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.