I have to agree that the DAC1 is a bit stark and analytical. Fed from a Meridian transport it has more detail than my Quad CDP but the Quad is more enjoyable. You can try and tame the sound a bit with a tubed preamp. Good value for the money though considering the detail it extracts.
Benchmark DAC1 auditions out there? latest model
I just purchased the latest DAC1 and I think that the sound is absolutely superb for the money. I had auditioned the previous version and thought it too was superb. The newer one to my ears sounds a bit more airey in the treble. The same great bass is there, the same huge stage and delicate treble without the digital glare so common in sub 1K products is all there. I find that the Cardas Golden Reference power cord pushes the package foreward more than one might suspect a power cord can do. What auditions have others compared the DAC1 to and what were your impressons? Jallen