Denafrips Ares DAC has arrived... need help with Oppo connectivity

@whitestix   Perhaps try another source and then conduct the evaluation???

From the components you list in your system, I don't see the Oppo 103 at the same level. In my opinion, it appears to be an odd choice, again-- my opinion -- (BTW, I am a fan of Oppo) -- I mean, why leave Don Sachs' genius unrealized???

@whitestix.  Thanks.  Another example of us folks hearing things (or not) differently.  That's great on the Don Sach's pre.  At some point, I might upgrade one of the Dennis Had Inspire pres.  If I ever do, Don Sach's pre is on the short list.


@david_ten. the biggest difference I notice is in the flavor of the bass.  there's a nice naturalness in the lower mids/male voice.  it's nuts, but it seems to add (reveal?) some kind of harmonic richness to Joe Satriani's tone, in particular.  sounds nice to me, but it might not be "good," objectively.  it is less detailed than some of the other dacs.  I think I previously said the difference in bass was "huge."  that was probably a bit of new-toy overstatement.  it's there, but it's not "YUGE."  I couldn't say whether it's the r2r or something else about it that makes the differences. 

@stfoth  Thanks. Getting the upper bass right can be tough and when it happens, it is very rewarding in of itself and for the music as a whole. 

Give it time. You may find that it is actually the 'good' you are looking for!

And if you do decide on the Tektons, you'll find that they convey this part of the frequency range exceptionally well.

4hannons and stforh,

It is very odd that I don't hear at least some difference in the sound with the addition of a DAC.  I will borrow my pal's Oppo 95 which has the Modwright tubes mods for a comparison as well as a non-Oppo CD player.