I have had a long relationship with DCS, initially as one of their first dealers – seems a long time ago now.

The company seems to have been re-invigorated in recent times, and a careful audition convinced me that the Bartok is one of a literal handful of the world’s finest DACs.

If you’re lucking for the ‘ultimate destination ’hub of a digital system, this has to be a very serious candidate, as one of the least overtly digital products out there.

As a bonus, the Bartok incorporates a fine pre-amp section and top-class headphone amplifier, so it’s entirely possible this could replace a number of existing boxes in your system.

An audition is highly recommended.