bel canto dac 3 cd 2 owners

Good description Chris. It matches my feelings as well. I'm a big fan of the DAC3.5VB/VBS1 combo and have been using it ever since the DAC3.5VB became available in my system. I use it as a front-end/preamp going directly into a power amp. I am a Bel Canto dealer, so you can feel free to take my opinion with a grain of salt if you want, but I just wanted to say that I agree with Chris' assessment.

Has anyone compared the two power supplies?
Is it true that the single supply is of lesser quality?

The VBS1 definitely takes performance to a higher level as well it should considering its price. That's not to say that the LNS1 isn't good, because it is, but the VBS1 is a lot better.

Since I do not plan on building a Bel Canto system, I am
disappointed that they do not have the VBS1 x 1 output at
a lower cost. If I am going to upgrade I do want the best
possible performance path. This looks like a deal breaker
for me unless they can upgrade the LNS1 to a VBS1 x 1. Otherwise, I would be wasting a lot of money on unusable power outputs.

Everest audio, can you give us a break down on the sonic
benefits of the VBS1 vs the LNS1?

I imagine that the cost of having one output vs the three outputs that exist on the VBS1 wouldn't be that much less. You still have the component chassis and all the same technology employed, so I wouldn't think that the savings would be that much at all. So, don't think of it as wasting money if you're only using one of the outputs. If you spent less money and didn't get something nearly as good, then I'd consider that a waste. So, if you say that you want "the best possible performance path" then the VBS1 is the way to go whether you're powering one Bel Canto front-end component or as many as three.

The VBS1 is really a step up across the board. The noise floor is already very low with the LNS1, but it's even lower with the VBS1. The VBS1 provides a more relaxed and natural sounding presentation that allows you to get immersed into the music in a better way. Subtle details and delicacy is better with overall better refinement in a totally non-analytical manner. Go to the review section on our site and see the reviews of the VBS1. I think the reviewers got it right when they talk about the difference the VBS1 makes. I know I wouldn't want to be without it in my system and I already use good line conditioning. The VBS1 still takes performance further.