Compare the Bartók to DAVE

[R1200CL]

15 hours ago, skatbelt said:

 

Before I purchased the dCS Network Bridge I did this comparison and to be honest, the ultraRendu did not come close. This was with Uptone LPS's so may be some improvements could be realised with even better LPS's.

 

I strongly believe in (extreme) electrical isolation, so I can fully appreciate the direction you have taken with your new optical products. To my understanding and compared to the opticalModule, the EtherREGEN will deliver even more isolation and a 'clean' ethernet signal so that is why I am thinking about that route.

 

BTW, my Chord DAVE accepts dual BNC, so this is not a dCS DAC's only feature.

Have a look at Darko’s latest video. I think you will like it. 😀

(DCS review and compared to DAVE). 

[skatbelt]

56 minutes ago, R1200CL said:

Have a look at Darko’s latest video. I think you will like it. 😀

(DCS review and compared to DAVE). 

 

Thanks for pointing me to this. I actually had the opportunity to compare the Bartók to DAVE and I had the same conclusion when looking at it from a headphones perspective. The DAVE's headphone amplifier part is its weakest link, especially with difficult to drive headphones. That is why I use a dedicated headphone amplifier (see signature).

 

When I compared the dCS NB/DAVE combo to the Bartók as streamer and DAC only in a loudspeaker setup, I preferred the first. DAVE - for me - is the better DAC. But the Bartók is a beautiful 3-in-1, that goes without saying.

 

Sorry for the OT 😬

[asdf1000]

10 hours ago, skatbelt said:

The DAVE's headphone amplifier part is its weakest link, especially with difficult to drive headphones. That is why I use a dedicated headphone amplifier (see signature).

 

Hi, which headphones in particular have you found struggle with Dave’s headamp?

 

[skatbelt]

7 hours ago, Em2016 said:

 

Hi, which headphones in particular have you found struggle with Dave’s headamp?

 

 

Audeze LCD-3 and LCD-4.

[ecwl]

Someone on Head-Fi asked for measurements comparing the two DACs and it seems DAVE measures better on Hi Fi News

https://www.hifinews.com/content/dcs-bartók-network-dacheadphone-amp-lab-report

https://www.bluebirdmusic.com/edit/files/pdf_documents/chord_electronics/hfn_chord_dave_lowres.pdf

I like DAVE better and I haven’t listened to Bartok which I should. I think at this price range, one should always audition the product and whatever people prefer is the “right” DAC for them.