Bel Canto Dac 3.7 in 2018?


Hi all,

I’ve come across a store demo 3.7 including the VBL for approximately 3000. Mint. Boxed, ready for sell. I know some might consider it dated due to lack of mqa, dsd, pcm, which is not available on this unit. Or perhaps the converter is dated?

Im quite content with 24/192. I’m waiting for the dust to settle on what will become the industry standard.  Mqa still seems questionable. Though promising. 

I currenty own a Bel Canto Reflink which would utilize the fiber connection for optimal SQ.  Add the VBL. It looks like a win for my needs and price. 

At the same time. There are always options, and different viewpoints. Which I would take into account. 

New or used. Would the community agree the 3.7 still holds up for 2018.  Are there similar units for the same price range that will surpass the 3.7 with the VBL. 

I lean towards seperates that has a external power source. Though I am open to a all in one unit. 

I believe Mytek can be hooked up to a separate power supply as well. Though I feel the Mytek  Brooklyn + has way too many features which could potentially impair the SQ. I’m very much into a simple UI. Clean lines. Less is more. Etc..

Thank you for your input. 

J


jred
Just curious if anybody has upgraded their older DAC 3.5VB to the 3.7VB?  Bel Canto no longer even lists the 3.7VB on their website, but still offers upgrades for older 3.5's (for $500).  Does the sonic improvement (if any) justify the expense?
Upgrading to 3.7 from 3.5 was certainly worth it to me!  A bit more detail... a bit more clear... all good.  If you consider the investment you already have in the 3.5 it is worth the 500.

On another note... anyone compare the VBS to the VBL power supply?
The Newer 2.7 Belcanto dac is better then the both the 3.5 and 3.7 
Dual Femto clocks , and very good power supplies, the clocks alone 
give this dac much better resolution and 124db dynamic range 
Very low noise floor.  Check it out makes sure it has a few  hundred hours on it 
and takes a long time to warm up at least 24 hours to sound at its best.
even out of stand by.
The 3.7 with the linear external power supply is perhaps a bit more refined then the 2.7 but not by much  . And $1,000s more money.

I’ve had the 3.7 for about a year now. I obtained it for 3,000. New in box. From what I gather it has performed well.

I don’t see myself selling the 3.7 anytime soon. Though I do see a tube pre amp, and a class D amp in the near future.

Interesting about the revised 2.7 - Dual Femto clocks. Nice upgrade. Though considering what I paid for the 3.7 new. Cost of a new 2.7. It pretty much averages out imo.

J