Bel Canto DAC 1 Upgrade

Here is a copy of the email I received from BWS after inquiring about their upgrade, (as per sedond's post,) if anyone is interested: Dear Charles, > > I do have an upgrade for the Dac-1, which includes: > > > > Power supply, diode and capacitor upgrades. > > > > Front end receiver upgrade. > > > > Audio section reconfiguration and filter upgrade. > > > > Custom Digital cable and line cord. > > > > The package costs $700.00 US. > > > > > > Please call me at 703-536-3910, if you are interested and we can > discuss this in detail. > > > > Best Regards, > > > > Bruce Wenger > > BWS Consulting" I am going to "chicken out" on this one. I think I would like to keep my 10 year warranty with Bel Canto. But I think one of you should definitely get this upgrade and let us all know how it goes. [:)] Charlie

I'm with you Charlie. So who is going to volunteer and let us know the results?

Dear Sir, Have you considered the exciting 24/96 P-3A DAC from Perpetual Technologies? Read what happy owners are saying at http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/DAC/product_48011.shtml and more at www.perpetualtechnologies.com. Thanks for your time! - Scott

Well Sliddi I don't have to read what others say, I listened. Unless there was a problem with the chip which Mark Schifler never indicated to me through several e-mails, the Bel Canto is a better unit by a good margin, at least tonally. Other than the superb s/n and micro/macro dynamics of the P.T. unit, the tonality of MY unit was all wrong and unlistenable. I heard you had a problem with the chip AFTER I SENT MINE BACK but NO ONE from P.T. ever let me know about it and ALL I got back from Mark was his surprise that I was having problems. It seems EVERYONE with a field sample (30 or so according to Mark) was quite happy with the unit. I say this, if you have one legitimate complaint concerning a product (My first e-mail I didn't receive a response on until one week later during which time I sent the unit back) all efforts should be made to find out what the problem is. ESPECIALLY A NEW PRODUCT!! You folks never did follow up with me am I am disappointed. Maybe the problem could have been fixed or maybe SOMEONE could have let me try another unit. I received nothing but a polite e-mail from Mr. Schifler that indirectly indicated my problem was ISOLATED. In my estimation, not a very good business practice for a new company. I do however commend you on your 30 day money back guarantee and say that there is really no risk for those who haven't heard the unit.

I shipped my Bel Canto Dac-1 back one week ago for the upgrade and a hummmmming problem. I receive it back today (a lot faster than I anticipated) I am sure I need to break it in again however it sounds very good. There seems to be increased dynamics and a bigger more detailed bass. I am sure I should put at least 48 hours of use on the Dac-1 until I will really know what I hear.