The resampled configuration in the current version of Lightning DS has 1024 Native as an option. This is what led me to conclude it can do 1024. That said, the spec on the Auralic web site says it only goes to 512. Very confusing.
Hi, i own ARES II with newest firmware.
I use HQplayer and i got ryzen 16 core 5950X and RTX 3060Ti PC so what could be the best HQplayer settings on ARES II and fast computer?
TeroZZZ.
I personally prefer 1x gauss-long / Nx gauss-hires-mp + ASDM5ECv2 to DSD1024 for easy listening and 1x gauss-xla / Nx gauss-xl + AMSDM7EC 512fs+ to DSD1024 / x48 for critical listening.
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I will try 
what about the Dither? NSL15?
No need to set PCM portion if you decide to go SDM.
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Forgive me if this is a “you should know that” question. I have been using the T+ for a few months now; love it. But I have been using it only with a USB source Roon. Got ahold of CD transport and now have it hooked up via AES/EBU. Can the T+ upsample 44.1 Redbook that comes from the transport?
OK, Here is the answer from Vinshine the exporter.
"strong textHi Paul,
Good day to you.
The Terminator Plus front panel LED (44k1, 48k1, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x) does not have any functions.
These LEDs are to display the sampling rate of the digital signal it received from the front end devices.
You may want to give it a try for the OS/NOS mode.
In OS mode, the PCM 44.1kHz or 48kHz based audio data are up-sampled to the maximum rate of PCM1411.2 or PCM1536. There is no up-sampling of DSD audio signal.
For upsampling to different sampling rates, you may only achieve that from the front end playback software. Eg. Roon/HQPlayer.
Many thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Vincent Ong
VINSHINE AUDIO PTE. LTD. (SINGAPORE)"
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I scanned thru this thread but didn’t see any reference to the USB MCU v3.14 update. Does anyone know what that is for? The Denafrips site is confusing because it lists both v3.12 and v3.14 as downloads but calls the v3.12 ‘the latest’.
3.14 is an optional update that adds USB volume control. I skipped it.
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Anyone have an Ares II they are looking to sell (ideally CONUS)?
There is not a Denafrips specific section here on the Roon Forum so I have decided to post this to this thread. If you are a Denafrips DAC users you undoubtedly know that Denafrips has been issuing new firmware for their DACs. I have the Terminator II. The firmware for the TII was released on June 1st. I received my link to download the correct firmware and when I had a few minutes I set up my laptop and started the update process. I followed the great instruction provided in the link and had the upgrade completed in less than 15 minutes. You should be aware that the firmware update resets all parameters back to stock so things like I2S and the Clock output need to be reconfigured if you use those things and had changed them from their stock settings.
So what are my impressions of the new code? In a word, stunning. I love my TII. I also have a Gaia DDC that mates with it. I was more afraid that Denafrips would “mess up my sound” than anything. Not the case. I hear more detail, tighter bass and just more of everything I liked about the original code. I find my head snapping up from time to time because an instrument or sound is so lifelike that I am stunned again and again.
If you didn’t know about the firmware updates, well now you do. Give this a try. I am told that you can also roll back to the older firmware if you are not happy with the “new” sound. Just based on my week or so with the new firmware, I see no need to ever consider it.
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Hello John… Thanks for posting this… there should be a Denafrips product group !
I have the same combination of T2 12th anniversary and GAIA… the GAIA is only 2 months old
I performed the upgrade… and have been listening… I’m just not sure, maybe it’s missing some upper detail … I had a the initial firmware…
Then I downloaded ver 3.6 of the firmware … and I’m conflicted … went back to the new 3.7 and will leave it for a bit
I running a Roon core on a Mac Mini that is dedicated …
I run FLAC off Qobuz via USB. And my power is a Hegel H390
I’d be interested in your thoughts on running 3.6 for a bit and your impression… you can download it from the same page as 3.7
Matt
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Hi Matt. I really like 3.7. I am not switching. 
Yes, I’d just like to add I also updated my Hermes - Terminator II
I had to reset the I2S and Clock Syncs, also swopped the DSD channels.
Great advice from Alvin & Co
For now I’m staying with the 3.7 Denafrips firmware.
Swapped DSD channels? I didn’t think to check this. Thanks. Going to check now.
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Sorry… I did the clock out reset … but how does one check DSD and swap if required ?
@ John
Is there any firmware for the GAIA ?
I’m v3.12 G12.2.5
Thanks
Marr
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The DSD channel swap is in the manual.
(4) I2S DSD Channel Swap Configuration
- Select I2S-A Input
- Press the Mute button once to enter configuration mode
- Press the NOS button momentarily
- COAX On = DSD Channel Swap
- AES1 On = Normal
- Wait for 10s
- DAC back in operational mode
As far as I know there is no firmware update for Gaia.
To determine whether your setup has correct DSD playback (in terms of swapping) or not, play a PCM music and notice the left/right placement of instruments. Then use Roon DSP Engine to upsample the same music to DSD.
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Thank you to both of you… No changes required and I actually use the online through streaming of the stereophile channel test track while putting the track initially 16/44 into DSD
All good
Thanks again
I typically don’t buy or stream files that were up sampled beyond the original production. With the possible exception of 44.1 recordings. Save me the ups sampling.
Using my 2a3 tube amp I set my termi to NOS and only upsample 44.1 with roon to push the noise up in frequency. The SET amplifier’s natural steep roll off above 20K works as an analog low pass filter without the pre-and post ringing of digital filtering. (Those who haven’t experienced the magic of a low watt SET tube amp are missing out. With the right speakers, and only the right speakers, the tube sound is not squishy as some would have you believe. It’s pristine and stunningly detailed) Always experimenting with my solid state system’s settings. No one best solution there.
As for DSD, Denafrips puts out little information as to how it is processed. My understanding DSD is not compatible with the R2R ladder. Speculation that DSD is converted to PCM then fed through the ladder.
DSD seems to negate the point of having an r2r DAC.
If you’re into the R2R, which I am, maybe best to stick with PCM…
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