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Pontus DAC (Read 5801 times)
Tommy Freefall
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Posts: 399
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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Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e
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ArtMan
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Posts: 167
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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Acer Laptop, Curious USB cable, Holo Audio May L2 DAC, ZRock 2, SE84UFO25, Fast 15 Network, Caintuck Audio Fast 15, Decware DSR3S/DHC2/ZFOCUS cables, Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes, Cryotone tubes (5AR4-WC, EL84-WC X 2, ECC88-WC, 0A3-WC X 2, 0D3-WC, 12AU7-WCL)
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Doug
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Posts: 272
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
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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
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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
Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Senn HD-650
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Tal
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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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SE84UFO2 25A mods x2, ZP3 25A mods, CSP3 25A mods, ZRock2 25A mods, Rega P3-24 Incognito tonearm rewire and Groovetracer mods, Bob's Devices SUT > ZP3, Denafrips Pontus + Hermes, Bluesound streamer, Zu Soul VI, Omega DeepOmega8 sub,
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Toni
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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
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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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SE84UFO25 | Ic0n4 Passive Preamp | ZBIT | Cambr. CXNv2 | Denafrips Pontus II | Denafrips Gaia | Media Converter | Decware I/Cs | Decware Pwr Cbls | ZWIRE Speaker Cbls | Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 | Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt
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Tommy Freefall
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Posts: 399
Re: Pontus DAC
Reply #8 - 01/15/22 at 23:30:03
 
Tony, thanks for the heads up!
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Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e
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Joey
Senior Member
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Posts: 86
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
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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.
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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)
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Joey
Senior Member
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Posts: 86
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
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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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Torii MKV/25 mods
PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Technics SL-1200GR w/ Nagaoka MP-200.
KLH Model 3 speakers..
Sonos connect.
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TexJ
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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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