I compared a dCS Bartok with an MSB analog DAC and with a DirectStream DAC as well in my home system (Esoteric X01-XS as transport->McIntosh C22->ARCGS150->Wilson Sasha 2; power conditioner and great cables), and I thought the Bartok was better than either, although I agree that these comparisons can be subjective. The Bartok had a more "holographic" soundstage (not that different from that of the Vivaldi DAC, which I have also demoed), and I agree with that of the OP.
The midrange exhibited greater resolution, and upper bass frequencies were also notably better. I listen to mostly classical string music and opera, with some jazz and rock thrown in from my past.
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