Bel Canto CD-2 and Benchmark DAC1



Im after a decent CDP for my DAC1 and now I keen on getting a Bel Canto CD-2.

I just wonder whether the build-in DAC module of CD-2 is better than DAC1 or not? How they sound for this combo?
capq

Showing 4 responses by kijanki

The only audible difference between expensive and cheap transport is jitter (noise in time domain). Benchmark has such high jitter suppression (-100dB) that transport (or digital cable) won't make any difference. I use Benchmark with cheap DVD player (great tracking) or AirportExpress.
This is assuming that player is "bit transparent" (all 16-bits, no digital volume control etc.)
Capq - That's the main advantage of DAC1. It doesn't benefit from good transport or digital cables.
Capq - good question. Upsampling that DAC1 uses is relatively new technique. In addition all oversampling and upsampling DACs have specific sound that some like while others prefer non-oversampling DACs. I don't have much experience - Bob and Shadorne can say more, but as I understand it DAC1 brings very clean airy sound while non-oversampling DACs have more earthy "organic" sound.