The worlds largest online retailer of pre-owned audio Product DescriptionWho we areWhat we doOur ProcessOur Policies Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC; D/A Converter Product SKU: 74085 Input Voltage: 120V, 100V, 240V # of Owners: 1 Service History: None Serial Number: VS.240425AB557 Age: 1 year Tobacco Exposure: No Cosmetic Description: Very good condition with minimal visible cosmetic wear including a few tiny nicks on the top edge of the faceplate and on the top surface of the chassis. These blemishes are not readily visible from your listening position, and do not detract from the overall wonderful appearance.  What is Included: D/A Converter, Certificate of Authenticity, Power Cable, Factory Packaging Other Notes: If you want audiophile performance and incredible insight into your recordings, this DAC will provide it but don’t expect it to add smoothness, warmth, or romance to your music. The Ares 12th-1 excels in purity, transparency, neutrality, and precision. It sounds super-articulate, fast, sparkly, and exciting, with no blurring or thickness. It possesses a level of resolution and refinement that I normally only expect from much more expensive products. - Christiaan Punter, HiFi Advice Functional Notes: Operational condition of this item is excellent, fully tested and no issues found. Shipping: Cost to ship this item within the contiguous United States is a flat rate of $27- including packaging and insurance. For all other locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska, please request a quote prior to purchase. Items with factory packaging will be double boxed. When factory packaging not available re-usable shipping box with custom injected-foam mold will be used. (for all items over 10 lbs). Note that all items valued over $750 will require a signature upon delivery. Your online source for the best value in new and used audio gear. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign The Music Room is the largest online retailer of pre-owned HiFi equipment in the world. Headquartered in beautiful Boulder Colorado, The Music Room is a team of 17 strong (and growing) music lovers - all dedicated to one singular mission: delivering the very best online shopping experience in the audio industry - period. We specialize in well-cared for, previously used gear because that is what we are passionate about. We feel that there is nothing more fulfilling than creating a high-performance system on a budget with carefully selected used components, speakers and cables. Our program is safe, secure, fast, fair, hassle-free and highly effective. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Buy: Are you looking to get a fair price for your used home audio equipment without all the hassles, headaches, risks and fees? We will appraise your equipment and make you a quick, easy, fair cash offer. Just fill out our “get a quote” form on our homepage to start the process. Sell: We sell in multiple online venues with many (but not all) of our products available in our eBay store. Everything is quality-assured and backed by our best-in-class, satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. Trade: Make your budget go further with a generous trade-in allowance. Let us know what you have available, and we’ll get you the best possible trade-in allowance. We can even assist with shipping & logistics from anywhere in the USA. Just fill out our “get a quote” form on our homepage to start the process. Consign: We offer a hassle-free way for individuals and businesses to liquidate used gear. We’ll handle every step of the process from shipping to appraisals, customer service, fulfillment, and returns: Industry-low rates with no hidden fees Leverage our world-class reputation and get exposure in multiple sales venues - putting your product in front of over 570k monthly shoppers. Our program is Safe, Secure, Fast, Fair, Hassle-Free and Highly Effective. With 100% feedback ratings in every venue in which we sell, you can rest assured that we’ve got your back. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Quality Assurance: We offer 15-20 new product listings for sale daily. Each product undergoes an extremely rigorous quality-assurance and listening session by one of our qualified technicians. We understand that buying used audio equipment can be rife with uncertainty and unexpected headaches. Our quality assurance program is informed by a knowledge-base built through delivering over 30,000 used audio products to satisfied customers. We promise to deliver your product in good working order - exactly as described 100% of the time. Support: We don’t just make promises. We stand behind them - your satisfaction is guaranteed. Our support team is ready to help you with any questions you might have before and after the sale. Value: In the never-ending pursuit of high performance, it’s important to stretch your limited budget as far as possible. Used equipment sells for a fraction of new prices, and with a partner like The Music Room you can upgrade any time you like and get most of your money back. There’s simply no better way to maximize a limited audio budget. Packaging: We’ve invested thousands of dollars and countless hours into mastering our state-of-the-art packaging process. Our custom foam-in-place packaging system allows us to safely package almost any item regardless of irregular shapes or sizes. Most importantly, this system provides our customers with a re-usable shipping box which increases the resale value of the product and provides a shipping method for easy, secure returns. Be seen by over 70,000 monthly visitors. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Payment: Prompt payment is expected. Paypal is preferred but all forms of payment are accepted. Unpaid item case will be opened after 3 days if no payment received. Shipping Times: Most Domestic orders ship within 1 business day of purchase. For International orders or freight shipments, please allow 2-3 business days. In all cases, tracking information will be emailed to you at the moment the shipping label is created. If you cant find it or have other questions about shipping & logistics, please contact us. Shipping Costs: Flat rate shipping costs are applicable within the contiguous 48 States (USA). These rates are clearly posted on each product page. For an International or custom quote (including Hawaii, PR, AK) please contact us. Returns: Every purchase made on eBay carries a 30-day, satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. If youre not happy with your purchase for any reason or if youve simply changed your mind... no problem. Simply ship it back for a full refund or exchange (minus S&H costs). If you have received an item that is defective in some way, we will make it right. Let us know - we will pay for return shipping and repair the item or refund 100% of your original purchase price.

Experience audio fidelity with the DENAFRIPS ARES12th-1 DAC, a digital-to-analog converter designed to unlock the full potential of your sound system. The ARES12th-1 is universally compatible, ensuring a seamless integration with a variety of setups, and comes in a sleek silver color that complements any audio equipment array. this DAC is built to last. Crafted with precision in S. Korea, the ARES12th-1 model elevates your listening experience with its high-quality construction and advanced technology, making it a wise investment for audiophiles and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. Parameter:- Model: ARES II 12th-1- AC Power supply: 115-230V, 50/60HZ- Power consumption: <30W- Frequency response: ?0.004% (1KHz A-weighted)- Analog output (RCA): 2.2 (+/-10%) V RMS (1KHz)- Analog output (XLRR): 4.4 (+/-10%) V RMS (1KHz)- Support format (DSD): 2.8224MHZ (DSD1X) All Input 5.6448MHZ (DSD2X), 11.288MHZ (DSD4X) USB Only- Support format (PCM): 24bit/44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8(USB), 384(USB)KHZ- SNR: 115dB (RCA), 114dB (XLR)- Dynamic range: > 119dB (RCA), >120dB (XLR)- Stereo crosstalk: ?-124dB(RCA), ?130dB(XLR)- Size: 215 x 230 x 45mm- Weight: 3.5kgPackage Included:- 1 x Decoder- 1 x Power cable

Denafrips Aries II DAC: Exceptional R-2R ladder DAC for natural, engaging sound. Balanced & single-ended outputs. Excellent condition, near mint. Upgrades your digital audio instantly. Auction includes - Denafrips Aries II DAC

Mint condition with all original factory packaging and materials. The DENAFRIPS ARES 12th-1 DAC is a high-fidelity digital audio decoder with R2R technology, designed for exceptional sound quality. It features a silver color design, digital capabilities, and a Manufacturer Warranty for a lifetime. This Hi-Fi Amplifier model is the Ares 12th-1, manufactured in 2024.

The worlds largest online retailer of pre-owned audio Product DescriptionWho we areWhat we doOur ProcessOur Policies Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC; D/A Converter Product SKU: 70160 Input Voltage: 120V, 100V, 240V # of Owners: 2 Service History: None Serial Number: vs. 240126A555 Age: Unknown Tobacco Exposure: No Cosmetic Description: Excellent condition with no notable blemishes. What is Included: DAC, Certificate of authenticity, Power cable, Factory packaging Other Notes: If you want audiophile performance and incredible insight into your recordings, this DAC will provide it but don’t expect it to add smoothness, warmth, or romance to your music. The Ares 12th-1 excels in purity, transparency, neutrality, and precision. It sounds super-articulate, fast, sparkly, and exciting, with no blurring or thickness. It possesses a level of resolution and refinement that I normally only expect from much more expensive products. - Christiaan Punter, HiFi Advice Functional Notes: Operational condition of this item is excellent, fully tested and no issues found. Shipping: Cost to ship this item within the contiguous United States is a flat rate of $27- including packaging and insurance. For all other locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska, please request a quote prior to purchase. Items with factory packaging will be double boxed. When factory packaging not available re-usable shipping box with custom injected-foam mold will be used. (for all items over 10 lbs). Note that all items valued over $750 will require a signature upon delivery. Your online source for the best value in new and used audio gear. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign The Music Room is the largest online retailer of pre-owned HiFi equipment in the world. Headquartered in beautiful Boulder Colorado, The Music Room is a team of 17 strong (and growing) music lovers - all dedicated to one singular mission: delivering the very best online shopping experience in the audio industry - period. We specialize in well-cared for, previously used gear because that is what we are passionate about. We feel that there is nothing more fulfilling than creating a high-performance system on a budget with carefully selected used components, speakers and cables. Our program is safe, secure, fast, fair, hassle-free and highly effective. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Buy: Are you looking to get a fair price for your used home audio equipment without all the hassles, headaches, risks and fees? We will appraise your equipment and make you a quick, easy, fair cash offer. Just fill out our “get a quote” form on our homepage to start the process. Sell: We sell in multiple online venues with many (but not all) of our products available in our eBay store. Everything is quality-assured and backed by our best-in-class, satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. Trade: Make your budget go further with a generous trade-in allowance. Let us know what you have available, and we’ll get you the best possible trade-in allowance. We can even assist with shipping & logistics from anywhere in the USA. Just fill out our “get a quote” form on our homepage to start the process. Consign: We offer a hassle-free way for individuals and businesses to liquidate used gear. We’ll handle every step of the process from shipping to appraisals, customer service, fulfillment, and returns: Industry-low rates with no hidden fees Leverage our world-class reputation and get exposure in multiple sales venues - putting your product in front of over 570k monthly shoppers. Our program is Safe, Secure, Fast, Fair, Hassle-Free and Highly Effective. With 100% feedback ratings in every venue in which we sell, you can rest assured that we’ve got your back. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Quality Assurance: We offer 15-20 new product listings for sale daily. Each product undergoes an extremely rigorous quality-assurance and listening session by one of our qualified technicians. We understand that buying used audio equipment can be rife with uncertainty and unexpected headaches. Our quality assurance program is informed by a knowledge-base built through delivering over 30,000 used audio products to satisfied customers. We promise to deliver your product in good working order - exactly as described 100% of the time. Support: We don’t just make promises. We stand behind them - your satisfaction is guaranteed. Our support team is ready to help you with any questions you might have before and after the sale. Value: In the never-ending pursuit of high performance, it’s important to stretch your limited budget as far as possible. Used equipment sells for a fraction of new prices, and with a partner like The Music Room you can upgrade any time you like and get most of your money back. There’s simply no better way to maximize a limited audio budget. Packaging: We’ve invested thousands of dollars and countless hours into mastering our state-of-the-art packaging process. Our custom foam-in-place packaging system allows us to safely package almost any item regardless of irregular shapes or sizes. Most importantly, this system provides our customers with a re-usable shipping box which increases the resale value of the product and provides a shipping method for easy, secure returns. Be seen by over 70,000 monthly visitors. Visit us online to Buy / Sell / Trade / Consign Payment: Prompt payment is expected. Paypal is preferred but all forms of payment are accepted. Unpaid item case will be opened after 3 days if no payment received. Shipping Times: Most Domestic orders ship within 1 business day of purchase. For International orders or freight shipments, please allow 2-3 business days. In all cases, tracking information will be emailed to you at the moment the shipping label is created. If you cant find it or have other questions about shipping & logistics, please contact us. Shipping Costs: Flat rate shipping costs are applicable within the contiguous 48 States (USA). These rates are clearly posted on each product page. For an International or custom quote (including Hawaii, PR, AK) please contact us. Returns: Every purchase made on eBay carries a 30-day, satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. If youre not happy with your purchase for any reason or if youve simply changed your mind... no problem. Simply ship it back for a full refund or exchange (minus S&H costs). If you have received an item that is defective in some way, we will make it right. Let us know - we will pay for return shipping and repair the item or refund 100% of your original purchase price.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

The Dac befindet sich gutem Zustand, ist gut eingespielt und hat gegenüber den jüngeren Modellen noch zwei coax. Eingangs Buchsen. Das Gerät ist gut eingespielt und klingt wie man es von ihm erwartet. Klanglich profitiert es sm meisten von einem hochwertigen Stromkabel, in unserem Fall ein tellurium q, welches nicht teil des Angebotes ist. Der Verkauf erfolgt wegen Upgrade.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

Used for 2 years, paired with my Singxer SA-1. Works perfectly with no issues. Check my profile for the Singxer SA-1 listing. If you buy both, I have a combo price available in a separate link. This item includes: Denafrips Ares II DACPower cable Original packaging is not included as it was recycled. Ship with UPS by default.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

DENAFRIPS ARES II DAC (Digital Audio Decoder) 80VAx2 HiFi R2R Ultra-Low Noise. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.

I have used this for a while and enjoyed it enough to upgrade to its big brother the Pontus. It works perfectly. At this price the Ares 12 is hard to beat. Includes DAC and power cord only, no other cables are included. Specifications I²S InputTrue NOS R-2R DACEnhanced Power Supply, UPOCC CopperAnodised Aluminium Chassis Silver/BlackUpgraded 12th Anniv. Technical HighlightsProprietary R2R + DSD ArchitectureTrue balanced 24BIT R2R + 6BIT DSD (32 steps FIR Filters)Low Thermal Effect, High Precision Hand-Matched 0.01% Resistors FEMTO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz Low Noise Power SupplyFIFO BufferDigital Signal Processing via FPGADSD1024, PCM1536 Supports On USB InputProprietary USB Audio Solution via STM32F446 Advanced AMR Based MCULicensed Thesycon USB Driver For Windows PlatformDriverless On Mac & LinuxDSD DSD64-DoP On All InputDSD1024* On USB Input OnlyPCM 24bits / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192KHz On All Input1536kHz* On USB Input Sampling Mode: Oversampling OS / Non-Oversampling NOSDigital Input Coax x 1TOSLink x 1I2S x 1USB2.0 Type BAnalog Output RCA at 2.0Vrms, 625 ?XLR at 4.0Vrms, 1250 ?Frequency Response: 20-70KHz -3dBTHD+N: 0.004%S/N Ratio: 115dBDynamic Range: >119dBStereo Crosstalk: -124dBAC Power Requirement: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz (Worldwide Voltage, Manual Selector)Fuse: T2A/250VAC. 5x20mm 2A Slow BlowPower Consumption: ?20WDimension: 215W x 230D x 45H mm (Feet +18mm)Package Dim: 375 x 330 x 115 mmPackage Content: DAC & Power Cord. No remote control.Weight: 3.5 Kg Color: Black / Silver

There is subtle cosmetic damage (a chip) but otherwise in great condition. Comes in original packaging.

In excellent condition. It will come in the original box and information sheet.

The DENAFRIPS ARES II DAC is a high-quality R2R digital audio decoder that offers ultra-low noise and a sleek black design. With five audio inputs including coaxial digital, USB, and digital optical TOSLINK, this DAC is perfect for any home audio setup. It also features stereo L/R RCA and XLR audio outputs for versatile connectivity. Manufactured in China, the DENAFRIPS ARES II DAC boasts a range of impressive features such as digital signal processing and a compact design. Its perfect for use with amplifiers and preamps, and is sure to impress any audiophile. The unit is in excellent physical and operational condition as pictured and comes with a power cord. Please contact me with any questions.

Im selling a combo Modified Node 2I with upgraded power supply for lower noise floor along with a IFI power supply cord and external DAC Denafrips Ares 2 , Im selling my Emotiva XMC-2 and it has no streamer on board so I needed to have one , im upgrading to a Receiver that has a Streamer on board so I no longer need a streamer Dac any more. You will get the Bluesound Node2I with the upgraded power supply PD Creative board and IFI power cord and a Denafrips Ares2 , Im in union 07083 pickup only , I want someone to demo the combo to make sure it works so you know what your getting , I also have an Emotiva XMC-2 in another listing if your interested.

From the Head-Fi Review - May 14, 2021 The Ares II is very good DAC that offers lots of decoding options, 5 digital inputs, balanced outputs, excellent soundstaging, and a very energetic, engaging sound. It likely would have been a game-changer – as I described the Schiit Bifrost 2 – had it reached my desk before the Bifrost 2. FEATURES & BUILD The Ares II is a true R2R (discreet resistor-ladder) DAC. It can decode PCM up to 32-bit and 1536 KHz (which, is straight-up overkill) and up to DSD1024 (also overkill). It has one USB input, 2 coaxial spdif inputs with RCA connectors, and 2 TosLink optical spdif inputs. It has both unbalanced RCA and 3-pin XLR balanced analog outputs. The front panel has a standby button on the left side and a total of 7 buttons on the right side. There are dedicated buttons to select each of the 5 inputs, a phase button (which toggles between positive and negative phase in much the same way that Schiit’s Bifrost 2 does, to the best of my knowledge, I’ve never had to use it), and a mute button. There is also an array of small red LEDs to indicate which input is selected and what signal the DAC is receiving. Finally, the Ares II offers both oversampling and non-oversampling (NOS) conversion modes. They probably exist, but I don’t know of other DACs that offer a NOS mode at this price point [much later edit: Soekris dacs!]. The Ares II is surprisingly heavy. It has a fairly thick, rugged metal chassis and a beefy internal power supply. I was quite surprised how much heft it had as I was rearranging my desk to accommodate it. I have two complaints about the Ares II’s build. The 7-button array on the front panel is the first. The buttons are small and black on a black chassis with small white lettering to label them. In a darkened room it can be a challenge to push the right button. There is also no remote control so if this DAC is for a 2-channel speaker system you’ll have to get your lazy keister out of the chair to switch inputs. The second complaint is the feet that are on the bottom of the chassis are sturdy, but surprisingly tall. I see no reason for the chassis to have this much clearance off the desktop – no ventilation holes on the bottom – and I’ve had more than a few pens/pencils roll underneath there and I had to find something to fish them out. SOUND Test Gear Headphone amps I’ve paired it with include Monolith Liquid Platinum, Cayin HA-1Amk2, Lake People G111, Schiit Asgard 3, Schiit Jotunheim 2, Schiit Magnius, iFi Zen CAN, Massdrop + Eddie Current ZDT Jr., and several budget models. It’s also been connected to my old Onkyo AVR that has a dead HDMI output and is now used as my desktop power amp to power a pair of Definitive Technology SM45 desktop speakers with a Polk PSW-505 sub connected via speaker-level connections. The Headphones I’ve used include HiFiMan Edition X V2, Audeze LCD-2 & LCD-3 (both prefazor), Audeze LCD-X, OG Audioquest Nighthawk, Massdrop + Fostex TH-X00 w/ Lawton Purpleheart chambers and driver mods, Massdrop + Sennheiser HD6XX, Beyerdynamic DT-880 600?, and Focal Elegia – oh, and Koss Porta Pros just for the heck of it. So, yeah, a lot of different stuff. Sound Signature & Presentation The Ares has a very neutral presentation. There really isn’t any frequency range emphasized or recessed. In oversampling mode, the presentation is a bit soft and relaxed. However, activating NOS mode really wakes it up. In NOS mode the Ares II has a very energetic presentation. I’ll use the word “fun” to describe this energy, but want to make sure that in this context “fun” is not to be confused with how “fun” is often used to describe a bassy sound signature. Here, it’s the liveliness of the presentation that adds an element of fun. This liveliness also makes the Ares II sound like it’s very detailed. It has good detail retrieval with nothing obviously missing from familiar tracks, but I think it comes across as more resolving than it actually is because of this energy. Timbre is solid. The timbre is not a standout feature like it is on many of Schiit’s amps and dacs, but nor is the timbre ever distracting or lacking. So to sum up this paragraph, the Ares II has a very neutral sound that can be somewhat soft and relaxed in OS mode and energetic and lively in NOS mode. That’s No Moon, It’s a Space Station! Where the Ares II really shines is with soundstaging. It creates a sense of space that can be absolutely enormous. Concert halls sound huge. Pipe organ recordings sound like they’re recorded in enormous cathedrals (because they usually are!), recordings of rock concerts sound like they’re in large arenas, etc. For the price point the Ares II also does an excellent job with soundstage depth. Moreso than any other DAC I’ve listened to the Ares II sound is not just wide and tall, it’s deep. The Ares II also images quite well, placing sonic images within its large soundstage quite well. The separation of those images is also good but maybe not be quite class-leading for $700ish DACs. Still, if you tell me that you have $700 for a DAC and soundstage is the most important thing to you, here it is! COMPARISON WITH OTHER DACS The Ares II represents a large step up in performance from $250 or less DACs. It’s a very large step up, in fact. As I stated in my Schiit Bifrost 2 review, there is somewhat of a “DAC hole” between about $250 and $700, meaning that if you want to significantly improve performance from a $250 DAC you have to move up to this 700ish Ares II level (or Bifrost 2 or Soekris dac1321). It’s difficult to communicate in words how big of performance jump there is here, too. Many will balk at spending $700+ on a DAC, but that performance jump is huge and will be worth it for many. At $699USD is the Schiit Bifrost 2. I already compared the BF2 and the Ares II in my BF2 review so I’ll basically just copy/paste that here and massage a few words to make it all fit together. The BF2 and Ares II are essentially equals from a technical standpoint. To say one is better than the other at any particular aspect of performance in no way means the other one is bad. They’re both really strong across the board. It’s really about preference between the two. I think BF2 has better bass control and slam, slightly more natural timbre, and while it takes time to tease it out, is slightly more resolving/has better detail retrieval. The Ares II has better staging, sounding both a little wider and deeper to my ear. A passage from Why So Serious? from the Dark Knight soundtrack beginning at about 3:27 has a deep, driving synthesized bassline with a softly played snare drum that sounds like the drum was recorded in a parking garage or empty gymnasium. Both DACs made that space sound huge and placed that drum seemingly several feet in front of me. The Ares II made that space seem just a bit more cavernous, placed that drum a little deeper into the soundfield, and I think the Ares’s imaging was a little sharper too. The BF2 made that synthesized bassline punishing and almost tactile. The Ares II, especially in non-oversampling mode, also has a more energetic presentation to it in every frequency region except the deep bass that can sound more engaging, or even fun, than BF2. This energy can present initially as being more detailed, however I think the BF2 actually draws more out of the recording than Ares II, it just does so with a more laidback presentation. From a features standpoint, the Ares II offers more decoding options than BF2. So, if you have 500 SACDs and native DSD decoding is important to you, that might be a deciding factor. Ares also has 2 optical and 2 coaxial inputs and to my ear less of a difference in sound quality between spdif and USB. However, for me on most material that I listen to BF2’s bass and timbre with still very good spatial performance make it my preferred DAC between these two. BF2 is the one I use for critical listening and exclusive modes more often. The Ares has become the DAC I lean to while working because its bigger sense of space fatigues me less quickly over longer periods of time; I just feel less claustrophobic with it after wearing headphones for hours. I want to emphasize though that neither BF2 or Ares II are bad at anything here and neither feel claustrophobic in sound, it’s a question of degree and the differences are slight. FINAL THOUGHTS I initially ‘borrowed’ the Ares II from the previous owner just to do a review. About two weeks into that borrowing I just said “Shut up and take my money!” and kept it around [thanks to that seller, btw, excellent deal!]. Right now the Ares is my primary long-listening-while-working DAC. It’s spaciousness is less fatiguing than my other DACs during those marathon sessions. It really is a fantastic DAC and should be on the short-list of DACs to check out if you’re using a $250 DAC right now and looking to breathe new life into your whole system. In my Bifrost 2 review, I referred to the BF2 as a gamechanger. The Ares II likely would have been too if it had made it to my system before the BF2. You can’t go wrong here, though. Ares II is an excellent DAC

Used DENAFRIPS ARES 12th-1 DAC Original owner, purchased new from Vinshine. Selling because I Moved to a different Dac in Denafrips line

Selling a used Denafrips Ares II R2R Dac in black. This unit has been owned and used for a few years, but much less recently due to lack of time anymore. The unit has a couple of scuffs and scratches on it and one of the protective caps for the inputs on the back is missing, but it works perfectly and is a great addition to have for any enthusiast’s audio setup and sounds amazing! This particular one will come with a power cable included, but sadly I do not have the original box any longer.

Purchased this year from Vinshine Audio. Comes with original packaging.

I am offering the truly balanced R2R DAC DENAFRIPS ARES 2. All firmwares are the latest and up to date. - USB MCU firmware 3.12- firmware 1.8- original packaging- 2 coax in- 2 optical in

Very good condition. See photos. Small mark on top left. Unit has current software. With box and power cable.