Bel Canto Dac1

How does the Bel Canto DAC1 compre to the lower priced competition - MSB Link DAC and all of its tweeked versions, Millenium DAc, Perpetual Technologies, Monarchy, on and on...?

I replaced a Micro Mega Duo BS1 with a Bel Canto around 9 months ago. The Micro Mega replaced a Theta Pro Basic II. Before getting the Bel Canto I home auditioned the MSB Link (version 1, I believe). The Micro Mega was much better than the MSB. Not even close. The MSB had a little more midrange detail, but was lacking in bottom end and sounded lean and unnatural. The MSB is worth every penny of around $300, but not much more. I also have Micro Mega Micro Dac that sounded better than the MSB. The Bel Canto stomped the Micro Mega-much more detailed (more than the MSB) and more natural sound. I am going to sell my Oracle turntable. The only processor I have heard that rivals the Bel Canto would be a Theta Gen V and I would bet the Bel Canto has a better midrange (Theta has more bass). Recently a friend of mine who has heard the Linn Sondek CD player visited and said my system sounded better.

Joe What are you using for a transport? I am seriously considering the Bel Canto also but am also considering an all in one unit, maybe the Resolution CD-55. Problem is I do not have a local dealer that has the products I am interested in to compare. Have you heard any all in one units that DO compare with the sonics of the Bel Canto? Thanks Will

I am using a Parasound C/BT 2000 (belt drive), Harmonic Tech. Copper Cable, Audio Alchemy DTI Pro, Madrigal Digital cable into the DAC-1. I am using Harmonic Tech Truthlinks into my preamp, but I have also used MIT Terminator 2 i/c's with success. For fun, I have put the Bel Canto into my second system where I use a Marantz CD-94 and AA DTI 2.0 as a transport and it sounded fine. I have not been able to try a DVD player as a transport which is what Bel Canto recommends. The only all in one player I have recently auditioned at home was a Rega Planet and my old Micro Mega Mini-dac sounded just like it, if not a little smoother. I have heard the Wadia all in one players in dealer demos but I think my Bel Canto sounds smoother with the same or better resolution. If you can get a Pioneer DVD player for $200, a used AA DTI 2.0 or pro, and the Bel Canto DAC, you would probably have a world class digital set up for less than a high priced all in one player.

I have a Bel Canto DAC 1/Pioneer DVD 525 combo. They are a great combo for the price. If you want to get more air and musicallity try them with Analysis Plus Silver oval speaker cables and interconncets. They are awesome. Not cheap but well worth what you get. Good luck.