In Reply to: RE: bel canto 1.5 usb in... posted by Les C on June 29, 2012 at 03:32:12:
I ended up getting the 2.5 for the improved power supply and also analog input and dual display, but the two units are otherwise identical and they both sound fantastic. Really nice headphone amp too.
There are a number of professional and user reviews on the 1.5 and 2.5, and I have read two who stated that the USB input was not as good as the SPDIF input in their listening tests. I disagree completely based on my own extensive comparisons in my system, and so do at least two other reviewers, including Chris from Computer Audiophile, who specifically praises the 1.5's implementation of adaptive USB as proving that asynchronous is not necessary for excellent results. I agree with Chris. Also, I believe that the 3.5 uses the same circuit and it gets amazing reviews.
In the end you should do your own audition of course, but I think the 1.5 and 2.5 should be included as must hears for those who want to compare DACs in that price range.
By the way, you can also later update the power supply of the 1.5, though it sounded fine to me.
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Follow Ups
- It's a wonderful DAC with an excellent USB implementation - JoshT 07:49:39 06/29/12 (5)
- RE: It's a wonderful DAC with an excellent USB implementation - Les C 09:09:13 06/29/12 (4)
- I thought the 6 moons review was off in at least two respects - JoshT 09:31:23 06/29/12 (3)
- RE: I thought the 6 moons review was off in at least two respects - mwheelerk 15:27:34 06/29/12 (2)
- That's what I would do too - JoshT 16:24:41 06/29/12 (1)
- RE: That's what I would do too - Les C 01:50:12 06/30/12 (0)