Denafrips Terminator dac ...

[CPP]

Well I have had time to go through four DACs and do some comparisons.
1. Denafrips Terminator: The most open, dynamic and transparent of any DAC I have had to date. Amazing realism with vocals like the artist is in the room. Bass dynamics and weight is off the charts compared to the rest. NOS mode and sending it DSD256 from Roon with a microRendu.
2. T&A DAC8: Very close to the Terminator but just cannot create the "you are there" realism. I am just feeding it DSD256 via Roon so this could change when I have the ability to send it DSD512. Stay tuned.
3. Holo Spring Level 3: Close behind the T&A but another level of less realism and dynamics. Does some things very well like the bass. Tried it with just USB and I2s with a Singxer. Also sending it DSD512 from Roon and using the NOS mode.
4. PS Audio Directstream: Scratching my head as this has a very different sound. Not going to put anything in writing until I try it with a few more inputs. I have been using the Bridge II for all my listening so far.

Remember this is how these sound in "MY" system and will greatly vary with different equipment and setups.

Hey Marty a friend of mine in Jacksonville has the Terminator and he said, give it a try via the I2S input, with the Singxer SU-1

[nc42acc]

Chris I will give that a try as I have heard the same as well. The Singxer and I2s didn't seem to make much of a difference with the Holo Spring.

Hey Marty a friend of mine in Jacksonville has the Terminator and he said, give it a try via the I2S input, with the Singxer SU-1

[smodtactical]

Would be really curious if the Singxer changes things on the terminator.

Anyone using terminator with their headphone rig ?

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[smodtactical]

Thanks Joe!

[Devg]

Are folks finding s/w upsampling, say to DSD256, and using the Terminator in NOS mode sounds better in their setup ? I have a mixed reaction between s/w upsampling and native bitrate in OS mode - while some recording sounds better with s/w upsampling, other sounds better in OS mode.

[mresseguie]

Hi, Devg.

This isn't a direct answer to your question because I do not own a Terminator. However, in the last year and a half I have learned a lot about my preferences. Whereas I initially thought I wanted OS capability because it's 'new' and 'it's where technology is making its greatest strides', I have discovered that I really prefer and want NOS sound. I bought a dB Audio Labs Tranquility SE DAC (with Jupiter Cu caps) this year and I love how it sounds. I've used it in three different systems now and prefer it over my Gustard X20u and a Nuprime DAC-9.

Regards,

Michael

[Devg]

Hi, Devg.

This isn't a direct answer to your question because I do not own a Terminator. However, in the last year and a half I have learned a lot about my preferences. Whereas I initially thought I wanted OS capability because it's 'new' and 'it's where technology is making its greatest strides', I have discovered that I really prefer and want NOS sound. I bought a dB Audio Labs Tranquility SE DAC (with Jupiter Cu caps) this year and I love how it sounds. I've used it in three different systems now and prefer it over my Gustard X20u and a Nuprime DAC-9.

Regards,

Michael

Michael,

thank you for your feedback. I haven't heard dB Audio Labs Tranquility DAC, so can't say the difference but for the Terminator the OS mode sounds lot better than NOS feeding bitperfect files. However, I can't really put my finger on this DAC and say I am totally impressed. Don't take it wrong - this DAC is very good in its own right. This lead me to find out what's the best way to feed this DAC. Currently I am trying out different HQP filters in NOS mode and see if I can get the best out of it.

[Randy Myers]

Hey Chris, I don't think you ever said weather you tried HQPlayer or not? If you have not I would highly advise you load HQPlayer and set it to upsample everything to DSD512 with 48 base clock, run Roon through by setting up a HQPlayer zone; through the T+A. I would be shocked if you then said it was missing the "you are there" aspect any more.

[Devg]

Hi, Devg.

I've used it in three different systems now and prefer it over my Gustard X20u and a Nuprime DAC-9.

Regards,

Michael

Btw, Michael have you heard the newly released Nuprime Evolution DAC yet ?

[nc42acc]

Yes this is my preferred setup.

Are folks finding s/w upsampling, say to DSD256, and using the Terminator in NOS mode sounds better in their setup ? I have a mixed reaction between s/w upsampling and native bitrate in OS mode - while some recording sounds better with s/w upsampling, other sounds better in OS mode.

[CPP]

Hey Chris, I don't think you ever said weather you tried HQPlayer or not? If you have not I would highly advise you load HQPlayer and set it to upsample everything to DSD512 with 48 base clock, run Roon through by setting up a HQPlayer zone; through the T+A. I would be shocked if you then said it was missing the "you are there" aspect any more.

I can do DSD256 via HQ, but I need a more powerful machine, I know my Photoshop/Lightroom/Capture One/ desktop machine ( Intel i7 8700k 6 core 3.7Ghz, 4xDDR4-2666 16gb, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2090 Ti 11gb, Samsung 960 Pro 1TB SSD) could do it, but its dedicated to photos. My laptop I use for music, well needs a replacement. Maybe this year.

[Randy Myers]

That is one powerful machine for sure. It would have zero issues continuing as your photo machine and as an amazing music server. Three pieces of software... the Windows driver, Roon Core, and HQPlayer! DSD512/48... will blow you away...

[nc42acc]

Holy cuda pipelines Batman that is one monster video card!

I can do DSD256 via HQ, but I need a more powerful machine, I know my Photoshop/Lightroom/Capture One/ desktop machine ( Intel i7 8700k 6 core 3.7Ghz, 4xDDR4-2666 16gb, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2090 Ti 11gb, Samsung 960 Pro 1TB SSD) could do it, but its dedicated to photos. My laptop I use for music, well needs a replacement. Maybe this year.

[CPP]

Holy cuda pipelines Batman that is one monster video card!

comes in handy, when we do a little 4K video using my Nikon D850 and my other hobby doing 3D walk through on homes for realtors using a Matterport Pro2 3D Camera MC250

[mresseguie]

Btw, Michael have you heard the newly released Nuprime Evolution DAC yet ?

I have not heard it yet. I’m hoping to audition it in the next two months if I can persuade Jason to loan me a demo unit. Even though I stated my preference is for NOS DACs, I know better than to ignore OS DACs because I might discover something better than what I’ve heard before.

I’ve got my sights set on a SW1X NOS DAC III (STD or SPL) model. I’ve read very good reports on their DACs. I may have one by mid-March if the stock market hasn’t turned me into a beggar first.

Michael

[Devg]

Yes this is my preferred setup.

I am finding pcm upsampling to 352.8 using linear phase sounds better than dsd256. Still experimenting....

[Samoyed]

I have and absolutely love the Nuprime Evolution DAC. My review is at audiocircle.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[Kuoppis]

I don’t have one but am thinking seriously of a new/better dac. This is getting raves right now. I’ve never heard of them.

Joe, did you ever get to try the Denafrips Terminator?


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[joeinid]

Joe, did you ever get to try the Denafrips Terminator?


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Hi,

No, I haven’t. I’ve been really happy with my Bricasti M1SE. I’m still thinking dacs but am in no rush to get anything just for the sake of it. Next purchase I hope to get something maybe more future proof, if possible. I can still get a network update for my Bricasti (supposedly with increased sound quality) but my Lumin U1 mini makes the whole package better.

I’m sort of not sure what to do at this point.

[Al M.]

Joe, did you ever get to try the Denafrips Terminator?


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I ordered it, it's on its way. Very much looking forward to it!

Al

[Kuoppis]

Hi,

No, I haven’t. I’ve been really happy with my Bricasti M1SE. I’m still thinking dacs but am in no rush to get anything just for the sake of it. Next purchase I hope to get something maybe more future proof, if possible. I can still get a network update for my Bricasti (supposedly with increased sound quality) but my Lumin U1 mini makes the whole package better.

I’m sort of not sure what to do at this point.

Yes, the Bricasti is nice, I like it. Great choice.

For myself, in the main system I would always go with a streaming DAC. But as I might replace the DAC in the summerhouse, I’m looking at the Terminator.


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[Kuoppis]

I ordered it, it's on its way. Very much looking forward to it!

Al

Congrats. From what I hear you have made a great choice. Personally I have however not auditioned it yet.

But it’s good to hear your Denafrips is on the way. Please share your impressions when it arrives.


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[kzhtoo]

I ordered it, it's on its way. Very much looking forward to it!

Al

I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the eventual comparison of Terminator with Yggy.

[Kuoppis]

I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the eventual comparison of Terminator with Yggy.

There are a couple of comparisons on the web from Darko and others, checked them yesterday. Result is always the same.


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[wisnon]

Hi,

No, I haven’t. I’ve been really happy with my Bricasti M1SE. I’m still thinking dacs but am in no rush to get anything just for the sake of it. Next purchase I hope to get something maybe more future proof, if possible. I can still get a network update for my Bricasti (supposedly with increased sound quality) but my Lumin U1 mini makes the whole package better.

I’m sort of not sure what to do at this point.

Take a trip down to your LI buddies to hear one if these...
received_1931173613855077.jpeg

[joeinid]

I ordered it, it's on its way. Very much looking forward to it!

Al

Definitely looking forward to your thoughts about that one.

[joeinid]

That LampizatOr could be wonderful. It’s certainly one of the top two or three on my mind.

Take a trip down to your LI buddies to hear one if these...

[Al M.]

There are a couple of comparisons on the web from Darko and others, checked them yesterday. Result is always the same.


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Yes, that's what raised my interest. The reviews of the Terminator DAC, formal or user, are all remarkably consistent, when it comes to its characteristics on its own, and to some extent also when it comes to Yggy comparisons.

I'll definitely post my impressions. My only concern is timbral micro detail, e.g., on solo violin or in string quartets. Here the Yggy is indisputable world class, at least in my digital set-up and system. If the Terminator DAC can match this, and at the same time has more richness and weight of tone, it's a winner. Then it's Hasta la Vista Baby.

[nc42acc]

Well I think I own or have owned all DACs in the 3k to 5k range and the Terminator has been the DAC that is still in my system. It clicks off all the right qualities I like.

Did anyone else who attended the FAE go into the Lampizator room and think there was a speaker out of phase? My head was spinning.

[jadedavid]

Heard the Lampi set up on Friday afternoon and it sounded very good to both myself and a friend.

[nc42acc]

Al I look forward to your impression of the Terminator. I ship out my Yggy later this week. The micro details are what the Terminator gets right for me. Now it will not smooth out a bad recording, no sugar coating with it. When do you expect it to land in your system?

Yes, that's what raised my interest. The reviews of the Terminator DAC, formal or user, are all remarkably consistent, when it comes to its characteristics on its own, and to some extent also when it comes to Yggy comparisons.

I'll definitely post my impressions. My only concern is timbral micro detail, e.g., on solo violin or in string quartets. Here the Yggy is indisputable world class, at least in my digital set-up and system. If the Terminator DAC can match this, and at the same time has more richness and weight of tone, it's a winner. Then it's Hasta la Vista Baby.

[nc42acc]

I hit that room first thing Friday morning so there is a good chance it changed later in the day.

Heard the Lampi set up on Friday afternoon and it sounded very good to both myself and a friend.

[wisnon]

what speakers did you listen to? The VR ultra 55s ...silver...or the wooden E3s?

The 55s were damaged and replaced. AVshowrooms was gushing how holographic the room was and PeterB selected the GG2 as the component he wanted most to take away from the show.
https://youtu.be/kyHoF1WPvo4

[wisnon]

deleted...

[Al M.]

Al I look forward to your impression of the Terminator. I ship out my Yggy later this week. The micro details are what the Terminator gets right for me. Now it will not smooth out a bad recording, no sugar coating with it. When do you expect it to land in your system?

Marty, great to hear about the micro details! I am absolutely addicted to them, since I'm addicted to string quartets. Yes, that's very good if the DAC doesn't smooth out problems, which would hinder optimal resolution and transient information. I'm expecting the DAC sometime next week.

[nc42acc]

I honestly do not remember. I sat down and immediately knew something wasn’t right but didn’t say anything or linger for more tracks. The Lampizator was one of the main items I was looking forward to hearing. I guess I should have gone back later in the day.

what speakers did you listen to? The VR ultra 55s ...silver...or the wooden E3s?

The 55s were damaged and replaced. AVshowrooms was gushing how holographic the room was and PeterB selected the GG2 as the component he wanted most to take away from the show.
https://youtu.be/kyHoF1WPvo4

[Al M.]

Here are my notes from yesterday 9 pm:

My Terminator DAC arrived. It sounds good right away. Important: micro-detail of timbre, e.g., on solo strings, is just as excellent as with the Yggdrasil DAC, spectacular! That performance, on Redbook CD, can easily compete with the best turntables I've heard (in the $ 70K plus range including phono stage, and well set up). So the first hurdle to me liking the DAC is cleared. However, it doesn't sound any richer yet than the Yggy -- so it basically sounds like the Yggy. Yet I suppose this should change with warm-up (it's now only 7 hours powered up) and break-in. So I'll just enjoy music and worry about performance later. I am letting the DAC play 24/7.

***

Tonight I'll listen more.

[PureVinyl]

Here are my notes from yesterday 9 pm:

My Terminator DAC arrived. It sounds good right away. Important: micro-detail of timbre, e.g., on solo strings, is just as excellent as with the Yggdrasil DAC, spectacular! That performance, on Redbook CD, can easily compete with the best turntables I've heard (in the $ 70K plus range including phono stage, and well set up). So the first hurdle to me liking the DAC is cleared. However, it doesn't sound any richer yet than the Yggy -- so it basically sounds like the Yggy. Yet I suppose this should change with warm-up (it's now only 7 hours powered up) and break-in. So I'll just enjoy music and worry about performance later. I am letting the DAC play 24/7.

***

Tonight I'll listen more.

sounds promising and easily competes with $70K TT setups really?

have you actually compared it side by side with a Hi-End TT setup?

[Al M.]

sounds promising and easily competes with $70K TT setups really?

have you actually compared it side by side with hi-end TT setup?

I have compared the same recordings on CD played on my system with the LPs played backed on other highly resolving systems (the recordings are analog sourced for LP playback, so there would be no built-in advantage of the CD over the LP).

Please note that this only pertains to micro-detail of timbre on solo strings -- the micro-oscillations and tiny transient details, resulting from the friction of bow on strings. I do not claim that in all other areas the CD playback is as good as the best vinyl playback, or can compete with it.

[PureVinyl]

I have compared the same recordings on CD played on my system with the LPs played backed on other highly resolving systems (the recordings are analog sourced for LP playback, so there would be no built-in advantage of the CD over the LP).

Please note that this only pertains to micro-detail of timbre on solo strings -- the micro-oscillations and tiny transient details, resulting from the friction of bow on strings. I do not claim that in other areas the CD playback is as good as the best vinyl playback, or can compete with it.

imo: comparing the CD playback at "Your" place and hearing the same recording "Somewhere else" has no merit in my book!

not trying to rain on your parade, but let's be fair when comparing products, a true side be side A/B has more merit, when making a claim of besting a $70K TT setup!

Enjoy your new DAC..

[Al M.]

imo: comparing the CD playback at "Your" place and hearing the same recording "Somewhere else" has no merit in my book!

not trying to rain on your parade, but let's be fair when comparing products, a true side be side A/B has more merit, when making a claim of besting a $70K TT setup!

Enjoy your new DAC..

Well, then you would have to make the assumption that those other systems are less resolving than mine, a claim that I am not willing to make.

Yes, I will enjoy my new DAC, thank you.

PS: I don't equate the term "competing" with "besting".

[JWhip]

Enjoy the Terminator Al. I have listened to it at the home of a good friend who has it along with the Yggy(Norman knows who!). It is a fine DAC and sounds really nice with DSD. For PCM, we prefer the Yggy but it is close. They share very similar qualities. My friend has a ton of DSD, mostly rips of the DSD layer of a SACD. The Terminator does a great job on DSD. If I had to have native DSD playback, it would be at the top of my list.

[Randy Myers]

Enjoy the Terminator Al. I have listened to it at the home of a good friend who has it along with the Yggy(Norman knows who!). It is a fine DAC and sounds really nice with DSD. For PCM, we prefer the Yggy but it is close. They share very similar qualities. My friend has a ton of DSD, mostly rips of the DSD layer of a SACD. The Terminator does a great job on DSD. If I had to have native DSD playback, it would be at the top of my list.

For DSD; T+A DAC 8 DSD.... Since I can't afford a Lampi I would put this against any DSD DAC out there (in a price range I can afford)... sorry I couldn't resist (since the Yggy is brought up so often for non-DSD).... back to the Terminator, carry on...

[Al M.]

Enjoy the Terminator Al. I have listened to it at the home of a good friend who has it along with the Yggy(Norman knows who!). It is a fine DAC and sounds really nice with DSD. For PCM, we prefer the Yggy but it is close. They share very similar qualities. My friend has a ton of DSD, mostly rips of the DSD layer of a SACD. The Terminator does a great job on DSD. If I had to have native DSD playback, it would be at the top of my list.

Thanks, Joe. What did you prefer about the Yggy? I don't have version 2 of the Yggy, but so far I hear nothing where I would prefer my Yggy version 1, and the Terminator isn't even broken in yet.

[PeteG]

I had an Yggy v1 then upgraded to v2 and it was a great dac. But after break-in I really preferred the Terminator in all category's, when I fed the Terminator a I2s cable from my modified Singxer SU-1 w/ UltraCap LPS-1 power supply it went to a different level I was really hearing what it was capable of. The soundstage I'm getting now is like nothing I ever thought I would get in my room. Now when I sit down for a listen I'm all smiles. I do believe the USB input is its weakest part.

[Al M.]

I had an Yggy v1 then upgraded to v2 and it was a great dac. But after break-in I really preferred the Terminator in all category's, when I fed the Terminator a I2s cable from my modified Singxer SU-1 w/ UltraCap LPS-1 power supply it went to a different level I was really hearing what it was capable of. The soundstage I'm getting now is like nothing I ever thought I would get in my room. Now when I sit down for a listen I'm all smiles. I do believe the USB input is its weakest part.

Nice to hear. Oh yes, USB, that's not the way to go imo with any DAC, except, well, USB DACs . I use the AES/EBU input.

[PeteG]

There's something about the sound I just love about the I2s input, even after using a DH AES/EBU cable from my Lumin to Terminator for about four days I had to go back to the I2s input.

[PeteG]

To be fair I do listen to a lot of DSD, another reason for I2s.