Been interested in checking out Bel Canto stuff lately and realized Wylie is all of five minutes away from me. Borrowed the 2.5 DAC/pre Sunday and I don't think I'll be giving it back. Sounds nicer (read "sweeter") than the Benchmark I have. It has, analog and USB inputs plus two digital ins and an optical. So I can hook up a computer, sacd and cd.
Yesterday I also borrowed the Bel Canto 500m's. Not sure if I prefer them to the W4S ST500. Might be a draw. Have much more listening to do. Initial impressions are maybe the W4S low end might be beefier.
Also, something we neglected to check out when the group was over here was the new Neil Young album, "Le Noise". This album absolutely kicks butt in every way. Just him and his guitar making amazing music. Sonically it's a perfect demo disc for your system. Tremendous lows, mids and delicate highs. Quality-wise one of the better new rock recordings I've heard in years.
Check it out if you haven't already.
I'll be switching back and forth between amps today and tomorrow as business is oddly off this week for no apparent reason, so I'm forced to listen to music a good part of the day. Bummer.
