Aries Cerat Helene, 40 Kg of sonic nirvana. I was only able to compare to non-Apex DCS. FWIW, DCS was very clinical and digital sounding. The AC Helene sounds like a $50K analog rig—two DACs at the opposite ends of the spectrum.
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
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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. |
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. |
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