Marantz HD-DAC1 vs Bel Canto DAC 1.x/2.x/3.x?


Hi,

Has anyone had the chance to compare the Marantz HD-DAC1 to any of the Bel Canto DACs?

The Marantz is $800, plays DSD, and has a headphone amplifier. It has a line out (into a preamp) and variable line out (hence can be used as a preamp).

The Bel Cantos range from $1,500-$4,500. No headphone amp. The amplification is digital (hence digital preamp), and feeds the amp directly.

Has anyone had a chance to listen to both makes and give some feedback as to the audio quality and characteristics differences?

Thanks!
zordex

Showing 1 response by chayro

Coli said: "DAC is one place where price has nothing to do with sound quality. See if you can find out which DAC chip they use, as all DAC using the same chip sounds alike."

I think many digital designers would disagree with that statement. Just for example - Lampizator, who builds some very good dacs, states on his website that the chip is 10% of the sound. But that's his opinion, of course.