Different R2R DACs


Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker. 

The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.

audio-satisficer

I'm on day 10 with my continuously on Denafrips Ares 2. Cold, sterile, and brittle right out of then box. Started to warm up a bit after seven hours. I am very pleased with it. Background vocals are real nice, holographic at times (material dependent). The bass is the most realistic I've heard with weight, and impact. Dynamics are very good. I don't feel the desire to look any further. I'll mention my system, as synergy matters. Ifi Zen Stream, Ares 2 dac, Mac MA5300 (internal dac does not compare), Cary CDP-1, and B&W 705 S2 speakers. The Ares 2 replaced a Topping D70S dac. It is a pretty good dac, but I was drawn to a ladder dac.

In my previous post I forgot to mention that the Ares 2 Has ambience, and instrument decay the likes I never heard before.

In my previous post I forgot to mention that the Ares 2 Has ambience, and instrument decay the likes I never heard before.

Thanks @gillsysb. Enjoy the music!  ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ ♭ ♮ ♯