Higher End DACs

A MSB Discrete with dual discrete power supplies and the ProISL USB module (MSRP ~ $13,500 as configured) would be a fairer comparison to dCS Bartok. The Premier, especially with power base and upgraded clock, will be in a totally different league

OP, right on Mc and BW based on general consensus but I am not familiar with the particular models.  My comments are more illustrative on one simplified way of approaching options. 
 I’d defer on the dac recommendations because I haven’t experience with any of those hi end units. 
Only actual listening sessions BY YOU matter at end of day. 
Good luck 

Hi @ufguy73 (OP): if you are serious on MSB, email Vince Galbo (Vince @ MSBtechnology.com). They have a traveling Demo fleet that you can try at home with no dealer involvement. If you are happy though, you have to purchase through dealers

I have a very strong suspicion you will be very happy even with the Discrete. PM me if you want to discuss further. I have owned over 15 DACs over the past few years 

The thing to consider with DCS is whether you’d also get the Rossini clock. If psychologically you’d never be happy sans clock then that 7.5k has to be considered in the total cost. I’m personally conflicted on the real benefit of the clock. DCS naturally advocates the clock but I definitely don’t believe that a Bartok won’t sound great without one. It would sort of destroy the ‘budget’ nature of the Bartok. ymmv

@thyname  good point on the DCS/MSB equivalence.

I guess, honestly, I am wondering if the Rossini and/or Premier would be wasted too much in my current system because (if not) I'd actually prefer to come in at the Rossini/Premier level.

I suppose if the Rossini/Premier are just going to make no difference with my current components, I probably should do the Bartok to Discrete comparison, instead.

Ill give Vince a shout out...I think they may be around the South Bay?  Im actually in the East Bay Area so maybe something could be easily arranged.  I will PM you, if I can figure it out (not very familiar with this forum functionality...its already strange to me not to be able to 'like' or quote, directly lol).

@kren0006 thanks again for the input!

@4425 I know this may not make sense...but, honestly, if I did the Bartok I would not get the clock...if I did the Rossini I would either eventually get the clock (or potentially upgrade the entire system and to a Vivaldi, depending on how bad I was bitten lol)....irrational, I know :)