Next step after Benchmark DAC1


Hello guys! I was really in love with my DAC1 lately but it's time to upgrade but don't know where to.
Is there any of those who loved the first version and upgraded to something new from high-end line up? I love almost everything in DAC1, especially it's PRAT and signature, it's crystal clear and dead quiet. But there is one thing that forced me to sell it — there is a lack of resolution. It totally failed while I've bought my vinyl rig. Some guys told me that higher version PRE or HDR would sound better. Is that so?

The owner of DAC2 told me that it sound completelly different.

Other sources I've owned/listened and didn't liked are:
Lavry DA10
Ps Audio DLIII
VALAB NOS DAC
McIntosh MCD201, MCD500
Antelope

PS. I'm not into analog like sound and whatever it is. I need a quiet and crystal clear sound full of PRAT, that's what I call an egaging DAC.

My rig:
McIntosh MA2275
Klipsch RF-7II
Technics 1210 MKII + Ortofon 2M Black
128x128theppd

Showing 2 responses by drubin

The new DAC2 HGC is worth a listen. You can get it on 30-day home trial from Benchmark directly or from some of the usual suspects.

Based on my recollection of the DAC1, which I also owned, the new model is definitely higher resolution but retains that quiet background and crystal clarity.
Yes, the Chord is a must-hear if you don't need the volume control or analog inputs of the Benchmark.