You see the Bel Canto C5i is a trend setting device, seamlessly blending the needs of today with whatever legacy devices we may still have, such as a classic Revox B-77 reel to reel, or an old turntable. And with the Bel Canto quality, it is in a league of it's own.

In terms of inputs, there are 5 digital inputs and two analogue inputs. Digital options include two coaxial and two optical both operating at 24bit/192kHz, plus a single USB input operating at 24bit/96kHz. The analogue side offers a single line level input plus a moving magnet turntable pre-amp input. Both of these analogue inputs are converted to 24bit/192kHz digital signal to pass through the DAC section and to be controlled by the digital volume control.

Like all Bel Canto products, the C5i could not be easier to operate, via it's single rotary control, or via the supplied remote control. Simply push and turn the rotary dial to select the desired input, push again to control it's volume, easy.

Power output of the C5i is 60 watts per channel into 8 ohm loads, and 120 watts into 4 ohm loads. This may suggest a necessity for efficient speakers, but in practice that is not so true. I listened to the C5i at this years CES trade show in Las Vegas where it was connected to Joseph Audio Pulsar speakers which are a rather difficult speaker in that they are low efficiency, but I have to say it sounded wonderful.

Testament to the Joseph Pulsar for sure, but also to the ability of this integrated to be able to drive it. The demo track in use was Moussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition' by French organist, Jean Guillou. For those not familiar this piece has some very deep bass, and the Joseph speaker being a stand mount design has a rather small bass driver but through clever design is capable of realistic deep bass, given the right amplifier of course...and the C5i delivered, with deep tight bass that never sounded anything other than 'right', it never wavered at all and let's be honest, there was a lot being asked of it here: a difficult speaker, and difficult piece of music, but the C5i was never anything other then completely composed.

If you are in the market for a compact, efficient one box audio solution that does not compromise on sound quality, then you owe it to yourself to audition this superb achievement by Bel Canto.

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Bel Canto e.One C5i DAC/Integrated Amplifier The Bel Canto C5i DAC Integrated Amplifier powers it all: digital, analogue, USB and Phono MM in one compact, powerful component. $2,095.00 Incl. 10 % TAX Buy   Detail