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£900 is a fair used price, though not a bargain: it sits above the £726 median but comfortably below the £1,120 75th percentile for comparable Denafrips listings.
The Ares is well regarded for its discrete, true-balanced R2R design, FPGA processing and substantial linear power supply, giving digital playback a smooth, weighty and naturally spacious presentation. Its USB, coaxial, optical and—on later versions—I2S inputs make it easy to build around, while balanced XLR and RCA outputs suit either a serious integrated amplifier or separates. Because this is a traded-in unit with no stated age, exact version or accessory list, confirm whether it is an Ares II, 12th or newer 15th Anniversary model, and check for the original remote, box and power lead. At £900, version and condition matter.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Denafrips emerged in 2012 from Guangzhou, China, founded by Mr. Zhao, an electronics engineer with a Bachelor’s degree and over 15 years at a major OEM manufacturer. Raised amid a family of trained engineers, Zhao launched the brand as a modest five-person venture in the Panyu district, where it has since expanded into a 15,000-square-foot facility employing 40 to 90 staff. All research, development, assembly, quality control, and most manufacturing occur in-house, embodying a commitment to self-reliance in a hub of high-end audio production.
The brand specializes in proprietary discrete R-2R digital-to-analog converters (DACs), its cornerstone products, alongside CD transports, digital-to-digital converters, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers. This lineup, grown from four initial DACs to over a dozen, prioritizes analog-like warmth and natural timbre over sterile measurements, with the name Denafrips acronymizing values like Dynamic, Exquisite, Natural, Attractive, Fidelity, Refined, Intoxicating, Pure, and Sophisticated.
Denafrips holds a strong position in the high-end audiophile market, celebrated for innovative engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and exceptional value that challenges pricier Western rivals. Positive reviews and owner feedback worldwide affirm its sonic prowess, backed by a three-year warranty and direct-to-consumer sales, cementing its status as a Chinese pioneer delivering refined digital purity without inflated premiums.
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