Musician pegasus DAC or Denafrips Aries 2


I have tailored down to the Denafrips or the MP to be my external DAC. My streamer is a Node 2i.  Has anyone has any suggestions/ experience/comparison with this 2 DACs. I only play through Vandy speakers.  optical or Coax to bypass. which one is better?

128x128lobinero

Well, I have to say that this thread took an unexpected direction. Although some tech info was revealed, I still would like to hear from real owners of both DACs. Even more valuable would members that have been able to listen to both.\

So, what I can gather is that Denafrips enjoys a growing customer base. They must be doing something good with all of their products. If the MP is really as good as the Pontus, then the extra $ is worthy, if not, then the Aries is the logical choice.

I was in the same boat recently...I listened to both dacs, on different systems at different times so my impressions could be meaningless.I thought the Musician sounded somewhat disjointed in the mid to upper register. Just something about it sounded wrong. The denafrips to me seemed like it was a better build quality and came across more musical,again  to me.....so I bought a Denafrips. Very pleased with what it's doing so far.

thank you @missioncoonery Now I face a greater decision as I have been heavily recommended the Aurlalic Altair G1.Has good reviews. It is a streamer/DAC at $2888! I ll have to sell my Node2i. 

I don't stream music..only cd playback therefore I can't help outside what I've already added to the discussion..good luck in the decision

@lobinero My recommendation is to keep your DAC and streamer separate. You'll have more flexibility in the future, i.e. you can upgrade DAC and/or streamer separately if you wish to. Having said that, Auralic makes some fantastic products and never a bad choice.