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Upgrade or Downgrade Changing Bel Canto 3.7 For New Denafrips Pontus 15th?

Help! I’m looking to replace my Bel Canto 3.7 DAC with the new Pontus 15th DAC (similar to the Denafrips Venus 12th). The main motivation for this change is that I’d like an I2S connection for my CD transport to natively play the SACD’s I have.

(For information my current CD playback system is PS Audio Perfectwave CD/SACD Transport via XLR, and an Onkyo C5 SACD player via Toslink into the Bel Canto 3.7 DAC; Pathos Kratos Hybrid Integrated Amplifier and Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII speakers with Arendal 1723S subwoofer.)

I would greatly appreciate any insights into whether this change would be an upgrade or a downgrade to my system given the musicality of the Bel Canto 3.7?

sparksgja
ucrazykid's avatar
ucrazykid
52 posts
 

Ah! I see. So they Onkyo won’t be needed once you have the PS feeding a DAC from its I2S output.  Got it. 

dickieboy's avatar
dickieboy
64 posts
 

Why not a PS Audio Direct stream Mk I. They're selling reconditioned ones for $1600. 

sparksgja OP
42 posts
 

@dickieboy 

That should guarantee integration but I have tried the PS Audio and didn't love the sound and for just $300 more I can get a new Pontus 15th which is really an improved Venus 12th that's almost as good as end game Terminator. But a sensible idea to go PS Audio, love their BHK range.

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