Anyone has heard the Bel Canto REFLink Asynchronou


I am curious to know whether this would be a worthy addition to my Bel Canto 2.5 Thank you.
dlavoie

Showing 7 responses by scottmac62

I am using the ST fiber with the Dac 3.5VB MKII. I tried the spdif output only
briefly. The ST fiber had a better sound stage, both in width and layering.
Ok, so I am using the Light Link with the Bel Canto Dac 3.5 mrk ll VBS. Using Amarra Symphony, I am really impressed. So, I would like to hear from those of you that have had a chance to compare the two. Also, I would like to know how
long the run in time is for the Reflink. Interestingly, when I had my Dac 3.5 upgraded to the mrk ll version, it took a good 500 hours for it to settle in.
Interestingly, I have had the chance to audition the Berkley alpha usb and dac
for about a month from the cable co. Curiosity got the best of me. Needless to say, the bada usb used in conjunction with my Bel Canto Dac 3.5 VBS was not a
joy to listen to. The sound was as hard as nails digital sound as compared to my light link. I could not sit down and enjoy one song in its entirety. Listening fatigue was instant. This may work with a system that is really dull sounding, but I have zero tolerance for digital glare. In addition, the bada usb and bada dac had the same effect in my system. Bright, in your face digital sound. Unfortunately, the cable co does not have the Reflink for audition. So, I think I will just have to take a chance and get one.
Ok, I have now run in the Reflink for about 180 hours, and it has now transformed into perhaps one of the most profound audio products I have encountered in conjunction with the Bel Canto Dac 3.5 VBS mrkll. The sound is lush and warm with staggering detail. The sound stage is huge, left to right, front to back, floor to ceiling. And most importantly, it has amazing timing, flow and pitch that connects the emotions of the artist with the listener. Truly,
and break through genius product from the wizards at Bel Canto. Bravo!!!!
A2x024, I will have to revisit the st fiber vs spdif. My first brief comparison had
too many variables in the chain. I have recently had a power outage, and the
Reflink can take up to 180 hours to settle in after shut off. Also, I was using the
inexpensive Stereovox digital cable. I will have to plug in my Synergistic Research D2 RCA cable in the mix.

As for USB cables I have auditioned several. A Wireworld cable at around 1000$. A DH labs at around 60$. A Synergistic Research at 500$. In my system, I did not hear a big difference between the DH labs and the wire world.
Now the Synergistic Research Tesla cable is in a different league. More air and sweeter highs. Highly recommended. My power cord is the Synergistic Research Hologram D. It is also amazing. Another finishing tough is Stillpoints
footers.
UPDATE:

Just thought I should update my previous posting on ST fiber vs. s/pdif. My initial brief comparison was carried out with an anti jitter device in the chain.
This combo interfered with bit perfect playback. Long story short, my Synergistic Research D2 with RCA ends and G-MPC is far superior to the ST fiber. Its actually no contest. Much more air, depth and analog sound. This is
a disappointment for me because the SR D2 retails at $1200.00. I was hoping to sell it. However, at only $100.00, the ST fiber is a no brainer, and a nice option to have. I also did a brief comparison with a BNC Stereovox cable. The ST fiber is a tad more softer sounding with a little bit more weight. I did get a little bit more depth with the Stereovox.

After using the Lightlink via ST fiber, I was under the impression that the ST fiber was the way to go. But I was mistaken. Every variable is system dependent, so take this with a grain of salt. My system leans on the warm, magic carpet ride side of the spectrum. So, result will vary, and it is advantageous to experiment with different digital cables.

As for the BADA alpha DAC/BADA USB and BADA USB/Bel Canto DAC 3.5 combos, they made my ears bleed. Keep in mind, this is from a personal perspective, and not from a marketing perspective. Component mismatches
do happen, and it always pays to try before you buy.
Ok, I probably will have to start a new thread, but had anyone had the chance to compare the Bel Canto 3.5VBS MKll to the DAC 3.7??? If so, please do share your comparisons.