Musician pegasus DAC or Denafrips Aries 2

Soix,

I understand, I too own a Pontus II instead of the Terminator Plus or the Holo Audio May DAC Kitsune edition, in large part because I am a "bang for the buck" guy, without unlimited resources.

Funny you should mention the DDC with Pontus II, I have a Denafrips Iris DDC ($550) in my possession that I have not yet installed.....but will in a couple of weeks. Right now am burning in a couple of HDMI cables (Audioquest Vodka 48 8K and Supra 2.1 8K), before attempting to add the DDC into the mix. I will try to update here with what journey.

@vthokie83 Please do update.  I’d be very interested, and frankly I’d be surprised if this doesn’t produce a relatively large improvement that results in near end-game performance.  But that’s just a guess. 

Alvin at Vinshine hinted at such. I've got a complete Denafrips stack; Pontus II DAC, Hades Pre-Amp, and Thallo amplifier......all connected via Morrow Audio MA4 XLR cables that I LOVE, but he thought this might take it to the next level. Will report back in a few wees

@vthokie83 How’s the Iris? Worth the five bills?  Have been considering a Pontus II but only if it doesn't "need" a DDC

How’s the Iris? Worth the five bills?  Have been considering a Pontus II but only if it doesn't "need" a DDC

@steven5737 I wouldn’t look at it like that.  If you read reviews the Pontus ll is more than capable of standing on its own as is my Pegasus and I’m very happy as is.  I just look at i2S as a future and meaningful potential upgrade for not all that much $$$, at least in audiophile world.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.