dCS Bartok Review - Smooth, too smooth

[@GoldenSound]

CORRECTION: The Bartok cannot accept a 10Mhz clock input, it only accepts word clock inputs

[@MarylandDevin]

I just watched your video on headphones channel. Thank you for the correction. But more importantly, thank you for standing up for what is right.

[@LSDScreen]

Hah. Now dCS should be happy.

[@Butzemann123]

*plays curb your enthusiasm theme*

[@SoftAsFur]

The Bartok also cannot accept negative reviews.

[@billyc1902]

Dcs sound like kanty kanty kants

[@ShowsOn]

I’m only watching this review because DCS’s lawyers brought it to my attention.

[@bigherb]

same

[@StukaUK]

Me too

[@HypeWrecks]

Funny how that works.

[@marckant3611]

I never heard of dCS until now but considering their behaviour I will never buy anything from dCS.

[@No_Limits_411]

Yes. And in the future these lawyers will be suing people that refuse to buy this dac 🤪🤪🤪

[@VIctorCarruyo]

If the manufacturer had not threaten with a lawsuit, I would not know this video existed. Because of what they are doing, their brand’s reputation just tanked. They took out the hull plug on their sinking ship. Now, no one wants to touch the brand.

[@bigherb]

the Streisand effect working as intended 😊👌

[@tinyteeth]

Fuck around, find out I guess

[@jungtarcph]

same here

[@mjsdabest]

Imagine if dCS did something stupid like trying to sue over this video…that would be incredibly stupid

[@tszhok]

What's more important to me, how good (or awful) their products could be with the stupidity and evilness they have?

[@OhanaFilms]

Imagine if the only reason I knew this video existed was because of some frivolous lawsuit threat.

[@mjsdabest]

And then imagine if dCS responded, lied and made things even worse for them…that would be crazy

[@diobrando9324]

Man If I had a nickel for every time a company self sabotaged itself I'd be balling

[@nitehawk86]

Yesterday I had never heard of them. Today I hate them. Well done DiCkS

[@davidbridges6035]

Thank you dCS for saving me the time and energy to never consider a dCS product. I could have still considered a dCS product in spite of the Golden Sound review because that is just one person's point-of-view and anyone looking to spend that level of money would hardly be basing a purchase decision on just one review by one person, but now that the entire dCS corporation has exposed your petty annoyance and acted in such a hyperbolic way--I am completely convinced dCS products are not for me. Again, thank you dCS for saving me the trouble.

[@gurratell7326]

Why would anyone even consider them in the first place considering the insane prices of their stuff?

[@melaniezette886]

Is it a pre web company

[@ElvenSpellmaker]

I'm downloading this video in case it goes missing as part of the crummy legal action. Streisand Effect at its finest, well done dCS...

[@ericadams4101]

I had to search the page for Streis because I was about to make the same comment. Great job dCS.

[@FabioGnecco]

How do you download KZbin videos ? Plugin ?

[@_Digitalguy]

@@FabioGnecco just use a free online service to convert youtube to mp4

[@JollyGiant19]

@@FabioGneccoyt-dlp or any KZbin download website, you don’t need a plug in and I wouldn’t recommend using one

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

​@@FabioGnecco there's ways and means - iirc there's a way to coax VLC to do it, or you could simply ("simply") record the whole window on PC with OBS Studio. for me the Newpipe android app is the most convenient

[@SastusBulbas1]

Nice to see an open genuine review and you sticking to your opinion on how it sounds. But any company that threatens legal action against a reviewer needs to be avoided, its a clear red flag.

[@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250]

As a reviewer I 100% support your decision to not remove this video. If the day ever comes when reviewers have to be afraid of retaliation for giving a negative review. That will be the end of honest and fair reviews, and the end of reviewers having any credibility. I have not personally heard any DCS equipment, and therefor have no opinion, but now have no intension of reviewing anything from them in the future. In my opinion DCS has done far more damage to their reputation than a less than positive review could have ever done.

[@geardawg1358]

I probably would not have seen this review, thanks DCS for prompting me to watch this review, PROPS for making my gear choices a bit simpler! To GoldenSound, your integrity is appreciated and noted! DCS, your bully tactics are unacceptable!

[@Mordecrox]

Thanks DCS legal firm and VP of marketing and sales to bring me to a review of a product that mirrors your degree of care to business partners!

[@iAPX432]

Thanks dCS lawyers, I watch this because *YOU* created a Streisand Effect on your company and its products! *YOU* also made every honest reviewer cautious about reviewing your products on the future, ensuring less reviews thus less visibility for them and your company.

[@leonardotov8733]

Will never purchase their products... this company doesn't accept negative reviews.. how can they be trusted... ?

[@АнгелЦветилов]

Neither will I, althou the 20K $ pricetag definitely helps with that decision

[@pradeepkliyanage]

@@АнгелЦветилов ha ha :D same!

[@ChrisRT6]

This guy: "This product is high quality, but i don't like the sound" dCS: "THAT IS ILLEGAL"

[@hhjhj393]

HOW DARE YOU FILTHY INCOMPETENT LIARRRRRR

[@delta9k]

I hadn't watched this video previously, but due to the commotion surrounding dCS attempts to squelch a reviewers opinions I felt compelled to watch it wherein I probably would not have watched had they not leveraged a lawsuit against a reviewer.

[@abramians1]

Great review! Really appreciate it! It helped me with making the right decision.

[@ik2450]

Very brave of you to offer such a verdict on a product from DCS, a truly world class company. For what it's worth, your verdict aligns perfectly with my impressions when I auditioned a number of expensive DACS & streamers to replace a Naim CDS3 cd player. I described the Bartok as being the best player of elevator music that I have ever heard. Music was beautifully smooth, refined, inoffensive and incapable of retaining our attention. All this in the context of a high end system with Innuos Statement server, Naim 500 series electronics and expensive Focal, Wilson & Kudos loudspeakers. By way of contrast, the Naim ND555, DCS Rossini (with external clock) and Chord DAVE (but only with M Scaler) all seemed to replay engaging music very well indeed, albeit each with its own character and strengths. N.B. my auditions were conducted before the APEX upgrade, so the Bartok may be materially more engaging now. Thank you for a super review.

[@squidcaps4308]

None of your tests are valid. You did not hear any differences, you thought you did. Nothing but a properly level matched blind test will do, and if you hear a difference: something is wrong. That is not the expected result. I can put a 90s CD player behind a curtain and compare to any linear DAC and you will not hear a any differences. Bloody amateurs. Do you really think that everyone who designs the gear, and everyone who uses it professionally are WORSE than you at hearing things? How come they haven't noticed those differences and why have they not being able to create a transparent dac for consumers, when such a feat is available in the bottom budget ADCs? So, if a DAC sounds different: it is rubbish. If you hear a difference with each DAC: your methods are rubbish. Those are the only two possibilities.

[@TuanMinh-sv2gq]

And then he got sued by dCS. Check his video about it

[@ik2450]

@@TuanMinh-sv2gq Yes, I have seen his KZbin response to DCS. It seems like a most regrettable error of judgement by DCS.

[@InXLsisDeo]

​@@ik2450they are the ones who are going to regret.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

​@@TuanMinh-sv2gq except he didn't get sued. Read the update. dCS apologized and fired the marketing manager that sent the email.

[@lck0ut348]

The Streisand Effect hits again.

[@mikerichards324]

Sensational review, absolute credit to you for speaking your mind on exactly how the Bartok sounds to you. Takes an awful lot of courage to talk down a piece of HiFi equipment, especially from dcs, but no other HiFi reviewer I’ve come across is prepared to offer anything other than good reviews for every product they get in their house. Subscribed and looking for more from you 🎉

[@fyrnabrwyrda]

Its so funny that you mentioned it takes courage lol.

[@mikerichards324]

@@fyrnabrwyrdaBeing sued by dcs is no joke, there’s active litigation at present.

[@StukaUK]

I don’t know that the softness would have stopped me buying one, but dCS threatening legal action certainly does.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Watched to spite dcs litigious management and liked video. Added to the Tekton no fly list. Keep doing your thing . So eloquent

[@carlitomelon4610]

Apparently this issue has now been resolved. The rogue employee who sent out the threatening emails to Cameron has been let go & apologies have been issued that's more like it!!! Maybe the rogue ex employee can get a job with Tekton... Rough; too rough! 😅

[@-Tidgy]

​@@carlitomelon4610they're still harassing Cameron

[@frankparke-robinson2538]

Don’t let dCS bully you! Well done, they are off my list for products

[@varetile1068]

Pretty funny how I've never been in the audiophile space before, but now dCS has brought me here. I wonder if they realize what they've done

[@decoryder]

Man, all the butthurt because of this review... I think Goldensound clearly stated that he doesn't think the Bartok compares well in comparison to some other TOTL, and lesser DACs. In the end, that's his opinion, and he's clearly stated that - if you have the Bartok, and you like it - good for you, ride off into the sunset and be done with it. Everyone else, who does not own this DAC, now gets the benefit of having heard another opinion, and they can draw their own conclusions. Keep doing what you're doing Goldensound - we appreciate it very much.

[@decoryder]

@@everythingpony I don't think 'butthurt' begins to describe dCS, I think it's more in 'atomic-bomb blasted, flaming arse territory':)

[@jo05dk]

Thank you to dCS for helping me find this channel, and this review. Would likely never have seen it if it weren't for dCS trying to bully this channel now. Good work people. This will hopefully cost you dearly.

[@Tidwillshare]

dCS will now be known as "dis Company Suicided"

[@RobKristjansson]

I figured I'd check out the review myself to check out the tone, and I'm appalled (but not surprised) a thin-skinned manufacturer would have a problem with this perfectly reasonable review. There are some beefs, some bouquets, and a clear and considered opinion, all stated with class. Sorry youre going through the legal b.s., sir!

[@BlueCliff72]

I had always heard great things about dcs and had held them in high regard-until I found out this review exists because they threatened a lawsuit. Very glad to have one less brand to compare against now, so thank you for making the decision easy, dcs.

[@billythedingo2]

That was not a real piano so how could you "hear the strike of the hammer"does he only listen to utterly shite "music"

[@stevess7777]

@@billythedingo2 lmao what are you on about

[@billythedingo2]

@@stevess7777 my comment was very simple which bit went over your head

[@llevine6510]

Man you are probably the only reviewer in yt that systematically compare end-game dacs. Really looking forward to your Bricasti dac reviews if you are planning to do it!

[@GoldenSound]

Definitely would like to! I heard the M1SE a while ago and loved it

[@_Chev_Chelios]

That sheet metal back panel with holes punched out is simply sublime! Especially the slightly crooked USB. SUPERLATIVE!!

[@ctrlaltrees]

I'd never heard of your channel or dCS before this whole lawsuit thing, but I decided the least I could do was to show up and watch the entire video - and post this comment - to give it a boost.

[@velociti03]

Fascinating. I reviewed the Bartók, and A/B'd it with the Mola Mola Tambaqui, which I also reviewed. I found them both to be fantastic, and I actually found the dCS to offer the best digital sound I've ever heard. Does not detract for a second from your findings - it's just interesting how differently we each found the Bartók to sound. I appreciate your reviews and due diligence - keep up the good work!

[@davidwillemsen]

I would say remarkable at least. He is talking about the price of the device all the time. No insights into his findings. Just some blahblah about softness and dullness compared to it’s price with others. Bartók is one of the most detailed rich DAC’s out there and still very musically right. A very unusual combination. Dullness would be the last thing I would say about the Bartók. Perhaps preoccupied for some reason?

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@davidwillemsen I am not sure you really listened to what he said, and that’s unfair on him, he was quite specific about his SQ findings, such as it had excellent timbre etc check from the section around 6 minutes where he deals the SQ , and I agree with his finding on dcs dullness , to me it’s one of their trademarks in sound , but others obviously like that sound from their sales , and I think his point about cost is, at this price point you expect excellent engineering, not pretty good, I think for people without unlimited budgets it a reasonable premise….

[@ericelmore2742]

I was interested in Mola Mola , chord Dave and Weiss Dac comparison. Can you recommend a Dac from $1500-$5000

[@johnrus7661]

​​@@ericelmore2742Out of everything mentioned. I prefer WEISS. But I'd say the DCS is certainly a significant upgrade. But the price is very steep, and the WEISS is still a truly fine bit of kit. You can't go wrong with it.

[@uzaiyaro]

Good going with the Streisand effect, dCS. I would have had no idea you existed until you threw a tantrum.

[@TheHunnerbass]

Imagine wanting to sue a reviewer to bully them into changing their opinion, but absolutely Streisand-ing yourself instead.

[@mrglindsay3]

Interesting review. I do love my Holo Audio May KTE DAC for 2 years. It performs great with my PASS LABS equipment! Your review on the May was spot on, that's one of the reasons why I purchased the May.

[@epochphilosophy]

Hey dude, I just wanted to say, I think you are hands down not only one of the best audio/hifi KZbinrs, but one of the best "KZbinrs" right now. As someone who makes videos, and who has developed a sort of design philosophy through the years of doing so, (which in essence is "less is more") your channel screams this. You do mini B-roll clips, and to the critical eye, you can tell you don't have a $1500 dollar camera, but you did it anyways, and it works just as well. The way you structure your videos visually and narratively is absolute S tier. Everything feels thought out, meshed together, and relevant. Giant fan of what you are doing.

[@GoldenSound]

Thank you! That means a lot. I try to keep my videos looking decent, but also strike a balance. I don't want things to look like its a professional production (or attempt at one). I actually quite like the 'homemade' sort of feel. But also I like to keep things where the editing isn't too heavy so that I enjoy the process more. Though I'll of course spend more time producing stuff like the mqa vid. Always looking for constructive criticism though!

[@tcc5750]

@@GoldenSound that's one of the best things about your channel. You're an audio expert first, videographer second. Too many KZbinrs focus only on videography.

[@GoldenSound]

I know I talked about the testing of this DAC for quite a while, and likely should have discussed the sound at greater length. But honestly I was simply frustrated that a product this expensive delivered such a mediocre result. Listening to something that isn't enjoyable...well...isn't enjoyable so I don't really want to spend more time than is needed doing so. But I wanted to make clear that I'd given it every possible chance and tested in every situation I could, thinking that a device of this expense at least deserves more thorough testing to quash any doubts, hoping that something was simply wrong or it just needed a bit of help with system synergy. But unfortunately that wasn't the case.

[@lukephillips3751]

Please can you review some cheaper equipment. Full setup for ~£400 something like a ifi zen dac v2

[@GoldenSound]

@@lukephillips3751 Got some very affordable stuff coming very soon :) Spoiler: SU9n and Moondrop KATO are both absolutely fantastic

[@juanfeliu879]

@@GoldenSound maybe reviews of gear upstream of the DAC like bridges, reclockers... great job on the Bartok! btw

[@GoldenSound]

@@juanfeliu879 I've got quite a lot of testing done on various DDCs on my website. So far the best have been the DI20HE and SU6

[@juanfeliu879]

@@GoldenSound tks! will check them out. happy NY!

[@dragons_advocate]

Hearing you describe the minute differences in such high-end (and high-priced) equipment -- for someone that never had the luxury or spare cash to try such things -- is fascinating, but not entirely relatable. Would you consider doing a video on what to listen for, how to train one's hearing, or possibly some neat tricks to A/B test with lesser equipment, with the goal that more people can begin to hear what you are hearing?

[@dragons_advocate]

@TheVeganVicar Appreciated all the same, and in a timely manner.

[@kristofvadnai7468]

I spend a lot of time upgrading my system one step at a time and listen carefully every time. Try to make differences like acoustic panels, cables, isolation, damping and any kind of tweaks, even if not component changes and try to hear the differences. I also go to a few shows a year and listen to other systems.

[@theclearsounds3911]

Oh, no! You don't want that! The more you train your ears to hear sonic defects, the more defects you will hear, and the lower your appreciation of music will be. Trust me, I'm an audiophile, and there are plenty of times when playing a favorite song of mine will turn into frustration because one thing is wrong. Sure, your enjoyment of music will be greater when upgrading from an 8-track player of the 1970's to modern equipment, but when you go so far as to be able to hear the difference between DAC's, you've gone too far. For those like me who crave and savor great music, it has become like a wine tasting, where you work more to try to find differences than you enjoy the music itself. Not to mention that you will end up spending 10 to 100 times the amount on your stereo system than you would have without all that ear training.

[@SpencerHHO]

Given that most people can barely notice the difference between a cheap and expensive DAC for 15 Grand you'd want it to be absolutely flawless. From an electronics point of view: you're dealing with massive diminished returns above maybe a grand worth of components. Time for DCs to learn what the Streisand effect is.

[@mikeg2491]

Most people can’t tell the difference between dvd and bluray though

[@DoubleTheDom]

This review is so well balanced and fair.. totally bizarre a company wouldn’t just fix those issues rather than suing is beyond me

[@hogio]

I saw your Bartok review a few months ago after two of my audiophile friends whose ears I trust got a loaner from a friend of theirs. Simple story, they auditioned the Bartok at their system. I wanted to listen but they had to return the Bartok to its owner. But they gave me a summarized impression. Too smooth. It's so smooth it's lacking details, texture and excitement. Trusting their judgment, but being a little curious if not skeptical, I research Bartok review. Your review confirmed their conclusions. You nailed it. For context, the Bartok was compared to Mola Mola Tambaqui and Bricasti M1 DACs.

[@howardskeivys4184]

I would not normally watch a review such as this. £1500 is far more than I would consider investing on a DAC. My 3rd of the price Terminator, serves me well. But, when I became aware of a potential law suit being issued, I decided to watch this video. I applaud you for your honesty in this review and the balls to state your honest opinion unreservedly. I believe that is the best approach and should be encouraged. Keep up the good work and I note from the comments how much support you have 👍🍻

[@nielsv2025]

I think the box it's in is ugly. Should I be worried now?

[@Puroplatino]

You should do another review with the 2.0 update. It changes the whole softness issue. I’d love to see you revisit this DAC. Thanks mate 🤙🏼

[@martinvegas1327]

Apex👍

[@johnrus7661]

​@@martinvegas1327 Apex is a whole other upgrade to 2.0.

[@ShowsOn]

The company is suing him, so I doubt he has much interest in doing that.

[@mastaboog749]

So glad I found you! I've been enjoying headphone and DAC reviews over the past year on YT but most people reviewing high end equipment don't know the proper musical descriptive terms, or atleast how to use them properly. I get it, I was the stoner in band class but I ended up working in a studio in college majoring in theory. Definitely subscribing.

[@tubefan2737]

Thanks for being honest and true to your opinions.

[@ITAmich]

Streisand Effect in full force, let's pump the views and likes folks!!!!!!!

[@melaniezette886]

Yes it gets me here

[@dontcare563]

I don't always agree with you on your opinions but was happy to get your input on this DCS. I am on edge about getting an all-in-one box like this or possibly getting separate components. What's amazing to me is how many POSITIVE reviews are on KZbin and other Audio websites regarding how good the sound is on the Bartok. This just goes to show how divided the audiophile community can be when listening to hi-fi gear! I'm going to CanJam in February so I will make up my own mind, however I'm leaning on getting separate components more and more!

[@robotstonka7118]

I'm curious, it has been 2 years.😀 Did you make up your mind about Bartok? Have you heard all in one Lina since? 🤘😎

[@darrenglaser4742]

Good luck to the creator this is one way to highlight something you did not want to show and he has a right to his opinion PERIOD . I hope this goes viral

[@bw8827]

As always, a well crafted, informative and brutally honest review. So many out there are swayed by magazine reviews or by supposed manufacturer reputation sold to them by high end dealers. Clearly, far too many do not properly use their ears to judge but allow themselves to be convinced by biased reviews or opinions. Like with the same opinion as yourself regarding MQA, you're the one KZbin reviewer whom I trust. Keep up the great work !

[@xSEATHESTARSx]

You’re not the only one. I demoed this dac about 6 weeks ago and I wasn’t sold on it at all. Felt a little flat for me. I ended up getting a DAVE + M Scaler. And just to add, I posted this comment right at the moment you started to say you didn’t like it. We literally shared the same experience.

[@peterearnshaw1017]

I’m surprised at the number of people in the audiophile community that have on various forums decided your review is anathema to them! I used to own a dCS Elgar, an ancestor of the Bartok, and everything you said made perfect sense. In fact, part of me read or watched other reviews and hoped that I might put the Bartok on my ‘aspirational’ list, that the dull sound characteristics of the Elgar were no more and it’s’ strengths built upon; but no. I doubt I’ll need to hear one to confirm it’s just a more competent version of my old Elgar, I won’t like it for the same reasons as you, and there’s no point. Thanks for your honest and informative review!!

[@Lagittaja]

Hey dCS, ever heard of the Streisand effect?

[@richardyanicky1845]

Thanks! I like honest reviews. After this I have narrowed it down to the May if I check out the Mola Mola Tambaqui and it doesn't blow me away. If you get chance to rev the Mola Mola let us know..

[@GoldenSound]

They've said they'll lend one for review! Looking forward to trying it. Unfortunately might be a couple months though

[@richardyanicky1845]

@@GoldenSound look forward to your review. I heard great things about the Tambaqui. The ability to compare it other FPGA's and R2R dacs is great.

[@Star_Kay]

Thank you for sharing. Heard about the lawsuit, I will never buy any DCS product regardless how good review they would get.

[@limelightmuskoka]

What an insightful impartial review, thank you for your diligent work. Educating and entertaining.

[@claireroberts5051]

Had to look up the 'Streisand effect' as I hadn’t heard of it until I visited this site. The commentator is saying 'fifteen grand' for this piece of equipment. Personally, I didn’t realise one could spend that kind of money on a piece of hifi equipment so I have leant two things today. I’m glad that the reviewer is getting all of this support. Seems like the right thing to do by watching this review to the end, even if you are not in the market for the unit.

[@mobcrusher4193]

Dude you are the goat of audio reviewers

[@DDSRacer01]

Wow, and to think I almost dropped 20k on this unit. Thank you for your honesty and this review.

[@AudiophileRocks]

I owned a dCS stack worth $35K and changed to a cheap $200 DAC and got better sound. What the dCS did was make everything softer and more veiled. Furthermore, the upsampling processors added noise into the sound. The $200 DAC sounded more transparent like real life, and without the noise. It was a simple minimalist DAC that didn't add anything to the sound. It all has to do with what flavor of sound you prefer. More expensive doesn't result in better sound, in my experience it gives worse sound the more you pay. But that's because I prefer to hear sound without any colorations. The sound flavor can always be tuned using tweaks later for a much lower cost. What I found was that electronics and cables only change the sound to another flavor. True improvements can only be had from vibration control. I was able to improve my dCS Elgar Plus DAC by magnetic levitation and placing 100 lbs of weight on top. The background became very black with new inner details being revealed. But you can do the same with any DAC and get the same sound. With the same vibration control, all DACs eventually sound the same. So, it's wiser to spend less money on electronics and more on vibration control.

[@10ozGold]

Will you be reviewing the Terminator Plus? Love to know how it compares to the Holo May. Keep up the great work! Thumbs up on all your vids.

[@Jamesssssssssssssss]

So this is Barbra Streisand's house, wow neat.

[@mccririck01]

This review is definitely ruffling some feathers on other sites!

[@elwhagen]

When you want to like a product but you really don’t. Excellent review.

[@FLASHAHOLIC_TV]

Are dCS still going?

[@Xecuter555]

Incredibly thorough and accurate review. Recently heard this DAC and can't agree more with your assessment.

[@checkyourhead]

Thank you for the great review.

[@terryRBNF]

Here because of the lawsuit, very poor form DCS PS I never even clicked on this before

[@seanmarlow9514]

I own an Arcam CD92, an inexpensive and early dCS ring DAC implementation. I like it, because similarly to my Chord Hugo TT, both are a different solution to mainstream DACs. Well done on standing firm, despite the situation, your reviews will have one extra consumer.

[@Spellfork]

So I'm just here doing my part to spread the word, saw the other videos too. Keep fighting the good fight!

[@dsnyder0cnn]

I'd be interested in seeing time-domain measurements (eg., step response) from DACs. I wonder if that would help us understand the softness of this product.

[@daveuk1324]

I only came to this video because of the recent controversy. I have to congratulate you on an outstanding review, way better than most other YT audio reviewers who produce bland, self serving rubbish (naming no names). I really enjoyed your candour, knowledge, and clear opinions. It is simply that I disagree. I own a dCS Rossini, not a Bartok, but I assume similar audio signature. While selecting dCS I listened to many DACs, including some of the ones you also mention in your review. I was listening on speakers, not headphones. And I have never found dCS to be overly "smooth" or lacking dynamics. Maybe by comparison, I found some of the others DACs to sound a bit "digital" and lacking emotion which is not my taste. And here lies the rub. With subjective reviews, they are by definition, highly personal. I am very interested to hear your take, but it is not mine and I will follow my own ears when selecting a DAC for me! Thanks again for doing the review though and it is such a shame you have had to endure the wroth of a loose cannon US-based VP who appears to have gone rogue. My own experience of the people at dCS has been nothing but the most highly professional, knowledgeable, even likeable team so I think something went badly wrong for you which is a great pity as I could really see you getting along with their engineers who all know their bits and bytes.

[@_Chev_Chelios]

@@daveuk1324 don’t you what happens when you ASSUME?

[@daveuk1324]

@@_Chev_Chelios Don't understand the point you are making. Be clear or be quiet!

[@eekamoose]

@@daveuk1324 I think he is saying that it is unwise to assume that the Rossini and Bartók have similar audio signatures. Reading some of the comments here it would seem that he is correct - the general opinion is that the Bartók sounds significantly different to other DCS units.

[@colhowe9743]

Are you referring to transients when you say the "leading edge" of sounds with more attack are softened? That sounds like compression to me.

[@russcontact]

I’m trying to understand how $15k components that are supposed to be incredibly accurate can introduce differences in TIMBRE?! If you’ve got a piece altering a signal that much it’s junk, I don’t care what it costs And screw them with the lawsuit bs, garbage move. Stay strong, your opinion is your opinion and you have every right to express it

[@beyond8981]

Great review. I had almost an identical experience with the Rossini APEX (with clock). Had very high hopes since after all - it's 'dCS' - but wow did it underwhelm me - at any price - let alone dCS's asking price. This was all via a Sennheiser HE1 and an MSB Select II was also in the rack, along with some run of the mill DACs. Bottom line - the HE1's internal DAC was better than the dCS with clock

[@adktk]

Would like to know how your connect the digital source with dCS Bartok? Via USB cable or Network cable?

[@aceofspades6667]

holy crap welcome back GS... thought this channel went dormant.

[@GoldenSound]

Sorry for the break! Been a bit crazy IRL, new job, getting ready to move, but back in the swing of things now :)

[@vichiennet]

I like your review approach and have subscribed to your channel. You have good understanding on technical things, and also can actually listen and evaluate gears subjectively. I own the Terminator Plus and would love to hear how you think about it... I understand the TP review is coming?

[@GoldenSound]

Yep TP+Gaia review coming soon :)

[@PartyMusic775]

FINALLY! Something I can listen to Skrillex on the HD800

[@Maaruks]

thank you for great review

[@drcerbera5455]

Thanks for the great review. I wonder if this is a ‘house sound’ thing. I listened to the Lina stack with the Susvara at Canjam London last year. I was taken aback by how laid back and soft that combination sounded. To be fair, I had heard all the hype around the Lina and had expected to be blown away. Overall, I really felt it lacked engagement and didn’t leave wanting to play track after track. It was similar with other headphones. Having said that, I’m sure many would enjoy the sound signature.

[@emeerhakeem9549]

Oooooohhh, you got a WA33. Very interested to see your opinion Golden. Also, great review!

[@speakertest5413]

Hi Ad, how the sound compare with rockna xlr? Which DAC has better sound, more nature sound?

[@ixoye56]

Thank you for an honest review.

[@wetcat833]

I ordered a Level 2 May dac after seeing your review so I was interested to hear what you will say about the dCS. My May is about a week away from delivery and now the wait is just that much harder.

[@simpsonbergman2185]

Does the softness correspond to any measurement with your analyzer? Thank you for your reviews.

[@GoldenSound]

There's a few things that could explain it. Mediocre jitter performance, the high levels of ultrasonic noise etc. Its hard to say for certain as there isn't really any concrete research into what links subjective aspects such as softness to various objective aspects. At the moment though I have noticed that dacs with more ultrasonic noise tend to sound softer so it could be that

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@GoldenSound very interesting observation :)

[@SerMoreBeer]

@@GoldenSound So the "softness" correspond to you and I quote "Mediocre jitter performance, the high levels of ultrasonic noise etc." Is that your conclusion? At ultrasonic level? Beyond 20KHz I assumed. Jitter errors at what -dB level may I ask?

[@r423sdex]

To talk about jitter with modern dacs is nonsense.

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Is it good enough to listen to audio books?

[@tietoliikenne]

The Sennheiser Orpheus is probably more suitable to your use case I'm afraid.

[@FlyWithMe_666]

@@tietoliikenne Oh, I was hoping the Susvara + this DAC will do. Thx.

[@jonathanalexander2681]

Delta-Sigma obviously way too digital - most hi-fi reviewers recommend tube-rectified R2R DACs for audio books in a 5-channel setup.

[@unofsnd]

Yes, but every book you listen to turns into "Lord of the Rings" (c)

[@LeonFleisherFan]

Basically, what you're saying is that playing back natural sounds you like it, electronic not so much. I tend to agree with this review, and I'm saying this as someone who listens to mainly classical, jazz and some rock using a dCS Vivaldi stack. I understand that someone who'll listen to electronic music, amplified instruments, synthetic etc. with perhaps some sounds of nature, such as a human voice (again, with artificial reverberation added etc.) mixed in, with instruments and voices artificially placed in the stereo "soundstage", might look for more "bite". You aren't looking for a DAC that'll reproduce, but "create" sound according to personal preference. The Chord Dave that you appear to like is an excellent example: with or without Scaler, it'll make anything sound artificial, and yet, that's a DAC that appears to be to your liking. To me the Chord is an awful lot of money as it can't make a voice sound like a voice, or a piano like a piano etc. I used to be an avid concertgoer before the pandemic, which is the reason I got the Vivaldi after listening to so many alternatives, as my priorities are different: I'm not comparing gear to gear. I want this "You are there" feeling of being in the presence of the live act, not sound tailored to one listener type's liking versus someone else's. Admittedly, the net result of a DAC that doesn't "add more" than to offer realism as best such a device can, may sound sober with some modern recordings, in particular ones heavily tinkered with during recording and mastering, but then, it'll really draw the listener into the music emotionally with music based on real voices, instruments, sounds of nature etc.

[@mccririck01]

Strawman attack from the start there, well done.

[@loganmedia1142]

There is no single sound for voices or pianos. Every time a live act plays they'll sound different. Even if you were there at the one that was recorded your equipment still can't make it sound the same, because it had to go through microphones and other electronics.

[@LeonFleisherFan]

@@loganmedia1142 And? This has nothing to do with the fact that we have the ability to perceive sound as real or artificial. Literally, if you walk by a window and hear piano music playing, you know instantly whether someone is practicing the piano or a recording is being played back on a system or other electronic device. That difference is what "High Fidelity" aims at overcoming, or else the term itself has no meaning.

[@leadercar]

Great job dude, keep up good work💪

[@danieldurling]

dCS lawyer-ing up has made me come and watch

[@k9trainingservices]

Another fantastic honest review and exactly why I subscribed , one question if you don’t mind what do you feel is the best DAC I currently have the Alt32 and always wondered if getting a different DAC would bring me more resolution etc

[@sajidamit5851]

Very useful. Look forward to your review of the Terminator Plus.

[@marcmainguet3556]

Thanks for your review. Please compare next time the Bartok with the Lampizator of the same price range. Could be very interesting!

[@1061shrink1061]

I can only assume this was an early Bartok. I've heard the latest edition, alongside a rossini Apex, and a CAD 1543. The current Bartok is excellent and if anything, compared to a rossini, i found the Bartok to be the more forward and upfront sounding DAC, with the rossini having the sweeter top end. As such, I can't imagine how you'd attach the word "dull" to the current Bartok.

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

I had the bartok , then updated to 2.0 firmware and then added the Rossini clock . Clear improvements . The bartok headphone amp part is nothing special but I find it extraordinary that this reviewer denigrated the bartok . Maybe he wants the clicks

[@loganmedia1142]

@@mrsinghsstereos6662 Maybe he's just correct in his personal assessment of the product.

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

@@loganmedia1142 no he’s after clicks . He doesn’t understand how the dCS dac works , misunderstands the clock parameters and used an unauthorised dac not sourced from the distributor or dCS directly . It’s ironic that he criticised gross inter sample overs used in the dcs but then went onto to use a similar architecture in the ferrum dac that he collaborated on . The guy is a hack and the worst possible kind

[@barneyrubble9309]

Heard one of these with a pair of HE1000 & it was by far the finest traditional headphone experience I have ever heard.

[@barenekid9695]

Welll then did you Spend YOUR 16,000$ to buy it then?

[@gunnarliljas8459]

This was refreshing.

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I purchased the Holo May Kitsune on your review and I’m extremely happy with it. I was actually considering stepping up to the dcs, unfortunately I don’t have the ability to listen to it before buying it. So it would be purchased blind. I guess I won’t take the plunge/chance. My quick question to you or someone else is, you referred to it as a delta sigma but I was under the impression that this was a proprietary design. Which is it?

[@GoldenSound]

It is a proprietary design, but that design is delta sigma. Delta sigma itself is a process and there are lots of different ways of using it. Hope you're enjoying the may! It's a great dac

[@scslite5206]

So if you're "extemely happy" with the May why we're you looking at the DCS? What it is it in the May was not to your liking?

[@connorduke4619]

@@scslite5206 He wanted to move from merely "extremely happy" to "nirvanically tree-hugging happy".

[@SkywhiteChannel]

@@scslite5206 simple, I wanted to experience what the next level of hifi would be. I have the May and Chord dac now instead. Variety is the spice of life. Maybe now you’ll realize that your snarky comments are pointless.

[@scslite5206]

@@SkywhiteChannel sorry you took that to be snarky. Clearly I ruffled your touchy little feathers. Still confused about what you mean with next level hifi. Move on to your next dream pipe then. LOL

[@stevemd8947]

Thank you for your honest review.

[@publicdistrust2536]

thanks for the video recommendation dCS

[@tigertiger1699]

🙏🙏🙏🙏 I love your efforts, knowledge & objectivity 🙏🙏🙏

[@anorax001]

I love the sound from my Apple AirPod Pro’s. I guess I am definitely not a prospective dCS customer. 😄

[@xxtwnz2919]

Would you ever be at $15K? I know I'd never consider that crap in a pretty box with less than $100 of components inside and no proprietary bogus snake oil to make it worth the $14,900 over the original price. THAT's why dCS is pissed -- someone exposed their grifting and snake oil. Trying to make $14K profit from a $1000 device (I'm thinking the case is worth $900). The DAC is probably using off the shelf $7 TI or Sabre parts.