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BEL CANTO E1X DAC/CONTROL PREAMP

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$11,000.00

E1X DAC/Control Preamp

The E1X DAC Control Preamp marks entry into our Advanced Integrated Platform that combines our high-resolution DAC, streamer, and phono stage into a single chassis that is designed for music lovers who want an uncomplicated, uncompromised, and exhilarating home audio experience. The E1X sonic characteristic emphasizes realistic and compelling musical expression.

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.

e1x dac main front

The E1X DAC is designed to manage the complexity of all audio sources and control functions with ease and efficiency. The volume and system functions are controlled by manually pressing and rotating the control dial on the front of the unit, using the IR custom remote control, or with your iPhone/iPad and the custom iOS SEEK app. The E1X is also a Roon end point giving you the option to subscribe to Roon for network streaming to the Bel Canto platform. The fully programmable display is easy to read and illuminates system status indicating source and volume with auto off function when not in use. It also displays all programming functions.

e1x dac main back

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 Ultra Low Noise master clock circuitry we eliminate jitter and data related distortion, preserving the delicate audio signal.

ex dac digital input slice

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. Android users can use the MConnect 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.

main DAC analog detail

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.

e1x dac main front phone hp

The front mounted headphone jack opens up high quality sound for your favorite headphones. Plug in your headphones and the E1X DAC configures itself into a superb headphone amplifier with a buffer stage that can drive down to 32 ohms. Control the output level using the main control, allowing you to select the headphone or main speaker output while leaving the headphones in place.

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.

Gordon Holt is on record as saying: “it’s far better able than most to correct for many of the worst and most commonly-encountered sonic flaws in recordings.”

tilt control graphic 2017

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.

bass control graphic 2017

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.

hi pass main graphic 2017

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.

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)

Features and specifications are subject to improvements and changes without prior notice.

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