2. amps-preamps
  3. 1293300183

DACs as preamps: Benchmark HDR vs Wyred4Sound DAC2

Looking to go the route of a DAC that has preamp functions as well. One of the above will be driving Parasound JC-1s via XLR.

Has anybody been able to compare the two from the perspective of the preamp? This may essentially boil down to if the Benchmark's analog preamp section is better than the W4S's digital output.

I have read the 6moons review which touches on it a bit, and the the recent soundstage review--though that one seems to compare the two directly from a DAC standpoint.

What's the forum's opinion on the two as preamps?

Thanks
e30m3

Showing 1 response by daverz

daverz
487 posts
 
I also had a Benchmark HDR for a couple weeks. As a DAC, I was impressed by the purity of its midrange, but it was leaner sounding that I like, and the top, while very extended, was sort of squeaky sounding. The Benchmark is so widely respected and has such great features; I wanted to like it, but it just didn't work out. Maybe the leanness and squeakiness are what come with neutrality and accuracy. In that case it needs bass and treble controls in addition to a volume knob.

I bought a Neko DAC after that and kept it. After rearranging the tubes in my BAT 3iX, I was more happy with it as a pre-amp.
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