RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
The ARES II is a respected R-2R DAC, and at US$742 this asking price lands right on the median of recent used comparables, so it reads as fair rather than a steal or an overreach. It sits above the 25th percentile of US$625 and just under the 75th percentile of US$781, which makes it a sensible buy if the unit is clean and working properly.
What makes it worth considering is the Denafrips sound: dense tone, strong texture, and a smooth but still resolving presentation that many listeners prefer over more clinical DACs. A well-kept example can be especially appealing because these tend to hold desirability on the used market; if it includes the original box, remote, and power supply, that adds real buyer confidence.
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.
See all Denafrips listings on RADAR.
