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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
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.
Post removed 
chayro
2,997 posts
 
Blindjim - I am not in any way implying that modded products are not good or excellent. They may well be, but in this hobby, we are trying to find gear that satisfies our personal tastes, which may be largely dictated by our room and system, as well as preferences. This may not coincide with the tastes of the person doing the mods.

Modwright sent a friend of mine a Sony tube DVD/SACD player, which he obviously thought enough of to purchase. All I was trying to say was, once you are on the level of the BC3, you should quit the hit-and-miss game and find something you really love. In my experience, it ususally cost more than I wanted to spend, but that's life.
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