Denafrips Ares 15th (Enyo) – The Most Musical R2R DAC You’ve Never Heard Of
Mar 30, 2025
Discover the Denafrips Enyo 15th, an upgraded R2R DAC that brings high-end audio performance to a budget-friendly price point. A successor to Ares II, Enyo 15th celebrates 15 years of Denafrips excellence. The Denafrips Enyo 15th marks a new chapter for one of the most beloved entry-level R2R DACs. Formerly known as the Ares II, the Enyo 15th celebrates Denafrips' 15-year anniversary with several enhancements in both design and performance, offering remarkable value in the world of digital-to-analog converters. Let’s explore what makes this latest iteration a standout.
What's New in the 15th Anniversary Edition
The Denafrips Enyo 15th is also known as the Ares 15th in some regions. They are the same product, with only the name differing due to trademark restrictions in certain markets.
Denafrips used the milestone anniversary to introduce a series of small but significant refinements across its product range. For the Enyo 15th, that includes:
- Enhanced power supply with better shielding for lower noise floor
- Refined R2R ladder network using tighter matched resistors and updated FPGA logic
- Upgraded USB interface with an Amanero Combo384 module, providing improved USB stability and reduced jitter
- New 45.1 MHz and 49.1 MHz low-phase-noise oscillators, dramatically improving signal timing and reducing jitter artifacts
- Improved aluminum chassis design — now fully constructed from thick aluminum plates rather than folded metal, giving a heftier and more premium feel
- Smoother treble response and deeper bass while maintaining midrange clarity
- Expanded DSD support using a dedicated 6-bit ladder for native DSD conversion
- USB input supports up to PCM 1536kHz and DSD1024, keeping it competitive with the latest hi-res gear
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| DAC architecture | Discrete R2R Ladder (24-bit PCM + 6-bit DSD) |
| PCM support | Up to 24bit / 1536kHz |
| DSD support | Native DSD1024 |
| Digital inputs | USB, Coaxial, Optical, I²S, AES/EBU |
| Analog outputs | RCA (single-ended), XLR (balanced) |
| Processing | Proprietary FPGA-based oversampling and NOS modes |
| Oscillators | 45.1 MHz / 49.1 MHz low phase noise |
| Chassis | Full aluminum construction |
| Weight | 6 kg |
| Dimensions | 230mm x 230mm x 55mm |
Listening Impressions
The Enyo 15th offers a huge leap in performance compared to its predecessor. The first thing that stands out is the level of resolution — it retrieves micro-details and transient information with far greater clarity than the Ares II ever could.
Vocals and acoustic instruments are presented with impressive realism. There's now a clear improvement in tone texture, crisp edges, and the husky realism of instruments, particularly brass and woodwinds. This is where R2R shines, and Denafrips gets it right.
Bass is deeper, more physical, and better controlled. Compared to Ares II, which had a softer, warm bass signature, Enyo 15th brings more punch and authority without losing warmth.
Treble is clean and extended. In oversampling mode, there's a glossy sparkle that enhances clarity, while NOS mode softens the highs slightly and pulls the midrange forward for a warmer presentation.
This duality offers great flexibility depending on taste or system synergy. Reviewers note that even those who usually prefer OS mode have found NOS surprisingly satisfying on this model, thanks to its already excellent detail and top-end extension.
Stereo Imaging & Soundstage
Stereo imaging is perhaps the most improved aspect. The Enyo 15th places instruments precisely in space with excellent width and depth, eliminating the fuzziness of the earlier model. The soundstage is spacious, with strong clarity and instrument separation even in dense mixes.
NOS vs OS Modes
The DAC supports both non-oversampling (NOS) and oversampling (OS) playback.
- NOS mode offers a smoother, warmer presentation with emphasis on midrange tone and body.
- OS mode sharpens transients and enhances high-frequency extension, offering a more detailed and modern hi-fi sound.
Having both available allows users to tailor the sound to their preference. The filter switching is still done via buttons on the front panel — not the most elegant system, but functional.
System Matching & Pairing Notes
The Enyo 15th is best paired with solid-state amplifiers and clean systems. It excels in neutral or slightly warm chains where its clarity and crispness can shine.
In contrast, it may underperform with tube amps, especially lower-powered 300B designs, where users have noted some softening or loss of definition in bass and midrange areas.
Comparison with Other DACs
Chord Mojo 2
Mojo 2 has a rich, warm midrange but lacks the resolution, dynamic punch, and bass authority of the Enyo 15th. Soundstage and high-frequency extension are more limited compared to the Denafrips.
Topping D90SE
Ultra-clean and analytical, but doesn't offer the same musicality or depth of tone. Enyo 15th sounds more natural and engaging, with better stereo image layering.
Musician Pegasus II
Pegasus II is airier and smoother, with a more classic R2R signature. Enyo 15th is punchier and more dynamic, offering a “best of both worlds” blend between R2R texture and Delta Sigma-like attack.
Gustard R26
The R26 offers a bigger soundstage and warmer tone but lacks the detail, speed, and texture of the Enyo 15th. Instruments feel larger but less defined. Ares 15th (Enyo) is crisper and more revealing but slightly leaner and less lush in character.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Big jump in resolution over Ares II
- Highly refined and dynamic sound
- Superb stereo imaging and staging
- Solid-state friendly
- Excellent build quality with full aluminum case
- Supports PCM 1536kHz and DSD1024
- Both NOS and OS filters with distinct voicing
Cons
- No remote or screen
- No volume control (not a DAC/preamp)
- Filter switching via front panel is clunky
- Slight veil in upper midrange for some users
- Not ideal for tube amp pairings
Final Thoughts
The Denafrips Enyo 15th is more than just an anniversary edition — it’s a complete evolution over the Ares II. Offering real improvements in resolution, dynamics, stereo imaging, and build quality, it delivers an experience that punches well above its price tag.
Whether you're building your first hi-fi chain or looking for a serious R2R DAC with modern performance, the Enyo 15th is a compelling choice. It’s detailed yet musical, modern yet classically analog in feel — and now more than ever, a gateway to the R2R experience done right.
