Keep in mind that the opinions expressed her are my own opinions and have nothing to do with this web site.
The tests for my Bel Canto e.One DAC3 took place over the past year. A beautiful piece of equipment brought to life though the capable hands of Chris Johnson and the wonderful people at Parts Connexion with a Level 2 modification. Originally purchased and then modified in December 2007 after the sound was found to be less than average. With all the top of the line parts in the DAC you would think that the sound would be anything but average. It was tested with many brands and cable styles. Several I/O cards were tested on loan from friends. Because of the total expense ($3700) every attempt was made to get the best possible sound from this unit.
The original head end is vinyl ripped 24 192 material played through MonkeyMedia’s ASIO plug in. Then trough a MAudio AP 192 and out to the DAC3.
The rest of the sound system is made up from high resolution products of the likes of Spectral Audio MIT and Wilson Benesch.
The poorest quality sound from the DAC 3 was through the USB port when the DAC was used as a standalone DAC. The best quality sound came through the SPDIF when the DAC was used as a preamp.
The first major beef was that this unit will not accept a 24/192 signal. The highest it will take in is a 24/176.4. I queried Bel Canto about this and the reply was that 24/196 was a “crap shoot”. An email was sent to Mr. Johnson who did the modifications and he backed up what Bel Canto had to say. He also added that the Benchmark would not take a 24/192 signal ether. (Correct me if there is an error here please.)
What was heard… In listening tests the sound quality was not too bad. It has a very tube like sound. There is no sound staging or depth. A center image is present and there is a left and right channel, very little is can be perceived at the 2/3 locations. I am an image freak so this was appalling. When an AB test was performed against an AP 192 at 24 176.4 there was immediate clarity and focus to the AP192. The AP192 would still sound better at 24 192 with my preferred material by ramping up the leading transients. The DAC3 had been bested by a $150 sound card.
The DAC3 did sound good as a headphone amp with a cable adapted to the balanced outputs. This unit was not tested on Bel Canto equipment or a Bel Canto CD transport. Who knows this little DAC just might shine when complemented with its’ own equipment. It just didn’t work out for in my system and was sold off.
Please any comments or additions are welcome.
Cheers; Glenn
For more details see the link. http://www.underwoodhifi.com/mods_bcd.html
