Bel Canto Black EX DAC/Control Preamp

The Bel Canto Black EX DAC/Control Preamp is designed in a custom plated high-grade aluminium chassis that contains the highest-level DAC performance and source compatibility, including MQA, Roon, DSD, and an internal programmable phono stage. The EX DAC controls input selection, volume control, and manages all source formats with the highest quality detail and musicality from any source ensuring years of musical enjoyment.

The EX DAC/Control Preamplifier is built around our High Dynamic Resolution HDR-II core and high-speed Asynchronous Multi-Input Processor (AMiP) platform that defines the most versatile DAC preamplifier. Stream music through Ethernet or USB, a full suite of digital inputs, line level inputs, sub output and software controlled internal MM/MC analog phono stage.

The EX DAC is designed to manage the complexity of all audio source and control functions with ease and efficiency. 32-bit volume and multi-processor system functions are controlled by manually pressing and rotating the control dial on the front of the unit, or by using the IR custom remote control, or with your iPhone/iPad and the custom iOS app. The fully programmable display is easy to read and illuminates system status indicating source and volume.

All source inputs are asynchronously re-clocked into the fully balanced advanced segment DAC measuring below 0.001% distortion and 126dB of dynamic range. By stripping away the source clock and using Bel Canto’s custom ULN master clock circuitry, we significantly reduce both jitter and distortion preserving the delicate audio signals from all sources.

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• Asynchronous ethernet connects you to the most compelling and power musical source available today. Bel Canto’s proprietary asynchronous ethernet and USB-A inputs provide the highest level of performance for high resolution files up to 24bits at 192ks/s, MQA, and DSD64. This allows you to connect to a variety of subscription streaming service or source from your personal library that is stored on a NAS (networked attached storage) drive, or a multi-terabyte independent drive to the USB-A all providing full server function with complete iOS wireless control using our SEEK control App.

  Asynchronous Digital SPDIF AES, RCA and Toslink inputs all operate at 24/192Ks.

  Asynchronous USB2.0 Audio is compatible with any PCM source up to 24/348, MQA, and DSD 128 (DoP). Windows-based computers require our custom driver. USB2.0 works natively in OSX.

  MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2017

  RS232 is designed to support easy integration with sophisticated whole house control systems.

  The MM/MC phono section is a low noise, low distortion circuit that is fully programmable for optimum application with wide range of quality cartridges from high output MM 2.5mV to 5mV to low output MC 0.25mV to 0.5mV to optimized performance.

  The line level analog input also can be programmed to gain match your analog sources and achieve the best performance from all analog sources. The line output can be connected to a powered subwoofer.

  

  The front mounted headphone jack opens up high quality sound for your favorite headphones. Plug in your headphones and the EX DAC configures itself into a superb headphone amplifier with a high performance buffer stage that can drive down to 32 ohm. Control the output level using the main control, allowing you to select the headphone or main speaker output while leaving the headphones in place.

   

   
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  Through careful parts choices, architectural considerations and design details, refined over numerous generations, Bel Canto’s HDR-II Core has been optimized to render pure, dynamic analog signal quality from all music sources.

  Phono

  Our dual stage phono architecture is used in the EX DAC. It consists of an Ultra-Low noise input RIAA amplifier with precision filter components and fixed 40dB gain. This is followed by a digitally controlled analog variable gain stage to adapt the RIAA gain for a broad range of MM and MC cartridges. Input loading is controlled from the menu so that you can load your MC cartridge with the optimum impedance. This new Phono Architecture is optimized for accurate, low noise RIAA filter operation and compatibility with many cartridges.

  Headphone Output

  The Headphone output is driven from a dedicated 112dB dynamic range DAC through a high current output buffer stage. It can drive 32-ohm phones to high level and provide excellent headphone sonic detail and performance.

  Sub Output

  Bass Management functions include independent selection of a 2nd order Butterworth Low Pass and High Pass filter set. The main speakers can be run full range or rolled off below frequencies from 40 to 120 Hz. The Subwoofer Low Pass can be set for full range or frequencies from 40 to 120 Hz. This approach drives maximum flexibility to optimize the integration of a subwoofer. There is also +/-6dB of gain trim range on the subwoofer output.

  Line Level Inputs

  There are 2-line level analog inputs that provide 110dB of dynamic range and can be used for legacy analog sources such as tape, tuner or a Home Theater bypass where the volume level would be set to a high setting (84.0) on the EX DAC and volume is controlled through the Home Theater processor. These inputs enhance the ability to integrate the EX DAC into many different systems with many different signal sources.

   

   
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  The control menu also has a ‘maximum volume’ setting. This allows you to set the max volume at any level you prefer and ensures no one can inadvertently increase the volume using an App volume control or the remote and do damage to your speakers. The Max volume can be changed at any time and comes from the factory set at 85.

  The Ethernet connection on the rear panel allows you to update your unit firmware to the current specification at any time the unit is connected to the internet. This can be checked through the menu by the user. If there is an update you will be given the choice to complete the upgrade ensuring that your unit is always up-to-date or decline the update and perform it at another time. If you choose to complete the update the unit will display the latest software Rev’s on the display and let you know when it is completed. The unit will reset itself (you do not have to power cycle the unit) and be ready to play after completion.

   

   

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  Bel Canto SEEK is about musical discovery, without compromise. The SEEK Controller is a UPnP/DLNA free iOS** app that organizes playlists, favorite tracks, or stations from around the world, making them readily accessible all from your iOS tablet or phone. SEEK manages both content and volume levels of your Bel Canto component without having to leave your favorite listening position. Download the SEEK Setup Guide.

  

  

  SEEK is conveniently designed with a connection to both TIDAL and Qubuz subscription services. Simply load your account information into the SEEK app to beginning streaming music from both services. There is also the option to stream internet radio with vTuner at no additional cost. The SEEK app also controls content stored in the cloud from Dropbox or OneDrive to ensure you music files are safe. The Bel Canto components also have a USB-A port that allow you to attach a portable drive and control content with SEEK.

  

  The SEEK control app serves music to your Bel Canto component, but the musical files do not travel through the iOS device. The SEEk app runs outside of the audio signal controlling content and volume without effecting the original stream data. It is important that proper care is taken in setting up and maintaining your network to ensure the best results from a DLNA environment.

  

  SEEK is all about discovering and managing you music files and subscriptions easily, but it’s also quite flexible. Have another streaming product on your network? Simply add it to a group for an efficient and powerful smart home audio hub. Or make a set of favorite devices or playlists to access at the touch of a button. SEEK is a powerful, but simple application that makes it easier to do what you really want to do: listen to music.

  **Android users can use the MConnect app to operate their Bel Canto device.

  Click here to view Bel Canto products available at Criterion Audio