DENAFRIPS DAC ---- Owner Impressions, Feedback, General Discussion, Questions and more....

Hi jjss.
Was just doing a comparison of Anne Bisson’s all analog Direct to Disk “Four Seasons in Jazz” record (If you have a good vinyl rig you need to buy this album. Limited run of 3000 and getting close to the end—can buy direct from her website) vs Tidal redbook on my Terminator.

I’m using a Rega RP10 with Aphelion MC cart and LKV phono section. All playing through ML523 pre and 536 monos feeding 802D3s. They compare favorably with an edge to the Termi. Probably the last descriptor I would use would be “bright/less weight”.(I used to use an Oppo 205. That’s exactly how I would describe it, bright/less weight.)

Like most equipment, Terminators do have their critics, but I’ve never seen it described quite like that.

Curious, how extensive was your time with the terminator? Do you know if it had the new board? Any idea about the source and source settings? What was the associated equipment? Did you have a chance to compare it directly with another dac?

Always eager to hear a counter view and welcome!

I switched from an Yggdrasil Analog 2 and right out of the box, the Terminator had more authority in the bass, particularly the mid/upper bass. The mid-range and high end was a little rough at first but continued to get better as it broke in.  I've not got 1000 hours or so and it's sounding fabulous. 

jjss49, weird, that’s pretty much the opposite of what I’d say about the Termi. 

Sorry didn’t mean to cause consternation with my comment above - I had limited exposure to the unit - about 1.5-2 hrs listening to it and other DACs (Chord Dave, current Yggy, higher Auralic,) in a good friend’s system - Conrad Johnson/Primaluna tube gear, Kef Reference with Rel subs. Not sure the state of break in of the various units. Yggy was even more bass light than Denafrips, Dave had most fullness of tone. No doubt the KEFs have a modest upward tilt in its character but this sense I got was hearing the various DACs through the same system otherwise. Anyhow, this is just one data point... always trust your own ears more than anyone else’s!

No consternation! Just happened to be listening to my Termi when I saw your post.  I had never thought of it in those terms. When I had it playing exact same track side by side with my vinyl rig the Termi beat it in both those areas so my curiosity was piqued.  I love hearing other perspectives on all equipment.  I’ve never heard the Dave, so it’s interesting to hear your thoughts. Still curious, any idea if his Termi was the latest model or has new board?  What was the source?