Help with BenchMark vs. Museatex Bitstream


I was recently allowed to 'borrow' a Benchmark DAC and I've connected it to my Krell 400xi via the XLR outputs, to my shock the gain stage was actually lower then the single ended RCA's?!? I was under the impression if nothing else I would get a boost in gain from the Benchmark to the Krell.

The gain section of the Museatex is actually higher, as I have to turn up the Krell to 33db in order to hear the same output on the Museatex 20db. I haven't used an SPL meter and simply conducted these tests by ear. I find the Museatex is not only louder but has more inner detail as well.

To be honest I'm quite disappointed with the Benchmark. The back switch is set too 'calibrated' as opposed to 'variable' (which I assume is for headphone volume). I still fail to see how I get a decrease in gain when using the XLR outputs that many Krell owner's say is a complete must!
lush

Showing 2 responses by dave_b

Balanced connections are 6db higher gain..including the Krell 400xi. It also sounds better on the krell. The DAC must have a problem or you are using it incorrectly.
Lush, I was referencing the possibility that you may not have a setting correct such as the gain/jumpers already mentioned. PC's can make a bit of a difference as well. Outboard DAC's can be problematic to match correctly and cable well...single box players are more purist and less likely to cause problems.