# dCS Bartok as a one box solution **URL:** \ **Category:** Hi-Fi Corner\ **Created:** [February 7, 2020, 12:37am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432 "2020-02-07T00:37:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/106 "2020-02-24T23:18:00Z")
Just had a read of the hifi clinic review and funny how i also found the volume made a big difference to the sound, as i mentioned in previous posts above, if you go to try one make sure the volume is set to o.o db and the output at 6v, just make sure the headphone setting is set different lol. The effect that these have on sound quality is quite a bit, it just loses its magic the moment you turn it down and the lower you go the worse it gets, shame really but then if you know its not a problem as you dont need to use it as lomg as you have a pre that is. Another reason to keep my 552 then and it didn’t cross my mind by going direct to an amp, this is a big problem. ---
**Author:** ![glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/glevethan)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/107 "2020-02-24T23:20:34Z")
> [@anon4489532](#): > > Someone on here bought a DCS streaming box and thought it the best thing since sliced bread. He sold it a few weeks later. Who knows? Their streaming box simply does what it says on the tin - it streams. Nothing to do with a DAC which has the most influence on the music (although a good streamer is necessary as well) ---
**Author:** ![Naim\_The\_Dragon](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/naim_the_dragon/32/12981_2.png) [@Naim\_The\_Dragon](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Naim_The_Dragon)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/108 "2020-02-24T23:27:42Z")
> [@Dunc](#): > > a shame really as been a naimie for over 25 years and it looks like for the first time in that time, i wont have a naim sorce,so will be down to just a 500 and 552 Historically, isn’t Naim primarily about amplification anyway? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/109 "2020-02-24T23:29:59Z")
Pleased for you Thomas and enjoy it as it is a good product, just dont walk in a room with a rossini playing and you will be fine lol, as i made that very same mistake. Also I have been offered a second hand nd555 as trade in once his new toy turns up and guess what that owner has ordered, that makes quite a few now that i know off, so there must be something in it? ---
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/110 "2020-02-24T23:33:56Z")
Thats good then, but i do love my 552 / 500 and hope it sees me out ---
**Author:** ![glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/glevethan)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 12:11am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/111 "2020-02-25T00:11:38Z")
> [@Dunc](#): > > Also I have been offered a second hand nd555 as trade in once his new toy turns up and guess what that owner has ordered, that makes quite a few now that i know off, so there must be something in it? I am located in the States however I do recall seeing something posted about a number of ND555 owners moving on. Are you in the UK? Is this what is going on there? ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/thomas/32/319_2.png) [@Thomas](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 6:57am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/112 "2020-02-25T06:57:37Z")
> [@glevethan](#): > > I am located in the States however I do recall seeing something posted about a number of ND555 owners moving on. Are you in the UK? Is this what is going on there? That’s understandable. I myself was also somewhat disappointed. The expectations were high for that very much awaited ND555. The firmware 3.4 is really a game changer, and probably came a bit to late for some people. The comparisons with other streamers should have been done after that particulaire update. The ND555 has probably more potential than some thought. ---
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 7:28am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/113 "2020-02-25T07:28:16Z")
I tried the new software update last Wednesday against the dave, preferred the naim over it by some margin, but as i have said i dont really like the dave sound. I can’t say how different the nd555 is now as i am not a owner, but for me it still didnt do it. Yes it sounded nice as it always has done, but it didnt give me goosebumps or make me giggle ---
**Author:** ![TiberioMagadino](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/tiberiomagadino/32/54031_2.png) [@TiberioMagadino](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/TiberioMagadino)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 7:49am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/114 "2020-02-25T07:49:53Z")
I don’t think at this level there is a better or best. What I prefer may not be what someone else prefers. I listened to quite a few expensive set ups at Bristol show and was not convinced I would enjoy playing music significantly more on any of them than what I already have. Some products others seem to really like didn’t make me sit up and think I wish I had that. I prefer Chord Blu2 DAVE to the dCS Rossini I heard, but I could happily live with dCS and who knows on a different day, in a different room with different music … Best I heard at Bristol show was in the Decent Audio rooms with fairly modest systems - e.g. entry level Magnepan speakers. So whether you have Naim, Linn, Chord or dCS then you should be able to sit back in your old rocking chair and enjoy the music. ---
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 8:00am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/115 "2020-02-25T08:00:28Z")
You could well be right and after all its only music ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/thomas/32/319_2.png) [@Thomas](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 8:47am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/116 "2020-02-25T08:47:20Z")
> [@TiberioMagadino](#): > > I listened to quite a few expensive set ups at Bristol show and was not convinced Not sure that _shows_ are the best place to listen to something as delicate as a HiFi system. A showroom, I mean I good one, somewhat treated or with correct dimensions, might provide some information about a HiFi component. But, ultimately that component will sound very different in our room and system. That’s probably why I was never interested in _shows_. ---
**Author:** ![TiberioMagadino](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/tiberiomagadino/32/54031_2.png) [@TiberioMagadino](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/TiberioMagadino)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 10:15am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/118 "2020-02-25T10:15:29Z")
I agree. Yet read views in Bristol show thread say how impressive some rooms were. I wasn’t overwhelmed visiting them: not that they were bad. Ones to impress were Decent Audio, Linn/Fyne, ATC & Harbeth; perhaps familiarity clouds my views. Heard Chord/dCS comparison at a dealer’s using Audeze LCD4s as well as Spendors (same as at home), but it’s my preference rather than definitive. Never heard dCS at home (only Chord, Linn & Naim). Chord dissuaded me from its 2Go/2Y streamer saying if Roon were not for me I should stay with my Mac mini (sound quality would be no different). “_Some like to read while listening to music_” as an old codger this mystifies me. Again I know many love Roon, but my requirements are select an album, tap play. I dislike reviews and suggestions. We are all different in our needs and preferences, but if you have a good dealer and choose from brands like Naim, dCS, Chord, Linn, Spendor, Harbeth, ATC etc., then you can’t go far wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/dunc/32/66755_2.png) [@Dunc](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Dunc)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/119 "2020-02-25T22:22:26Z")
Well thats it, nds and 555psdr trade deal done and DCS ordered. New chapter about to start, but i would like to thank naim for for 25 years of great listen fun, its been fun from my very first cd 3.5 and 90, 92. Then over the years it grew to 52, cd2 and active with 3 x 250’s into ovator S600’s, different streamers, the list goes on. As said its been great and i still have my 500dr and 552dr and not forgetting my headline 2, my 500 series is not going anywhere as i think the 552 is about as good as it gets pre amp wise and the 500dr amp is also great and they work so well together. But looking forward to gthe DCS very soon. ---
**Author:** ![glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/glevethan)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 12:09am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/120 "2020-02-26T00:09:57Z")
Congratulations on your inbound Rossini. I know I can’t wait for my headphone dedicated Bartok to arrive as well. Do not lament - you still run what is fundamentally a Naim system at heart. The 552/500 is quintessential Naim. So just like myself and many others who run Linn (and other brand sources) in front of our 552/500 - we are still beholden to the boys of Salisbury. Best Gregg ---
**Author:** ![frenchrooster](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/frenchrooster/32/492688_2.png) [@frenchrooster](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/frenchrooster)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 2:07am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/121 "2020-02-26T02:07:59Z")
I was reading today the head hifi forum on the Bartok. I was surprised by how many members went from Dave and even Dave/ Mscaler to the Bartok. Perhaps 1 or 2 preferred the Dave vs a dozen preferring the Bartok. ---
**Author:** ![glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/glevethan)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 2:56am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/122 "2020-02-26T02:56:32Z")
As previously stated I had the chance to demo both the DAVE and TT2/MScaler for the second time two weeks ago at CanJam. Granted it was a show environment however I was not impressed. Just like I was not impressed the first time I demoed both at last years CanJam. There have been several threads here on the Naim forum dealing with the Chord products. I get the feeling there are more Naim users who do not get along with Chord than there are ones who do. ---
**Author:** ![frenchrooster](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/frenchrooster/32/492688_2.png) [@frenchrooster](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/frenchrooster)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 3:10am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/123 "2020-02-26T03:10:41Z")
There was a period on the forum when chord Hugo was the most cited product. I feel it’s not still so much enhanced today. Same for the Dave, the opinions are divided on it. I hope you will give us a comparing between DS3 and Bartók when you will receive it. I am very curious. ---
**Author:** ![glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/ba8739/32.png) [@glevethan](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/glevethan)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 3:37am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/124 "2020-02-26T03:37:14Z")
> [@frenchrooster](#): > > I hope you will give us a comparing between DS3 and Bartók when you will receive it. I am very curious. Will do however it might take some time 😁. As previously stated the Bartok will be used exclusively with a headphone system. I am sure I will eventually get around to trying it with the 552/500 - and I am sure it will definitely sound different to the demos I previously had where it was strictly used with Utopia headphones. As totl as the Utopia’s are I am sure that my Titans with a 500 system will sound just a little bit better. ---
**Author:** ![emrei](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/emrei/32/9009_2.png) [@emrei](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/emrei)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 5:07am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/125 "2020-02-26T05:07:57Z")
Still i dont get why Focal/Naim duo does not have a proper headphone amp/dac like Bartok. V1 is a legend amp but it is old. Focal arche is not a flagship source or amp, they are far better alternatives for a less price. They have the data of their 3-4K headphones selling like hot cakes. Bartok kind of product proposition is/was a missed opportunity for Naim. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_S](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/mike_s/32/290893_2.png) [@Mike\_S](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Mike_S)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 5:17am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432/126 "2020-02-26T05:17:27Z")
> [@emrei](#): > > Still i dont get why Focal/Naim duo does not have a proper headphone amp/dac like Bartok. I agree. There is a serious gap in the headphone range. There is no even a Naim headphone amp that an run system automation with a Naim streamer. This effectively limits me to using the SN2 as a headphone amp and ruling out separates. [Previous page](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432.md?page=5) [Next page](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/dcs-bartok-as-a-one-box-solution/6432.md?page=7)