The Black EX DAC/Control Preamplifier is designed in a custom plated high-grade aluminum chassis that contains the highest-level DAC performance and source compatibility, including MQA, Roon, DSD, and an internal programmable phono stage. The EX DAC controls input selection, volume control, and manages all source formats with the highest quality detail and musicality from any source ensuring years of musical enjoyment.

The EX DAC/Control Preamplifier is built around our High Dynamic Resolution HDR-II core and high-speed Asynchronous Multi-Input Processor (AMiP) platform that defines the most versatile DAC preamplifier. Stream music through Ethernet or USB, a full suite of digital inputs, line level inputs, sub output and software controlled internal MM/MC analog phono stage.

The EX DAC is designed to manage the complexity of all audio source and control functions with ease and efficiency. The 32-bit volume and multi-processor system functions are controlled by manually pressing and rotating the control dial on the front of the unit, or by using the IR custom remote control, or with your iPhone/iPad and the custom iOS app. The fully programmable display is easy to read and illuminates system status indicating source and volume.

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 Cantos custom ULN master clock circuitry, we significantly reduce both jitter and distortion preserving the delicate audio signals from all sources.

Asynchronous ethernet connects you to the most compelling and power musical source available today. Bel Cantos 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.

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.

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.

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

Technical Specification

Manufacturer Site

• Bel Canto