Bel Canto E1X DAC / Control Preaamplifier

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

E1X DAC Technology

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.”

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.

SEEK

Bel Canto SEEK is about musical discovery, without compromise. The SEEK Controller is a UPnP/DLNA free iOS** app that organizes playlists, favorite tracks, or stations from around the world, making them readily accessible all from your iOS tablet or phone. SEEK manages both content and volume levels of your Bel Canto component without having to leave your favorite listening position. Download the SEEK Setup Guide.

SEEK is conveniently designed with a connection to both TIDAL and Qubuz subscription services. Simply load your account information into the SEEK app to beginning streaming music from both services. There is also the option to stream internet radio with vTuner at no additional cost. The SEEK app also controls content stored in the cloud from Dropbox or OneDrive to ensure you music files are safe. The Bel Canto components also have a USB-A port that allow you to attach a portable drive and control content with SEEK.

The SEEK control app serves music to your Bel Canto component, but the musical files do not travel through the iOS device. The SEEk app runs outside of the audio signal controlling content and volume without effecting the original stream data. It is important that proper care is taken in setting up and maintaining your network to ensure the best results from a DLNA environment.

SEEK is all about discovering and managing you music files and subscriptions easily, but it's also quite flexible. Have another streaming product on your network? Simply add it to a group for an efficient and powerful smart home audio hub. Or make a set of favorite devices or playlists to access at the touch of a button. SEEK is a powerful, but simple application that makes it easier to do what you really want to do: listen to music.

**Android users can use the MConnect app to operate their Bel Canto device.

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

User Reviews

3 Months + 5 Years If Registered Warranty

We care about your experience with HeyNow Hi-Fi, and we’re here to make the warranty process as smooth as possible.

Your warranty is handled directly by the Australian importer. By submitting this form, we’ll coordinate the process for you and keep you updated every step of the way. Important: Shipping fees are not included as part of your warranty coverage.

If your HeyNow Hi-Fi purchase isn’t working as it should, click here to lodge a warranty claim.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us https://www.heynowhifi.com.au//pages/contact