Black
Integrated
Black Control Integrated — Black Integrated — the ultimate expression of amplification, engineered for truth in sound.
ACI 600 - Asynchronous Control Integrated
All source inputs are asynchronously re-clocked into the fully balanced advanced segment DAC measuring below 0.0005% distortion and 127dB of dynamic range. By stripping away the source clock and using Bel Canto’s custom ULN master clock circuitry we significantly reduces both jitter and distortion preserving the delicate audio signals from all sources.
Asynchronous ethernet connects you to the most compelling and power musical source available today. Bel Canto’s proprietary asynchronous ethernet and USB-A inputs provide the highest level of performance for high resolution files up to 24bits at 192ks/s, MQA, and DSD64. This allows you to connect to a variety of subscription streaming service or source from your personal library that is stored on a NAS (networked attached storage) drive, or a multi-terabyte independent drive to the USB-A all providing full server function with complete iOS wireless control using our SEEK control App.
The Ultimate Integrated Amplifier
The Black Integrated refines the elements of the three chassis Black system into one beautifully constructed component. The ACI 600, with its modern look and feel, is the perfect all-in-one solution for the most critical listener. The Black Integrated reveals the subtlest intonations of voice and instrument together with the power and emotion recorded in the music you enjoy.
The ACI 600’s advanced integrated platform expands the way you live with your audio. The ACI 600 suite of options focuses on the core technologies of our high dynamic range DAC, precision volume and system control, ethernet streaming, programmable phono stage and headphone technologies, powered by ultra-low noise amplification for the ultimate all-in-one high performance solution.
The ACI 600 is designed to manage the complexity of all audio source and control functions with ease and efficiency. The volume and system functions are controlled by manually pressing and rotating the control dial on the top of the unit, or by using the IR custom remote control, or with your iPhone/iPad and the custom iOS app. The fully programmable display is easy to read and illuminates system status indicating source and volume. It also displays all programming functions and serves as the streaming display for meta data.
Asynchronous Digital SPDIF AES, RCA and Toslink inputs all operate at 24/192Ks.
Asynchronous USB2.0 Audio is compatible with any PCM source up to 24/348, MQA, and DSD 128 (DoP). Windows-based computers require our custom driver. USB2.0 works natively in OSX.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. The MQA logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2017
RS232 is designed to support easy integration with sophisticated whole house control systems.
The MM/MC phono section is a low noise, low distortion circuit that is fully programmable for optimum application with wide range of quality cartridges from high output MM 2.5mV to 5mV to low output MC 0.25mV to 0.5mV to optimized performance.
The line level analog input also can be programmed to gain match your analog sources and achieve the best performance from all analog sources. The line output can be connected to a powered subwoofer.
The rear mounted headphone jack opens up high quality sound for your favorite headphones. Plug in your headphones and the ACI600 configures itself into a superb headphone amplifier with a high performance buffer stage that can drive down to 32 ohm. Control the output level using the main control, allowing you to select the headphone or main speaker output while leaving the headphones in place.
The ACI 600 has WBT vibration isolated NextGen speaker connectors delivering the purest audio signal to the speaker. The fully insulated design is made from a hybrid of functional materials. The tightening nut acts as a vibration damper against impact sound as well as a pressure indicator. Made from pure fine silver each post accepts 4mm2 bananas and ¼ inch spades.
Black Integrated — where intelligent engineering and refined power converge to create the purest expression of amplification, revealing the full life within every performance.
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.