I was very surprised to see that. There is a significant difference between the DAC1 and DAC2, as most reviewers said at the time of the DAC2's introduction -- more detail, smoother, less bright -- overall much more listenable. I had the DAC1 and DAC2 at the same time (before I sold the DAC1) and the improvement with the DAC2 was apparent to everyone who heard it in my system. Frankly I wouldn't touch a DAC1 at this time - only get a DAC2.
I can't comment on the DAC2 v. the DAC3 -- I haven't heard the latter -- but Benchmark itself has stated there is no audible difference (which is a bit hard to believe given the change in dac chips.) Personally I'd get a DAC2 and pocket the difference.
I can't comment on the DAC2 v. the DAC3 -- I haven't heard the latter -- but Benchmark itself has stated there is no audible difference (which is a bit hard to believe given the change in dac chips.) Personally I'd get a DAC2 and pocket the difference.