dCS Bartok Apex vs any similar priced DAC

why do so many people on these types of threads simply "root" for whatever DAC brand they already own??....wow these guys really know their stuff, huh!!!

@ghdprentice  -  You are well aware of the role "synergy" plays in a particular system of assembled components, not to mention the effect of the room itself.  On that basis alone, it becomes short sighted to "root" for one's own component choices.  

Was the original question a fair one?...."dCS Bartok Apex vs any similar priced DAC".  Sure it is, however, it is also an invitation, for often times, shallow non-substantive opinions.  And don't forget there's lots of rich guys who purchase high-end audio who know very little about the subtle nuances and differences. (I've never heard a $100k system that sound BAD.)  When one is spending $25k-ish on a single DAC component, don't 'cheap-out'.  Buy a couple of plane tickets if necessary and audition for yourself through a competent/honest dealer.  The most people on these sites can offer is a simple opinion/statement that likely amounts to, "I like my expensive DAC very much" while thinking, "I'd be damn lucky to re-capture 60% of its cost if I listed it for sale on A-gon".  

magnuman

It’s always the guys who are UNwilling to spend "$21,000 or $80,000 on a DAC", who manage to suggest their $4,500 DAC is "just as good or better"....and that my friend might be the winner for THE MOST "ridiculous statement"?? BTW, there are indeed MANY cartridges that are far superior to whatever $5,000 Japanese cart you’re touting.