Higher End DACs

I’ve said this before but by the time the signal arrives at the DAC it’s too late. The damage to the audio signal is done as soon as the laser in the transport strikes the spiral data stream on the metal layer. And there’s almost nothing you can do about it. There’s no recovery. So, I don’t get the whole thing with super-expensive DACs at all. GIGO. 🤗

@mikelavigne 
You have an amazing system, and in principle, I agree with you.

The shift from upsampling to bit perfect has been enabled by the explosion in high res recordings.  Clearly, the need and benefits of upsampling decrease as recording resolution increases.

Thank you for your thoughtful insight.

Absolute Sound in January issue just had a really nice write-up on the SDV (and associated transport) - it was great timing for me as I am deliberating this decision and was not familiar with T+A.

I am still quite curious if anyone has had meaningful opportunity to check out a single brand - but across the line:

DCS - Bartok vs Rossini vs Vivaldi

or

MSB - Premier vs Reference vs Select

Esoteric - K-03(x) vs k-01(x) vs k1(x) (i realize these are player/dac)

etc...

at what point do the diminishing returns really kick in for above?  Of course, there is the diminishing return factor to even get into the ‘base’ models of those brands, as well! Lol

@ufguy73 - I've done a listen to the complete lineup up of DCS products.  They all build on each other. Each step up is an obvious improvement in sonic quality and soundstage.  However, I think you need the matching system to get the best out of them. 

I've a Audio Research Ref 3LE, VT80SE, Linn DSM with upgraded DAC & Wilson Sophia 3's.  I think the Bartok would provide an improvement in overall quality vs the Linn.  Not sure I'd do justice to the Vivaldi without an upgrade in the Pre and power amps.

But it also depends what else you want to do with your system.  Linn has greater options as far as connectivity that the DCS Bartok.  I only stream and occasionally hook up my TV to the Linn for the occasional movie.  If you want to add a turntable, TV, CD etc. then I'd look at Linn as an option over the DCS Bartok.  If you are just into streaming and have the rest of the system the DCS Bartok is great.

Consider the Lumin X1 DAC streamer.  It sounds great and vinyl like.  It has an optional optic fiber input.  One key factor is magnetic shielding which the X1 is designed to provide.  (Superior magnetic shielding is the reason provided as to why my Sony SCD1 sounds better that my SCD777.)
  I purchased the X1 in Jan 2020 and am very happy with it.