Digital Drive: REVIEW: Bel Canto Design CD-2 CD Player/Recorder by bullethead

Model:	CD-2
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$3000
Description:	Bel Canto CD-2 Top Loading CD Player/Transport
Manufacturer URL:	Bel Canto Design

Review by bullethead on April 19, 2009 at 07:08:17
IP Address: 173.68.58.59 Add Your Review
for the CD-2

Let me first say that I have been and am currently using a Bel Canto CD-2 as a Transport only in my system. This review only focuses on the CD-2 used as a Transport.

The Bel Canto CD-2 by far tops anything I've had or listened to. When used as a transport into a Bel Canto DAC3 (Using AES/EBU digital connection) the sound is really tight, lifelike and uncolored. I've had since re-discovered my entire cd collection and enjoy the top loading mechanism (it gives the approach of putting on a vinyl record). It comes with an external power supply which can accept aftermarket power cords.

The Bel Canto CD-2 uses a Phillips CD-Pro2LF drive, which is stated to be a professional quality and extremely durable drive. A magnetic puck is used to latch on to the compact disk and stabilize the disc and also help eliminate unwanted vibration. The CD-2 to me is extremely well built and it has a slim design which is visually appealing.

Sound quality when used as a transport is unmatched to anything I've heard. The player makes neutral music, this is what I have been striving to accomplish in my system for many years. Essentially I hear my DAC3 when I put on a disc, which is exactly what I wanted when I started reading about the CD-2. The DAC3/CD-2 obviously has a synergy about it which works exceptionally well.

I would recommend this source component for anyone serious about their compact disc collection.

Product Weakness:	limited information on the display
Product Strengths:	neutrality, build quality, remote

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto S300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Bel Canto DAC3
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bel Canto CD-2
Speakers: Dynaudio Contour 1.3MKII
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest King Cobra/Falcon
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Rock, Noise, Country
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Quintet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Bel Canto S300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bel Canto DAC3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bel Canto CD-2
Speakers:	Dynaudio Contour 1.3MKII
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest King Cobra/Falcon
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, Noise, Country
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Quintet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner