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News about Bel Canto Dac2 Release

Thought I would give members a heads up and print an e-mail
(with permission of BC) I received from Bel Canto inquiring about when update for Dac 1.1 will be ready:

>>>We are coming out with the DAC2 in a couple weeks. The DAC2 is a completely new d/a converter from Bel Canto. It does 24 bit/ 192 kHz upsampling using the very latest hardware in a very sophisticated design. The DAC2 will be available as an upgrade to DAC1 customers for $700. You will need the 1.1 power supply, which costs $150 if you do not. Preliminary listening indicates that the DAC2 comes very close to SACD and DAD in sound, potentially becoming "The Reference". It is THAT good. Please let me know of your intentions as our first run is already
spoken for. <<<

All sounds very good as I have been very happy with Dac 1.1,
and can't wait for reports from the field on Dac 2.

Gunbei, may-be you should have waited on that Kora Dac?
128x128megasam
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Sam, wow!!!!!!

I may wait to sell my DAC 1.1, get the "2" upgrade, THEN compare it to the Kora Hermes!!!!!! That would be a cool comparo. Right now I find the Kora to have more air and dimension, just as much detail and a fuller, more warmer presentation than the Bel Canto. Overall more natural and smoother.

Will the Dac2 use a 24/192 chipset? From what you say, it seems the DAC2 will keep the 1.1 power supply. For $700, I may do the experiment. Gee thanks Sam, with the talk of the DAC2 you just put the brakes on what may have been a whole Virtual Dynamics cable/cord overhaul. :•)
megasam's avatar
megasam OP
798 posts
 
Yes if you have the Dac 1.1 now, you can upgrade to Dac 2 for $700. There was no mention what a new factory issue Dac 2 costs. Sounds like there are some in line ahead of us, although e-mail is not specific if those are upgrades or finished new factory units for dealer delivery, a call needs to be made to BC/dealer for those ready now.

I would like to hear a little feedback from the field before I send my beloved Dac 1.1 in for surgery. Gunbei may-be we can talk Dekay into being the "guinea pig"
rupertdacat
25 posts
 

I have it from BC that the DAC2 will be $1300.

Rupe
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Sam, unfortunately Dekay sold his DAC 1.1. We should talk him into getting the new unit, then he'll be one of the few people that has heard all three versions of the Bel Canto.

Rupe, $1300? Wow! If the unit is better than the 1.1 AND $125 cheaper, that would be incredible.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I received an e-mail from Craig Bleeker of Bel Canto Design stating that they are trying for a release of the DAC2 in two weeks or less. They'll also have a better idea of what the turnaround time will be for converting a DAC 1 or 1.1 to 2 status will take in about a week or so.
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