Digital Drive: REVIEW: Bel Canto Design DAC3 DAC Processors by Aimless1

Model:	DAC3
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$2495
Description:	Digital to Analog converter w/ USB and optional Preamp mode
Manufacturer URL:	Bel Canto Design

Review by Aimless1 on January 29, 2009 at 18:11:19
IP Address: 134.215.254.167 Add Your Review
for the DAC3

The Bel Canto DAC3 brought life, detail and musicality to my headphone set up. The Northstar 192 MK II and Electrocompaniet ECD-1 were considered as worthy candidates. No doubt all three would bring my system to a new level. My previous dac was the built in dac on the Meier Corda Opera. In the end the reports of absolute neutrality and music coming out of the black background won me over to the Bel Canto.

This is a small package with good heft. No lightweight contender here. Inputs are USB, optical, two SPDIF and AES. Outputs are either RCA or balanced BNC. Variable or locked volume attenuator completes the package.

I'm happy to report this dac is indeed neutral. I can't detect added warmth nor an analytical touch to the sound. Notes appear out of a black void. Realistic sound stage allows me to place each instrument/musician/singer with certainty. Both treble and bass extension is quite good. We have a very musical dac here but ultimately the sound still has a slight digital edge to it. Though I would not call the sound analytical it is detailed. I can hear the sticks hitting the cymbals and the bow sliding across the cello strings. It is very revealing of your source which will be reproduced just as you recorded it. A good source feeding the Bel Canto Dac3 will ultimately put a smile on your face.

Usual caveats apply. This is my impression on my system. YMMV. I compared the Dac3 against the dac in the Meier Opera and will soon be sending a Blue Circle SBD (Shoe Box DAC) back. I will be able to live with and enjoy the Bel Canto Dac3 for a very long time.

Product Weakness:	slight digital edge to the sound
Product Strengths:	Neutrality, remote control, variable volume control

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Meier Corda Opera w/DAC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Bel Canto Dac3
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Macbook
Speakers: Several headphones
Cables/Interconnects: nothing special
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz/rock/classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 20 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): n/a
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Meier Corda Opera w/DAC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bel Canto Dac3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Macbook
Speakers:	Several headphones
Cables/Interconnects:	nothing special
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz/rock/classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 20 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	n/a
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner