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Bel Canto ACI600 vs Black EX Sepates

I'm trying to decide between these two Bel Canto beauties for an office setup. Both are similarly priced.... The ACI 600 is an integrated version of the 55k Black system. The Black EX separates are the more budget friendly system.

Whatever I choose, they'll be driving KEF Reference 1's.

I'm looking for advice/impressions from people who have owned these systems or heard them at an audio show/dealer. What are the pros/cons of each setup?

Please, no advice on different electronics or speakers.

Thanks!
Ken
keoliphant
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
Decisions, decisions, decisions.....
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
Hello....Does anybody own ever heard these systems? I’m very interested but this is a big budget purchase.
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
Ok, no owners or auditions.... What would you do? The aci600 and ex black
separates retail for about 25k. 

My gut says go for the aci600..... It's part of the black family and a cheaper version of the black system.
yyzsantabarbara
4,820 posts
 
Are you going to have an audition with any of those units? They are rather different tech from most gear so I would definitely want to have a listen first. 

A few years ago the 50K Black system was listed here for around 28K by a dealer. Customer traded it in. Sounds like that original buyer had an expensive change of heart.
keoliphant OP
86 posts
 
@yyzsantabarbara : yes, having a difficult time pulling the trigger on a purchase like this without hearing it first...especially given the huge depreciation following initial purchase. The lack of response to this thread is proof that the Bel Canto Black doesn't seem to be a hot product.

With no local dealers stocking the Black or Back EX, I'm having 2nd thoughts and thinking of waiting for the new Hegel 590 integrated or the Luxman 509. The problem with the 509 is that I'd have to find a decent DAC as the Luxman integrated is DAC-less. 
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