Hello @seadog137, I have directly compared the Dave to my Tambaqui and easily chose the Tambaqui. but it does improve with a great preamp, and I agree wholeheartedly on the Makua w onboard Tambaqui. The volume control on the Tambaqui alone is not the best (digital). This makes the T+A 200 or the one above it interesting if I were starting again. I am not familiar with the Bartok Apex direct to amps. Also, the Tambaqui benefits from a good streamer, I have the Grimm MU1, and it is great with the stand alone Tambaqui or the Makua w Tambaqui. I do not know if the Bartok Apex needs a separate streamer to excel.
dCS Bartok Apex vs any similar priced DAC
I’m about to upgrade my system from scratch, the speakers will be ATC SCM50ASL Classic active. I don’t have any records, digital rips only on my Innuos Zen MINI & LPSU.
The dCS Bartok Apex direct into the active ATC is where I want to go. Any opinions about any better matched DAC / DAC streamer/preamp combo that’s better matched to the ATC ?
Thinking WEISS 501, Esoteric N-05 XD, Chord DAVE