Benchmark to amp direct question?

Thanks for the replies.

My preamp is the ModWright, so it would be interesting to see what the ModWright add/subtracts.

I will be trying both RCA and Balanced outputs direct into my amp and see the results. Cables are Slinkylinks. See how things go...

Ok, I've done the RCA and AES/EBU route for comparison...and the winner is [drum roll]...

Anyone want to hazard a guess???

Sorry for the confusion, yes its the analog outputs - RCA and balanced (isn't this AES/EBU?) from the Benchmark, directly into the RCA/Balanced inputs on my Sanders poweramp.

After Saki's post, I checked the input/output impedences of both the Benchmark and the Sanders. For the Benchmark, the difference in output impedence between the RCA and balanced is that the latter is double that of the former. For the Sanders, there was no difference in input impedence between both RCA & balanced. Consequently when using RCAs, the sound was double the loudness of the balanced termination.

Since the ModWright SWLP is only line level, no balanced connections, I could only compare the RCA direct vs via the preamp. I'd say its a close call, with a slight preference for going through the preamp.

When comparing sound quality of the RCA vs Balanced direct to the poweramp, there was no contest. The Balanced output is significantly better than RCA. Everything that you would normally associate with balanced - blacker/bigger soundstage, deeper bass, more solid images, is all there with the balanced outputs. The difference is so obvious I was wondering if I had upgraded to another DAC. Not only was I getting more information, it was totally natural and musical. If you are still using the RCA output, you have NOT heard the true potential of the Benchmark.

Ryder
Certainly that's what I've been trying to say. The Benchmark is essentially a balanced DAC, so the "correct" or optimal way to use it, is via its balanced outputs. The difference is not subtle.

Hi Saki
Well certainly the impedence of the balanced outputs match my amp's input. Actually with the Benchmark, its a simple case of turning the attenuator pots down to use the RCA outs, but then you won't be able to enjoy the superior sound the balanced outputs produce.

My point was not so much that XLR cables are better than RCA, rather that the Benchmark's XLR outputs are far superior to the RCA outputs, so if those of you still using the RCA outputs, I would suggest you try the XLR connections on the Benchmark. Some of the common criticisms of the Benchmark - titzy highs, lean sound, are completely gone! You'll wonder why you never tried it in the first place.

I'm really enjoying the music, thank you.

PS: WARNING TO REMEMBER TO SWITCH THE TOGGLE SWITCH AT THE BACK TO "VARIABLE" OR YOU MIGHT RISK BLOWING YOUR AMP/SPEAKERS.

Steve
I'm not technically inclined, just a bit of tech knowledge, so I can't tell what's really balanced or not, but I do know this, the Benchmark's XLR outputs are a quantum leap over the RCA. Something which 2 others I know have heard, and confirm the same findings.

Since you obviously know more about the internals of the Benchmark, maybe you could shed some light on why there's so much difference between the two?

Adasilva, definitely worth getting adaptors. If you listen to digital only, you have all to gain and nothing to lose. I'd even go so far to say that it compares favourably with SACD and good analog.

Audioengr
Have you actually tried to listen to both outputs before concluding that they are the same?

I ask this because one of the users who reportedly heard the improvement used adaptors on the XLR output to drive his amp and he heard a drastic improvement in sound. In his words "Tried this last night. Jaw dropping detail[ed] and dynamics."

See also the following links:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79762
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showpost.php?p=897063&postcount=123
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showpost.php?p=897063&postcount=123