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Any experience of Planet 2000 with Bel Canto DAC2?

I have been quite happy with my Rega Planet 2000 for the time it's been in my possession. It's very musical, warm, and most importantly, not bright: it goes well with my tastes in music which are mostly acoustic jazz, some 'progressive fusion' (I hate this choice of words) and some classical. My system includes an Adcom GFA-5500 and a VTL TL-2.5 with very neutral-sounding custom-made D'Appolito configuration 2-way bookshelf speakers on 23" metal stands (not yet filled with sand). I have recently been invited by a friend to hear his new Musical Fidelity DAC (with a Proceed transport): it really blew my mind. The highs were purer, the bass was tighter; overall, it sounded better. I know I can get more from this Planet in terms of overall sound, closer to reality if you will. I am considering pairing it with a Bel Canto DAC2 connected with an Analysis Plus Oval Digital cable (suggested by a friend). Has anyone mated the DAC2 to the Planet or the Planet 2000 (used as a transport)? Benefits? Gaps? Any suggestions on the Oval Digital?
lrmellon

Showing 9 responses by lrmellon

lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Concerning my last post, I meant an affordable but very good to excellent CD/SACD/DVD-A transport (only).
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Anyone with an affordable ($1-1.5K range) but very good to excellent CD/SACD/DVD-A transport (only) or player to match with the DAC2 in lieu of the Planet 2K? Please advise.
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
I'd settle for an affordable CD/SACD transport (after a lot of reading in the specialized press and turning cold about DVD-A); but, I have yet to find one that I could pair my DAC with or another one of similar value, since I am not sure it'd work with SACD. Any thoughts?
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Thanks, Kurt. I really want to use this setup for now (Planet 2K/DAC2/AP Oval Digital) and later move to a dedicated universal transport. My only concern is that I have not seen many of those: a transport only CD/SACD/DVD-A. If you know of any examples, please share.

In any case, I will definitely report on the upgrade as soon as I receive the Bel Canto, hook it up and do some critical listening.
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Actually, much better than I hoped for: the Planet 2K is another animal, much better in detailing the transients and with a "rounder" but clearer low end than before. In all fairness, I have to acknowledge that I (also) upgraded both the Planet 2K and the DAC2's power cords to PS Audio xStream Prelude and that has added a bit of depth to the soundstage.

As for my next move, I am dying to join the SACD ranks: any thoughts on achieving that while keeping the DAC2 in the chain (I'm thinking affordable transport)? I love this little black box so much!...
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Very encouraging indeed. I'm using Hero interonnects and 8TC "IBW" speaker cable (from Kimber Kable) all together in my system, except for a Cardas Golden Cross Phono with my MMF-7 turntable and my EAR 834P phono preamp: I love their neutrality.

I will keep on exploring the prospect. It sure sounds promising. Thanks for sharing.
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Thanks!...
Anyone else with a similar (or different) experience?
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Well, the upsampling feature of the DAC2 definitely SHOULD make the difference, I figure. I am willing to try and report later. I have located a used one in perfect condition and it should arrive very soon. Stay tuned.
lrmellon OP
33 posts
 
Any idea? I am thinking of a McCormack UDP-1 which would be connected to the DAC2 through its analog outputs for playing Redbook CDs and as a standalone SACD player through its digital outputs. Am I making sense?
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