Bel Canto ASC2 / MPS2 Ultra High-End Audio Amplication System

Bel Canto ASC2 / MPS2 Ultra High-End Audio Amplication SystemASC2 MPS2 The BLACK System creates an authentically present, naturally dimensional musical experience that feels alive in the room. The BLACK system architecture, consisting of the ASC2 System Controller and two MPS2 DAC Amplifiers, incorporates numerous Bel Canto developed electronic and mechanical design solutions aimed at preserving the delicate audio signals. Digital processing and asynchronous interfaces driven from our Ultra Low Noise Master

ASC2/MPS2

The BLACK System creates an authentically present, naturally dimensional musical experience that feels alive in the room.

The BLACK system architecture, consisting of the ASC2 System Controller and two MPS2 DAC/Amplifiers, incorporates numerous Bel Canto developed electronic and mechanical design solutions aimed at preserving the delicate audio signals. Digital processing and asynchronous interfaces driven from our Ultra Low Noise Master Clock circuitry ensures external noise from sources cannot corrupt, modify or color the original signal. Bel Canto’s ST fiber interconnect electrically isolates the ASC2 from the rest of the system, preventing random external noise from impacting sensitive analog stages in the MPS2 mono blocks. This eliminates ground loops and electrical noise pickup from environmental RF noise sources ranging from WiFi, Bluetooth, computers, cell phones or any other noise sources. Black is void of extraneous electrical noise; you only hear the music.

ASC2 - Asynchronous System Controller

The ASC2 is the second generation and heart of the BLACK system. The ASC2 is not a digital to analog converter; it is a Master Clock/Controller and the only one of its kind. It could be described as the digital preamplifier, with analog and digital inputs and digital output. The easy to read programmable display allows you to select the best view or turn it completely off.

The volume control and input selector is controlled from the multi-function rotating wheel on the top of the ASC2, you can also use the IR custom remote control, or your iPhone/iPad and the custom iOS app. The master control is always ready to adjust volume, press it once and rotate to enter input, or press and hold to enter the menu, where you can set the system up that best meets your needs.

The ASC2 is an all-digital asynchronous controller with galvanic isolated inputs that eliminate the potential for noise to corrupt the fine audio signal from digital, networked and analog sources. The ASC2s 64 bit DSP processor core controls system function, 32-bit volume and custom FIR Filters retains the highest level of accuracy. And at the heart of the ASC2 is the custom ULN Master clock circuit, ultra-low phase noise clocks with independent power supplies measure below 40 Femtoseconds, keeping phase noise and jitter to extremely low levels, ensuring pure sonic performance.

The ASC2 handles all audio inputs, ranging from a networked audio UPnP Ethernet, USB2, a suite of SPDIF/AES digital inputs and an Analog line input that is digitised with a high performance 24/192 ADC 2cm from the input connector. All DSP based control and custom filter functions are contained within the ASC2, along with tone and level controls that dials in your system to your optimised sound. Just as a high performance analog preamplifier is critical to the performance of a traditional audio system the ASC2 is critical to the superior musical performance of the BLACK system making sure the signal is ready for digital optical transmission to the MPS1 monoblocks.

MPS2 - Mono Power DAC

The MPS2 is a unique monoblock design with ultra-low noise Clocking, Digital to Analog conversion, Bel Canto's class A amplifier stages, and a custom 1200 Watt Power Buffer in an optimized environment.

The digital signal from the ASC2 is asynchronously re-timed before conversion in the advanced segment fully balanced mono DAC, that combines the best of Multi-Bit and delta sigma technologies measuring below 0.0005% distortion and 130dB of dynamic range. The high current output from the DAC is coupled directly into the I/V stage and within 3 cm into Bel Canto custom amplification.

The buffer stage is a discrete, low gain, low noise buffer that can drive 40A peaks into a 2-ohm load. It adds virtually no noise or distortion to the voltage amplifier output resulting in an extremely transparent audio power stage using only 4 high current output MOSFET power devices operating in an efficient self-oscillating analog switching architecture adding neither coloration nor distortion. The chassis design isolates these critical analog stages within a controlled, optimized environment, ensuring maximum performance under real-world system conditions.

The System Features

The ASC2 Controller offers a suite of features for the Black System. Our precision filter and equalizer functions use the power of a custom 64-bit 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.