Mod my B C DAC 3, or just get another DAC?

Mlsstl

Having heard them both, DA10 & BC D3 in my home, I felt the D3 did a better job in the jitter regard... and those other areas I mentioned. In fact I posted a review of them both here on the 'gon.

Using USB as a main interface is not something I'll do predominately. It's just a nice thing to have about.

The remote control switching of sources, and it's use as a preamp, if needed or desired, also swayed my vote and justified the added cost of the DAC 3 over the Lavry. But again, that is my circumstance and preffs. All my gear resides in another room from my listening room so remote switching of inputs was quite nice the preamp part? used it once or twice so far. I use it mostly as a test tool not a preamp. I have a preamp I prefer more.

Thanks at any length though. I appreciated the thoughts.

Tvad

Yeah. I believe I get it now completely having thought more about it since it's first mention here. If following a mod it is something I disagree with, I'm lost. I'd probably be unable to live with it in that new condition.

A part of me keeps saying any modder worth his or her salt would not transform a good thing into something worse, or in this case something less musical.

Thanks for the reminder of 'Audio Note' too. I've been very curious about them for a while prior to the BC D3 buy. Additionally, the Wavelength DACs have always been on my short list, yet feature sets being what they are in his line up, and my seldom seeing them for sale preowned, kept me away.

Richard_stacy

The B.A.D. review I read at computer audiophile dot com put it on my radar. It's price tag took it off again.

I'm figuring on putting around $1000 into mods on my DAC 3, if I go that way. So even selling my DAC and adding in that additional balance I'm out of that club altogether... if new, for sure.

Thanks kindly for all other thoughts here folks, I sincerely appreciate you for them. Keep 'em coming please.

Maybe someone in the modding game professionally, will chime in and provide another perspective or two, like Chris, Steve, Walter, or Dan, on what one should expect a mod to accomplish for them, or the like at some point.

Mlsstl

Very thoughtful remarks, thanks.

I'm simply investigating the prospecs of improvements which can or are gained from modding. I clearly see the possible dollar loss in that venture. I wonder not so much about that though viable it is, but as to peeling back another layer from the onion, or mist from the window and thereby gain greater insights into the reproduced musical event.

I felt the DAC3 the likely candidate for the injection of mo' dough.

From several sources querried by an online mag writer, all were asked the same 10 Q's. All I've read thus far attribute jitter as the most likely candidate for poor sound reproduction in the digital realm.

Sure, there's more to a DAC or player than just the ckt that addresses jitter reduction. Of course. sorry I pointed to that single item as the why of things when I compared the Lavry to the BC DAC.

I'm thinking I'd like to get a bit more transparency, more liquidity, some bit more depth in the stage, and more immediacy in the images. I doubt seriously I'll get that with $2500.... consequently enhancing the DAC seems a likely path... as I've already got the DAC.

$1000 won't get me another amp and I want to keep those I have now. It definitely won't do me better in the preamp arena, I feel mine's a keeper. I'm doubtful I'll make much of a step up by selling my speakers and adding another grand there.

I've been putting off trying out another set of ICs, and heard using a better sound card could help. I've also contacted BC to inquire about their new VBS tech... so we'll see what they say about that.

Chayro

I believe those notions are spot on. I've often wondered why one is usually unable to preview an already outfitted (modded) device beforehand. It adds to the mystery of mods to be sure.

One would think, as with so many other makers whose products can be previewed in home for some reasonable period, the best way to decide in truth too, these pro modders who do a fantastic printed sales job as to the outcome would then allow serious parties to see first hand that handywork up close and personal. I mean, were I in their places and the professed upgrades did as advertised, I certainly would. that should for good and all, eliminate the doubts and doubters.

True too, there is indeed a LOT of good out there. I'm not seeking more 'good' but more aptly put I hope greater performance. Neither am I bored or seeking another flavor.

I think by and large we are all picky. Some more than others to be sure. I hope I am nnot comming off as such. I simply know what I'm getting and enjoy it... yet feel it can be improved upon without making wholesale changes.

I did that wholesale thing a little while back and it wasn't fun. Too much had to be changed and not just the components.

I'll await for a time, a response from BC on their new VBS gizmo, and see about trying out a more resolute yet refined set of source ICs in the interim.

Maybe better ICs will peel off a layer or two for me right there and questionable or unknown mods can be forgotten altogether.

Mlsstl

I sort of thought I said what I felt was a good thing, but perhaps did not account as well for what is IMO a bad thing, yet you did.

I’ve heard time and again, system after system which promote resolution over what I feel is natural or realistic sound. As you said, “… tipped up..” . Another perception of mine is this, “Dry” or maybe thin.

Let’s face it to, there are devices out there which are not really great sounding, or terms like bright, dry, forward, aggressive, thin, etc, wouldn’t be terms one see’s as negative characteristics of a component… and those devices do exist… subjective as they may or may not be in fact.

I gave the DA10 a go… liked it a lot, but went with the DAC 3 as it provided me more of what my rig needed than did the Lavry… it also gave more resolution, better bass, and a better presentation of the stage and it’s images. Not to mention the better control of jitter. Albeit, to insert the BC DAC 3 into a 100% SS rig, one might be well served to matching and it’s setup, therein. IMO

If I had a DAC blender, a mix of the Lavry and BC D3 would be a hard one to beat.

I’d like to have such a ‘blend’ on a higher level then either maker’s stock DAC provides now.

Cruz123
>I would suggest trying a different DAC rather than modding, since it does not seem like you like the "house sound" of the DAC 3 to begin with.<

Thanks. You must have missed the part where I said in my next to last paragraph….
>

I definitely get the part about the possibility of it being a poor investment, but I’ve not looked at stereo gear as investment properties per se. Not with losses of 30% to 50% right off the bat following the purchase. But I do appreciate that reminder…. It is what it is, mod or no mod, the depreciation is worse on gear than on a new car driven off a new car sales lot.

Knowing who in fact does mods now on the Bel Canto DAC 3 other than underwood H FiI, I think might help.

The statement Wally makes as to the results of their level 2 mod on the BC DAC 3 are the sorts of results I’d be seeking.

I guess what I’m seeking here is validation of those efforts/mods by another who has had them done…. Or someone who had similar mods done to their DAC via some other modder.

I’ve found no online reviews, here or elsewhere indicating what benefits or caveats were attained following their mods on DACs. I’ve seen a good number of accounts on CDP mods, some on amps, just not on the BC DAC3.

Dgarretson

I'm hip... to the likely gains, and woefully, hip, to the expenses.

Tvad
Check.

Chayro
>

Exactly...and there's the hesitation.

there's a solid point made by you as to ensuring further moves going forward. I agree.

Thanks.