A Bel Canto stack!
Eagle-eyed readers already know that I have the Bel Canto e.One Stream2 Network Bridge in Barn. It’s now joined by the matching Bel Canto e.One C6i DAC Integrated Amplifier. I know what some of you are thinking, “But both have DACs? Why not just review the C6i?” Great question! Answer: As I travel down the separates path, part of the exploration will be hearing what difference(s) separates bring to the sonic picture. In this Bel Canto case study, what kind of improvements, if any, come with adding an outboard Streamer/DAC as compared to the inbuilt DAC in the C6i DAC Integrated Amplifier. Curious audiophiles want to know…
The C6i DAC Integrated Amplifier uses custom Hypex NCore-based amplification to deliver 125 Watts of output power in a box that’s not much larger than a big book weighing a very friendly 13 lbs. The feature-rich C6i also houses a headphone amp and the aforementioned internal DAC that can process resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD128 through its USB input. There’s also a Phono input (47 Kohms//150pF) in addition to the single line level RCA input. A volume-controlled line level out allows for adding a second amp or a powered subwoofer.
The front multi-function knob provides menu navigation (for Balance control and to set Max Volume Level), input selection, and volume control, and there’s a 36-button infrared remote that controls everything from as far as 30 feet away.
I’m looking forward to Bel Canto time as separates and stacked!
Bel Canto C6i DAC Integrated Amplifier
Price: $3195
Company Website: Bel Canto
Amplifier Section: |
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| Power Output 1% THD: | 125W per channel |
| Minimum Load: | 2 ohms per channel |
| Peak Output Current: | 12.5 amperes |
| Frequency Response: | +/-3 dB 1.5Hz-90KHz |
| THD+N: | 0.003% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms |
| IMD (CCIF): | 0.0003%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms |
| Output Noise: | <30uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz |
| Damping factor: | >400 |
| Output Impedance at 100Hz: | <20 milliohms |
| Dynamic Range: | 120dB |
Digital Inputs: |
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| Maximum Data Input Rate | |
| 24bit Data at 192KS/s: | SPDIF RCA x2, TOSLINK x2, USB |
Analog Inputs: |
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| Line in impedance: | 47 Kohms, 2Vrms max |
| Phono in impedance: | 47 Kohms//150pF |
| Phono accuracy: | +/-0.25dB, 50Hz-15kHz |
General: |
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| Output connections: | 2-sets of WBT NextGen Binding Posts, RCA Line Out, Headphone Output |
| Headphone Output Current and Voltage Level: | 100mA peak |
| Line Out Impedance: | 500 ohms |
| Power On usage: | 14W |
| Power Off usage: | 0.0W |
| Internally Set Operating Voltages: | 100-120VAC or 230-240VAC 50/60 Hz |
| Size: | 8.5 x 3.5 x 12?, 216 x 88 x 305mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight: | 13lbs, 6.5Kg |
