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Denafrips Ares 12th DAC Amazing little DAC that punches way above the RRP$ Purchased in the last 6 months from Dacman Audio, in mint condition with original packaging. I am the original owner so the Warranty can be transferred. ARES 12TH Anniversary Edition I2S Input True NOS R-2R DAC Enhanced Power Supply Technical Highlights Proprietary R2R + DSD Architecture True balanced 24BIT R2R + 6BIT DSD (32 steps FIR Filters) Low Thermal Effect, High Precision Hand-Matched 0.01% Resistors FEMTO Crystal 45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz Low Noise Power Supply FIFO Buffer Digital Signal Processing via FPGA DS
Against the used market, A$1,250 for a like-new Ares 12th is on the ambitious side. A mint Ares II 12th has been listed at A$800, and the original Ares II launched around A$1,100–A$1,650 new depending on region and seller, so this asking price sits well above what I’d call the usual secondhand level for the line.
That said, it’s a well-regarded R-2R DAC: people buy these for the dense, natural tone, strong layering, and the easy musicality that Denafrips units are known for. The like-new condition is the main upside here, especially if it’s a clean original-owner unit with box, remote, and all accessories; if those are missing, I’d want the price lower before jumping in.
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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