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Upgrade BC DAC 3.0 or go BC REF link instead?


Hello all

Been out of the loop for a while but am back in it now.

I have a Bel Canto DAC 3.0 .

I’m wondering weather or not to upgrade to the BC 3.5, AND THEN obtain either the BC USB REF link or the U LINK, so many say is the sweet spot of the 3 USB links BC offers… presently.

OR, merely obtain either the BC USB Ref or the U LINK, and forget about the upgrade to the BC DAC 3.5 level entirely.

Do you the addition of one of these two BC USB links enough?

What say you Bel Canto DAC and/or USB LINK owners?

A small concern is without the 3.0 to 3.5 upgrade going with the Ref link alone may be overkill.

Many thanks
blindjim

Showing 3 responses by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
How much is the upgrade from the DAC3 to 3.5VB Mk II?

I do love my DAC3.5VB II but it has been out for some time now and IMHO there are some new DACs that might be well worth an audition before shelling out the moolah for the 3.5

I for one would look at the PS Audio DirectStream DAC (their newest version) which incorporates some pretty interesting stuff from what my other much pricier DACs do (EMM Labs/Playback Designs) and even goes beyond in some respects.

It doesn't need the REF Link because the async USB input is already included and it supports DSD over PCM.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I think the key design goal of the PS Audio is not just DSD but also how well it handles regular 16/44 and PCM material. DSD is a bonus from what I gather.

If the cost is not too substantial, I'd go for the 3.5 upgrade but bear in mind the full upgrade will include VBS-1 and the VBS Ref power cable as well. Those did put my 3.5 combo pretty close to the PS-Audio IIRC.

But you are right that speakers make the biggest difference so if there's anything you aren't happy with the speakers, they probably should be addressed first before the source.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
What I meant was cost wise the DAC3.5VB II + VBS1 + VB Ref cables might come pretty close to the PS Audio's Direct Stream DAC
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