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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
1,438 posts
 
Dpac996 makes an excellent point - how can one ascribe all audible differences between two DACs to a single factor, especially when the jitter figure differences between the two are fairly insignificant?

While the word may conjur up a certain mental image, I don't believe DAC jitter exhibits as a single phenomenon (e.g., as tape flutter or record wow might.)

There are a lot of other design and parts differences between the two pieces of gear. Some of those likely play a role in the differences you hear.

If I were you (and I'm obviously not) I think the thing I'd want to do first is identify what specific parameters I'd like to see improve. You might even find changing another component a more effective route to accomplish your goal.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is step back and reevaluate priorities and see if we're really spending our energy where it can make the biggest difference.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Mlsstl

Very thoughtful remarks, thanks.

I'm simply investigating the prospecs of improvements which can or are gained from modding. I clearly see the possible dollar loss in that venture. I wonder not so much about that though viable it is, but as to peeling back another layer from the onion, or mist from the window and thereby gain greater insights into the reproduced musical event.

I felt the DAC3 the likely candidate for the injection of mo' dough.

From several sources querried by an online mag writer, all were asked the same 10 Q's. All I've read thus far attribute jitter as the most likely candidate for poor sound reproduction in the digital realm.

Sure, there's more to a DAC or player than just the ckt that addresses jitter reduction. Of course. sorry I pointed to that single item as the why of things when I compared the Lavry to the BC DAC.

I'm thinking I'd like to get a bit more transparency, more liquidity, some bit more depth in the stage, and more immediacy in the images. I doubt seriously I'll get that with $2500.... consequently enhancing the DAC seems a likely path... as I've already got the DAC.

$1000 won't get me another amp and I want to keep those I have now. It definitely won't do me better in the preamp arena, I feel mine's a keeper. I'm doubtful I'll make much of a step up by selling my speakers and adding another grand there.

I've been putting off trying out another set of ICs, and heard using a better sound card could help. I've also contacted BC to inquire about their new VBS tech... so we'll see what they say about that.
chayro
2,997 posts
 
I would stay away from mods unless the person doing the work can send you a finished product for demo. Otherwise, there's just no way you know what you're getting.

Also, if you are as particular as you seem to be, I would invest the time in taking the DAC3 into dealers and demoing it against a potential purchase in the same system, if not your own. Home demos are not always feasable. If you just want something good, you can buy it over the net unheard. There's lots of good stuff out there. But if you really want something that takes you personally to the next level, I think a dealer audition is the only way. IMO. Thanks.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Chayro

I believe those notions are spot on. I've often wondered why one is usually unable to preview an already outfitted (modded) device beforehand. It adds to the mystery of mods to be sure.

One would think, as with so many other makers whose products can be previewed in home for some reasonable period, the best way to decide in truth too, these pro modders who do a fantastic printed sales job as to the outcome would then allow serious parties to see first hand that handywork up close and personal. I mean, were I in their places and the professed upgrades did as advertised, I certainly would. that should for good and all, eliminate the doubts and doubters.

True too, there is indeed a LOT of good out there. I'm not seeking more 'good' but more aptly put I hope greater performance. Neither am I bored or seeking another flavor.

I think by and large we are all picky. Some more than others to be sure. I hope I am nnot comming off as such. I simply know what I'm getting and enjoy it... yet feel it can be improved upon without making wholesale changes.

I did that wholesale thing a little while back and it wasn't fun. Too much had to be changed and not just the components.

I'll await for a time, a response from BC on their new VBS gizmo, and see about trying out a more resolute yet refined set of source ICs in the interim.

Maybe better ICs will peel off a layer or two for me right there and questionable or unknown mods can be forgotten altogether.
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
The listed Underwood BC mods(Cree SiC diodes, OPA627 op amps, Connex silver IC, Riken resistors, Multicap PPFXS coupling caps) should together make a decisive improvement, but $1200 for around $150 in parts plus six hours work may be a bit rich.
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