2. amps-preamps
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DK Design MKII to Bel Canto M300 upgrade?

Hi All, first time posting here, been reading for years, but really need your advice now ;)

I'm currently running a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Pianos (first version) off a DK Design MKII with an Opera Consonance Ref. 2.2 cd player. The last upgrade I made was putting a Chord Company reference interlink and speaker cable in between, which has improved the clarity by a bunch. (More than I thought it would to be honest...)

Since I'm streaming a lot more lately using a Schiit Bifrost from my MacMini I don't use the cd player loads lately.

That made me want to upgrade to a better dac and maybe the amp too.

I already really like the sound I have now, but I would love a bit less bass heavy sound and a bit more control in the mid/upper regions.

I was looking around, but now just got an offer viavia for a set of Bel Canto M300 power amps and a Bel Canto DAC 3 for $1250. (I could then sell my DK Design MKII and Schiit Bifrost and still have some change left)

From what I know about Bel Canto and the ICE amps, that is more the type of amp I should be looking for.

The problem is, I can't listen to the set before I order it.
And I would need to sell my DK Design MKII to be able to finance it.

Any tips? I read that someone really didn't like the M300 on this forum, on that other hand it has some really good reviews.

And another thing, is this going to be a good upgrade anyway? Or do you have any other suggestions? Maybe Bel Canto is a bit too analytical for Sonus Fabers?

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

Please not that I'm based in Europe, so pricing may differ based on region.
bbuijsman

Showing 1 response by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
If you ask me, the M300s were the worst power amps in Bel Canto's line up - along with the S300. It's not Bel Canto's fault. It's really the ASP250 modules inside them.

They simply couldn't measure up to the REF1000 and REF500 designs - and not just in terms of power. It's just the whole sonics package that I found lacking.

I'd rather get the Bel Canto REF500M or REF500S or even the newer REF150S over the M300s.

The DAC3 is a touch on the warmer side and I think it is still a great performing DAC today - even if it doesn't support asynchronous USB or DSD audio.

If you are getting this second hand and can get a good price for the DAC3, I'd snap it up. But I'd avoid the M300s. I notice you are also looking for improved mids and highs - so that makes the M300 even worse for the task.

I am a big fan of ICEpower but I would always use these modules with a tube power amp. I think it gives the best of both worlds. See if you can get a Modwright LS100 to partner with. I think the LS100 with the Wyred4Sound mAmps would be a great combo.
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