Forums - Pontus DAC

Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 404	Pontus DAC 03/18/21 at 18:29:45 The Denefrips Pontus is on my short-list of DACs for a potential future purchase. Am interested in all comments - good and bad - from people who have experience with this DAC.
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ArtMan Seasoned Member Posts: 173	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #1 - 03/21/21 at 19:33:33 As a long time vinyl guy, the Pontus is the first DAC that I have personally heard that I enjoy as much as vinyl. It may not on the same level as 10k DACS but it is musical, quick and articulate and an excellent buy for the money. You will not regret buying it.
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Doug

Seasoned Member

Posts: 280

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #2 - 03/24/21 at 12:32:11

My Pontus II has been up and running for 2 weeks now, and I am more than satisfied with it’s performance. Some have described it as being a bit relaxed, warm, soft, etc., but I haven’t experienced any of those things. I have found it to be detailed across the entire frequency spectrum, always making instruments and voices sound real, but with no digital hash or glare. It just sits there and makes beautiful music. That’s how it is working out in my system.

By the way, I have contacted Alvin 6 or 8 times by email, both before and after my purchase, and he has been immediately responsive. I’m impressed by him, so far.

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Jay’s CD2T-Mk3
Denafrips Pontus II
ZROCK2 25th Mods
CSP3 25th & Custom Mods
PAP Quintets with Voxativ 1.6
First Watt J2 or Cary 300SEI
driving Voxativs—no crossover
LFD NCSE driving 15” Woofers

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tamcongdinh Verified Member Posts: 6	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #3 - 07/02/21 at 00:40:17 Pontus is really nice DAC, good choice
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CAJames

Seasoned Member

"I've run every
red light on memory
lane."

Posts: 1952

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #4 - 07/02/21 at 03:21:47

Yes, Denafrips is clearly on to something. I got my Terminator II about a month ago and I'm still shocked every time I listen to it by how great it sounds. Especially on plain old 16/44 CDs with no oversampling (NOS), either via S/PDIF or files via USB. They sound (almost) identical to hirez files. I would strongly encourage anyone in the market for a new DAC to consider whatever Denafrips DAC fits in their budget.

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[FOOBAR2000 | Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia
Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E
STR-1002 -> Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Audeze LCD-XC

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Tal Seasoned Member Posts: 128	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #5 - 07/02/21 at 17:42:06 Had mine for about one years. Replaced a Schiit Bifrost MB. Game changer. No regrets. Buy it!
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Toni Verified Member Posts: 2	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #6 - 01/10/22 at 21:51:55 I received the Pontus a month ago and as an "old" phono lover, it is a real alternative for me. Digital is no longer "just" the worse alternative. "Unfortunately" I now need a better amplifier and I think, I have found the right devices here...
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Tony

Seasoned Member

"Life without
..music is
inconceivable"
A.Einsteln

Posts: 662

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #7 - 01/15/22 at 14:31:27

Tommy FYI,

I thought of your interest in Danafrips when I saw this ad in US Audio Mart for a good deal (?) on a Denafrips Terminator DAC - Silver. I was curious, as I often get when I see something like this, but I'm happy with my Danafrips Ares II for now.

The seller is in Danville, not far from me in Berkeley. It is in one of those desirable "high rent" SF Bay areas. Anyway, I thought I would pass this tip on to you if you were unaware. Here are some specifics:

Asking Price: USD $3800.00
Retail Price: USD $4498.00
Payment method: Cash, Paypal, Money Wire
Shipping weight: 77.16 (lbs)
Condition:
10 - Mint (?)
Date Posted: Jan 08, 22 3:12am (PST)
Edited: Jan 12, 22 8:50pm* Updated!
About Seller:
seungtaeck
Danville, CA
United States, 94506
[other classified ads]

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Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 404	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #8 - 01/15/22 at 23:30:03 Tony, thanks for the heads up!
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Joey Senior Member Posts: 87	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #9 - 02/01/22 at 23:43:08 I'm also looking at the Pontus. Will be moving my Gumby to another room. I have node2 now but may try the lumin u1mini with the Pontus for my end game (ha ha) setup.
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urbino Verified Member Posts: 20	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #10 - 02/08/22 at 03:51:55 New member here. I ordered a Pontus over the weekend. I've wanted to try an R2R DAC for a long time. This one will be stepping in for the DAC module in my Mac C49 preamp. That module is no slouch. It's a balanced design that uses ESS chips. Looking forward to hearing what the Pontus can do. Hi, all.
Back to top	Michell GyroDec SE w/ Sumiko Celebration II \ E.A.T. E-Glo Petit phono \ McIntosh C49 \ McIntosh MC152 (on the list for a Torii V) \ HiFi Rose RS250 \ Denafrips Pontus II \ Tannoy Stirling GR \ REL T9i (pair) IP Logged

Joey Senior Member Posts: 87	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #11 - 02/08/22 at 13:17:08 I am also ordering one to replace my Gumby. I have been wanting to get some Tannoys, how do you like yours. I like the Turnberrys.
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Dr3wman Seasoned Member Posts: 250	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #12 - 12/05/22 at 22:54:13 The Pontus II is likely the way I am going. I'd pair it with the Wiim Pro Network streamer. Still contemplating the Holo Audio Spring 3 though.
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TexJ

Verified Member

Posts: 40

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #13 - 07/16/23 at 01:02:57

I have the pontus on the short list too. One thing I will say about Benchmark is their service is first rate. I had a lengthy conversation with them after I sent an email. They actually called me instead of the usual back and forth emails. I might order their DAC L and let you know how I feel about it but it will be connected to an all solid state system. My Torii Jr is a while from production.

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E045717

Verified Member

Posts: 16

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #14 - 05/29/24 at 00:37:58

Picked up the Pontus ii. Sounds great. I’m using a WiiM streamer connected to the Pontus with coax then rca to my 2.1. Curious if others have used the ZBIT or ZSTAGE with the Pontus? What were your results? I have the ZROCK2 connected to the ZMC1 and ZP3. I have a Sarah on order. Wondering if it will matter once I receive the Sarah with higher output? Tried to be brief so hope I haven’t left anything out.

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Zen 2.1, ZP3, ZMC1, HANA ML, ZROCK2, TECHNICS SL-1200GR, PONTUS II, WIIM STREAMER.

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Tony

Seasoned Member

"Life without
..music is
inconceivable"
A.Einsteln

Posts: 662

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #15 - 05/29/24 at 00:55:48

Hey EO,

I've had the Pontus for a couple years now, and consider it was one of my best buys. Not once have I wished for anything different or more. I think you will be pleased with its performance. I also have the ZBIT, and since most of my music is via streaming, I found it essential. I had and sold ZSTAGE. Since I have always had one type of preamp or another, I did not find its contribution to as significant.

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E045717 Verified Member Posts: 16	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #16 - 05/29/24 at 01:09:29 Was wondering if the Sarah would have enough power to “push through” or compensate for no ZBIT. Probably going ZBIT though. Thanks for the comment. BTW the Pontus was a wonderful improvement to my system.
Back to top	Zen 2.1, ZP3, ZMC1, HANA ML, ZROCK2, TECHNICS SL-1200GR, PONTUS II, WIIM STREAMER. IP Logged

CAJames

Seasoned Member

"I've run every
red light on memory
lane."

Posts: 1952

Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #17 - 05/29/24 at 19:33:41

There is at least a theoretical advantage to using the balanced outputs of a Denafrips (or other fully balanced) DAC. When you difference the two phases, either at a ZBIT or your speakers you average out the artifacts of the digital to analog conversion, and get the maximum performance from your DAC. How much this matters is an open question, but if you are using the RCA outputs you aren't getting all the DAC for which you paid.

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[FOOBAR2000 | Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia
Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E
STR-1002 -> Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Audeze LCD-XC

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TexJ Verified Member Posts: 40	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #18 - 06/19/24 at 01:13:43 The Denafrips website is selling units directly from the site now. Vinshie audio is just about out of stock of most Denafrips products.
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CAJames Seasoned Member "I've run every red light on memory lane." Posts: 1952	Re: Pontus DAC Reply #19 - 06/20/24 at 23:33:11 Yes. The rumor is that Alvin and Vinshine are no longer in business with Denafrips.
Back to top	[FOOBAR2000 \| Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E STR-1002 -> Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Audeze LCD-XC IP Logged