Set-up and installation
Contents
We installed the Denafrips Ares II in the reference system to clearly hear the differences with the Benchmark Dac3 B. But we also used it in the second system for some time where it felt completely at home. We connected the Ares II through the balanced connection into our HPA4. There’s less gain through the single-ended input, but soundwise there were no apparent differences.
The Denafrips Ares II replaces a Benchmark Dac 3B in the reference system below:
- Atc Scm19 V2
- Benchmark Audio HPA4
- Benchmark Audio AHB2
- Nad M50
- Norstone Stylum 2
- IsoAcoustics Aperta
- Wiring: Audioquest Yukon, Dion Audio DI75, Qed XT40
Filters
Surprisingly, we don’t choose for the NOS mode but for the Slow Filter via Oversampling. Could be related to the system. In NOS mode we find the modest Ares 2 less refined than a Metrum Acoustics Onyx. Logical considering the price difference. Especially in the higher frequency area we hear some sharpness that you will not hear on more expensive Nos dacs. Through the Slow Filter in OS mode we get just a bit more resolution, detail, speed and there is less sharpness. It really sounds great in this mode!
Where the filters on most dacs show minimal differences, the two filters in OS mode and the NOS configuration sound clearly different. Setting the filters in OS mode is quite a hassle but fortunately Vinshine Audio put a few videos online. At first we didn’t even know that there was an Oversampling Mode with filters on it because there is no manual with the device. Only during the reading we found out.
