[BigEat]

I recently replaced my Benchmark DAC-USB with the Bel Canto DAC.3 and I'm surprised at the difference. The overall soundstage is much bigger and the resolution is significantly improved especially with the USB input. After reading the numerous threads that compare the two, I expected a much more subtle difference. Over all, resolution, stoundstage, bass tightness and general performance are all upgraded. I'm about half way through the recommended break in period, so more refinement is probably on the way. The Benchmark DAC is very, very good, and at the current price, terrific value, I'm convinced that the Bel Canto is in fact, a next step up.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Thanks for the comparison, BigEat... I guess different design philosophies and component choices can result in different-sounding DACs, even when they're both high-end.

I'm eager to see what more DAC manufacturers can do with the current top-of-the-line Burr-Brown PCM1792 chip (used in the Bel Canto DAC3). Its usage is still relatively rare.