Denafrips Venus R2R DAC Review

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by mresseguie, Jul 28, 2017.

  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    • Convert-2 (very hefty, bassy, but I would not call it warm. Very nice highs, not the most super microdetailed, but this doesn't look to be an issue). Huge downside XLR outputs only. Will require XLR->SE transformer. Do not use the 4:1 part, but use this one instead::https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1344639-REG/jensen_transformers_pi_2xr_line_input_isolator_2_channel.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI:514&gclid=CjwKCAiAhJTyBRAvEiwAln2qB64-cStCKda-fiHvfMx7pWUBOiDcbL3uJJn-pnVjXlNEnv-9dpdH-hoCLRAQAvD_BwE
    • Schiiit Gungnir A2 (current version). Can be cool (opposite of warm) in mid and upper bass on the wrong system, but combined with DNA's house sound, I suspect will be just right. However, plenty of slam down low, good instrument depth localization, extreme microdetail, rounded rather than square.
    • Holo Spring. (The 2 might be a possibility but have not heard). Mid-bassy, not quite as hefty in the sub and low bass as above. However very clean overall and maybe a bit sharper highs, but still natural than either of the above, which may or may nor pair well with the Starlett. NOS mode only since OS mode sounds like poop. Expect NOS stage wide, which I an not sure is a good match with DNA amps.
    • X-Sabre Pro. This is like the delta-sigma version of the Holo, but way deeper soundstage. Highs not as natural as any of the above, but tubes should take the edge off. Squarish zippier transients. Good heft down low.

    Based on your description of preferences, I would definitely not use Terminator or anything resembling that sound with the Starlett. It's got a vintage R2R PCM1704 sort of thing going on, which the DNA Starlett inherently has, and what I think why you are looking for something less warm and murky.
     
  2. Benjamin Fong

    Benjamin Fong New

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    hi Purr, so nice to see you reply so soon. I m grateful for your advise. Guess you more or less know what I m searching for .

    A friend of mind advise me against getting the Venus Becos he afraid will just it warmer. Instead he ask me to get Yggdrasil A2 or Wildism holo spring 2 extreme ( which I check with wildism is a bit different from holo spring 2 kte). As for the price both is about the same price ( Yggdrasil slightly cheaper).
     
  3. Thenewerguy009

    Thenewerguy009 Friend

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    Any other NOS DACs you listened to?
     
  4. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    Look in this thread to see NOS DACs I have both measured and auditioned:
    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?forums/source-measurements.14/
    I've also heard many at meets, which are usually less than ideal conditions; insufficient warm-up for R2R ladder stabilization, moderate to high ambient noise, system setup may not demonstrate optimal performance, etc.
     

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