BEL CANTO E1X DAC / PRE-AMPLIFIER
The BEL CANTO E1X DAC / pre-amplifier providing fixed or variable analogue outputs, allowing use as a stand-alone DAC or as a pre-amplifier. The E1X provides digital and analogue inputs, including an MM/MC turntable input. Streaming via QOBUZ and TIDAL, as well as network streaming, opens up the listening possibilities, and the E1X DAC is Roon Ready. Digital tone controls allow you to listen to your music, your way.
All Bel Canto products are designed and built in Minneapolis, USA.
The E1X Advanced Integrated Platform (AIP) pulls design elements from the award-winning Black System that optimizes both analog and digital system performance. Each input travels an expertly placed circuit path that provides noise rejection and signal optimization along with advanced custom time optimized filters that reduce sonic blur and increase clarity and dynamic impact.
The E1X DAC/Control Preamplifier utilizes Bel Canto’s proprietary technologies that include our advanced HDR-II (High Dynamic Range) DAC core and the AMiP (Asynchronous Multi Input Platform). Our advanced design provides uncompromised sound from any source. Whether you’re streaming music through Ethernet or USB, using the full suite of digital inputs for spinning a CD, the line level inputs for a reel-to-reel tape deck or listening to vinyl via the internal MM/MC software controlled analog phono stage, you’ll experience the full potential from all source components.
Pure Class A Differential Analog Output
A critical advantage of our HDR-II Core architecture is how the Class A Differential Current Mode output from our DAC operates in concert with our custom balanced analog section to best preserve the original dynamics of the recording. The large constant-bias differential currents impose pure Class A operation to every part of the analog output stages, every precision resistor, film capacitor and amplification device is biased with constant current and voltage. This constant bias keeps all components in thermal stasis and insures that all the original signal dynamics are retained. 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.
E1X DAC Features
Our precision filter and equalizer functions use the power of a custom 64bit DSP engine embedded into the internal signal path. Bel Canto’s approach removes the possibility of any degradation due to noise, distortion or response errors introduced by traditional analog filters. In other words, our approach permits subtle equalization and tonal control without compromising the sonic integrity of the original signal.
The Tilt function allows you to trim High frequency and simultaneously boost low frequency equally (or the opposite) to dial in the tonal balance you desire. This is done by holding the axis point of 775Hz and adjusting in a see saw fashion the upper and lower frequencies. This is ideal for eliminating the minor flaws in recordings or in sonically challenged spaces.
The bass EQ gives you great control over low frequency energy below 200 Hz helping you to achieve the tonal balance you desire in room and with speaker placement. It operates over a +/-3dB range with 0.6dB increments (–5, Off, +5) providing subtle optimization of bass energy.
The High Pass circuitry, inserts a high-pass filter into the main speaker output path optimizing the performance of your speakers with the sub output. You can also independently insert a low pass filter into the subwoofer output to help control sub levels. The filters are adjustable anywhere from 40Hz to 120Hz (in increments of 10Hz), depending on the low-frequency extension of your main speakers and the size of your subwoofer. The provision of these high-pass and low-pass filters is far-sighted, as it enables far superior integration of your main speakers with your subwoofer than would otherwise be possible.
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.
Phono
Our dual stage phono architecture is used in the E1X Integrated. 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 ACI 600 and volume is controlled through the home theater processor. These inputs enhance the ability to integrate the E1X DAC into many different systems with many different signal sources.
Maximum Data Input Rates:
24bit Data to 192ks/s: AES, SPDIF, TOSLINK 24bit Data to 192ks/s, MQA, and DSD64: 10/100 Ethernet 24bits to 384ks/s, MQA, and DSD64/128 (DoP): USB2 Audio Low Level Outputs:
Line Level Analog: 4.5Vrms with Bass Management Headphone: 4.5Vrms maximum, 32ohm minimum load MM/MC Input:
Input Sensitivity: MM: 2.5mV to 5mV; 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 Main Outputs:
Balanced XLR Output and Impedance: 5.5Vrms, 100 ohms Minimum Load: 600 ohms RCA Output and Impedance: 2.75Vrms, 100 ohms Performance:
Dynamic Range: 126dB 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: 20W Power Usage Off: 0W Internally Set Operating Voltages: 100-120VAC, 220-240VAC 50/60 Hz Dimensions: 17.75 W x 15.75 D x 3.25 H inches, 451 x 400 x 83 mm Weight: 14 lbs (6.4 kg) This item will usually ship within 3-5 working days.
We try and keep on top of our pricing, but it's a mammoth task for one person. So, if you see this product offered cheaper elsewhere, or you are offered it for less elsewhere (proof will be required) and you feel like supporting an extremely independent retailer, do get in touch and we will do our very best to match or beat wherever we can. We can't promise to do so, as there may some extenuating circumstances where we just wouldn't be able to, but we'll always do what we can.
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