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PS Audio PerfectWave DAC vs Bel Canto DAC3

I am about to revamp/upgrade my entire system and I am looking for opinions regarding a DAC/pre-amp. I currently listen mostly to iTunes (apple lossless) into a Cambridge Audio DACMagic and CA 640Av2 integrated, but I would like to substantially upgrade and move to a DAC/pre-amp combo with a power amp. The top two contenders are the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and the Bel Canto DAC3, both of which offer laptop/iTunes connectivity with usb inputs as well as volume/input control to function as a pre-amp. I have auditioned the PS audio but not yet the Bel Canto. What should I know (other than the Bel Canto DAC3.5 about to be released and the use of the Bel Canto USB link for USB to SPDIF conversion)? I am currently using Totem Rainmaker speakers but would upgrade those as well.
rogercmd

Showing 1 response by rogercmd

rogercmd OP
11 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded. I have now listened to the Bel Canto gear with the Joseph Audio RM25XL speakers, and the DAC3 did not sound anywhere near as good as the CD2, or as good as I have heard from the PW DAC through Triangle Quartet speakers or the Ayre QB9 through Focal 1007Be speakers on previous separate auditions. Yes, the speakers are all different, but roughly the same class. The Bel Canto DAC3 certainly did not inspire the same enthusiasm for computer audiophilia as did the PW or QB9 did when I auditioned them.

Now I just have to decide on a stereo power amp for the PW Dac. The one I heard with the Triangles was the Simaudio Moon W5.3, but I'm interested in recommendations of other good amps to audition with a less hefty price tag.
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