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So who's got one and what are you running your filter setting on, NOS or OS? And if OS, slow or sharpe roll off?
I've tried them all since having it and keep going back to NOS even when I know I'm missing some top end sizzle. I'm currently running the Ares II in my headphone set up with a tube amp. Sounds wonderful.
Follow Ups:
I had an Ares II briefly and what I experienced was that the NOS mode was smoother. The OS mode seemed more detailed, but not as pleasant to listen to. The NOS mode was needed for overly compressed recordings as there was actual static in the sound in OS mode on those recordings. I could not discern any difference between the filters in OS mode on any recording. I never even THOUGHT I was hearing a difference.
Thank you. I appreciate your comments. I have to agree with your conclusions, much smoother analog like when in NOS. When used in my home stereo system my ET-LFT8b has enough high energy output that none more is really needed in the preceding signal path. The same with my ear speaker Stax set up as well. But I can see how some overly warm sounding systems might get better results with the OS. But then again at that point they might be better served with chip dac like a sigma Delta dac for better extension.
Edits: 12/17/20 12/17/20
Hi Bill,
I've been I listening to the Ares II for a few months and have gone back and forth between listening to both DSD 512, 256, and PCM NOS and OS. I've pretty much settled on PCM using OS using the "Slow" filter. I've also found the Ares II to susceptible to power. To me it sounds much better when plugged directly into the wall. I do have a dedicated 20amp circuit for my front end. When plugged into my 20 year old Richard Grey, it sucked all the life out of the presentation. I'm using an inexpensive Straightwire Blue Thunder AC cord. I'm also using a couple switches and a mRendu 1.4 with aftermarket power supplies.
Sending the DAC various sampling rates is clearly audible. I've found that upsampling PCM files of 352.8 and 384kHz sounds the best using Roon "precise linear" filter.
I couldn't be happier with this entry level Denafrips DAC. I plan on moving up the line when budget allows. I've always told myself not to sink to many resources into a DAC due to all the recent advancements in digital but I can't help myself.
Hope this information helps.
It does and thank you. I need to get more time on the unit with OS slow. Your cable selection is something I need to look into. Just using stock right now but maybe something a little better will improve the high frequencies? I don't usually agree with the super high end cable theory but do think a step over stock does offer advantages.
I believe upsampling your signal is of greater significance than power cords or cables. I'm assuming you are not streaming yet. If you are not using a music software like Roon or Audirvana you should give them a try. Both offer a free trial with links to free trials to Tidal and Qobuz. I've got roughly a 1000 CD's ripped to a hard drive but prefer how music sounds streamed from both Tidal and Qobuz. Tidal is currently adding remastered classic albums daily. You would also have the ability to play around with sampling rates. I believe you will get the most improvement from just about any DAC by improving the signal sent to them.
That sounds right. I did have a 6 month free trial of Tidal given to me from KEF when I bought my home speakers. There was a definite difference of SQ from free Spotify or YouTube Music. It's just had to swallow the monthly fee, and the last time I checked it had gone up for HQ Master series. As to ripping CDs, I also think you are spot on as well. Thank you again for your comments.
Edits: 12/19/20
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