Mod my B C DAC 3, or just get another DAC?

Naturally, a higher level of resolution is amenable to that end, yet it should not be the spotlit attribute of a presentation. I listen for hours on end now and would wish that frame not be truncated by listening fatigue.

I've always been a bit puzzled by this type of statement. It is not uncommon to see people claim that the drawback of some "higher resolution" or "extremely accurate" systems is listener fatigue.

When I attend live music events I am never fatigued by the music (unless it involves poor quality amplification or is much too loud.)

There are, of course, some recordings that are not what they could be and a good system will show that, but more often than not the systems I heard that are described as ruthlessly revealing often are not really accurate to my ears but rather have a tilt up or extra edge in the high frequency ranges.

This can give an initially "revealing" impressive zip to things but ultimately is tiring because it is not a natural presentation. Therefore if a music system is fatiguing it is obviously missing the boat on something in the realm of accuracy.

All of that said, I can recommend the Lavry DA-10 (they also have a DA-11 now). I've used it for a couple of years and have no urge to change to anything else.

I would suggest trying a different DAC rather than modding, since it does not seem like you like the "house sound" of the DAC 3 to begin with. I've modded several pieces of digital gear, but I liked the pieces to began with and only sought to improve on what they already did well. Trying to change the basic character of a DAC through modding is a riskier proposition, IMHO. Also, as far as value, you will get little return, monetarily, from modding. So, I would sell the DAC 3, and add the money you have allotted for modding, and upgrade to something new.

Mlsstl

I sort of thought I said what I felt was a good thing, but perhaps did not account as well for what is IMO a bad thing, yet you did.

I’ve heard time and again, system after system which promote resolution over what I feel is natural or realistic sound. As you said, “… tipped up..” . Another perception of mine is this, “Dry” or maybe thin.

Let’s face it to, there are devices out there which are not really great sounding, or terms like bright, dry, forward, aggressive, thin, etc, wouldn’t be terms one see’s as negative characteristics of a component… and those devices do exist… subjective as they may or may not be in fact.

I gave the DA10 a go… liked it a lot, but went with the DAC 3 as it provided me more of what my rig needed than did the Lavry… it also gave more resolution, better bass, and a better presentation of the stage and it’s images. Not to mention the better control of jitter. Albeit, to insert the BC DAC 3 into a 100% SS rig, one might be well served to matching and it’s setup, therein. IMO

If I had a DAC blender, a mix of the Lavry and BC D3 would be a hard one to beat.

I’d like to have such a ‘blend’ on a higher level then either maker’s stock DAC provides now.

Cruz123
>I would suggest trying a different DAC rather than modding, since it does not seem like you like the "house sound" of the DAC 3 to begin with.<

Thanks. You must have missed the part where I said in my next to last paragraph….
>

I definitely get the part about the possibility of it being a poor investment, but I’ve not looked at stereo gear as investment properties per se. Not with losses of 30% to 50% right off the bat following the purchase. But I do appreciate that reminder…. It is what it is, mod or no mod, the depreciation is worse on gear than on a new car driven off a new car sales lot.

Knowing who in fact does mods now on the Bel Canto DAC 3 other than underwood H FiI, I think might help.

The statement Wally makes as to the results of their level 2 mod on the BC DAC 3 are the sorts of results I’d be seeking.

I guess what I’m seeking here is validation of those efforts/mods by another who has had them done…. Or someone who had similar mods done to their DAC via some other modder.

I’ve found no online reviews, here or elsewhere indicating what benefits or caveats were attained following their mods on DACs. I’ve seen a good number of accounts on CDP mods, some on amps, just not on the BC DAC3.

i have been on a search for a dac that satisfies my unreasonable expectations and ordered a berkeley alpha dac last week. i did this based solely on what i have read and the experience of couple of guys i know. this is supposed to be a special piece of gear so i am quite excited. i was not sure of your budget but that is the dac i chose...

good luck on your quest blindjim...