Denafrips Hades 12th Review: The R2R Preamp That Changes Things

A pure Class A, fully balanced, true discrete preamp with a 60-step relay-based resistor ladder volume control - perfect channel balance, 0.00045% THD, 122dB SNR.

Verdict: Highly Recommended - 9.0/10. Price: $1,369.

What's good

Precision-machined thick aluminum chassis, no flex

60-step relay-based stepped attenuator (R2R volume)

Perfect channel balance at any volume

Pure Class A, fully discrete, true balanced signal path

80VA O-core transformer with discrete linear PSU

0.00045% THD, 122dB SNR - whisper-quiet background

Solid aluminum remote that matches the build

Adjustable display brightness for any room

Worth knowing

Three feet instead of four - could be more stable

Unity gain only - some amps may need more volume

9kg unit isn't trivial to move around

Simple I/O - just 2 XLR + 1 RCA in, XLR + RCA out

Display can't be fully turned off

Relay clicks may bother those who want silent volume changes

Read the full Denafrips Hades 12th review on The Audio Stuff