A few months ago, I sold my Schiit Gungnir Multibit. I used an SMSL 400 for about 2 months while I waited for Denafrips Pontus II arrival. The SMSL functioned perfectly, had some convenient bell & whistles like the full color display info, but the sound was kinda dry and flat. Granted this was the lowest cost DAC I've heard in a while. It had decent amounts of detail, but tonality wasn't too impressive. Soundstage was wide, with okay depth, but instruments lacked air and their own space.
The Pontus is miles ahead, as it should at double the cost. FWIW. I'd guess that the Ares would be a better choice if your priorities include more organic fleshed out instruments and realistic tonality. The SMSL's strengths were "studio monitor-ish" lots of detailed sounds, with a more analytical slant. Cheers,
Spencer
The Pontus is miles ahead, as it should at double the cost. FWIW. I'd guess that the Ares would be a better choice if your priorities include more organic fleshed out instruments and realistic tonality. The SMSL's strengths were "studio monitor-ish" lots of detailed sounds, with a more analytical slant. Cheers,
Spencer
