Black EX Integrated

The Black EX Integrated amplifier combines a high-performance DAC and custom amplification in a custom-plated, high-grade aluminium chassis. It connects to a wide range of sources, with support for MQA, Roon and DSD, and includes an internal programmable phono stage.

The Black EX Integrated is based on the ACI 600, an integrated design intended to maximise system synergy and optimise performance. Its input, DAC and amplifier sections provide an efficient signal path while avoiding the variability and complexity of separate components. Bel Canto’s proprietary board technologies include the advanced HDR-II DAC core, the AMiP input and a custom high-power amplifier rated at 250/500 watts. Connections include ethernet and USB for streaming, digital inputs, line level inputs and subwoofer outputs, alongside an internal MM/MC software-controlled analogue phono stage.

The EX Integrated manages source selection and system control from the front panel, using the control dial, the custom IR remote control, or an iPhone or iPad running the custom iOS SEEK app. The fully programmable display shows the selected source, volume and system status. It also displays programming functions and streaming metadata.

All source inputs are asynchronously re-clocked into the fully balanced advanced segment DAC, which measures below 0.001% distortion and provides 126dB of dynamic range. Bel Canto’s custom ULN master clock circuitry removes the source clock to reduce jitter and distortion while preserving the audio signal from each source.

Asynchronous ethernet provides access to streaming services and music stored on a NAS drive or an independent drive connected through USB-A. Bel Canto’s asynchronous ethernet and USB-A inputs support high-resolution files up to 24bits at 192ks/s, MQA and DSD64. The system provides server functionality with wireless iOS control through the SEEK app.

Asynchronous digital SPDIF AES, RCA and Toslink inputs operate at 24/192Ks.

Asynchronous USB2.0 Audio supports PCM sources up to 24/348, MQA and DSD 128 through DoP. Windows-based computers require the custom driver. USB2.0 works natively with OSX.

MQA, or Master Quality Authenticated, is a British technology designed to deliver the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is authenticated and small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2017

RS232 supports integration with sophisticated whole-house control systems.

The MM/MC phono section is a low-noise, low-distortion circuit with programmable settings for a wide range of cartridges. It supports high-output MM cartridges from 2.5mV to 5mV and low-output MC cartridges from 0.25mV to 0.5mV.

The line level analogue input can also be programmed to gain-match analogue sources. The line output can be connected to a powered subwoofer.

The front-panel headphone socket provides a dedicated headphone output. When headphones are connected, the EX Integrated configures itself as a headphone amplifier with a high-performance buffer stage capable of driving loads down to 32 ohm. The main control adjusts the output level and allows selection between headphone and main speaker output while the headphones remain connected.