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Bel Canto CD-2 and Benchmark DAC1


Im after a decent CDP for my DAC1 and now I keen on getting a Bel Canto CD-2.

I just wonder whether the build-in DAC module of CD-2 is better than DAC1 or not? How they sound for this combo?
capq
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Capq - That's the main advantage of DAC1. It doesn't benefit from good transport or digital cables.
capq OP
5 posts
 
I've tried using the DAC1 on both my laptop (macbook pro via optical) and Marantz CD52 MK2 CDP and I have to say I can't agree with your opinion. Both of them are kinda low-end source but they sound huge different via DAC1. That's why I think to upgrade my CDP to a higher grade one.

As well as I saw a couple of fellows in Head-Fi use 3K+ CDP with their DAC1 or Apogee Mini-DAC. So I guess DAC1 can benefit from good transport.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Borrow good transport before you buy!
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shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Bob,

I suspect you have identified Capq's most likely problem. PC audio is a minefield. iTunes defaults with the EQ on and some versions of iTunes are buggy (sample rate issues and volume control issues). The best way to get transparent is to make sure the sample rate is set correctly and that the volume control and EQ are off.
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