Denafrips Pontus *15th* ?

@agonomics-sf You can compare the internal picture of the P15th to that of the Venus 12th-1 (per Denafrips site). Also they mention tighter tolerance on resistors which matches the Venus. Also note that per the denafrips.eu site a new Venus 15th will be available soon (they told me within 3 weeks).

I just received a new Pontus 15th on Tuesday along with a Iris 12th. I can honestly say this is the best digital I have ever heard. There is absolutely no item that I value in reproduction that has not improved over my formerly Marantz sacd 30n based system. Generally speaking, I've always found that a component can either bring the performers to your listening room or transport you to the event. This Denafrips combo provides the later. Layered soundstage depth, width beyond the speakers, a transparent window. There is simply no area of disappointment. 

Fred Ziffle

@pgoodfield  Congrats!  I’ve got an Iris too and found it to provide significant improvements over running USB directly into my DAC (using the Iris’ i2S output).  Are you using i2S into your Pontus?

For those of you using an Iris, Hermes, or Gaia DDC, are you using those DDCs with a computer or with a streamer? I'm wondering if the benefits of using a DDC are audible when used with a streamer that inherently has less noise.

Ther is probably less benefit the better the source, but that may be true of all sources. I did a good amount of listening without the Iris, direct to the Pontus through the USB and Coax and while the Iris increases the soundstage and details, the Pontus is providing a quality I have not heard until now. The presentation is natural and vivid without being etched or colored. I may be biased because I did purchase the units, but I am happy with it. I've tried the Benchmark and Musical Fidelity. With the Pontus I found a bargain that in my opinion sounds better. Add to that the Iris to clean up my common Mac mini and I'm all set.