DAC 2.5

About the DAC 2.5

The Bel Canto DAC 2.5 is a sophisticated digital audio converter and control center that converts digital media into high-quality music output. It features five 24/192 digital inputs (AES/EBU, SPDIF, TOSLINK), a 24/96 USB input, and a 24/192 ADC analog input that allows connection of analog sources such as a phono preamp or home theater bypass. The unit includes a proprietary low noise DAC core with a 122dB dynamic range and a Master Reference Ultra-Clock circuit that reduces jitter below audible thresholds. It has a 24-bit digital volume control, class-A output circuitry, and a low noise power supply. The front panel has a multifunction control knob for input selection and volume control, plus a dedicated headphone amplifier with a 1/4" jack that operates independently from the main outputs. The DAC 2.5 supports balance control, absolute phase inversion, and input renaming or disabling. Its analog input is converted to digital at 24-bit/192kHz with 110dB dynamic range, enabling use as a digital preamplifier and integration with turntables or home theater systems. The device is housed in a heavy-gauge steel chassis to minimize resonance and interference, and it uses eco-friendly, low-heat power supplies. Outputs include balanced XLR and RCA connectors, with variable or fixed output modes. The DAC chip is a Burr-Brown PCM1796 dual-differential multi-bit delta-sigma converter, upsampling all inputs to 24-bit/192kHz with slow roll-off digital filtering. The DAC 2.5 is praised for its dynamic, clean, and neutral sound with excellent midrange, highs, and bass performance. It can function as a complete DAC/preamplifier, eliminating the need for a separate preamp when paired with a power amplifier.