Right up the Ares II

[George Hincapie]

It is a rather complicated procedure .....

..... but the accompanying step-by-step guide from Vinshine is very clear. and helpful.

The process involves downloading 3 separate files:
1) Thesycon USB driver
2) Windows configuration tool
3) Firmware update tool.

Windows 10 has problems with 'unsigned' files so the PC has to be restarted in Troubleshooting mode to disable that.

Following the Vinshine guide and trying not to get nervous ( ) eventually gave a result and the DAC firmware was updated.


The USB receiver now has a new name so needs to be reselected on the PC, and then there is music!



First listen has a ' Wow!' moment as there is noticeably more definition and resolution in the soundfield.

The best just got better!

Well done! I am pleased you're happy with it.

[George Hincapie]

I've bought an Ares II 12th Anniversary Edition as an emergency DAC to tide me over until I decide which TOTL DAC to go for next. It arrived from Singapore yesterday. This is the second Ares II I've owned, the first took a month of burn in before sounding good. I left the new one playing a Roon stream for 4-5 hrs last night, popped my headphones on and sat stunned for the next 3 hours, listening to CDs on my AudioLab CDT and streamed files from Roon. It sounds amazing. Unbelievably good. I don't even have the superlatives to articulate my experience. Just...WTF?!

Streaming chain:

Roon Nucleus > Ethernet > Ubiquiti Switch > Optical > Media Converter > Ethernet > Pi4 Ropieee > USB > Denafrips Iris > I2S > Denafrips Ares II 12th > RCA > LTA MZ3 > ZMF VC and Arya Stealth

CDT chain:

AudioLab 6000CDT > SPDIF Coax > Denafrips Ares II 12th > RCA > LTA MZ3 > ZMF VC and Arya Stealth

The FPGA update is a game changer. For real. The Ares II was already a 'bang for buck' champion; it's just been elevated into the stratosphere. I really can't believe what I am hearing. Stunning.

[NSNO2021]

I finally got my act together and upgraded my Pontus2 to the latest/greatest v1.4 code and first impressions are it's a noticeable change.
I haven't heard enough to be able to completely articulate what's different, bass is the most obvious, timing overall seems better, I have not detected any real change in the vocals I have heard but it's still early days

[Fretless]

Takes a while for the full effect - give it some burn-in time.

[NSNO2021]

Hello Fret, I am already more than happy so if there's more to come then that's the icing on the proverbial cake

[Bencat57]

Just done the newest firmware update on the Ares II to version 1.8.

First listen reveals an increased authority and grip on the music with a silky-smooth solidity.

Hell's teeth - what a DAC !

[George Hincapie]

It is a beautiful thing!

[Firebug1]

Metal up your Ares II I have had Ares II some months now, and like it very much. In standard form it was better than my previous dac's (Cambridge audio dacmacig 100 and Shciit modius). Soundstage is more open, which is nice, as I listen via Audeze LCD 2 closed headphones, they sound more open than before. Last week I got time and courage for software upgrade, which went nicely, after restling with Win urge to stop using unknown source for install drivers etc. I haven't done lot of listening with new software but it feels to give bit more depth and grunt instrument's like bass, synth and kick drun. Vocalist has more presence on his\her voice than before. Very happy with this unit now and it probably gets better with decent burn in.