audio research dac 3 vs m-f trivista 21

Two different products here ,the MF is SS and tyhe ARC tubed of cource.I haven't heard the MF but I do remember how people liked it for it's resolution.However I own the ARC DAC-3 and I am very pleased with the sound,silky highs and mids and very transparent,and I put it next to Sonic Frontiers SFD2 MK2,Northstar M192 and the Mark Levinson #35.A reminder that ARC has one of the best reputations in product repair and support if you ever need it,I know I sent mine to them for retubing a few years ago and came back spotless.I would buy the ARC DAC-3 if I were you.
Regards from Toronto.
George

Never buy anything without listening, it is much cheaper to find a good dealer and pay full retail than blow a lot on 5 or 6 used components before you find one you like.

The Cantons are very bright so you will want a DAC with smooth highs and there are a handful that are exceptional at this. The MF is not one of them even though on the right system it is very good.

All right Yioryos, if we talk about the arc dac 3, i can listening it but before doing 600KM for it can you say if he have smooth hight end who can be plug whit my bright canton or maybe not...

I had the 21, it does ,in fact, have a tube in the circuit. It has a very smooth , non fatiguing sound. Haven't heard the AR.

I agree with Stanwal. I had the TriVista DAC as well as the TriVista SACD player. The DAC is smooth and detailed, loads on bass, nicely balanced IMHO.

Thenis
The DAC-3 is in my opinion very well designed and build as with all ARC products,sound is very detailed,emphasized highs and clear midrange,not too heavy or boomy on the bass,just good clear wide soundstage and no listening fatigue even after long sessions.Take a look at www.arcdb.ws for pictures and description.Again ARC offers great product support.Another great DAC I own and equally love is the Sonic Frontiers sfd2mk2.
Best
George

I've heard both extensively and own a Trivista. It seems strange to say but I think there are basically the same--can't go wrong with either. More air in the ARC, more detail in the MF. It will be easy to live with either.

I have had both and infact a few months ago, the ARC Dac 7 and the Trivista DAC side by side along with the Bryston DAC..
I never wanted to compromise detail for any thing in the chain. The ARC is a wonderful product but after several a long listen in various systems, I ended up buying another Trivista DAC.
I have 2 of these DAC’s now running as my main source of digital, a simple description would be a “Balanced” delivery when it comes to digital. Its just about right in every element involved the reproduction music. Built like a tank and it is smoother sounding that the current Bryston DAC which I was very impressed with as well.

I own a Trivista DAC as well paired up with a CEC 1. Great sound. Just for giggles I am getting a Sony XA-5400ES modright modded cd player to compare.

i owned a Trivista 21 and liked it quite a bit. i agree with the descriptors here - balanced and smooth. another of it's strengths is the HUGE soundstage it throws. ultimately i replaced it with a Wyred 4 Sound DAC, which i preferred.