Denafrips Ares 15th DAC

[Tessie]

I want to buy the Denafrips Ares 15th DAC for my little desktop system. (PC USB connection)
Is this a good combination or is it a waste of money?

 

[Friesiansam]

I'm not convinced their way of doing DACing is better but, some people are. I would suggest the best thing to do, is to try it and see what you think. Just make sure the retailer won't give you any problems, if you decide to return it.

 

[Tessie]

I never used a standalone DAC before. I just want some options. I listen every day minimal 3 hours to music.
My AMP has the ESS Sabre ES9039 DAC inside but i heard the Ares 15th sounds more musical, so i can switch to it for older or jazz/soul music.

 

[SenseiKofi]

I want to buy the Denafrips Ares 15th DAC for my little desktop system. (PC USB connection)
Is this a good combination or is it a waste of money?

waste of money

 

[Tessie]

waste of money

Ok ...

 

[Revolutions]

I want to say that your DAC is pretty good so I doubt you'll hear a £1,000 improvement, if any. Or maybe try looking at the FiiO K11 R2R if you want to try that different type of DAC, which is £150.

But it's your ears, your pleasure, and your wallet. It's always fun to see what makes a difference, @Friesiansam nailed it: see if you can get one on loan or an easy return if you don't love it.

 

[Gray]

musical

I know that description is meant to be positive - but to me it suggests a less than accurate sound - and that's a negative as far as I'm concerned.
I'd never pay good money to mask the odd imperfection - and compromise the proper recordings.

But never mind what I think, why not arrange a home loan to see what you think.

 

[daytona600]

Check ebay Denafrips like most Chifi loses 50% of its value after 3months

 

[Jasonovich]

I want to buy the Denafrips Ares 15th DAC for my little desktop system. (PC USB connection)
Is this a good combination or is it a waste of money?

If musical integrity is something you value above accuracy and micro detail, then go for ladder resister solutions or R2R like Denafrips.
If it's the latter, then chipset DACs like ESS Sabre or AKM, is likely to be your best option.