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DAC better than Denafrips Pontus II

As I try to finish out my system, looking at user recommendations for DACs better than the Pontus II.  This is one area I have not spent a great deal of time on (the digital side) but I have not found anything negative against the Pontus II or the Ares II.My transport will likely be the Nuprime CDT-8 Pro.  I like the AES to AES ability between these two devices.  From what I've read, it's the best connection.All comments appreciated.

colpgmrguy
ler0ck
10 posts
 

Imo, RME and Qutest are the best Dac. Their measurements as good as top Dac Dave but price only 1/10. 

mofojo
2,300 posts
 

Is that a serious post? 
 

yep they measure perfectly but sound like shot. 
 

not really cause I had the RME and it was really good. Not NEAR as good as my current. Measurements cannot tell you everything playing test tones! 

lukemaximus
38 posts
 

I have a Qutest, tweaked with a used M-scaler (from here) and a LPS for each.

I went this route because I mostly listen iTunes, and the M-scaler can upsample the files in the music library I already have! Plus I can get music on Bandcamp, in ALAC files, for a great price when I want new music. 

I still wonder how a comparable ladder dac sounds with Hi-res, and I know more $ can buy better sound and Hi-res files, but I have no desire to change what I have. 

I've heard great things about the Pontus II.

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

I sold my Pontus 2 and bought an ANK 4.1x assembled by Digital Pete.

Used they go for $2,500-$2,800. 

For the same Pontus 2 @ $1,700 but  better SQ you would be looking at obscure

stuff from eastern Europe. No features either.

Keep the Pontus and be happy until you are ready to up

your game.

missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
I sold my pontus2 and bought a Holo spring 3 kts ...was a little more money but in my room head and shoulders above the pontus
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