audio research dac 3 vs m-f trivista 21

Never buy anything without listening, it is much cheaper to find a good dealer and pay full retail than blow a lot on 5 or 6 used components before you find one you like.

The Cantons are very bright so you will want a DAC with smooth highs and there are a handful that are exceptional at this. The MF is not one of them even though on the right system it is very good.

All right Yioryos, if we talk about the arc dac 3, i can listening it but before doing 600KM for it can you say if he have smooth hight end who can be plug whit my bright canton or maybe not...

I had the 21, it does ,in fact, have a tube in the circuit. It has a very smooth , non fatiguing sound. Haven't heard the AR.

I agree with Stanwal. I had the TriVista DAC as well as the TriVista SACD player. The DAC is smooth and detailed, loads on bass, nicely balanced IMHO.

Thenis
The DAC-3 is in my opinion very well designed and build as with all ARC products,sound is very detailed,emphasized highs and clear midrange,not too heavy or boomy on the bass,just good clear wide soundstage and no listening fatigue even after long sessions.Take a look at www.arcdb.ws for pictures and description.Again ARC offers great product support.Another great DAC I own and equally love is the Sonic Frontiers sfd2mk2.
Best
George