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DAC for my HHB Burnit

I posted this over at AA, but thought maybe I'd reach a different audience over here (my apologies for cross-readers).

I'd like to improve upon my HHB Burnit, which I use as a player. Check out the players description and specs here.

I'd like a DAC that I can leave on all the time, and that doesn't need to be out in open view (so it can stay behind a closed cabinet door).

I value a more upfront presentation; palpable images, liquid, yet detailed. Don't necessarily need all the bass.

My first thoughts were something from Bel Canto, Birdland, or Perpetual P-1, P-3...

Thanks for any suggestions!
128x128dennis_the_menace
slaw3
136 posts
 
For your needs, I highly recommend the Benchmark DAC-1. Great DAC, gobs of detail w/o fatigue and an incredible soundstage. Bonus - it's got a headphone amp that is really spectacular. Leave it on all teh time, it sounds better that way anyway, although it does generate a bit of heat.
If you want to mess with having to turn a DAC on and off, then pick up an ACK! dACK! The liquid sound is truly unbelievable, but you do have to turn it off, as it runs on batteries. Worth it though, imho. Good luck!
James
tomryan
794 posts
 
Bel Canto is nice but a bit dark at the high frequencies. Skip the Perp Tech P-1 but the P-3 is very nice if you can find one with full ModWrights. Sounds nearly identical to the Bel Canto DAC2 but with a more open and extended high end. Bel Canto seemed to have a bit more bass but I think that's just because the top end is somewhat closed in.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
Thanks Tom. When I said the P1, P3, I actually meant the P-1a digital correction, with P3 DAC, and monolithic power supply... I'll keep my eyes open for some with the mods.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
Actually, also wanted to ask, if you meant were talking about the Bel Canto 1 or the 2. i think there is a big difference between the two, and i was actually considering the DAC2.
tomryan
794 posts
 
Dennis, I have owned a full blown modded P3 for 3 1/2 years and am quite happy with it. Got the itch about 8-10 months ago and bought a Bel Canto DAC2. Found it closed in at the top and a bit dark compared to the PT. I also had a P1 which did nothing meaningful and was too damn complicated, especially after getting the DAC modded. I sold the DAC2 two months after buying.

I think you'll get better music making from the fully modded P3 than the stock version with P1.
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