Bel Canto DAC3.7, VBL (Virtual Battery Linear) Power Supply & REFStream Review

Interesting, especially that Bel Canto is still using the old TI/Burr Brown PCM1792 DAC, vs. the latest and greatest from ESS. Sounds like John Stronczer realized the ethernet streaming design of the old Squeezebox (vs USB) is the way to go. I guess the proof is in the listening!

Thanks for reminding me to upgrade my DAC 3.5 mkII. I might even get the new linear battery supply!
 
Every time I hear a DAC with the ESS DAC chips I prefer the sound qualities of the Burr Brown's! More natural, organic without sacrificing the details.
 
i have the bel canto vbs1 and its been great . in the 10 years since i have had bc stuff i never had a problem but after 6 years the vbs1 died . been quite a game getting it fixed . been back to repairer twice but hopefully will be ok . slightly annoyed it did not last longer than 6 years but i guess its on 24/7
 
Unfortunately, looks like Bel Canto stopped production of the DAC 1.7 and 3.7, as well as the VBS and LNS outboard power supplies. I was actually planning on upgrading my DAC 3.5 to the 3.7. I wonder if they stopped production because the power supplies were failing? My VBS is about 6 years old. Guess I'll keep my fingers crossed!
 
ah i did not know that . well hopefully the electronics engineer has now sorted the vbs1 . i quite enjoyed watching him problem solve it . i would not worry if it breaks down as realtively easy for an engineer to fix.
 
sleepysurf said:
Unfortunately, looks like Bel Canto stopped production of the DAC 1.7 and 3.7, as well as the VBS and LNS outboard power supplies. I was actually planning on upgrading my DAC 3.5 to the 3.7. I wonder if they stopped production because the power supplies were failing? My VBS is about 6 years old. Guess I'll keep my fingers crossed!
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Is your VBS still working ? I've had mine for about 6 years with no trouble. Maybe hifinut has frequent surges in the electrical supply? If there was a design problem, I would think a more rugged part that fails would be a solution.
 
no i didnt have any surges , it just failed . however in the UK we have some superb guys and the insides were taken out and a custom cables dc 3 fitted

DC3 builds now come with the Mundorf capacitor upgrade fitted as standard. This can also be retrofitted to your existing DC3 if you own one of the older DC3 units.

This is our brand new reference level DC power supply, called the DC3. Instead of being based on the older DC1 and DC2 regulator designs, it uses our latest regulator layout - Version 2.0 of our fabled CHC-REG module. The front end of the PSU is a much-improved design as well, using the same large audio-grade transformer and banks of Nichicon KG audio capacitors as our much more expensive Naim upgrade PSUs.

This is a truly no-compromise PSU, with a performance well beyond that of the DC2 or DC1, and it is still very reasonably priced compared to our competitors.

Custom HiFi Cables Ltd. - DC3 Power Supply

superb upgrade for the pre 3 vbs , more weight to sound . so the vbs1 relives

running 2 of these bel canto pre 3 pre amps now, they just are so reliable and so good for the money
 
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