Denafrips Pontus II vs Venus II

@ryder 

I just bought a pontus ii and don’t have 200 hours on it yet. I was using a Chord Qutest and read all the amazing reviews about the pontus ii, so I thought I’d give it a try. I also read it needs at least 300 hours before it fully breaks in and sounds amazing. Right from the start, the soundstage was way bigger than the Qutest but the detail was gone. The next week, it started to sound better and I began to feel a little better about my decision. I’m going down to listen in a few and I’m hoping it sounds even better than last week. When researching the pontus ii I found out about Denafrits’ DDCs. The British Audiophile  believes of you buy the iris DDC it will bring your pontus ii to the same level as the venus ii (for less cost). I don’t know if the addition of the iris to the pontus ii is better, but the clock in the iris is the same clock in the Venus ii. In a few months (if I love the pontus) I’m going to buy the iris and see what happens. 

I owned both,IMO the venus II is better but not worth the extra cash...for me the Holo spring 3 level 3 is better and about the same money.Thats what I'd buy.

Thanks for all responses. @stevebohnii I currently have the Chord Qbd76 so it’s useful that you compared the Quest to the Pontus II. I didn’t know about the Iris DDC and it’s useful to note that the performance of the Pontus II can taken up a notch when used with the Iris.

Looks like the Pontus II may be the better option when compared to the Venus II. Nevertheless, I’ll have to decide between that and another DAC which I have been eyeing for some time, a Luxman DA-06.

I have the Pontus ll and it’s been great.  I’ve thought about getting the Iris or the Venus ll and I’m leaning towards the DDC, I haven’t been in a huge hurry because the Pontus ll  sounds really good in my system.

All the best.

@ryder 

I’m interested to know which DAC you are considering over the pontus ii. I do think, halo makes some amazing DACs and wish I could have tried one of their models before purchasing the pontus ii. I really do like the pontus and think the sound is improving over time. The hi-fi store I go to let me take home a transparent premium and a cardas clear beyond power cords to try with the pontus. I’m excited to find out how they will sound. Denafrits makes two other DDCs in addition to the iris which are more expensive (hermes and gaia). 

Best of luck.