Audio Blast: B.M.C. PureDAC and PureUSB1 Active USB Cable

But, Then Again…

I turned my attention to the streamlined system approach toward the end of the review period, moving to my favorite solid-state amp, the Wells Audio Innamorata. This little honey of an amp will send shivers up your spine when you get it dialed in. I shouldn’t say “little,” as it does deliver 150W/channel, but does so in such ultra-refined fashion you might think you are hearing a SET amp.

Yes, the system configuration performance flipped, the PureDAC and Innamorata combination delivering an even higher level of performance. Consistently over the years, I have been able to build beautiful sounding systems with a full complement (i.e. source, DAC, preamp, amp, etc.) of gear, but usually can top it with an “abbreviated” system, whereby one component is left out, along with a set of interconnects. Such was the case with the PureDAC and Innamorata combination.

At this point use of the PureDAC was fun because it was operating at a show-award level of performance. One would not think an amp change could bring such a profound improvement across the board from a DAC, but I urge you to explore amp/DAC combinations, for this is a key to obtaining superior sound and a more gratifying experience. I was very pleased at how lively this combination made the Daedalus Ulysses sound without introducing stridency in the top end. The Ulysses has been my most subdued speaker, leaning heavily toward a romantic sound, versus tactical/surgical sound like the Legacy Whisper DSW Clarity Edition and the Nimbus White. Now, however, it was beginning to remind me of the involving characteristics of the Chapman T-77 speakers I relished years ago.

I acquired the Ulysses primarily for use in my Landscape orientation system, where they are placed horizontally on custom Sound Anchor stands. Over time I became frustrated that they were not yielding the level of incisiveness I have come to demand of speakers over the past two years of reviewing. I was considering quietly selling them and seeking a new Landscape system candidate for ownership. However, with the breakthroughs in DACs, as demonstrated by the PureDAC, I am reaching a new performance level with these speakers and they will get a reprieve. The PureDAC has shown that much more can be gotten out of them.

The same may be true of your system. If you are frustrated with Redbook, or have an itch to improve your closer to Mid-Fi preamp as well as upgrade the digital in your rig, then the hybrid PureDAC is an excellent choice. Consider that I have not yet tapped out the full extent of the PureDAC, as I have a PureAMP and PureVOX speakers yet to assess. When all is said and done, the PureLine might assert itself as one of the finest affordable digital audiophile sources available at this time.