dCS Bartok DAC - Interesting Video Review

It’s interesting that GoldenSound is willing to risk his hard-earned reputation finding fault with this $18,500 DAC.

The DAC has received stellar reviews from virtually all reviewers without a reservation. However the initial Stereophile review was kind of lukewarm. It was followed by a complaint from dCS, and then another far more favorable review.

Given what’s available in the marketplace can a DAC, even with a built in streamer, be worth that kind of money?

Two observations: throughout the review the Bartok was fed on SP/DIF, hardly the best interface available. Further, the softness in attack in my experience is typically a result of clocking issues between server and dac; this is why I2S and USB are better interfaces through their better clocking control. But a pretty bad outcome for DCS, this.

melm,

"Given what’s available in the marketplace can a DAC, even with a built in streamer, be worth that kind of money?" To some Yes, because "value" is determined by the individual.

I've followed DCS ever since they launched the Elgar DAC which was big bucks at the time and always found them underwhelming to the amazement of various dealers.

Their FPGA "Cool Aid' doesn't seem to have been updated in any great tech to my knowledge.

Sorry but a small slot in streamer card just doesn't cut the mustard.

melm,

"Given what’s available in the marketplace can a DAC, even with a built in streamer, be worth that kind of money?" To some Yes, because "value" is determined by the individual

@ricred1

Agreed!

I admire and appreciate open honesty of Goldensound just reporting his conclusions rather then cowering in fear of offending someone. Surely others can disagree with him and have opposing results. Just report truthfully what you hear.

I don’t agree that USB is inherently superior to SPDIF. This will depend on the specific components and cables in use.

Charles