I only have experience with Bricasti's studio reverbs, but I did not really like the Bartok. I think maybe it didn't jive with my Shunyata power system or my Prion4 headphone cable. It's like Transparent Audio is mandatory with DCS or it is too harsh.
At any rate, it was detailed, awesome at DSD, but had a very digital quality, an overbearing/uncompromising harshness, and didn't have a lot bounce or microdynamics. I also discovered that their network streaming solution is not as perfect as they claim and responded to fancy ethernet cables, good quality Innuos Zenith server, and an EtherRegen. At times I preferred USB, but the lesson learned was that fiber optic and I2S sound the best, and the Bartok doesn't do them.
Its a good DAC and streamer, but maybe not commensurate with the price.
At any rate, it was detailed, awesome at DSD, but had a very digital quality, an overbearing/uncompromising harshness, and didn't have a lot bounce or microdynamics. I also discovered that their network streaming solution is not as perfect as they claim and responded to fancy ethernet cables, good quality Innuos Zenith server, and an EtherRegen. At times I preferred USB, but the lesson learned was that fiber optic and I2S sound the best, and the Bartok doesn't do them.
Its a good DAC and streamer, but maybe not commensurate with the price.