The Latest Wicked Digital News

At this years CES Show in Las Vegas, Bel Canto announced a significant number of new products, not least of which was a trio of news DAC's to expand their line up which was spear headed by the DAC3VB released a few months earlier. The first shipment of these new DAC's as well as the new Amplifiers, are on the way to Australia now.

The two new power amplifiers are the S125 and the new baby reference amplifier, the REF150S. The S125 is a very affordable way to get into Bel Canto Class D amplification, and provides 65 watts into 8 ohm loads, per channel, or 130 watts per channel into 4 ohm loads.

The REF150S is Bel Canto's response to a demand for a reference class dual mono power amplifier for those who do not require the massive output of their larger REF500M and REF1000M models which put out 500 watts and 1000 watts respectively. The REF150S outputs a more modest 75 watts into 8 ohms, and 150 watts into 4 ohm loads, per channel.

With the new range of DAC's, Bel Canto has introduced two models that provide significant improvements to older DAC's, first of which is a 24/96kHz USB input to make connection to a computer both simple and superb. In addition the DAC1.5 and DAC2.5 also feature a high quality headphone output on the front panel, making them very viable choices for the headphone audiophile.

The new top-of-the-line DAC3.5VB is designed to be the centre piece of a high end sound system with primarily digital inputs. However, the DAC3.5VB also has a single analog input as well to cater for that last bit of analog gear you may have such as a tape deck or, with the addition of a phono pre-amplifier, a turntable.

We have been working hard to expand our headphone showroom in to a full audio showroom for demonstrating our top end audio systems. We are happy to announce it is now ready!

So what do we have available for audition? For starters we have the ATC SCM40 loudspeakers as our main speakers system, and the beautiful Rega RS1 bookshelf speakers in piano gloss black. The Ortofon Concorde 205 and Concorde 305 are also available, as are the John Blue JB3 speakers.

To drive these speakers we have two different systems. Firstly, our Bel Canto system is currently based around the PRe3VB Pre-Amplifier (powered by the VBS1 Power Supply), feeding into a pair of REF500M Mono Power Amplifiers, a system which is compact, efficient and very capable. Signal is fed from our Mac Music Server via a Deviisound DAC and the HRT Music Streamer II +.

The second system is based around the Bryston B100 SST integrated amplifier, with the Bryston BDA-1 DAC and BCD-1 CD player as the main source. Apart form the Bryston CD source, we are also feeding musci via our Mac Music Server through an M2Tech HiFace at 24bit/192kHz and via the Bel Canto USB Link at 24bit/96kHz.


Our Mac Music Server is a brand new iMac with around 20,000 lossless audio files (Yes we ripped all of our 1200 cd's!) available for auditioning, but you are of course welcome to bring your own CD's for auditioning.

Finally, we are offering auditions after hours for your convenience. So call 1300 652 802 today and make an appointment to hear some fabulous audio gear!

Bel Canto unveils a host of new products at CES 2010 including the new S125 Stereo Class D Amplifier, the REF150S stereo amplifier to expand their Reference class range, the FM1 Tuner, and the 24/96 USB Light Link.

The e.One S125 Stereo Amplifier
A powerful 65 watts into 8 ohms, 130 into 4 ohm loads

The e.One REF150s Stereo Amplifier
A more powerful/refined 75 watts into 8 ohms, 150 into 4 ohm loads

Bel Canto are expanding their well-known amplifier line to include the e.One S125 and REF150S. They feature 117dB dynamic range and power doubling into 4 ohm speakers. The custom input stage improves drive to the amplifier for lower noise and less distortion. Fully-regulated low-heat, ultra-efficient switch-mode power supplies and class-A analog output control circuitry make possible Bel Canto’s eco-friendly compact designs.

The higher spec REF150S is about more than a few extra watts. Like all REF series amps they’re fitted with custom power supply rectification and filters that substantially increase the power supply’s energy storage. They’re manufactured with carefully selected high-speed, low-noise rectifiers, high-voltage film filter capacitors and high energy storage capacity. What this means for you is lower noise and reduced sensitivity to power line effects.

Features

• 117dB dynamic range
• Power Output at 1% Distortion: 125W 4 ohms, 65W 8 ohms per channel
• Output Noise: 35uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
• Fully-balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs
• RCA input impedance: 100Kohms
• XLR balanced input impedance: 200Kohms
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption

The FM1 Tuner 24-bit/48kHz Digital Outputs
Patented Digital IF Analog Tuner Front End

The FM1 features patented analog FM receiver architecture, delivering superior RF performance and rejecting interference with digital IF processing. The FM1 includes advanced seek algorithms, adjustable soft mute, stereo blend, auto-calibrated digital tuning, and FM stereo processing. Digital processing allows precise pilot rejection, selectivity, and unmatched audio quality. The advanced digital IF section operates at 24-bits and 48Ks/s data rate. Run the digital output into your favorite Bel Canto DAC or choose the FM1’s analog outputs derived from our High Dynamic Range Bel Canto DAC architecture.

The FM1 also incorporates a digital processor for the European Radio Data System (RDS) and the North American Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) for station identification and performance information displayed on the 8-digit alphanumeric display. The FM1 delivers unprecedented functionality and performance in a compact, easy to use package. It’s a perfect system companion for a Bel Canto DAC Control Center or preamp-based system.

Features

• Internal DAC with 122dB dynamic range
• 24-bit/48kHz digital output
• High dynamic range 24/192 DAC analog section
• RDS/RBDS Function
• 8-digit alphanumeric green LED display
• 10 station preselects and Remote control
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption

The 24/96 Light Link 24-bit/96kHz Digital USB-to-ST High Speed Glass-Fiber

If you’ve gathered much of your music on hard disk you’ve without doubt thought of how to keep your computer handy while running a long USB connection to your DAC. Of course, USB is only good for about 15 feet and you may need more.

Enter the 24/96 Light Link; run a USB cable to its input and it converts the signal to ST High Speed Glass-Fiber which does long runs with ease and further decouples the computer from your audio system. At the other end plug the Light Link into an ST Glass-Fiber input and the job is done! Now you don’t have to get up for anything!

See the Bel Canto web site for more details

At this years CES show in Las Vegas, Bel Canto have announced a slew of new DAC's, led by the superb new DAC3.5VB which significantly raises the bar for digital audio playback. The core DAC technology in Bel Canto’s High Dynamic Range converters is surrounded by Virtual Battery Power and the Master Reference UltraClock anti-jitter filtration allows the D-to-A conversion to occur in a pristine environment, isolated from outside interference from the AC power grid or broadband jitter induced noise. This results in Bel Canto’s famously musical, dynamic sound.

Between the optimization of their superb DAC, the Two-Stage Master Reference UltraClock™ anti-jitter circuit,  power supply options, and their totally transparent volume control, all Bel Canto DAC's provide high resolution, low noise, and incredible dynamic range.

The e.One DAC3.5VB 192kHz 24-bit DAC Control Center
Analog input • ST Glass-Fiber • Internal Virtual Battery Technology

Top of the e.One line of Bel Canto Dual-Differential DAC Control Centers, the DAC3.5VB integrates all your source components with peak-performance 126dB of dynamic range, providing unprecedented resolution, flexibility and control with a new, intuitive, easy-to-read display and user interface. The heavily-regulated internal VB power supply maintains an optimal electrical environment, dramatically reducing noise.

The core of all Bel Canto’s DAC's is their jitter-eliminating Two-Stage Master Reference UltraClock. The 24-bit digital volume control is completely transparent and ensures the highest resolution possible while VB technology delivers the quietest, most isolated power available. Low jitter, low noise, low heat, low power consumption, and effective power line isolation brings music to life with extraordinary nuance and power.

Features

• 126dB dynamic range
• 24/192 digital inputs: AES, ST Glass-Fiber, BNC, Coaxial RCA and TOSLINK
• All digital inputs are galvanically isolated for even lower noise
• Analog input
• Two-Stage Master Reference UltraClock anti-jitter circuit
• Low-noise full galvanic isolation on all digital inputs
• Fully-balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
• Virtual Battery technology
• 8-character alpha-numeric display for Volume, Sample Rate and Input control
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption
• RS232 port and remote

The e.One DAC3VB 192kHz 24-bit DAC Control Center
USB input • Internal Virtual Battery Technology

The e.One DAC3VB Dual-Differential DAC Control Center integrates all your pure-digital source components with five 24/192 digital inputs plus a 16-bit/44.1kHz USB input. Their core D-to-A technology provides a powerful 125dB of dynamic range, remarkable resolution, flexibility and control with an easy-to-read display and user interface. The internal VB power circuitry permits connection with our LNS1 (Low Noise Supply) or VBS1 power supply both which dramatically reduce noise even further.

Features

• 125dB dynamic range
• 24/192 galvanically-isolated digital inputs: AES, BNC, Coaxial RCA and TOSLINK
• 16/44.1 USB input
• Two-Stage UltraClock anti-jitter circuit
• Low-noise full galvanic isolation on all digital inputs
• Fully-balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
• Virtual Battery technology
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption

The e.One DAC2.5 192kHz 24-bit DAC Control Center
Analog Input • Independent DAC Headphone Circuit • 24/96 USB Input

The DAC2.5 Dual-Differential DAC Control Center is also designed to integrate all your source components, both analog and digital, with five 24/192 digital inputs, an analog input, and a 24/96 USB input. A ¼” front-panel headphone jack driven by its own DAC/Amplifier combo that optimises both headphone and main-out listening.

The DAC2.5 outputs a very healthy 122db dynamic range offering excellent resolution, flexibility and control with a new, intuitive, easy-to-read display and user interface. The advanced internal LNS power supply is powered via a standard IEC input.

Features

• 122dB dynamic range
• 24/192 digital inputs: AES, BNC, Coaxial RCA and TOSLINK
• All digital inputs are galvanically isolated
• Analog input and 24/96 USB input
• Two-Stage Master Reference UltraClock anti-jitter circuit
• Fully-balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
• New 8-character alpha-numeric display for Volume, Sample Rate and Input control
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption

The e.One DAC1.5 192kHz 24-bit DAC Control Center
Independent DAC and Headphone Amplifier • 24/96 USB Input

The DAC1.5 Dual-Differential DAC Control Center features an outstanding 122dB dynamic range and it too is designed to integrate all your digital source components with five 24/192 digital inputs, one galvanically-isolated 24/96 USB input, and like the DAC2.5, a ¼” front-panel headphone jack driven by its own DAC/Amplifier combo that optimizes both headphone and main-out listening.

The DAC1.5’s performance provides a complete turn-key package for your dream system. Their core D-to-A technology provides remarkable resolution, flexibility and control with a new, intuitive, easy-to-read display and user interface. The DAC1.5 sports a 12v off-chassis power supply.

Features

• 122dB dynamic range
• 24/192 galvanically-isolated digital inputs: AES, BNC, Coaxial RCA and TOSLINK
• 24/96 USB input
• Two-Stage Master Reference UltraClock anti-jitter circuit
• Fully-balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
• New configurable display for 24-bit Volume, Sample Rate and Input control
• Green, eco-friendly, low-heat, low noise, low power consumption

Pricing and availability in Australia too be announced soon!
See the Bel Canto web site for more details