Bel Canto 1.1 - Convince Me.


What are the sonic differences between the 1.0 and 1.1 version of the Bel Canto DAC? I have been using the 1.0 for a while now and am wondering if I would like the sound of the 1.1 more. I have heard that the upgrade is around $150 and would like to confirm this as well. I realize that I could just call Chad at BC for this info, but am really interested in user's (such as myself) opinions.
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Hi! Mind if I ask how long it took Bel Canto to perform the upgrade, Chelillingworth? My system sounds pretty good with the DAC-1, though I'm always open to improvements.
Thanks.
Chelillingworth: Thanks for the info, it sounds like a good go. I am looking into very expensive upgrades to my SET amp at this moment in regard to those very areas of sound and may just first upgrade the BC and go from there. Gunbei: I went from the AR Complete and CAL Icon MKII players to the Bel Canto DAC 1.0 (I preferred the sound of the CAL as a stand alone). The BC has a deeper sound stage, improved separation between instruments (especially on more complex material and at higher volumes), reduced but more defined bass than the CAL (the CAL was too bass heavy in my setup and I prefer the balance of the BC) and last but not least I just like its smooth sound and overall balance. I also discovered at a later date that the BC's phase switch can come in very handy with some music tracks. I use the BC DAC with the CAL as a transport, a BMI Whale power cord and Mapleshade and Homegrown Audio IC's in a 300B SET based system with Reynaud Twins.
Here is response I got from e-mail to BC about Dac 1.1

>>The DAC1.1 upgrade (now standard in our current production) consists of bigger and the highest quality transformers. Improvements most notably are in dynamics, micro and macro. Music seems to be fleshed out while retaining the DAC signature smoothness in every way, evoking an amazing sense of realism. As you are aware, the sound is outstanding and I feel worth every penny of the $150 cost to upgrade. I can assure anyone of the value of upgrading. Thanks for your input and time. <<

I also asked when new Dac with 24/192 upsampling would be available and got no response. A guess a phone call is only way to get more info on future developments.
Thanks Sam: I should probably send mine in now, while the rest of the system is still in a state of turmoil.