Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

Ah, one thing that the Merason POW1 linear power supply has that all other generic external linear power supplies do not are 3 different power supplies internally.  The POW1 connection cable is actually a special 5-pin DIN cable.  It has power supplies for digital section (probably 5V), and two separate rails for I/V analog section (this is something like a +15V line and a -15V line, but it could be any voltage).  The important part is the analog section works better with a + and a - voltage power supply line.

Most DACs that have internal linear power supplies (like the LKS 005) do have multiple power supplies.  My LKS 004 dac actually has 6 separate power supplies internally (2 for analog I/V, 3 for digital, 1 for controller and front panel).  The LKS 005 most likely has 6 power supplies as well (it follows Musetec approach).

I demoed the Merason Ferot vs my Border Patrol DAC and well BP won. Now have Bel Canto DAC 2.7 and it smokes both the Ferot and BP. 

auxinput - Thanks for your long & detailed response. I think 
jerryg123 the MF and BP DACs in one sentence!

If I were to go with the MF and add on their LPS I'm at $2250, $700 shy of the Musetec (BF Sale price) and I don't need an LPS with the Musetec.

As it seems the Musectec is so highly rated, maybe I will just take advantage of this sale, or maybe the Bel Canto DAC?

Now have Bel Canto DAC 2.7 and it smokes both the Ferot and BP.

I really hate comments like this because everyone has them.  Just watch now for people coming out of their nooks and crannies and saying "this DAC is the absolute best" just because it's the dac they have.

I generally try to tell people what kind of sound a certain piece of equipment or combination will make instead of saying "this dac is better than this other dac". 

I would love for people to do the same here.  In what ways does the Bel Canto 2.7 sound --different-- than the BP and Ferot dacs?  What does it bring to the table?  What does it take away?  lol.  This will help people much more than just saying "this dac smokes xxx".

As far as the Bel Canto 2.7, it doesn't look really impressive internally.  A rather small transformor and power supply with op amps littered all over the I/V and output stage.  Because of the linear power supply, this dac may sound better than the stock Ferot.  But I bet the Ferot with linear power supply would beat the Bel :Canto.

As far as Border Patrol vs Bel Canto, I think it is a difference in sonic signature.  jerryg123 might like the resolution of the Bel Canto much better than the organic (slightly messy) character of the Border Patrol.  Does that mean Bel Canto smokes Border Patrol???  It's up to the listener and what they are looking for.

Touché auxinput