Ares 15th vs Pontus II
The Pontus II's signal-to-noise is 120 dB against the Ares 15th's 115 dB and its thd 0.003% against 0.002%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (1536 kHz).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalDACs
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$900 - $1,199
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Ares 15th
The Denafrips Ares 15th is the latest iteration in the Ares series of R-2R DACs, offering significant improvements in sound precision and build quality over previous models like the Ares II. It features a proprietary R2R + DSD architecture with true balanced 24-bit R2R and 6-bit DSD conversion using 32-step FIR filters. The DAC uses low thermal effect, high precision hand-matched 0.01% resistors and includes a low noise power supply and FIFO buffer. It supports DSD1024 and PCM up to 1536kHz on USB input, with multiple digital inputs including coaxial, optical, I2S, and USB 2.0 Type B. The Ares 15th offers oversampling (OS) and non-oversampling (NOS) modes, with a choice of filters. The chassis is made of anodized aluminum with thicker plates for improved build quality. Sound-wise, it delivers a big, expansive soundstage with improved technical precision, cleaner midrange, better controlled bass, and more natural high frequencies compared to earlier models. It is praised for its smooth, natural presentation and enhanced detail retrieval, making it a refined and highly capable DAC in its price range.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 1536 kHz
- DSD Support
- DSD1024
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- R2R
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.002%
- SNR
- 115 dB
- Output Voltage
- 2.0V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 625Ω
- Max Output Voltage
- 4.0V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- Coaxial, Optical, I2S, USB 2.0 Type B
- Analog Outputs
- RCA, XLR
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 215 × 44 × 221 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 3.5 kg (8 lbs)
- Available Colors
- Black, Silver
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions