Bel Canto e.One series C7R User manual

TM
TM
C7 R
Integra t e d Amplif i e r / Audio D AC / T u n e r
w i t h M a ster Refe re n c e U l t ra-C l o c k
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Safety Information 2
Certifications/Standards 3
Warranty 
Unpacking 
Power Connection 
Setup and Placement 5
Design Features 5
Control Functions and Display 6
Remote Control 7-8
Tuner Mode 9
Rear Panel Connections 10
Conditioning 10
Tips for Operation 11
Specifications 12
Declaration of Conformity 13
Copyright © 2012 Bel Canto Design Ltd.
Bel Canto Design Limited
221 North 1
st
Street
Minneapolis, MN 55 01
United States
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Bel Canto
Design. The content of this manual is provided for information use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be
construed as a commitment by Bel Canto Design Limited. Bel Canto Design Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for
any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual. Trademarks used in this publication: Bel Canto and the Bel Canto
logo are registered trademarks of Bel Canto Design Limited. C7 R and Master Reference Ultra-Clock are trademarks of Bel
Canto Design Limited. Bel Canto Design Limited disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than
its own. Printed in the United States.

The Lightning Flash with arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of shock to persons.
Explanation of symbols used in this manual or on the
rear/underside of the apparatus:
TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS
FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER
SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD
SHALL REMAIN READILY ACCESSIBLE.
Disconnect supply cord before changing fuse.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS
FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD
NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.
• Read, keep and follow these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Do not use the apparatus near water, ie near a
bathtub, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, near a swimming pool etc.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions.
Site the apparatus so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the apparatus should not be situated on
a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block
the ventilation openings, or placed in a built in
installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that
may impede the flow of air through the ventilation
openings.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet; consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and at the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug has been damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
• Mains plug: Use the mains plug to disconnect the
apparatus from the mains supply. The mains plug
must be accessible at all times. Use the mains
switch (if applicable) when the apparatus is not in
use.
• Objects and liquid entry: Do not let objects or
liquids fall into the apparatus. Do not expose the
apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place
a vessel containing liquid on top of the apparatus.
• No naked flame sources, such as lighted
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
• The apparatus has been designed for use in
moderate and tropical climates
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.

Fuse replacement:
This appliance is fitted with a non-rewireable 10 amp
mains plug. The plug contains a 10 amp fuse. If the fuse
has blown it can be replaced as follows:
a) Pull out the black fuse cover/carrier.
b) Remove and dispose of the blown fuse.
c) Fit a new 10 amp BS1362 approved fuse into the carrier
and push the carrier back into the plug.
Always ensure the fuse cover is fitted. If the fuse cover is
missing do not use the plug. Contact your Bel Canto
retailer to obtain a replacement fuse cover. Fuses are for
fire protection and do not protect against electric shock.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
GROUNDED.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.

Bel Canto products are automatically covered by a 90 day factory warranty that covers all internal parts and labor.
Register online (http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_Warranty.html) within 30 days of purchase from an
authorized dealer to automatically extend your warranty for 2 years starting from the date of purchase. If you do
not have web access, please contact your dealer for assistance. Your information will be used for internal use
only and will not be sold or released outside Bel Canto. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated and
help us continually improve our products and services.
The warranty is only valid to the original owner and is non-transferable. Damage caused by unauthorized
modification, abuse, or neglect of product will void your warranty. Any cost associated with return of product is
the sole responsibility of the owner. All returns require a return authorization number issued after completing the
RMA form in the support section of our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us online at
[e-mail].
C7R packaging contains the following:
1 (one) – C7R
1 (one) – C7R User’s Guide
1 (one) – Power Cord
1 (one) – Remote Control
1 (one) – FM Antenna + 75 ohm Balun
Carefully unpack each piece and check for shipping
damage. If there is any damage, or if anything is
missing, please contact your dealer, distributor or
Bel Canto Design.
IMPORTANT: Save all packing materials as they
are specially designed to protect the unit during
transportation or shipping. If the packing becomes
lost or damaged, please contact your dealer,
distributor or Bel Canto before attempting to
transport your unit .
The power supply on the C7R is preset for the
proper power voltage. The power cable should have
the correct plug for your local power system. If you
believe this to not be true, please contact your
dealer immediately.
This product, like any electrical component, can be
dangerous and cause injury unless correct handling
procedures are observed and used. Before
powering this product, it is necessary to read and
follow proper setup and procedures.
ARNING!
Do not connect power
to this product yet!

Because the C7R uses little power and runs only
slightly warm, it can be placed in many system
locations without compromise. We do not
recommend placing weights or other objects directly
on the C7R.
This may scratch or mar the chassis finish. Do not
use harsh chemicals when cleaning the outside of
your C7R.
Digital Inputs:
• 2-SPDIF 2 /192
• 2-TOSLINK 2 /192
• USB 2 /96
Analog Inputs:
• MM Phono
• Line Level 2.5Vrms Max
Outputs:
• Line Level Out
• Loudspeaker Outputs
• ¼” Front Headphone Jack
Tuner
• Patented Digital IF analog FM tuner front end
• RDS/RDBS Function
• 10 Station Presets
The C7R is brings remarkable clarity and power to a compact and versatile platform. With 5 digital inputs,
including a high resolution USB input, MM Phono and a Line level input the C7R is a complete core for a high
performance entertainment system. Just add a Mac Mini or other computer, a turntable and pair of high quality
loudspeakers and you have a complete entertainment system.
All digital inputs are processed through our low jitter Master Reference Ultra-Clock circuitry to ensure the best
sound quality form all possible sources. The analog section is equally over specified with a 300 mA buffer to drive
the lowest impedance headphones or the internal analog switching amplifier. The amplifier retains the high
dynamic range as the line level section. A zero loss 2 bit digital level control completes the package to ensure
that no information is lost, retaining full clarity and dynamic impact.
The C7R uses 3rd generation switching amplifiers for lower high frequency distortion, increased clarity and better
high frequency extension. The C7R delivers 120 watts into ohm loads per channel or 60W @ 8 ohms per
channel. All Bel Canto e.One amplifiers are gain matched for easy mixing in system building, multi-channel and
vertical bi-amplification applications.
The C7R also uses our low noise power rectification and filter stage-further reducing noise and increasing energy
storage and power supply quality-delivering more apparent power, enhanced resolution and sonic refinement.
IMPORTANT!
Make all connections before
powering your unit!

Front Panel Control Knob:
The control knob is a continuously rotating control
with a push-switch function. Always push the button
with your finger in the direct center of the knob.
Pushing the knob will switch between selectable
values on the display. Rotating the control left or
right will adjust the selected value.
Upon Power Up:
When switched on, the C7R will perform its startup
sequence followed by displaying the firmware
revision.
After 2 seconds, Input Selection Mode will become
active. The SP1 input will be selected by default
and Soft Mute will be active. The selected input is on
the left of the display and the volume is on the right.
The volume level will automatically ramp down and
up during this selection process
Volume Control:
The C7R allows you to change volume level by
rotating the knob. The volume down function
(counter-clockwise rotation) is very rapid and allows
quick changes in the volume level. Volume up
(clockwise rotation) functions rapidly up to a
displayed volume level of 65.0. It then continues
slowly to a maximum of 100.0.
Input Selection Mode:
Pressing the control knob in briefly will toggle into
the input selection mode. The selected input will be
displayed for 5 seconds. During this time you can
rotate the control knob to scroll to the desired input.
Pressing the knob again will select the indicated
input. The volume level will automatically ramp down
and up during this selection process. If the control
knob is not pressed for 3 seconds, the indicated
input will automatically be selected and the C7R will
return to the default volume control mode. Inputs are
indicated as: SP1 (SPDIF1), SP2 (SPDIF2), OP1
(TOSLINK), OP2 (TOSLINK), USB, LIN (Line In) and
PH (Phono).
Front Panel Digital Lock Indicator:
When no valid digital input signal is present on an
input, LOS (Loss Of Signal) will appear on the
display.
Accessing Tuner Mode
To access the Tuner from the front panel, press and
hold the Control Knob for 2 – 3 seconds. To leave
Tuner Mode, hold the Control Knob for 2 – 3
seconds. See page 9 for more information.
To restore Factory Default settings: Hold
in the Control Knob while powering up the
C7R, and continue to hold until the display
finishes its startup sequence.

The C7 R Remote Control has a comprehensive set of
control features that are not available on the front panel,
including expanded programmability.
To access all main C7 R features, press the button
marked PRE towards the bottom of the remote control.
To enter Tuner Mode, press Tuner. Press PRE to leave
Tuner Mode and return to Input Selection mode. (The
Main CD controls will still operate in the DAC, PRE and
Tuner modes.)
PGM: Enter program mode. Here you can assign a four
character name to each input, turn each input ON or OFF,
and/or activate Home Theater Bypass for the Analog Input.
Use the four directional keys at the top of the remote to
navigate programming options. Make your selection by
pressing the ENTER key.
After selecting YES when entering program mode, you can
name any or all inputs. Use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow to
select the input to name. Press ENTER. Use the right key
to select one of four characters to modify. You can quickly
scroll through the characters (A-Z, 0-9, or blank) using the
UP and DOWN arrows. After finishing naming the selected
input, press ENTER.
Before or after naming an input, you can turn an input ON
or OFF by using the UP and DOWN buttons to select ON
or OFF and then pressing ENTER.
When on the ANALOG (LIN) input, you can also choose
Home Theatre Bypass (HTB). In this mode, the analog
input simply passes signal through with a fixed output
level. Note that this disables the volume control and
requires that the volume control on the Home Theater
processor be used. Use this feature only with a volume
controlled line level source. Using this with the fixed
output of a CD player, for example, could result in
damage to the amplifier or loudspeaker!
When you wish to exit Program mode, simply
hit the PGM button. You will then be prompted
to save your changes. Toggle between YES
and NO and then hit ENTER.
To restore Factory Default settings: Hold in the Control
Knob while powering up the C7 R , and continue to hold
until the display finishes its startup sequence.
VOL+: Increases the volume setting. This will Punch
Through to any Bel Canto unit in Variable Output mode.
The display will show the volume level while changing.
VOL-: Decreases the volume setting. This will Punch
Through to any Bel Canto unit in Variable Output mode.
The display will show the volume level while changing.
CH/SCAN+: This will toggle the input selection up in
number and wrap around. Note that the first press of this
control will show the active input selection. In Tuner Mode,
this toggles the frequency up in number and wraps
around.
CH/SCAN-: This will toggle the input selection down in
number and wrap around. Note that the first press of this
control will show the active input selection. In Tuner Mode,
this toggles the frequency up in number and wraps
around.

Display: Toggles through several display options:
1. Standard: Displays selected Input on the left and
Volume on the right.
2. Sample Rate: Displays selected sample rate.
Regardless of the display mode you are in, the
following display will appear whenever your source
changes sample rate:
3. Product Name
. Software Version see page 6 for image
5. Display Off. Using the remote or using the control
knob will turn the display back on for 3 seconds.
Mute: Soft Mute is indicated by the word SOFT
overwritten on the volume level display. Hard mute over-
writes the level display with MUTE. The Mute function will
Punch Through to any Bel Canto unit set in Variable
Output mode.
Number Buttons: Use for direct input selection.
1: SPDIF1 (SP1) 2: SPDIF2 (SP2) 3: TOSLINK (OP1)
4: TOSLINK (OP2) 5: USB (USB) 6. Analog Input (LIN)
7: MMA Phono (PH)
Bal L / Bal R: Shift the balance up to 6.0 dB towards
either channel in increments of 0.5 dB. If the balance is
activated, a right or left pointer will appear on the display.
It will point towards the direction in which the balance is
shifted.
Phase: Invert the phase. If enabled, you will see a dash
to the left of the volume.
When both Balance and Phase shift are in effect, you will
see this:

To enter Tuner Mode, either press ‘Tuner’ on the remote
or press and hold the control knob button in for 2 -3
seconds. After entering Tuner Mode, the display will show
the radio frequency on the left and the volume on the right.
Rotate the knob to change the highlighted value. The
volume will be highlighted by default. To highlight the
frequency, press the knob once.
Tuner Display Modes
1. Standard: displays the frequency on the left and the
volume on the right. The decimal to the right of the
frequency indicates the presence of the Stereo Carrier on
the station.
2. RDS Mode: Radio Data Signal. When available, this
scrolls station, song, and/or artist data across the display.
Note that the RDS screen will show NO RDS until RDS
data is received from the station. The RDS function is
entirely dependent on the station sending the RDS data.
Not all stations transmit RDS data.
There are two modes of RDS function:
1) Radio Text: This is the first RDS screen in the display
rotation. When there is no data, NO RT will be displayed.
2) Program Services: This is the second RDS screen.
When there is no data, NO PS will be displayed.
Depending on the radio station, there may be similar or
quite different information displayed in each case. Note
that the RT scrolls and the PS are displayed in 8 character
segments.
3. RSSI: Received Signal Strength ndicator, on a scale of
1-100, over 0 is necessary for a good stereo signal. Less
than 0 will be a stereo blend or mono signal.
. Product Name: C7 R
5. Software Version: displays revision of software and
region code.
6. Display Off: using the remote or the knob control will
turn the display back on for 3 seconds.
Additional Tuner Remote Functions
Presets: The C7 R can have up to 10 presets which are
noted as P0 – P9 on the display. To program each preset,
hold the number button on the remote for 2 seconds while
tuned in to the desired frequency. For Preset 1, hold the 1
button until P1 appears on the display. To recall the
preset, simply press the number button again. To
deprogram the preset, hold the number button for 2
seconds. When the frequency reappears on the display,
the preset is deprogrammed. Continuing to hold the
number button will continuously program and deprogram
the preset.
<< , >>: Discreet tuning through the entire frequency
band. Hold either button for continuous tuning in a
particular direction.
|<<, >>| : Choose a preset station by going in numerical
value of the preset in either direction.
CH/SCAN – or +: Channel scan to the next strongest
signal.
Mono: The C7 R can be forced into Mono Mode as
desired if the noise level for a given station is not
acceptable. Pressing the Mono button again will return to
normal Auto Stereo or Blend operation. When changing to
a new preset or tuning a new station the Mono Mode will
be reset to Auto Mode.

Never Connect Either the Positive or Negative Speaker Output to Any Ground Contact!
Use Class 2 iring for all Loudspeaker Connections!
Beginning in the upper left:
• ON/OFF switch applies power when the switch is
in the 1 position.
• Fuse Drawer with 5 amp/250V slow blow 5mm x
20mm fuse.
• IEC power cord jack: Connect the supplied or a
quality aftermarket power cord from this jack.
Note the power setting indicated on the back of
the unit before connecting the power.
• GND: Ground wire attachment for turntable.
• Antennae: 75 ohm coaxial F-type antenna
connection (Read p. 11 regarding your antenna)
• Line Out: A volume controlled line output that
can be used to drive a second amplifier or
powered subwoofer.
• Line In: For signals up to 2.5Vrms.
• Phono: Preamp input raises MM cartridge signal
to line level.
• USB: Digital input can be connected to a
computer for playback of any audio format up to
a 2 /96 data rate. The system will automatically
recognize the C7 R as an audio converter
enumerated as Bel Canto USB 2496 when using
Windows 98 or later and any version of
Macintosh OSX.
• IR In: Connect a 38 kHz IR extension emitter to
increase range of the remote.
• TOSLINK 2 and TOSLINK 1: Digital inputs
accept any standard plastic or glass fiber optical
TOSLINK cable and operate to 2 /192 data rate.
• SPDIF2 and SPDIF1: Digital inputs accept RCA
connections from any 75 ohm SPDIF source and
operate up to and including a 2 /192 data rate .
• R +/- and L +/-: Loudspeaker binding post
connectors.
When all connections to and from the unit have been made then double check everything before plugging the C7 R into the
power source. After turning on, the C7 R will go through its display check and show the software revision number. The unit will
be in Soft Mute with the SP1 input selected. The volume will be set to 50.0.
The sonic performance of the C7R will begin to stabilize after 100 hours of continuous power up.

Using Headphones
When headphones are inserted into the headphone jack, the volume can be adjusted via the control knob or remote. The
input can be selected as normal from the front panel or remote. The Loudspeaker and Line Outputs of the C7 R are disabled
when headphones are connected.
Power Up
We recommend leaving the C7 R powered at all times as the sonic quality is best after several hundred hours of play and 8-72
hours of power on after the initial break-in time.
Connection to a Computer
The USB port can be used for up to 2 /96 data, enough for any CD source. For more details on optimizing computer audio
sources please refer to our on-line guide at: www.belcantodesign.com
hat to do if there is hum or ground noise
The design of the C7 R greatly reduces the chance for ground loop induced hum and noise. Connect all power cables of the
audio system to a common outlet box or power conditioner unit. Having the audio system components share a common
ground will greatly reduce the possibility for ground current noise being introduced into the audio signal path.
Volume Control Punch Through
The Volume Up, Down and Mute functions on the remote control will affect any Bel Canto unit in Variable Output mode
regardless of whether PRE, DAC, CD or TUNER is selected. It is recommended that only the device with volume control
closest to the power amps be in Variable Output mode. Any other devices that are capable of volume control should be in
Fixed Volume mode.
The quality of your FM Antenna and the location and connection of the antenna are critical to the quality of the audio that you
will get from any FM tuner. The supplied antenna wire is only intended as a quick way to check the correct hookup and
operation of the FM1 but should NOT be used for critical evaluation of the FM1 performance. It is important that you work
with your dealer in choosing and setting up the correct 75 ohm FM antenna for your reception area and needs.
There are 3 points to pay attention to:
1) Choose the best FM only antenna that you can afford and accommodate in your location. Good results can be had
in urban areas using a directional indoor antenna but in rural areas were station strength may be low it could well be
necessary to install a good quality Yagi directional antenna that is sited to receive your favorite radio stations. There
are many sources of good FM antennas for example: http://www.fmdxantenna.com has a good selection of both
indoor and outdoor antennas that should work well. Beware of the cheap ‘active’ gain antennas from various sources
as they often just add noise and distortion to the signal and do not really improve reception.
2) Use the correct 75 ohm coaxial cabling to connect from the antenna to the FM1. RG6 type coax is the best for
cable runs over 75-100 feet while RG59/U type cable can be used for shorter runs. In any case make sure that the
terminations and connections are clean and tight for reliable operation.
3) Any outdoor antenna should be installed by a professional to make sure that the correct safety precautions are
taken to protect you and your equipment.

Power Output 1% THD: 120W @ ohms, 60W @ 8 ohms per channel
Minimum Load: 3 ohms per channel
Peak Output Current: 30 amperes
Frequency Response: +/-3 dB 1.5Hz-90kHz, ohm load
THD+N: 0.003% 1W, 1kHz, ohms
IMD (CCIF): 0.0003%, 1W, 1 :15kHz, ohms
Output noise: <50uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20kHz
Damping factor: >200
Output Impedance at 100Hz: <20 milliohms
Dynamic Range: 115 dB
Input connections: 5-Digital Inputs, MM Phono and Line Level Analog
Line In impedance: 11 k ohms
Phono In Impedance: 7 k ohms/150pF
Phono In Sensitivity: 2.5mV – 7mV nominal cartridge output range
Phono Accuracy: +/- 0.25dB, 50Hz-15KHz
Output connections: 2 sets of Binding Posts, RCA Line Out, Headphone Output
Line Out Impedance: 100 ohms
Power On usage: 1 W
Power Off usage: 0.0W
Power Input: 100-120VAC, 230-2 0VAC 50/60 Hz
Fuse: Littlefuse 215 Series, 10 ampere, time-lag, 250VAC, 5x20mm ceramic body fuse
Size: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12[inches], 216 x 88 x 305[mm] (WxHxD)
Weight: 13lbs, 6.5Kg
FM Section:
Input Frequency Range: 76-108 MHz
Sensitivity with 75 ohm input: 1.1uV EMF (S+N)/N=26dB
Input IP3: 105 dBuV |f2 – f1| > 1 MHz; f0 = 2 x f1 – f2
Adjacent Channel Selectivity: 50 dB +/- 200KHz
Alternate Channel Selectivity: 70 dB +/- 00KHz
Frequency Response: 30Hz-15Khz -3dB
S/N: >63dB
THD: <0.1%
Features and specifications are subject to improvements and changes without prior notice.

Application of Council Directive(s):
200 /108/EC and 2006/95/EC, as amended
Standard(s) to hich Conformity Is Declared:
EN 55013:2001 + A1:2003 + A2:2006
EN 55020:2007
EN 61000-3-2:2006
EN 61000-3-3:1995 + A1:2001 + A2:2005
EN 60065:2002/A12:2011
Manufacturer:
Bel Canto Design, Ltd.
221 1
st
Street North
Minneapolis, MN 55 01 USA
The equipment identified here conforms to the Directive(s) and
Standard(s) specified above.
Type of Equipment: Integrated Power Amplifier
Models: C7R
Date: January, 2012
Bel Canto Design, Ltd.
221 1
st
Street North
Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

version 2.0