Bell Canto DAC3, with some power treatment and perhaps a new fuse, it's competitive maybe at any range when supported. I still use my Bel Canto CD1, and the only DACs that compete with it once it's on power treatment are very expensive thus far. I think Bel Canto's weakness were their class D amps (they're good amps, but they hold back how good the digital stuff happens to be).
I enjoy that this started out with the Denon 103. I think everyone on here would be shocked if they found out what cartridge I'm using right now, after hearing it. It came on a TT I bought and I was about to swap it but after setup I dont really feel the need. The truth is that while better cartridges offer more performance, the absolute bulk is in everything else, especially the setup.
I enjoy that this started out with the Denon 103. I think everyone on here would be shocked if they found out what cartridge I'm using right now, after hearing it. It came on a TT I bought and I was about to swap it but after setup I dont really feel the need. The truth is that while better cartridges offer more performance, the absolute bulk is in everything else, especially the setup.