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Dac for Bel Canto S125

Hi All,

Just picked up a Bel Canto S125 Amp in London / UK. Not many owners of or information to be found here in UK or even online. Found Audiogon via Google with a few Bel Canto threads. Looking for a DAC that would pair well up to $500. 

For speakers I'm using Neat Iotas with a ribbon tweeter and initial testing has been done with a Dragonfly Red portable DAC all running in a small room. Seems like the speakers and Amp potentially have potential to sound better with a proper desktop DAC. Also looks like a lot has changed in DAC tech since the old threads discussing with DSD / MQA etc.  

For music I'm running Tidal but am also testing Qobuz and Amazon HD alongside some bits from HDTracks. 

Cheers All.
sanchezxxx
2 responses Add your response
sandstone
358 posts
 
Sanchez,
It appears you are relying on the plug-in Dragonfly chip for both pre-amp and DAC?
I have a Bel Canto DAC 3.0.  This is a pre-amp/DAC unit that may be within range of your price requirements and give you a substantial upgrade.  It also closely matches the form factor of your Bel Canto amp.
I also have the matching Bel Canto 24/192 upsampler.

I was using this very successfully matched with a Jeff Rowland 102 amp.
I suggest you check out the specs and reviews and pricing of this unit as well as other DAC/preamp options available.
Then If interested, let me know and I could  post it to Audiogon sales for you.
Best, Sandstone


.

soix
9,456 posts
 
What preamp are you using?  I agree with @sandstone that in your price range the BC DAC3 would be a good choice, especially if you need it as a preamp as well.  In my system I found its preamp performance to be surprisingly on par with my $2400 Bryston stereo preamp in addition to being an excellent DAC that will obviously synergize well with your amp.  My one suggestion would be to spring for the VB version with the VBS power supply as it takes the DAC to another level — I had both in my system.  Best of luck. 
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