I also tried running it directly into my amp. It sounded better when my preamp was in the chain. More bloom an depth to the soundstage.
Benchmark DAC-1 vs DAC-1 HDR
The Benchmark DAC-1 has recieved stellar comments on this site. Their HDR offers additional benefits and appears to have no drawbacks in comparison (other than price). I know they switched op amps between the DAC-1 and the DAC-1 PRE and DAC-1 HDR. Has anyone found a downside between the models as one goes up the line ?