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Denafrips Ares 12th & Iris 12th DDC DAC Selling a digital delight, a fantastic DAC that punches way above its RRP$ and also a great little companion being the Iris 12th Anniversary Edition DDC that works back perfectly with the Ares 12th Anniversary Edition DAC (Together they sound fantastic) Only selling as I upgraded to a Denafrips Pontus. I would now like to sell both as a set however I am not against splitting however we would need to discuss the price. Both units come with the original packaging (less than 6 months old) purchased from Dacman Audio in Melbourne. I will throw in the I2S
This is a buyer’s market for the Ares-class Denafrips DACs right now, and A$2,080 is ambitious for a used unit unless it’s boxed, pristine, and carries meaningful warranty. Comparable used Ares II 12th anniversary listings have sat around A$1,200–A$1,300, with one mint example at A$800, while new-retail references for this family have been around A$1,100–A$1,650 equivalent, so this asking price looks well above typical used value.
What keeps the model desirable is the core Denafrips appeal: a well-liked R2R sound with weight, body, and a more analog-leaning presentation than many delta-sigma DACs, plus solid format support and a reputation for strong build quality. If the seller can show original packaging, remote, and proof of purchase, that helps; otherwise, at this number I’d want a much cleaner story than “unknown” condition before paying up.
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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