Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
Just wondering how you like it. I tried to audition one, but the dealers in the area didn't have one in stock. I auditioned the PS Audio Digilink 3, Musical Fidelity Tri Vista and the Bryston BDA-1. In end it was really a one horse race the BDA-1 was clearly in a different league. I think the Bel Canto would have been stiffer competition. The funny thing is that my Bryston sales guy has the Tri Vista and he's been afraid to take the Bryston home. He said if I take the Tri Vista off his hands then he'll have to take the Bryston home. This will be my first stand alone DAC. Any suggestions on hookup guys?
Hi Jack!

I took the Bel Canto back to my dealer...it was a loner. I may have it as a future purchase. I thought it was an outstanding DAC. I had to run it around my preamp, straight into the amp because my Rotel pre would not pass the characteristics of the Bel Canto.

I'm starting to wonder if the Rotel is letting the characteristics of my Musical Fidelity CDP v8 come through as well. The MF v8 sounded really really different through Peabodys CJ, but through my Rotel the Bel Canto and MF v8 sound 100% the same. I was able to get around the Rotel with the BC 2.5... it has gain. I 've talked to a few who have owned Rotel preamps in the past and they also say Rotel has a very strong "house sound" which over powers any source connected t it.

The DAC 2.5 is slightly warm..rich mids, and great extension on the bottom and top end. I thought it was really musical....with really a high end rhythm to it. I may addition a few other DAC's to see if anything can best it, but I really like the Bel Canto 2.5...its not analytical at all,nor is it sterile, but its very very detailed and has a tad of tube sweetness thus a rich midrange thats smooth.