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



Hi folks

As I suffer from the disease of ‘more’ and I’d like very much to gain another level of performance in terms of honesty in the tones, and greater immediacy with imaging and sound stage representation, I’m looking for input here so I can decide which is better for me right now:

1. Modding my current stock BC DAC3
2. Sell it and buy another brand & model entirely?

I’m guessing the modding route one of greater value as it could likely be less expensive a way to go for me to gain what I seek.

My hesitancy to have it modded, revolves around the possibility of me winding up with a DAC that is transformed into something so critically revealing and resolute so as to be without the involvement which comes from the truth & naturalness of real music, thereby reducing the music I can play through it.

I listen to everything but the baser urban genres. Rap & most Hip Hop usually aren’t my cup of tea. All else? Yep. Pretty much and now I’m starting to get into classical as well. Mainly though it is jazz, big band jazz, vocalists, Bluegrass, R&B, Folk, Country, World, Rock, Blues, etc, etc.

Anyone who has had a DAC3 modded and would take the time to provide some feedback as to the results would be immensely appreciated.

Of course, any other thoughts on the topic in general are welcome too, and perhaps in terms of which mod master tends to voice their mods in SUCH & SUCH A WAY… OR THE LIKE.

I feel naturalness & honesty in tone, timber, dynamic range, as well as ambient retrieval are of significant consequence to capture the soul of the musical recreation and enhance the illusion of they are here, or you are there, which I get a fair degree of now.

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 seen only the notes from Underwood HiFi on their level one and two mods, and the recent claims of the new VBS technology available thru Bel Canto for some of their e One level components.

As all of my system is and will continue to be digitally sourced a DAC is the key item for me. I must add too I do like what the DAC3 does for my stereo and my HT rig presently.

Thanks a lot for the input and consideration on this inquiry.
blindjim

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...
I would give Wyred a call. Heard their new DAC and was quite impressed. It's based on the Sabre 908 chip.
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Good luck on your search.

However, I'm a little confused by the jitter comment. The BC3 reviews I've seen show very good performance but with some variability depending on input type. The Lavry is in the same range but varies less with source. With a proper setup jitter should be a non-issue with either one.

Guess I'm just lucky in one fashion - I'm very pleased with my system and haven't had an urge to go changing things for quite some time.