dCS Bartok Apex vs any similar priced DAC

I have the Dcs Bartok apex and have been very satisfied 

I upgraded my Bartok to Apex version and found the improvement significant 

I have Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers and the Bartok East Apex has been a very satisfying match

there are undoubtedly a lot of great choices in this price range- hard to go wrong -but I think you will be very satisfied with the Bartok Apex 

@OP, the N-05XD is really better used into a preamp. It is an absolutely top notch DAC and it is significantly improved by its matching clock.

The Apex Bartok is much better than the previous version and is a good choice in the application you are considering.

Personally, I would favour it over the CHORD and I am familiar with all three.

If you’re seeking a richly musical and thoroughly enjoyable experience, Aries Cerat offers exceptional options. With each model, you'll find significant enhancements in transparency and dynamics. However, if you prefer a more clinical and analytical presentation, DCS stands out as the ideal choice.

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!!!

@jymc “why do so many people on these types of threads simply "root" for whatever DAC brand they already own?”

I suspect that pretty much regardless of your technique, experience level, financial means, or tastes, what you have is the culmination of your search and is the best to you. Which, of course, can mean a lot or nothing. So it makes sense you would have the best sounding DAC (given your circumstances) and would recommend it.

I bought my first DAC (a two box cd transport / DAC) around 1990. I used separate DACs for travel, my home system and my office system since that time. I have a good system and have had DACs of the $3.5K - $22K in my system. So, big surprise, I recommend my DAC provided you want a detailed natural sounding musical DAC. I will admit if you are a “detail trumps all” kind of guy or in a much lower price range I will recommend something else. But typically I try to comment when I believe I can add value.