Last edited by a moderator:
14 minutes ago, Miller-8 said:
https://goldensound.audio/2021/10/12/dcs-bartok-with-headphone-amp-measurements/
Any idea how it compares to the esoteric N-05XD sir . I've lately become a bit of a esoteric fan boydCS Bartók review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)
same DAC , totally different findings!
Verdict
While the Bartók is very much an entry-level product in dCS terms, it packs a full dose of the company’s proprietary technologies into its well-built aluminium casework. It’s well specified and nice to use and, most importantly, one of the best sounding digital sources we’ve heard at this level. Recommended? You bet.
It's almost as if opinions are subjective, isn't it!
same DAC , totally different findings!
Can we trust magazine reviews? Especially of high end kit.dCS Bartók review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)
same DAC , totally different findings!
Verdict
While the Bartók is very much an entry-level product in dCS terms, it packs a full dose of the company’s proprietary technologies into its well-built aluminium casework. It’s well specified and nice to use and, most importantly, one of the best sounding digital sources we’ve heard at this level. Recommended? You bet.
Are they really to that extent. He said the Bartok was out-resolved by a Gustard X26 Pro which costs £1200 and sounds like a Chord Qutest with better soundstage.It's almost as if opinions are subjective, isn't it!
I'm finding this "smoothing off the transients" idea a little hard to understand. How could a DAC be designed to do that, even deliberately?Can we trust magazine reviews? Especially of high end kit.
Perhaps it could be a byproduct of the upsampling technology.I'm finding this "smoothing off the transients" idea a little hard to understand. How could a DAC be designed to do that, even deliberately?
What sort of byproduct?Perhaps it could be a byproduct of the upsampling technology.
But I would keep in mind that, being a description of a perceived effect, it is possible that it is not literal.
I need to watch the video and it is not possible at the moment.What sort of byproduct?
I'd be surprised if it's literal, TBH.
Many DACs do that to some extent. Why? I don't know. But he criticised the Chord Qutest for it, too:I'm finding this "smoothing off the transients" idea a little hard to understand. How could a DAC be designed to do that, even deliberately?
If you read the comments in his review someone asks what might make the sound "soft" and he replied:I'm finding this "smoothing off the transients" idea a little hard to understand. How could a DAC be designed to do that, even deliberately?
The short answer is no.Can we trust magazine reviews? Especially of high end kit.
His review is very thorogh and covers all bases really. He compares the Bartok to several other devices which he has access to. Technical assessments only tell you so much.The short answer is no.
The long answer is maybe, but definitely not WHF?. GoldenSound is reasonably knowledgeable and thorough and worth watching. But his preference may not match yours. That is why I find subjective reviews of little worth and only read the technical assessment.
As someone who has recently bought a dCS Bartok
The fact that a piece of equipment sounds good to us is not indicative of its absolute technical or objective performance.I got the rossini in the end as that is simply stunning
:goodone:The fact that a piece of equipment sounds good to us is not indicative of its absolute technical or objective performance.
Ultimately the former is what matters most, and why I suggest that people listen if they are curious.
But, in my view, one must not confuse the two and keep that in mind when making recommendations or in the way one defends one’s damsel.
That is why whenever someone, naively, asks for equipment suggestions the fist 10 or 20 replies will all recommend an equal number of different models, all excellent and great sounding in the optic of the poster but not necessarily to the OP whose taste cannot match that of people who suggest a dozen different speakers, cartridges or DACs.
There are pieces of equipment which perform better in absolute terms (comparatively) than others. That does not mean that such equipment will sound good to most people, and this in turn may or may not reduce the importance of objective performance as a metric of listening satisfaction. On top of that, a stereo playback is a system consisting of different parts which have to work “well” together and each room will imprint its sonic signature on the final outcome, which as noted depends on several factors that will then have to match a particular listener’s preference. Oversimplification does not help, nor does misunderstanding critical, rational assessment as an attack on a particular favourite brand or our own preference.
.
In audio, technical performance is absolute but preference is relative.
An Audi R8 may be more effective and lap faster around a circuit but a TVR Tuscan might provide a more exciting driving experience and some people will rate that higher.