Lumin X1 or dCS Bartok

Right, I think I missed a word in there. The dCS approach really takes the edge off, but to be clear, both sound wonderful. That said, I can't think why I'd want to spend 10k on an ESS-based DAC when there are so many wonderful options, like the Mytek, at half the price.

I’ve heard the X1 and Bartok in the same system, and they definitely have different sound characters. I preferred the X1 by a considerable margin, in fact I thought the Lumin T2 bested the Bartok (at less than 1/3 of the price). The Bartok is no slouch though, and includes digital inputs and the optional head amp neither of which are available on the Lumins.

Also, don’t agree that the X1 isn’t a good value because it runs a Sabre chip. There are DACs based on the 1704 chip which cost a few hundred dollars, while the Trinity DAC uses the same chip and costs $60,000. So much more to it than that.

Interesting comments. Can you please expand on the differences between the X1 and Bartok and why you preferred the X1.

I have an Ayre QX5 and a Mytek Manhattan II, both using the latest ESS chips, which I find extremely good. I prefer both of these to the Chord DAVE/Blu 2 which I owned. I've also been considering the Bartok, but wondering whether it is a real upgrade.

Interesting about the Dave. I have the Hugo 2 (along with the mentioned Mytek Manhattan II, dCS Rossini, Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, and a Violectric DAC). To me, the dCS is by far the most natural. The Mytek overemphasis on highs becomes tiring. That said, I do find the Chord Hugo to really lack in resolution. It’s a nice, pleasant sound, but lacks the finesse of the dCS or Manhattan. (The Brooklyn being my least favorite, but still excellent).