Denafrips Pontus II & Venus II Review

As a reviewer and journalist myself I can attest to the quality that is the Venus II. In fact, it is my reference DAC as it is killer for the money. Don't let the Measurement only guys get to you. I know for a fact after being in the high-end audio game for over 30 years that measurements matter but only to a certain point. Listening using quality gear is the only way to truly know.

Went from the Ares II to the Pontus II after a year and a half. As great as the Ares is, the Pontus is everything and considerably more.

For a relatively new channel, you created an excellent video. Much enjoyed (especially because I’m considering upgrading my Ares II for a Pontus). It’s good to hear Vinshine took care of you, because my experience with them was also extremely professional. Alvin is a very knowledgeable and helpful guy. Subscribed!

I bought the Venus II last year and loved it. Then I moved and must’ve accidentally changed a setting or something because it was really sharp and scratched when it was lovely before… thanks to this video, I found that I turned on sharp filter mode and changed it back to slow. And I am happy to report its back to normal… beautiful music and sound… Thanks my guy!

First time I've seen your YouTube channel and I found it terrific. Good detail, video and humor. I'm a subscriber now.

I watch lots of audiophile videos, all the top guys. Your delivery is just as engaging and the top subscribed guys, I enjoyed listening to this story and really want the Venus II now (currently running a Marantz Model 30 with KEF R3). I have watched countless hours of videos and only just today Youtube fed me your channel, keep after it, I bet you will blow up eventually. I plan to check out your other videos soon.

Good morning Mr. Chibs. I purchased the Venus II unseen, unheard based on component quality levels and specification including the complementary reputation of Vishine Audio and the remarkable Alvin Chee. I could not be happier. My existing DAC was the Venerable Monarchy 22A chip based R2R DAC with piggyback upgrade (from 10bits per channel to 20 bits) purchased new in the early 90's. Mr. Chibs, your review is well done, concise, in fact superlative. I agree with your Venus II observations completely. Nicely done.

Subscribed! Very entertaining and a lot of great info.

Denafrips has a special place in my heart. Started with the Aries II & upgraded through their entire line, including the DDC’s. Currently rockin the T+ w/ Gaia & BIC500. Unreal.

For clarification, the DAC technology names are R2R and delta-signa. Both technology can be implemented in Integrated Circuits (ICs) or chips. The original DAC chips were actually R2R but were 14bits only and gone up to 20bits. To ensure accuracy and linearity, you need matched resistors to .0007% for 16bits resolution. The signa delta design achieve the accuracy by successive accumulation.

I recently acquired a Pontus 2 and loving it.

Very entertaining and well explained 👏 Subscribed

Fantastic comparison, thank you!!

Nice vid man! I'm gearing up to review the venusII myself, it's just such a great piece!

as always nice video presentation man!

Enjoyed this!

Incredible video

I got my Ares II in 5 days, Alvin and his crew are the best!

Thank you so much. Great explanations 😊.

I like this review. Especially that it is based on your journey and the products you purchased with your own money. I got into this hobby (more like low/mid-fi than hi-fi due to budgetary reasons) a year ago. I like my system but looking to upgrade now. I watched tons of review videos, even for products that I didn't need or had no intention purchasing. Lately tho, the major review channels have become infomercials for Amazon hi-fi(!) brands and it is such a disappointment. It is so good to see reviews like this. Although it is already one year old, it felt like a breath of fresh air to me.