Its been over 150 hours of break in and I think I'm ready for a definitive statement. The DAC 2 is a big step forward for Bel Canto. Everyday I am rediscovering my 3000 redbook CDs and I'm captivated.
Everything I've mentioned before has basically held true except for the soundstage which has reasserted itself forward. So chalk up one for the DAC 2--deeper soundstage.
The liquidity of the DAC 1.1 no longer exists in the DAC 2. Accurate and balanced, it has an unforgiving attitude toward poorly recorded material. This means some recordings I own will never see the light of day again. Put one in the DAC 1.1 column.
Detail and vocals are the DAC 2's biggest strength. Crystal clear, very little graininess. Instruments sound like instruments and don't meld with other instruments during complex passages. Therefore, well recorded pieces become more life-like. That's a big one in the DAC 2 ledger. The DAC 1.1 was simply overcome by complex passages, muddying the entire presentation.
Listening at lower levels changed the presentation little if any with the DAC 2. When turning down the volume with the 1.1 the listener could no longer tell a piece was being upsampled--sounded identical to original redbook production. DAC 2 clearly wins here.
No treble roll off. I know some have mentioned this as a possible concern. All I got to say is get John Hammond Live on Rounder Records and be prepare for some of the most extended highs you've ever heard. Very dynamic (because of the player's passion) and very natural (because that's what blues harps sound like). The DAC 1.1 clearly rolled off. Another check in the DAC 2 column.
Bass: this is where the DAC 2 might come up short. If you like ultra fast bass no problem, but if you like speedy bass with some bloom, or lush bass--forget it. It ain't gonna happen here. It's like a hamstring just getting ready to snap--not always appropriate. I think this is the DAC 2's character. This is how the DAC 2 changes the music source, how it colors the music. As I prefer speed with some bloom I'm going give this one to the DAC 1.1.
Fatigue vs. boredom--the bad side of "musicality is a tendency toward sameness, which induces boredom, not fatigue. Fatigue is an overrevealling system that sounds great for 20 minutes but then becomes excuriating. Boredom was a problem for the 1.1, not often, but sometimes, especially with rock n roll. But fatigue with the DAC 2 is non-exsistent. It's more like a series of surprises and wows, even when I'm just sort of listening while doing dishes or correcting papers. For the first time in my life I listened to music for ten straight hours. DAC2 is the victor here in a profound way. I'm exploring my CDs and not just rushing to buy every new CD in sight--saving a lot of money with my DAC 2!
So there you have it. Of course these ar only my impressions, and I'm by no means an expert. Compared to other DACs I've heard I can only say that I now think that I prefer the DAC2 to the EVS MIllenium II and the older Kora Hermes ( I haven't heard the updated, tube rolled, modded Hermes, which I suspect is still superior). Most importantly for me I now prefer my digital to the lower priced SACD machines and the multi-channel SACD in the new Sony 777. However I still crave the SACD of the SCD-1, and the original 777.
For 1300 bucks I really don't believe you can go wrong. I think once we all gather all the information we can concerning the new Musical Fidelity DAC or if Chord drops the 64 price, then we can really determine if the new Bel Canto is an industry leader.
