Denafrips Pontus II DAC?

[naimgame]

Any experience with the Denafrips Pontus II DAC? I own the NAIT 50 to Harbeth P3ESR bookshelf speakers and pair of Rel subwoofers.

Wanting emotional engagement and 3D holographic staging. How would this work with my system?

[jay]

Not directly, but I have used my Holo Audio Cyan 2 (R2R) with the Nait 50 and it was really good. The Cyan (apparently) is not as smooth/refined as the Denefrips and that’s my preference.

J

[Adam1]

I’ve got two Enyo 15ths into both Nait 50’s and have them in Nos mode, love the sound.

Really dynamic and rhythmic combination and vocals have real solidity to them.

One system into Neat Petite Classics and the other into Guru 12’s (both stand mounts).

[naimgame]

Thanks, Jay. I’ve been reading a lot of good things about the Holo Cyan 2 DAC. But I’m having a hard time finding where I can buy one. Any suggestions?

[Martinzero]

Obviously where are you would help? If uk, eliseaudio Paddington, London.
Martin

[naimgame]

I’m in the US

[frenchrooster]

Here a post from a past thread:

@edo

I’ve owned a Denafrips Venus II and now the Gustard R26II & heard a Denafrips Terminator+ and a Holo May. That’s enough for me to formulate an opinion. Granted none of these are entry level DAC’s but I wouldn’t be in the market for entry level anything.

I do know that there is a lot more to DAC design than conversion method or chip brand. That is why I said I like a “well implemented” design. I hear something that seems more analog and less fatiguing with the better discrete resistor ladder DAC’s so I am choosing by ear. I’m certainly not the only one that has come to that conclusion. I liken it to some preferring tube gear to solid state even though it doesn’t measure as well. I’m firmly in the, if it sounds better it is better (for me) camp

Blockquote

[frenchrooster]

Then he added, @edo :
« [quote=“edo, post:22, topic:43322”]
got the just released Gustard R26II R2R Ladder DAC last Friday. It arrived ice cold and after a slow warm up I’ve had it playing continuously for the last 5 days. Today I did a very brief head to head with my nDAC. The nDAC has less distortion and a lower output (to my ear). The Gustard has great texture and body. Details have excellent separation. It seems more analog, like the difference between vinyl and digital. I’m happy with it. The nDAC held it’s head high in the shoot out and is a good performer. I like the number of inputs it has, especially the two BNC’s but the Gustard has AES & I2S, which has prompted me order a new HDMI de-embedder to get DSD into it from SACD’s. I like the ladder DAC sound and if the R26II proves to be reliable I could see upgrading to it’s big brother, the R30 someday.
[/quote] »

[jay]

If you do a search for Kitsume hifi.

Good luck and there’s plenty of options, try at home if you can.

J

[Fatcat]

Do we know what he was using to feed the ndac.

[edo]

Oppo 205 & Oyaide 510 silver BNC cable.

[Fatcat]

The ndac is very sensitive to what is feeding it.

Maybe a better quality dedicated CD transport and different spdif cable would give different results.

But it does sound like the Gustard is high quality option.

[IainO]

@Fatcat

the Gustard is high quality option

From all reviews the R30 looks to be a very interesting option.

Good to read the nDAC stands up well to these kind of comparisons.