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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 2 responses by jon2020

jon2020's avatar
jon2020
982 posts
 
Then again, others have said, "The transport is 80% of the sound." So, spend less on the dac but more on the transport?
Would the Marantz with a venerable transport such as the Esoteric VRDS Neo, sound better than the Bel Canto with the same transport? As always, the proof is in the listening.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
982 posts
 
Hi Zordex,
What are you using as transport?
J.
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