Denafrips maybe have a second thought.


I ordered an ares and received shipment about a week to ten days ago. Initially it would not turn on. Then I saw lights and eventually sound. Not sure what was going on but it was a prelude to what happened next. I liked the sound very musical but when using the first coax input I kept getting this weird volume problem. when a track would start it would cut almost completely off then go back to the original volume. So I needed to send it back which I am doing but it is expensive because there is no USA support at all. I almost bought the Pontus but glad I didn't since it would have cost even more to ship it back.


I am not saying never buy one or bashing denafrips just know if something goes wrong shipping back is exorbitant

viablex1
@dgarretson  Thank you. Good stuff! 

Can you share the rest of the system and cabling, etc.? Thanks.

@david_ten

I can’t recall the model names, but a high-end ModWright tube preamp and bi-amped ModWright amps, a Roon Nucleus digital server (with USB output), Black Cat ICs and speaker cables, G&G Discoveries power cords, and tweaks by Furutech, Herbie Dots, Black Diamond and G&G Discoveries. Speakers were bespoke full range three-way designs by VB Speakers with a customized Marchand active crossover. Both G&G and VB are members of the NJAS who sell mostly within that group. The overall level of the system was high enough for a clear window into the DACs.

@dgarretson   Thanks for the system information. It sounds like a wonderful combination of component choices. I'm always taken aback (despite knowing this well) by how unique each of our systems can be and are. 
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