Bel Canto DAC3 or Cambridge Audio 840C?

I haven't heard the Cambridge or the Bel Canto but if you like a smooth but detailed sound you should also consider the Tdac, it has a very analog sound with an extremely clean presentation and can be had for less than either the Bel Canto or the Cambridge

Thanks Meman, this is very interesting. Seems like a winner from what I'm reading. OK I'm taking TDAC into consideration now. I'd really like to hear from somebody who has experience with TDAC and Bel Canto DAC-3. I have read reports of TDAC outshining Benchmark by a considerable margin, which is impressive.

Being a Bel Canto dealer and an Usher dealer and also being a former Cambridge dealer, I feel quite confident in the pairing of your equipment with the Bel Canto DAC3. The bonus, with the DAC3 is that you can simplify your system if you have all digital sources by getting rid of the preamp and having the DAC3 drive the amp directly. But, you could easily try it through your preamp or driving the amp directly to see what you prefer. I was just visiting a friend/customer of mine last night that has the DAC3 from me with the M300 monos and BE-718's and it is a very nice combination. The Cambridge 840C is very nice for the money, but it's not in the league of the DAC3, IMHO. According to your sonic preferences, the DAC3 is a better match for you than the 840C.

dac three all the way, I have a dac 3 vbs combo driving rogue m180 monoblocks and revel f32s and it sounds superb. good luck,chris

It is your lucky day. I own a DAC3 and would be willing to sell it to you for $1199 including shipping. It is in absolutely perfect condition. I am the original owner and I have all of the original equipment as well as box. I am interested in a $5000 dac and it would offset approximately 20% of the cost.