I bought the Antipodes stack in just beginning of 2020 and was not aware of the new product line.

Quite sure the K and S series for the top tier ones is better but no wish to spend more nor wish to audition them even if available which they are not in Singapore.

Sorry but cannot help share anymore except that when touted upgrade in mid 2021 to some of the technologies for cx+ex, there is every likelihood that I can do so.

Cheers.

Richard

 

[Jaytor]

I'm new to this forum - this is my first post. As a little intro, I've been an audiophile for about 45 years. Over the years, I've had some fairly high-end systems (up to $60K or so in '80's dollars). These days, my system is more modest. Over the past year, I've really gotten into DIY and have built my own speakers, preamp, and a couple pair of monoblock amps (with another pair close to done on my workbench). I got rid of all my vinyl stuff when my kids were little in the early 90s and haven't felt compelled to reinvest. I'm now quite happy with Roon using a local library, Qubuz and Tidal.

I have a Gaia on the way - tracking says Monday delivery - and I think I'd like to connect it to my Terminator via i2s.

My current config is a Roon ROCK (with LPS) via ethernet to a Bryston BDP-2 streamer with a DHLabs AES cable to the Termy. I found this worked slightly better than a direct USB connection from the ROCK to the Termy. But I'm thinking with the Gaia that I can get away without the Bryston and connect the ROCK to the Gaia via USB and the Gaia to the Termy via i2s.

Thoughts on this approach?

There was some mention earlier in this thread about comparing various HDMI cables, but I didn't see much follow-up. I'm considering getting an AQ Firebird 48 cable. This is obviously fairly pricey, so I'd like to get some idea of whether this is going to provide a noticeable improvement over less expensive options.

Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Jay

 

[Blake]

Hi, welcome to the forum @Jaytor! Congrats on the Gaia purchase. I prefer i2S input with both of my Denafrips DAC's but of course experiment and see what you think. There are no rules and we all hear differently and have our own sonic preferences. I think I2S sounds more open and airy with a larger, more well-defined sound stage. Of course this could be system dependent.

HDMI cables can be a bit finicky. My Gaia has worked with all HDMI cables (audiophile and generic) but my Iris DDC only seems to work with a generic HDMI. My Tubulus Argentus and Blue Jeans HDMI's work for a little bit between the Iris and Venus 2, then noise takes over. I am still trying to figure out why. The Argentus is very full-bodied while still having good detail. I think it balances nicely with the Denafrips DAC's in OS mode, slow filter.

I do like the Argentus. I had a Revelation Audio Labs HDMI which was defective, sent back for a replacement and I have been waiting for the replacement cable for around 3 months. Supposedly the Revelation is exceptionally detailed, but not as full bodied, but right now, I'd just say it is very silent sounding, like there is no cable, because, there is no Revelation cable in my system.

If the Revelation never shows up, I'm quite happy with the Argentus and don't plan to do any more experimenting.

Edited to add further detail.

 

[alvin1118]

 

[Jaytor]

I've had my Gaia for a little over 24 hours. I've got it connected to my Terminator using i2s with a generic 3ft HDMI cable. Even with limited time and a cheap cable, I'm seriously impressed. The sound is clearer with more detail, imaging is sharper, and bass seems to have more texture and weight.

The Gaia is connected directly to my Roon ROCK server (fanless NUC8i7 with LPS) via AQ Diamond USB. NUC is connected to my router through an EtherRegen, also with an LPS. Before the Gaia arrived, I was using a Bryston BDP-2 (with upgraded IAD) connected to the DAC via AES.

I've just ordered a Tubulus Argentus 0.75m HDMI cable. Can't wait to see what it can do.