Terminator Plus is the popular flagship DAC from Denafrips. I would say it has a detailed, very natural analogue with no "digital glare" and yet quite relaxed and not in your face type of sound character. This Terminator Plus had the firmware upgrade under the guidance of Vinshine Audio (old retailer) in 2023- they sent the chip and gave clear instructions which was easily installed.
A small superficial mark on top, will only see on close inspection (see photo).
Upgraded to Linn Klimax with Organik DAC as itchy for the last 10% improvement of sound. Huge price difference but as you know we are willing to sacrifice everything for audio, haha.
Box available.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
Users and reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC for its exceptional sound quality, describing it as highly musical, smooth, detailed, and holographic, often outperforming much more expensive competitors like the Chord DAVE, Weiss 501, and Bryston DACs.
### Sound Quality
- Strengths: Delivers a wide, expansive, and three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging, never sounding clinical, harsh, or digital; bass is tuneful, tight, and detailed; mids and highs are smooth, open, natural, and lifelike, enhancing musicality and realism across genres, including streaming like Spotify.
- Preferred settings include oversampling with the "Slow" filter for optimal dynamics and weight, outperforming no-oversampling (NOS) modes.
- Transparent, neutral, linear, and highly resolving, with some noting nimble bass and pure articulation that makes performances captivating, though input choice matters (USB excels; AES/EBU can sound closed-in).
### Build Quality
- Beautifully constructed with premium parts, dead silent operation, and advanced supercapacitors (4x digital, 12x analog) for stable power; heavy and large, requiring ample space.
- No major build flaws reported; regarded as top-tier for the price.
### Reliability
- Highly reliable in reviews, with no common failure reports; excellent support from Vinshine Audio praised.
- Long-term testing (weeks to months) shows consistent performance without issues.
### Strengths
- Extreme musicality, detail, and spatial presentation at a value price, often called flawless and a standard-setter irrespective of cost.
- Natural, welcoming, and addictive analog-like sound; improves systems noticeably, even high-end ones.
### Weaknesses
- Heavy and bulky; no remote control; menu configuration tricky and non-intuitive.
- Must purchase from outside USA (no issues noted); some find it leaner or lightweight in bass compared to fuller rivals.
### Overall Reputation
- Elite status: Frequently hailed as one of the best R2R DACs available, "without flaws," highly recommended, and competitive with $10k+ units; sets benchmarks for refinement, engagement, and value.
- Community views it as a "deal" for high-end performance, with liquid highs, accurate timbre, and clear vocals in discussions.
### Sound Quality
- Strengths: Delivers a wide, expansive, and three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging, never sounding clinical, harsh, or digital; bass is tuneful, tight, and detailed; mids and highs are smooth, open, natural, and lifelike, enhancing musicality and realism across genres, including streaming like Spotify.
- Preferred settings include oversampling with the "Slow" filter for optimal dynamics and weight, outperforming no-oversampling (NOS) modes.
- Transparent, neutral, linear, and highly resolving, with some noting nimble bass and pure articulation that makes performances captivating, though input choice matters (USB excels; AES/EBU can sound closed-in).
### Build Quality
- Beautifully constructed with premium parts, dead silent operation, and advanced supercapacitors (4x digital, 12x analog) for stable power; heavy and large, requiring ample space.
- No major build flaws reported; regarded as top-tier for the price.
### Reliability
- Highly reliable in reviews, with no common failure reports; excellent support from Vinshine Audio praised.
- Long-term testing (weeks to months) shows consistent performance without issues.
### Strengths
- Extreme musicality, detail, and spatial presentation at a value price, often called flawless and a standard-setter irrespective of cost.
- Natural, welcoming, and addictive analog-like sound; improves systems noticeably, even high-end ones.
### Weaknesses
- Heavy and bulky; no remote control; menu configuration tricky and non-intuitive.
- Must purchase from outside USA (no issues noted); some find it leaner or lightweight in bass compared to fuller rivals.
### Overall Reputation
- Elite status: Frequently hailed as one of the best R2R DACs available, "without flaws," highly recommended, and competitive with $10k+ units; sets benchmarks for refinement, engagement, and value.
- Community views it as a "deal" for high-end performance, with liquid highs, accurate timbre, and clear vocals in discussions.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
The fair AUD market price for a Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC (including 15th anniversary models) is approximately $13,000–$15,000 for new units and $8,000–$11,000 AUD for used units in excellent condition.
### Price Range Details
- New condition: Australian retailer Dacman Audio lists the Terminator Plus 15th DAC at $14,899 AUD, while the standard Terminator 15th is $11,199 AUD (though the Plus typically commands a premium). Official Denafrips pricing is $8,599 USD, which converts conservatively to around $13,000 AUD (using recent exchange rates and accounting for import duties, shipping, and local markup).
- Used condition: Recent global listings show prices of €4,990 (~$8,200 AUD), $4,652 USD (~$7,200 AUD), $4,900 USD (~$7,600 AUD), and $5,487 USD (~$8,500 AUD) for near-mint units, often 20–40% below new pricing; Australian used sales (e.g., via forums like StereoNET) align with $8,000–$11,000 AUD after local adjustments.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition: New units retain full warranty (3 years from Denafrips) and original packaging, commanding 30–50% premiums over used; minor wear or missing accessories reduces value by 10–20%.
- Model variant: 15th anniversary editions (with upgraded components like precision clocks) list higher than earlier Terminator Plus models (~$6,500 USD historically).
- Location and market: Australian prices include GST and distributor margins, exceeding direct US imports (~$6,000–$8,500 USD plus duties/shipping); demand for R-2R DACs in hi-fi communities supports steady resale.
- Other influences: Warranty status, original purchase proof, and accessories (e.g., power cables) boost value; broader economic factors like currency fluctuations or import tariffs can vary prices by 5–10%.
These estimates are conservative, based on 2026 listings, and assume standard black/silver finishes without custom mods.
### Price Range Details
- New condition: Australian retailer Dacman Audio lists the Terminator Plus 15th DAC at $14,899 AUD, while the standard Terminator 15th is $11,199 AUD (though the Plus typically commands a premium). Official Denafrips pricing is $8,599 USD, which converts conservatively to around $13,000 AUD (using recent exchange rates and accounting for import duties, shipping, and local markup).
- Used condition: Recent global listings show prices of €4,990 (~$8,200 AUD), $4,652 USD (~$7,200 AUD), $4,900 USD (~$7,600 AUD), and $5,487 USD (~$8,500 AUD) for near-mint units, often 20–40% below new pricing; Australian used sales (e.g., via forums like StereoNET) align with $8,000–$11,000 AUD after local adjustments.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition: New units retain full warranty (3 years from Denafrips) and original packaging, commanding 30–50% premiums over used; minor wear or missing accessories reduces value by 10–20%.
- Model variant: 15th anniversary editions (with upgraded components like precision clocks) list higher than earlier Terminator Plus models (~$6,500 USD historically).
- Location and market: Australian prices include GST and distributor margins, exceeding direct US imports (~$6,000–$8,500 USD plus duties/shipping); demand for R-2R DACs in hi-fi communities supports steady resale.
- Other influences: Warranty status, original purchase proof, and accessories (e.g., power cables) boost value; broader economic factors like currency fluctuations or import tariffs can vary prices by 5–10%.
These estimates are conservative, based on 2026 listings, and assume standard black/silver finishes without custom mods.
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