I don’t have the Ares II available for a direct comparison but even so, the Ares 12th-1 sounded immediately familiar. The really interesting thing is that although the Ares 12th-1 is based on the Ares II, and sounds a lot like it, there is one area in which the new model has clearly become better. Here’s a quote from my Ares II review: “Most of the time, the Ares II sounds sparkly and quite articulate, but with some music, especially when it is of the slower and less incisive sort, sometimes, the transients can seem slightly rounded.”. Well, I listened carefully for this, but this was never the case with the Ares 12th-1!
Antipodes Oladra
After swapping from the Grimm to the Antipodes Oladra, running Roon, I compared coax to USB using a Vermouth Reference USB cable. Using coaxial, the Oladra presented a smoother, fuller, and more solid sonic picture that suited the DAC well. Gone was the DAC’s slight forward nature in the upper mid, bringing the sound in a nice balance between precision and tonal density. But now, I could hear the influence of Roon by a reduction in pace and crispness, but this was easily remedied by switching the server from Roon to Squeeze.
Normally, Antipodes servers sound best with Squeeze, but as I was about to find out, when using the Denafrips DAC’s USB input, this becomes solely a matter of taste. Squeeze sounds crisper and more direct, while Roon has more richness and bloom.
USB
The Oladra’s USB output was recently updated and much improved, although not entirely as organic as its reclocker digital outputs (coax, BNC, and AES/EBU). However, when connected via USB, the Ares 12th-1 truly shines! I’ve noticed this before when reviewing other Denafrips DACs, and there’s something special about their USB interfaces.
Contrary to what is usually the case with many DACs, USB from the Oladra to the Ares 12th-1 sounds more refined and nuanced and more highly resolving but, at same time, more realistic and natural than the coax connection between these two products. A relative difference remains that USB sounds more precise and coax more relaxed, but regardless, I can’t help but find USB to sound more realistic. And as a bonus, my preference does not waver when switching back from Squeeze to Roon.
Given that the Ares 12th-1 is on the lean side, it was no surprise that it worked supremely synergistically with the full-blooded Antipodes Oladra server. Compared to the Grimm, the sound was now smoother and warmer. Even though it was softer on the transients when used with a coaxial output, it sounded much more organic. Given this server’s elevated price point, it’s an even less likely combination than the Grimm. Still, it illustrates beautifully how having a relatively lean and analytical DAC can be a very effective tool to obtain an even-handed balance.
Conclusion
Even though I had no comparably-priced DACs available for direct comparison I have heard enough DACs to know when a product performs out of the ordinary at a given price point, and the Ares 12th-1 is such a product. This little DAC is unusually well-resolved and analytical and excels in purity, transparency, neutrality, and precision. It sounds super-articulate, fast, sparkly, and exciting, with no blurring or thickness. It possesses a level of resolution and refinement that I normally only expect from much more expensive products. If you want audiophile performance and incredible insight into your recordings, this DAC will deliver but don’t expect it to add smoothness, warmth, or romance to your music.
External Links
Manufacturer: Denafrips
Available from: Vinshine Audio
Thanks for reviewing this one!
I’ve noticed some improved sonics benefits trying both SR Pink fuse and also the M-2 fuse from Audio Magic.
Heard there are new 15th Anniversary models out now, too.
Oh yes, fuses can have a much larger effect than some give them credit for!
I was under the impression the 12th was the most recent range when starting on the review, but indeed, there seems to be a 15th range coming as well, although it is not yet available in Europe. I have no further details on this but from the looks of it, the 15th model is a further iteration of the earlier design.
Hard to believe or understand how an R2R dac can sound “lean”.
Maybe you are referring to the classic Philips converters? These sound the way they do primarily because of the decoder/oversampler/filter, S/PDIF encoder and IC’s that were used. The conversion method is only one of the ingredients that decide a DAC’s sound.