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Bel Canto DAC3 or CD-1

I have been told that addind a DAC3 to my existing CD player would result in better quality sound than getting a used CD-1 to replace my old CD player (Underwood HiFi modified Onix XCD-88...virtually the same as a Music Hall CD-25)

The reason I am asking for your opinion is because a friend and fellow Audiogoner brought his CD-1 up last weekend and it sounded fabulous in my system. My CD's never sound this good. Thanks in advance for your comments!!
128x128pummill
zapper
68 posts
 
The DAC 3 is going to do so many other things, if you want it to. It has multiple digital ins for other sources like Sqeezebox, sat receiver, etc., no pre-amp is necessary, which is huge, a great unit. The sound I heard was equal to any of their current CDPs.
dsremer
210 posts
 
The CD-1 is a excellent cd player with a extremely good drive unit. I have one thats competes very well with my A.R.CD3 MK11. I would suggest buying that used one. The bel canto is more analoge in its sound than the Audio Research but not a detailed. I also have tried different drive units(digital out) through my custom DAC with the bel canto being the best.
Dennis
glrtrgi
69 posts
 
I have the CD-1 and I am extremely happy with it. I have had a Naim 3.5 player and a Philips SACD-1000 modified by APL. Holding my breath and crossing my fingers I bought the CD-1 unheard but recommended by a fellow 'goner. It has a very easy way about how it produces music, not forced in any way. I prefer this kind of presentation personally as I am VERY sensitive to any sort of digital hash. I'm not saying it's the second coming or anything, and I have not heard a DAC3. I did however bring it over to a friend's house who had an extremely expensive MSB player and believe me he was impressed. In fact he is looking into possible buying a Bel-Canto digital product right now.

The CD-1 is a very solid product and one that does not get much "play" here or anywhere else...but it deserves it IMHO.
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