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Upgrade or Downgrade Changing Bel Canto 3.7 For New Denafrips Pontus 15th?

Help! I’m looking to replace my Bel Canto 3.7 DAC with the new Pontus 15th DAC (similar to the Denafrips Venus 12th). The main motivation for this change is that I’d like an I2S connection for my CD transport to natively play the SACD’s I have.

(For information my current CD playback system is PS Audio Perfectwave CD/SACD Transport via XLR, and an Onkyo C5 SACD player via Toslink into the Bel Canto 3.7 DAC; Pathos Kratos Hybrid Integrated Amplifier and Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII speakers with Arendal 1723S subwoofer.)

I would greatly appreciate any insights into whether this change would be an upgrade or a downgrade to my system given the musicality of the Bel Canto 3.7?

sparksgja

Showing 1 response by v-fi

v-fi
177 posts
 

My impression is that the Denafrips DACs are a little warmer, smoother, more musical sounding than any of the Bel Canto stuff I have tried. But I haven't actually heard the 3.7 so that isn't very helpful. Other Bel Canto models always struck me as being mostly neutral with just a hint of warmth, and Denafrips seems to go further in that direction. 

I've tried most of the Denafrips lineup and feel the Pontus is the sweet spot for value. Definitely try one in your system if you can arrange for it.

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