Compared to the similarly priced Lavry DA-11 reviewed earlier, the Bel Canto has a clearly superior user interface. The Lavry's phalanx of switches works to be sure but the Bel Canto's functionality and aesthetics are better thought out and much easier to use. Integrating the DAC 1.5 with the rest of one's system is quite simple. The Bel Canto Dac 2.7 e.One (Bel Canto DAC 2.7) is versatile - doubling up as a quality preamp with an extra analog input. The DAC's sound qualities - highly textured with great clarity, gorgeous bass to anchor the well balanced sound and rhythmic flow to the music. I have narrowed it down to either a Benchmark DAC1 HDR or a Bel Canto DAC 2.5. As far as features go there's nothing in it. They both have a USB input up to 24/96, SPDIF up to 24/192, remote volume and input selection, an analogue input (for my phono pre), either SE or balance outputs and rugged The Bel Canto 2.5 is remarkably superior to the previous version of this DAC! Wow! What a difference in almost every respect. The Benchmark is a fine sounding DAC in its own right and will continue to live on its merits. Side by side the Bel Canto 2.5 leaves you feeling more involved. Spacious, Dynamic and Open. I also though I would like the headphone amp on the Bel Canto more than the neutral DAC 1/2. And lastly, the Bel Canto has a built-in power supply upgrade, AND has an ADC to digitize phono/analog music. And lastly, at the time i bought the 2.5, I didnt realize how much i would be getting into SACD/DSD in the future. The DAC2.5 connects directly to the mains AC with a standard IEC connection. Green, low-heat, efficient isolated power supplies and a finely-tuned analog output stage make possible Bel Canto's eco-friendly compact designs; Bel Canto music products are fine instruments that are musically satisfying, discrete and sleek to fit any room. bel canto dac 3 cd 2 owners. hi, I have the cd2 transport dac 3 digital front end, and next week I am going to add the new