I used to own the BC 1.1 and thought it was and exellent unit until I heard Kora Hermes in its basic version. The difference was like night and day: the Kora was much more dynamic with stronger, deeper and tighter bass, much more detail, with very refined and better saturated midrange and and overall more musical and smooth presentation. The Bel Canto seemed lifeless and sort of greyish, bleached of colors. I sold the 1.1 and got the Hermes. I have been more than happy since then although I'm tempted to try the upgraded Hermes with Auricaps and Jena wire.
