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My New Bel Canto DAC 2

Well...it's just outta the box, and it certainly needs some break-in, but here's my initial reaction. All obsevations are meant to be comparisons with the DAC 1.1. Most importantly the DAC 2 significantly deepens the soundstage. I'd even go so far as saying that it's 30/40 percent deeper. Next, vocals both male and female, are clearer and a little more forward. It seems that the DAC 2 has lost some of the 1.1's liquidity and therefore is a little less musical. On the other hand the occasional muffling that the 1.1 is guilty of has disappeared. I'll get back after some significant break-in. Cheers.
tbadder

Showing 2 responses by philefreak

philefreak
423 posts
 
Just got my DAC2, and for the money it's a no brainer. Not quite up to my Camelot Uther (w/ anagram chip upsamples 24/192) but close. It's gonna be another giant killer I'm afraid, just like the DAC1 was.
philefreak
423 posts
 
Wcvb,I've got all kinds of gear, JeffRowland 2 w/ battery supply, Audion PX25, Goldmund 3,ClaytonS40, Gamut D-100, and Von Schweikert DB 100 speakers. Tekline cables. The Camelot seems to have a little more air, even though the DAC2 is not as rolled off as the DAC1.1, it still seems a little rolled compared to the Camelot. The soundstage is as good as the Uther, I think the bass is fine w/ the DAC2. The DAC2 is a fine DAC for $1395.00 retail. You just need a real good preamp to let it get through to the amp.I've also been playing with the Final Labs Battery stuff. This is the best gear I've heard period.Bel Canto can produce fine gear because they can cut cost by their mass production. It's a fine DAC. The Pre. 1 is a great preamp also, if you get the Bel Canto DAC built in the pre. you'll have a killer setup that can't be beat unless you spend 5 times the $$$. and then only a little better.
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