New DAC

[Mr_Sukebe]

Over the weekend I picked up a new DAC. It's a Bel Canto DAC2, and is made by the same people who make my integrated amp.
Ugly little piece of kit, just a small black box, though it'll probably just sit behind my transport, so I won't have to look at it much. Insides, well I've not much idea about the bits, and don't really care that much. For people interested, it's meant to upsample.

Here's a link for people who like that kind of thing:
http://www.belcantodesign.com/prod_dac2.html

The only thing is that now I've got it home, I'm not sure how much I like it.
The good parts at that when compared to my existing DAC, that it's definitely got more detail and resolution, and unexpectedly creates a bigger soundstage. In addition, it's also lovely a smooth, which I was very concerned about as my speakers would probably not work very well with something that's a bit brash.
So yes, makes vocal work lovely. The bass area is more controlled, which is not a bad thing in my room, but did mean a repositioning of my speakers.
What I'm simply not sure about is whether it sounds more "hi-fi" like. My initial impressions are that it does, but maybe that was just it warming up. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer on that and will keep you chaps posted.

Overall, probably a keeper, but still not decided.

 

[9designs2]

I take it that it's on loan and you not bought it ?

The effect you describe is not "uncommon" ..................I eagerly await Monica2 Hopefully not long now.......... Think I could find an equally ugly box in a high street electronics shop

 

[Will]

Gone off the idea of the Droplet then? Because of the potential hassle with importing one and making sure you get the 'top spec' rather than Taiwan/Chinese domestic one?

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Gone off the idea of the Droplet then? Because of the potential hassle with importing one and making sure you get the 'top spec' rather than Taiwan/Chinese domestic one?

I liked the idea of the Droplet very much, but appeared to be left with the option of dealing with one of two chaps who seemed to know less about the players than I did after a week of research.
Whilst studying at Uni, I read a book with a lovely line of "do business with people you like doing business with". A definite truism. I didn't feel good about the responses from either dealer, so have looked elsewhere.

As for the DAC, could be me just getting used to it. I've spent some more time listening to it without making comparisons and quite like it. Later in the week when I'm more settled I'll do another side by side comparison and then make a decision. I did buy the DAC s/h, but at a sensible price. So even if it doesn't work out, I'm fairly confident about reselling for very close to what I paid for it.
Not sure what's next if the DAC doesn't pan out. I'd like to check out some Wadia units again, but their prices really are scary.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Did some extensive testing of the BC DAC last night, and it will be staying.
Against the N OS, it does have the edge, though it doesn't win in every area. The BC does have more detail and higher resolution, and substantially better control in the bass area. Subtle nuances are better captured. The BC also has a bigger soundstage with improved definition and placement of instruments. Overall, feels like a thin veil has been lifted. One of my biggest concerns was that the BC would be too forward and a little aggressive, the good news is that it's just as smooth, though a little brighter at the top end.
The slight downside is that it doesn't appear to have quite the 3d depth to the sound and is just slightly less natural.
Worth the money for the upgrade? That's a marginal one, only just is the answer, but now I've got it, don't really want to sell it.

In musical terms, does help bring the musician into your lounge a little more.

Of course I now have 3 DACs, the BC, the N OS and a Meridian 203 and one of them really needs to go. I still like the N OS very much, especially so because of it's ridiculous value for money. Looks like the Meridian will be hitting a certain auction site, whilst the the N OS will be going on the backend of my new PC, for use with games, movies and maybe background music from Itunes (AAC).

 

[gt_junkie]

Hi Mr_Sukebe!

Been following this thread with interest. I've never looked too closely at add on dac's before and wondered if you or any of the others here would know whether i'd see any improvement in performance in buying a dac like the meridian you're selling. I own a Cyrus CD7Q (a fairly competent disc spinner) so do you think the meridian could improve on the performance i presently see?

I understand that every person generally wants/likes a different sound so i'm just wanting a generalisation on it's comparative performance as you all see it.

Thanks in advance!

gt_junkie

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Depends.
If I were a bit of an unscrupolous git, just aiming to clear my 203 DAC, then I'd say "yep, stunning bit of kit, worth every penny, blah blah..."

Back in the real world, I doubt if it's as good as your Cyrus CDP, though I've never actually heard the unit you own, so can't say for definite.
My guess is that the 203 can compete with a £500 CDP, but would start to struggle after that.
Note that a good deal of the differences I've heard on front ends are changes to styles of presentation, not always just making them better. You'd probably have to spend a good deal of dosh to actually outperform what you already have.

 

[gt_junkie]

Thanks for the honest reply Mr_Sukebe!

I'll have to try to get hold of one to demo it and see! Like you say - i may simply find a change in presentation rather than an improvement!

Thanks again!

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Where are you in the country? If you're around London, bring you Cyrus unit down and I can show you how it compares to three different DACs.

 

[gt_junkie]

Thanks for the offer Mr_Sukebe!

That's very kind.

Unfortunately i live in Cumbria in the Lake District so i'd be looking at quite a drive to get to you!

Always seems to happen that way - a lovely place to live but it's flippin miles away from everywhere!!!

Cheers anyway!