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Zodiac Gold w/Volticus vs Bel Canto w/VBS-1

I am looking for a DAC with volume control and remote to use with my new Modcode 402AU. I don't really want to go with a separate preamp and DAC because I am trying to keep things simple. I have about 4k to spend.

I have tried researching the above DAC's but have not found much pertaining to their sound signatures. I like a sound that is a bit on the warm side. It must be involving and detailed without going to the dry, clinical side of the spectrum. Speakers are Von Schweikert VR-33 which I really like. Source will be a Bolder modded Logitech Touch for now and possibly a Mac Mini or other such music server in the future.

If you have heard one or both of these DAC's or have any other suggestions, I would like to hear from you!
mca
rampage60
23 posts
 
I myself have the Bel Canto DAC3.5 with VBS1 paired with a Pass Labs XP-20and experiance just increadble SQ that's 2nd to none.

I have this combo connected to a music base server.
antigrunge
74 posts
 
I have replaced my Audioaero Capitole with the Zodiac Gold + Voltikus combo and about 500 hours on it now. I run it off a Mach2music Mac on PureVinyl and have detail, texture, colour and soundstage ambience to die for. The USB connection is fantastic provided you use the right cable and the setup on Mac OS is really easy. I run the Zodiac direct into my Wavac EC 300b and use the analogue inputs for two vinyl connections: no hum, no noise and beautiful music. Whatever Zodiac knows about clocks and attenuator design has gone into this and the result is absolutely stunning.
merlocpm
44 posts
 
I currently have a Zodiac Gold hooked up to a Moscode 402au amp. Source is a Mac Mini. It's a great combination. Prior to that I had a W4S DAC2. I found the DAC2 a bit more analytical compared to the Zodiac.
zuio's avatar
zuio
96 posts
 
i heard the zodiac gold voltikus, and while it had great tonality and soundstaging, its surgical character made it unbelievably detailed, but destroyed the rythm and flow at the same time.
chrissain
470 posts
 
the bel canto dac 3.5 mk 2 vbs is hard to beat, very good sound.
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