Digital Drive: REVIEW: Bel Canto Design DAC1 DAC Processors by Egil

Model:	DAC1
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1,295
Description:	upsampling digital to analog converter with 48kHz Slow Roll-off Filter
Manufacturer URL:	Bel Canto Design
Model Picture:	View

Review by Egil ( A ) on October 24, 2002 at 10:13:26
IP Address: 63.87.103.5

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After discussing upgrades to my modest system (see below) with several dealers and friends, I concluded that I subscribe to the group that believes in starting with source upgrades first. I had heard the Bel Canto DAC1 a year or so ago at a dealer and liked it (though at the time I was almost just as impressed with the Cambridge Audio D500 SE- it's a very good player for budget systems- but I digress). When looking on Audiogon for good used DACs in the $ 400-500 range, I quickly realized that the current Bel Canto DAC2 was causing a decent volume of used DAC1 sales. DACs seem to be a good place to get (almost literally) yesterday's technology for half price or less. : )
The two main contenders in the price class I was investigating seemed to be the Bel Canto and the Perpetual Tech P3A. The latter is undoubtedly a good product based on reputation alone, but I noted when reading about it that it might be a little on the forward side for my tastes (given more money and time, I would probably be a vinyl guy). Before purchasing, I called Bel Canto to check on upgradability to 1.1 status (new power supply) or 2 status (all-new innards). The CEDIA show delayed Bel Canto's response slightly, but once the show was over a very nice gentleman from customer support called me back and was very helpful- the 1.1 upgrade is $ 150 and the 2 upgrade is $ 750 ($ 600 if the power supply has already been changed). Their turnaround times are currently 1-2 days from receipt. Very nice.
So I took the leap and bought a used Bel Canto for $ 450, and connected it with a Monster M1000V silver coax interconnect. The M1000V is intended as a starter cable that will likely be replaced with a Harmonic Technology Copper or Silver digital coax interconnect later. Though I'm not sure that the Monster's that bad...
The Bel Canto DACs (they all use the same chassis, I believe) are small and compactly designed. They can fit behind your source transport, as they take about as much space as a brick (though the DAC1 only weighs about 4 pounds). The DAC1 has Toslink and coax inputs, of which only one may be used at a time. The connectors are all high-quality and gold-plated, and the output plugs are distanced far enough apart that even the really fat wires can fit well (this was an issue on my NAD- the Truthlinks are quite thick). The finish is matte black with a ribbed texture on the sides, and a gold plate with the Bel Canto logo. Simple, clean and elegant, in my mind. The power cord is upgradable and uses a standard IEC connector.
Once the DAC1 was set up (a snap- anyone with a basic knowledge of audio gear can do it without even consulting the documentation), I hid it behind my Creek headphone amp and headphones. The differences were apparent. I started out using my headphones (Sony MDR-V600, a good closed design- oddly enough I preferred them over my Grados with the Bel Canto), as my better half was watching TV at the time. But the improvements were easy to pinpoint, and were only confirmed emphatically when I started auditioning with the speakers going:
Everything was more tight, as if it had been bolted down, both from a definition standpoint as well as positioning in the soundstage. The NAD does a decent job on its own with placing elements across the width of the soundstage, but now there is added depth (still limited by the amp and speaker/room, I'm sure) as well. The tonal improvement was one of the main strengths. Bass definition is much clearer, with no smearing or blur- notes are clearly separated. The midrange, which was already pretty realistic tonally, is clearer and more detailed. This was shown in a wonderful rendition of Tori Amos' "Hey Jupiter" from the "Boys for Pele" album. Her voice hangs in the air, every breath and note holographically represented.
The highs are very detailed, but with a smoothness that is easy on the ear. My wife commented on the detail level, and noted (without my solicitation) that the highs aren't harsh. The dynamics are very good- voices seem to leap out from a black background at you. I have seen in reviews that the DAC1 has been characterized as a mid-hall soundstage representation, and I would have to agree. Vocals are recessed in the soundstage, but with instruments stretching out behind them. I prefer this presentation, so I'm very happy with it.
An interesting characteristic that I had not expected is the DAC1's ability to present the recording's setting very accurately. My wife commented that she felt that studio recordings that were not live sessions sounded more clinical (a detriment, in her opinion- I'm still undecided on the topic). She's right. Live recordings come across as such, and studio work is clearly that. I suppose this is a result of the increased detail level.
I'm tickled that my setup now sounds far better than you would expect, with the petite DAC1 hiding away, silently doing its business.
I am very, very happy with the DAC1- to be able to elevate the sound of a budget system this much with a $ 450 upgrade (after all, you can't buy the DAC1 new anymore, so why bother worrying about the retail price?) is incredible. Budget audiophiles rejoice- and let your friends come by and listen to their faves on your "stereo". Maybe they will join the fold (and the asylum)!

Product Weakness: So easy to hide in your rack, no one will ever know it's there
Product Strengths: Detail level, clarity, tightness

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Cambridge Audio A3i
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	NAD C520, Bel Canto DAC1
Speakers:	PSB Century 500i
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster M1000V digital i/c, Harmonic Technology Truthlink analog i/c, Harmonic Technology Melody Line speaker cables, QED Qnect 1 i/c to headphone amp
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock/pop/jazz. Tori Amos,
Room Comments/Treatments:	Both side walls open up, distorting soundstage.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Surge protecting power strip, Lovan Ballet sand-filled speaker stands, Creek OBH-11 headphone amp, Sony MDR-V600 and Grado SR-60 headphones
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	So easy to hide in your rack, no one will ever know it's there
Product Strengths:	Detail level, clarity, tightness