The Bel Canto Black ACI 600 is what I like to call a full-function integrated amplifier seeing as it packs a DAC, MM/MC Phono Stage, Streamer, a headphone amp, and amplifier in one sleek package.
But even that elevator pitch misses out on the important bits inside, which I’ll dig into a bit deeper in the review proper but for the record, we’re not looking at a classic integrated with a separate preamplifer and amplifier in one box as all of the ACI 600’s inputs go through its DAC then on to the amplification stage.
On the business end of the ACI 600, which is part of the company’s top-of-line Black Series of products, we see a fuller story with, from left, two pair of speaker WBT NextGen binding posts, MM/MC phono input with various cartridge loading options from high output MM 2.5mV to 5mV to low output MC 0.25mV to 0.5mV, 2x RCA line level inputs with adjustable gain, RCA line out for you subwoofer, a headphone jack, RS232 for connecting to home automation systems, A host of digital inputs including AES, SPDIF Coax and Toslink, Bel Canto’s proprietary asynchronous Ethernet and USB-B inputs, a USB-A input for attaching USB-based storage, an IEC inlet, and power switch.
From Bel Canto:
All source inputs are asynchronously re-clocked into the fully balanced advanced segment DAC measuring below 0.0005% distortion and 127dB of dynamic range. By stripping away the source clock and using Bel Canto’s custom ULN master clock circuitry we significantly reduces both jitter and distortion preserving the delicate audio signals from all sources.
You can interact with the ACI 600 in three ways—through the top-mounted control dial offering volume and access to program functions, via the included custom IR remote, or using the free Bel Canto SEEK app for iOS that offers access to the ACI 600’s program functions as well as controlling music playback from a NAS or USB-storage.
The ACI 600 puts out 300 Watts of power into 8 Ohms and 600W into 4 from its NCore Class-D based output stage with a claimed frequency response of -3 dB OHz — 50kHz, all loads. Yea, that’s full range and then some. And of that power and performance is packed into a sleek aluminum chassis that comes in your choice of Black.
There are a number of Programming Options including those pictured above and if you want a more complete picture, I recommend a visit to the ACI 600 manual.
If you enjoy going to hifi shows or checking out show coverage you’ll have seen Bel Canto in many a room paired with YG Acoustic speakers and I’ll share a secret—the ACI 600 is, as I type, making the YG Sonja 3.3 sing in Barn. Stay tuned for more…
Bel Canto Black ACI 600
Price: $29,999
Company Website: Bel Canto
Specifications
Maximum Data Input Rates:
24bit Data to 192ks/s: AES, SPDIF, TOSLINK
24bit Data to 192ks/s, MQA, and DSD 64: 10/100 Ethernet
24bits at 192KS/s, MQA, and DSD64/128 (DoP): USB2 Audio
Low Level Outputs:
Line Level Analog: 4.5Vrms with Bass Management
ST Fiber Digital Outputs: 2- MPS1 Compatible
Headphone: 4.5Vrms maximum, 32ohm minimum load
MM/MC Input:
Input Sensitivity: MM: 2.5mV to SmV; MC: 0.25mV to 0.5mV
Input Load: MM: 47K ohms; MC: 50, 100, 500, 1000
RIAA Accuracy: +/- 0.25dB, 50Hz -— 15kHz
THD+N: <0.01% 1kHz A-weighted
SNR: >70dB A-weighted
Line Inputs:
Maximum Input: 2.2 Vrms RCA
Input Impedance: 10K ohms RCA
THD+N: 0.003%, 1kHz
Dynamic Range: 110dB, A-weighted 20Hz-20kHz
Loudspeaker Output:
Maximum Power Output: 600W – 4 ohm, 300W – 8 ohm
Minimum Load: 2 ohms
Peak Output Current: 27 amperes
Frequency Response: -3 dB OHz — 50kHz, all loads
Output Connections: 2 pair WBT Nextgen binding posts
Performance:
Dynamic Range: 127dB A-weighted
THD+N: <0.001% 1W, 1kHz, 4 ohms
IMD (CCIF): <0.001% 1W, 18.5:19.5kHz 1:1, 4 ohms
General:
Power Usage On: 42W
Power Usage Off: OW
Power Requirement: 100-120VAC or 230-240VAC 50/60Hz Internally Set
Dimensions: 19W x 14D x 3.8H inches — 483 x 356 x 97mm
Weight: 45lbs (20.5 kg)
