[coolcat]

I am in search for a new DAC(single end) to upgrade my meier Stage DAC. I heard something good about the Bel Canto DAC3 ,but wonder how it holds up against the concurrent from Audio GD or another DACs. My budget is around 1400$,which is only enough for the used Bel Canto.
 
 
Please help me decide
 
thank you

 

[dura]

I went from the Meier Stagedac via the Havana to the Audio-GD Reference 5; not exactly what you are interested in since it is balanced, but I like it much more then the Stagedac.
Whereas the Stagedac has its strong points, enormous sound stage, deep deep bass and extended treble, I thought it was tonally flawed, sounding unnatural.
the Havana had better tonality too, but was ultimately to laid back for me with a restricted sound stage.
I first tried the Ref5 unbalanced, it sounded very good that way, but going balanced gave some small but noticeable improvements; tighter frequency extremes, more detail and dynamics.
So my recommendation would be something from Audio-GD, with 1704-DACs inside.

 

[coolcat]

thank for your input

 

[Kenobi]

I played around with the BC DAC 3 for a few weeks but ultimately didn't like it for its lack of musicality in my all solid state gears.  Perhaps, it would work better with a warmish set up.  I'm looking at the AGD offerings now myself. 
 
Kenobi

 

[computerparts]

Since you're in Germany, you might be able to find a used Accustic Arts Dac-1 within your budget.

 

[coolcat]

thank you all.
I almost order the DAC 3 from audiogon (1400$) new.But I think I will not benefit much from the dac3 ,because my amp is single end.
I decide to go for the AGD ref 3 or 9 ,which are single end. Thank for your input
 
Tan

 

[coolcat]

thank you all.
I almost order the DAC 3 from audiogon (1400$) new.But I think I will not benefit much from the dac3 ,because my amp is single end.
I decide to go for the AGD ref 3 or 9 ,which are single end. Thank for your input
 
Tan

 

[Vandal]

Since the PCM1704's are rumoured to be in short supply, you might want to speed that order of the A-GD up