dcs bartok vs DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR-PLUS

The choice between the dcs Bartok vs the DENAFRIPS Terminator-Plus is not going to be an easy decision.   This decision is further complicated by maybe considering some other DAC's such as MSB Discrete, Bricasti (M1SE or M21), Chord, DAVE, Holo Audio May KTE DAC, etc.   Additional DAC's should be added to this list.  

If possible, I strongly suggest you audition these DAC's before you make your decision.   Based on the responses you received so far, there is no consensus on what to purchase.

I went through a similar process and purchased the Bricasti M21 DAC.   The addition of the M21 substantially improved the sound quality of my audio system.  To my ears, everything sounds truly outstanding.   The M21's “advanced architecture means you can select, evaluate and enjoy three independent digital to analog converter signal paths: 24-bit delta sigma, 20-bit ladder DAC (I use the R2R option) and true 1-bit DSD for DSD content.  The M21 is a world class DAC and is recommended.  

My plan was to audition the DAC before I purchased it and, preferably, in my home and in my system.   I purchased the Bricasti because it sounded great in my home.   Both the dcs Bartok vs the DENAFRIPS Terminator-Plus are great DAC options and I suggest you arrange for a home demo to help you make a decision.    I hope this helps.  

And the only way to know if a new component sounds ‘great’ is to use it in your own home audio system. It might sound great in my system and horrible in yours. Or. The other way around. Cables, power cords, interconnect cables and all other components impact your audio systems sound quality.

My friend says “ There is no ‘perfect’ component. It is all about the synergy between components in your audio system”.

To my ears Denafrips Pontus sounds better than the more expensive Terminator.
I have an ancient Wadia 15 which plays redbook only and have heard nothing I prefer, until I heard a friends Mojo Mystique (V3 I think). This model has now been superseded and is the DAC I’m after.

My mate replaced a crazy expensive 3 box dCS (can’t remember which one) with the Mystique and his system transformed into a music machine. Who cares which one is more detailed or ? We now had a fun system to listen to and enjoy for hours instead of listening to ’hifi’
The IMO overpriced Chord Dave does nothing for me but have not heard it with the M scaler or whatever. Would rather listen to my Wadia!

Check out the reviews on the net. This thing just plays music.

If you decide to audition a Terminator Plus it should be with a Denafrips DDC to use the I2S input to the Plus. 

I have an Innuos Statement which has an excellent USB out, but converting the USB to I2S makes for a big jump in SQ from the Plus over the USB. 

Also, the DDC should be reclocked with the clock out of the Plus, reclocking has an even bigger effect than converting to I2S (when used with i2S).