Bel Canto 1.1 - Convince Me.

Here is response I got from e-mail to BC about Dac 1.1

>>The DAC1.1 upgrade (now standard in our current production) consists of bigger and the highest quality transformers. Improvements most notably are in dynamics, micro and macro. Music seems to be fleshed out while retaining the DAC signature smoothness in every way, evoking an amazing sense of realism. As you are aware, the sound is outstanding and I feel worth every penny of the $150 cost to upgrade. I can assure anyone of the value of upgrading. Thanks for your input and time. <<

I also asked when new Dac with 24/192 upsampling would be available and got no response. A guess a phone call is only way to get more info on future developments.

A follow-up e-mail from BC regarding my question about any future new DAC design using 24/192 up sampling.

>>Dear Sam,
I didn't respond to the second half of your email. Here goes; We are always looking into new technologies and we are currently in the design stage for our next digital products. The earliest these product(s) will go into production would be late Fall. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Craig Bleeker <<

Standard CD format (redbook) is 16bit/44khz data, BC and others increase this data to 24bit/96 khz by upsampling standard CD which when done right with proper technology/design sounds much better and more natural than 16/44 ever could. New chips are now available which allow designs of 24bit/192khz and higher which may give even better sound if designed properly.

For instance MSB Link Dac offers 192khz upgrade now, and their top of the line Platinum Dac has 46/384 upsampling!
This is just one aspect though of how good a DAC can sound,
if you read the FAQ and white papers at BC website they describe other important considerations to acheive great sound.

Dave thanks for the excellent review, I will agree completely with all your points having owned both DAC1 and 1.1 version. Yes any equipment needs about 1 week of break-in before any final judgements are made, as your report confirms.

I suppose you could describe the DAC 1.1 as less warm, but really it is more a function increased dynamic range, and opening up further of the treble. I would still say Dac1.1 is warmer sounding than say Perpetual P1a/P3a combo, because of its slow roll-off filtering. I use an Acoustic Zen Mc2/Absolute power cord with DAC 1.1 and am very pleased (for now) with the results.

GUMBEI we await your report on BC DAC 1.1