dcs bartok vs DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR-PLUS

I can’t comment on the Bartok never heard or owned one. I have owned Terminator Plus for several years. Overall I think it’s damn good. Soundstage is huge and holographic. Midrange is smooth, neutral,  and realistic. Highs are airy and fast but  are quite laid back which is probably good match for my Kanta No3. The Kanta 3 aren’t bright all with this DAC, Emotiva differential amp, Denafirps Athena Pre-Amp.  The only negative to me is its little thin in bass compared to my cheaper Harmony Laiv DAC. Thin to me may be perfect and more technically accurate though. As far as flat response etc.   IDK. I just know when I had the Laive in this setup then switched to T + there was less visceral bass impact  in the chest. 

Can't speak to the DCS but I owned a Terminator Plus for several years and then moved to the MSB Reference DAC. A significant upgrade.  I'm now moving to MSB Cascade.  Hoping for another bump in SQ.  The TP is a great DAC but there are better.

This thread is back from the dead! Move on