Bel Canto Black EX Integrated Amplifier / DAC / Network Capable

Hifi.nl(Google translated)

"In short; this 'Black Beauty' is the most desirable 'All-in-One' that I know and therefore an absolute must!"

It is certainly not inexpensive, but when you consider the overall sound quality and all the available features, it really is a great deal in high-end audio. In order to achieve everything this integrated can do, with separates you’d need a preamplifier, power amplifier, DAC, headphone amplifier, phono preamplifier and network streamer. So, not only consider the cost of all these separate pieces at the same quality level that this integrated provides, but the cost and clutter of all the additional interconnects, digital cables and power cables. Plus, you have incredible no-compromise features built-in that you pretty much never see in high-end audio such as a tilt control, bass EQ, high-pass filter and more. These features really allow you to integrate the amplifier to suit your room and your system. If you want to integrate a subwoofer and relieve your speakers of some of the bass load, the Black EX allows you to do this easily. You typically never see a feature like this on a high-end integrated amplifier. Not to mention the ability for Roon integration, MQA, high-res PCM and DSD.

Then, with 250W into 8 ohms and 500W into 4 ohms, this amplifier has the ability to drive pretty much any speaker on the market. Great looks, built to last, clutter free and easy to use with incredibly high performance puts this piece above its peers.

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 filers 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 power cycle the unit) and be ready to play after completion.

SEEK App (iOS) Note: Android information at the bottom

The Seek iOS App allows you to stream music to your networked Bel Canto Black system, playlist management over servers, create playlists, play MQA, DSD, PCM formats and gives you system volume control all from your iOS smart phone or tablet.

Bel Canto’s Asynchronous Multi input Platform (AMiP) in the Black Series connects (Ethernet and USB-A) to your home Network to stream music using the SEEK App to play from subscription accounts, TIDAL (MQA) Qobuz or becomes a server with a large drive attached to the USB-A eliminating the need for a computer in your system. Control your music with SEEK on your iOS device.

SEEK is about discovering and managing your music easily, something we see as the ultimate pleasure in musical playback. Making the connection to your home network is straight forward and requires only a connection to your router and downloading the APP to your iOS device. Currently SEEK only works with an iOS device.

After downloading, you can use the below guide to use the app: