Bel Canto Dac 3

Thanks Audphile1 for the cable info but I've returned the DAC3 to the dealer for now. I'm still awaiting the newer Bel Canto CD player to audition.
I still feel a little guilty for my first post because I feel in the right system the DAC3 offers excellent value due to it's variety of inputs, volume control capability and ultimately sound quality.

I hope its closer to 2 g instead of 2.5,that would certainly be nice on my cash flow,.I know you cant have everything at those prices,but its nice to hope for.

I'm a little curious as to why they wouldn't make just a transport to go with the Dac, rather than a cd player.

Another option to try might be the Grace Audio M902.
http://www.gracedesign.com/products/m902/m902.htm
I am happy with my Lavry and had to cut the cost of my system at some point but next time around this might be the one I'll go for.

Regarding cables, there is a lot of debate as to how much of a difference they make. Recently I changed my speaker cables and it's made a massive change. My amp was lifeless before but there is only so much trial and error we can do otherwise it becomes a costly habit.

The DAC3 is an incredibly great piece. My friend & I compared it to his $7000 Ayre, and it was a close race. We used a Pioneer as a transport for the DAC3 in the comparison. It's also a beautiful piece with very thick casing and faceplate.

It also sounds quite dynamic and has powerful bass used without a preamp, which may make this a piece for those wanting not to invest in a preamp. Still, to my ears, I find an active line stage gives even more dynamics and larger, more fleshed out instrumental timbres. The large power supply in the DAC3, and its unique digital volume control must be responsible for this. It is the first piece I have used direct that doesn't have: (a) a collapsed soundstage, (b) substantially limited dynamics, (c) rolled off treble, (d) weak, undynamic, & unextended bass.

The digital volume control with 200 steps in 0.5 db increments is a joy to use. The remote, although small and cheap, works fine, and controls volume, input, mute, and standby. Do be wary of static, however. Mine has shut down from touching it when the air is very dry from heating season, but it must have some type of protection circuit. All I had to do is unplug it, plug it back in, and everything's fine...