Since no one has chimed in yet, I had the DAC3 and DAC3 VB in my system on extended demo and they were outstanding. If you go with BC you need to get the VB version as it brings the DAC to a much much higher level. Extremely neutral and transparent yet exceedingly natural sounding with incredible imaging and soundstaging is how I'd sum it up. I also used it direct into my amp, and although I didn't notice any improvements I also heard no negative effects, so I view that as a positive if you plan to use it this way. No balance control though if that's an issue. Reviews compare it favorably to some of the best (and much pricier) DACs extant, and I certainly see why. I haven't heard the Marantz, but I'd be very surprised if a DAC built to that price level could achieve this level of performance. Then again, personal taste comes into play to so that's a big unknown. DSD could be an issue too. Anyway, hope this helps somewhat and best of luck.
Marantz HD-DAC1 vs Bel Canto DAC 1.x/2.x/3.x?
Hi,
Has anyone had the chance to compare the Marantz HD-DAC1 to any of the Bel Canto DACs?
The Marantz is $800, plays DSD, and has a headphone amplifier. It has a line out (into a preamp) and variable line out (hence can be used as a preamp).
The Bel Cantos range from $1,500-$4,500. No headphone amp. The amplification is digital (hence digital preamp), and feeds the amp directly.
Has anyone had a chance to listen to both makes and give some feedback as to the audio quality and characteristics differences?
Thanks!
Has anyone had the chance to compare the Marantz HD-DAC1 to any of the Bel Canto DACs?
The Marantz is $800, plays DSD, and has a headphone amplifier. It has a line out (into a preamp) and variable line out (hence can be used as a preamp).
The Bel Cantos range from $1,500-$4,500. No headphone amp. The amplification is digital (hence digital preamp), and feeds the amp directly.
Has anyone had a chance to listen to both makes and give some feedback as to the audio quality and characteristics differences?
Thanks!
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