Simmogra Posted June 29, 2011 Posted June 29, 2011 Hello Again I was wondering if any SNA have bought this new Dac from Bel Canto and what they think of it? I have been using a Dac 3 for the last 2 years and am wondering if it is a big enough improvement to warrant an upgrade to this new model . It is very expensive though if you opt for the new 12 volt virtual battey module as well. I already have a dedicated power circuit for the power supply to this system so no line noise that i am aware of. Interested if you think there is"chalk and cheese difference" with the new model. Regards Simmogra
tbag Posted June 29, 2011 Posted June 29, 2011 how expensive we talking for the upgrade? Always been keen to hear the Bel Canto gear as they have a pretty good rep on here ::nana
Juicester Posted June 29, 2011 Posted June 29, 2011 i like the idea of the 3.5, but the fact that i have to then outlay a large chunk for a power supply to run it seems a bit crappy....
firefly0071 Posted June 30, 2011 Posted June 30, 2011 I think an upgrade from the Bel Canto DAC3 is expensive. In my case, it would be better to sell the DAC3 and use the money for a 3.5. But then again I would revisit which DAC to purchase. It seems like that the DAC part of the hifi market is the main growth area. Many products on the market and more competitive prices. I just can't continually upgrade etc.
DoggieHowser Posted June 30, 2011 Posted June 30, 2011 In a review I read, the 3.5 and 3 share identical DAC stages. The differences are: - switch to VBS 12V power inputs - improved jitter rejection upfront - different set of inputs I've heard the 3 vs 3.5 and know of others who upgraded. I went for the 3.5 direct. Is there a difference? Yes. Night and day? Probably not. You get the Bel Canto house sound. Just more refined. With a lower noise floor. For 1k, I doubt you can make much more of an upgrade especially if you make a loss selling the DAC3. Is the 1k merely to convert DAC3 to VBS? or is this the 3.1 or 3.2 upgrade I heard about which gives you the jitter reduction upgrade as well? FWIW I think my new Ayon CD5S may outperform my BCD CD2/DAC3.5/VBS combo. They are about the same, price wise. But I do lose 2 more analog inputs, 1 coax and HT bypass with the Ayon. On the upside, I do gain back 1 AES and 1 pair of analog XLR inputs.
firefly0071 Posted June 30, 2011 Posted June 30, 2011 Many people purchased the DAC3 on the runout sale and hence the loss would be smaller.
Mooster001 Posted July 3, 2011 Posted July 3, 2011 I purchased the DAC 3.5 with VBS and it is stunning. I added a CD2 and still running in. Early indications very clean, big sound stage and great separation.
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