I've heard the Bel Canto DAC 1 and the 1.1 in my system, and I agree, the 1.1 to my ears was only a minor improvement in certain areas. However, either one with a nice power cord and interconnects was a MAJOR improvement over the low dollar digital equipment I've used. Better than a Rega or comparably priced Arcam etc, I don't know but I suspect so. Plus you can hook it up to your DVD player and you've got a one box movie/music machine with very respectable sound. OK, two boxes.
I noticed that $500 DAC 1 too, and said to myself, that thing's gonna last about 30 seconds...
It's my humble opinion that upsampling is the ticket to an extended life span for 16/44 material. It remains to be seen whether or not it's going to be implemented in more mass market products (like the Denon and I think Onkyo has some upsampling receivers too). I sure hope so.
I noticed that $500 DAC 1 too, and said to myself, that thing's gonna last about 30 seconds...
It's my humble opinion that upsampling is the ticket to an extended life span for 16/44 material. It remains to be seen whether or not it's going to be implemented in more mass market products (like the Denon and I think Onkyo has some upsampling receivers too). I sure hope so.