Upsampling DACS: Take the Pepsi Challenge

I too have been worrying about this problem. The problem is that one really has to listen to these DACs to compare them and it is not possible to find dealers that carry more than one line. It becomes especially difficult with the various upgrades available and the availability of kits. I was considering the Bel Canto, the MSB LINK (and its various variants), and the Sonic Frontiers Assemblage D2D-1 upsampler and the 2.6 and 3.0 DACs. I was leaning toward the Assemblage stuff but heard from friends that the kits were difficult to assemble (especially with the upgraded components). I also went to hear and compare the dCS Purcell/Delius combo with the Mark Levinson Reference 30.6, both using a ML 31.5 transport. (I thought that the dCS sounded better, but not by much). I then heard really good things about the Dodson DA217 MkIID upsampling DAC (www.dodsonaudio.com), and will have one on approval for a week or so at my home in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know of the out come.

As far as actually getting true 140dB performance, the only DAC that even claims this is the new $15,000 Boulder (no, I've not heard it). The DAC's in question have NOT tested to 140dB, in any test I've seen. You have to keep in mind that the analog circuit after the DAC would have to be RADICALLY quiet, and there are hardly any in the world that are, especially anything in the $1000 price range, and MOST especially anything that must operate within, or near, digital circuitry (like a DAC).

You may have read my glowing review of the Bel Canto on www.audiotweakers.com In anticipation of the Perpetual P3-A (we are dealers) I sold the Bel Canto. As an interim and a back up, I bought a Monarchy 18B- piggy back 18 bit dacs with a passive buffered volume control. The results were consistent with or without active Klyne 7.3 LXBP in the system. I was shocked. It was much better then the BC. Why? Most likely it's the power supply differences. The Monarchy uses a 35 watt toroid- big enough for preamps. My partner has the dCS ELgar/Purcell combo and recently bought the Accuphase DVP 75- 192 upsampling player. He was hoping the all in one box approach would be the better choice. To our ears the dCS is the clear winner, as it should be at almost twice the price. What's the point? Upsampling isn't necessarily better, and there are marked differences between very expensive upsamplers. At $995, the Monarchy is an outstanding performer, but my Perpetual Tech P3-A should be here any day. Check our website in a week or two for a review.

Thanks, guys. Looking foreward to the Perp Tech P3-A review.

Hi, I don't agree with Tweak1 about the Monarchy 18B seriously outclassing the Bel Canto. It defies common sense if you think about it, i.e., older technology beating the latest technology. I used a modified Monarchy D22 for reference for a long time and liked it very much--but then I bought a Parasound D/AC-2000 and liked that a little better. Now, I have the BC and feel (with my Parasound C/BD-2000 belt-drive transport)that it is on a higher plateau than either the Monarchy D22 or the Parasound. The bass is excellent, micro-dynamic contrasts--superior, and the highs are both relaxed AND detailed. For the first time, I'm hearing analogue-like air from a digital source with ordinary CDs--I don't believe the Monarchy 18B (good though it may be) can match that. However, I will say that there are many factors that can degrade the performance of the Bel Canto--so if it was set up so as to perform at a disadvantage, than anything is possible, I suppose. The unit is transport-sensitive and benefits from being placed on a properly damped, isolated base. My advice is not to believe everything you see in print. Try to make your own comparisons first-hand in a familiar system, rather than taking a stranger's word (even mine) on blind faith. Regards, Plato