Bel Canto DAC3 or CD-1

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.

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

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.

Thanks for you comments so far. Coming from a dealer who sells Bel Canto products, I was told to keep my present CDP and add the DAC3 for an even better sound than what I heard last Sunday with the CD-1 and my system...3.6 maggies speakers, C J PV-12A preamp, Rotel RB 1090 amp, M L Depth sub.

I couldn't believe how much better every CD that I played that day sounded over what I have now. But my dealer contact said the DAC3 would be better!!

I just bought a used DAC3 here on Audiogon. I can't wait to hear it. It will be interesting to try it through my preamp and then minus the preamp and direct to my amp.