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Zodiac Gold w/Volticus vs Bel Canto w/VBS-1

I am looking for a DAC with volume control and remote to use with my new Modcode 402AU. I don't really want to go with a separate preamp and DAC because I am trying to keep things simple. I have about 4k to spend.

I have tried researching the above DAC's but have not found much pertaining to their sound signatures. I like a sound that is a bit on the warm side. It must be involving and detailed without going to the dry, clinical side of the spectrum. Speakers are Von Schweikert VR-33 which I really like. Source will be a Bolder modded Logitech Touch for now and possibly a Mac Mini or other such music server in the future.

If you have heard one or both of these DAC's or have any other suggestions, I would like to hear from you!
mca
pugstub's avatar
pugstub
64 posts
 
I am using a Zodiac+ DAC with a Bolder modified Squeezebox Touch and it is the best digital I have heard. These components work well together. i am using a Kimber D-60 digital interconnect and speakers are vandersteen 2CE Signatures. I have never heard the gold but would like to try one someday. Your Squeezebox paired with the Zodiac would be a good match.
cycles2
193 posts
 
I recently purchased a Zodiac Gold + Voltikus power supply. I have about 300 hours of break-in but right out of the box I knew it was a keeper. I have it connected to a 2011 Mac Mini via USB and I use PureMusic for playback. I don't use it as a digital pre-amp as my New Audio Frontiers 845 SE Integrated ap doesn't allow me to bypass the pre-amp. I've seen posts here and on other websites where Zodiac Gold users are delighted with the Zodiac as a pre-amp.

It's easilly the best DAC I've had in my system. You'll end up hearing nuances in songs you've listened hundreds of times. The soundstage and air around the instruments is incredible. Prior to this I had a Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 and althogh a good value, the W4S seemed to present the music in an artificial manner, similar to using a 'loudness' button we use to see on receivers in the 1980s. The sibilance of the W4S drove me crazy.

None of these issues with the Zodiac Gold. It just seems to present the music in a natural manner. The Zodiac has more PRAT and slam than any DAC I've heard when the recording calls for it. Mids and highs are exactly what I want. I'm a drummer and this is the first DAC I've heard that handles the sound of a drumstick striking a cymbal correctly. Likewise the decay of the cymbal is spot on.

Hope this helps.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I have the Bel Canto DAC3.5 with VBS1 powering both the DAC3.5 and the CD2.

I have heard the Voltikus in the showroom a couple of times and it is an impressive system. Very detailed but IMHO it is a fair bit drier than the Bel Canto which IMHO strikes a good balance.

I think it's best if you audition it first.

ps both sound better with good preamps vs their internal volume control. I have heard the Bel Canto paired with my ARC Reference 5 and the Voltikus with Modwright tube pres which I feel improve the soundstage depth tremendously.
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