Hi - I am working in Auckland for a couple of months from early May and wondered if anyone has a Denafrips Pontus I or II that they would be happy to let me listen to on their system. If I have learned anything about the HiFi journey, "try before you buy" is good advice and, while I am interested in buying a Pontus DAC, I would be  a lot happier if I could hear it before making that commitment. Comments on Pontus' sound welcome (especially if compared to e.g. Mytek Brooklyn or anything else, really) or PM me if you have one and were willing to have me come and audition. Many thanks!

(and my apologies for having Venus in the post earlier - should never post before a good coffee - I am sure the Venus would be great but far too many $$ for me. But if you have a Pontus, I would be very interested to have a listen. Thanks.)

Can't help with the Pontus but here is my 2 cents.

I demoed a couple of chip DACs but wasn't that enamoured and liked what I'd read about what Denafrips offers over the former and ordered an Ares. I owned it for about a year and have since upgraded to a Venus.

Most of their sales are direct online (I believe they are only available at a couple of bricks and mortar stores globally). With this in mind, it is almost unheard of for anyone to be posting online unhappy with their purchase. If you like what you read about the Pontus I'd be very suprised if it disappoints.

I sold my Ares for $1000 to a fellow forum member and one sold on T/Me around the same time for a a bit more, not much less than a new one.  The point being is if you really didn't like it you should be able to move it on without doing too much damage to your wallet.  Some people don't like running the gauntlet with international shipping and the possibility of a home demo would help as well.

It's worth pointing out that Alvin from Vinshine Audio posted recently flagging future price increases and potential supply issues so I'd suggest sooner rather than later if you are going to do it.

Lastly and not that relevant to your question but worth mentioning is the sales and after sales service from Vinshine Audio is first class.  After owning the Venus for nearly 2 months I was moving my gear around and noticed a very small chip on the top cover that I'd not noticed when first unboxing it.  I sent an email with a photo and received a replacement lid from the factory in just over a week, no questions asked.

Thanks Harvey, and for other PM's - most helpful, although no Pontus to audition in Auckland yet, so still hoping. You make good points but I will be away from home for 3 months so no need to hurry and I am trying to be wise for once and if an opportunity to hear a Pontus comes up to "try before you buy" that would be great. I almost bought the Venus II that came up on TradeMe this week, but I had found this review very helpful:

www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/spdif-dac-reviews/denafrips-ares-ii-pontus-ii-venus-ii-and-terminator-plus/

He implies the Venus is more "resolved" than the Pontus (he uses "leaner" and greater "precision, linearity") when I think I prefer a warmer presentation. Anyway between "a stitch in time saves nine" and "discretion is the better part of valor" I am erring on the cautious side this time (for once).

What did you feel was the difference between your Ares and your Venus?

I had a feeling you might ask me that and was going to post a link to that review as it broadly mirrored my experience.

The Ares was very musical but in hindsight a little soft in its presentation.  I don't find the Venus too lean in my system but what is disappointing is the review claims it is the only one that sounds better on coax.  I started out with coax on the Ares then bought a USB and sold the coax cable because USB sounded better. Bugger...

I see the seller of the Venus on T/Me is also selling is selling  a Gaia DDC well.  I am so tempted as I was thinking of adding one later this year.   Now is definately not a good time though, my better half hated her new job and has just chucked it in.  Doesn't appear to be in a rush to get another as she is thinking about fostering rescue puppies (sigh).  

How much did the Venus sell for?  It must have sold quickly.

It went for $3000, which was the reserve and "buy now" price. That's about the same as importing a Pontus, if you add the GST, so it was probably a good buy. Just a bit reluctant as a result of the review quoted.

Hi. I am also interested in the Pontus II. I have a Lumin D2 and have read about the chip vs R2R DACs.

Didn’t seen the Venus on TM!!

Harvey, what’s the rest of your system?

Cheers.

Both my Ares and Venus managed to slip through without getting pinged for GST. $3000 was a good deal IMO.

I see the Gaia has sold, mixed emotions about that one. I probably wouldn't have been able to resist the temptation if it hadn't sold but at least there is no threat to domestic harmony.

aspar13 Antipodes K30, Venus DAC then BAT preamp, Pass Labs amp and Scanspeak based DIY speakers.

Denafrips dacs pop up regularly in the Stereonet Classifieds. They are the flavour of the month so as always they don't suit a number of people and get moved on. Personally I've never heard one but would like to.