Should I go to a Benchmark DAC1 pre in my system?


The magazine reviews rave about this device. Absolute Sound calls it revolutionary and says it compares very favorably to high end DCS equipment, which I've heard and liked.

How does it stack up against the competition as a pre-amp for both digital and analogue sources and as a DAC?

I believe I could run my Denon CD as a transport and my Roku Soundbridge directly into it, and add a phono-pre and connect my turntable as well. That would cover 99% of my current listening sources. I could also add a music server later via USB when ready.

Should I do it?
128x128mapman

Showing 8 responses by mapman

Benchmark says their DAC design solves the jitter problem associated with all but the best vendor-integrated transport/DAC/clock systems out there, like DCS in a manner that is independent of transport used.

Absolute Sound seems to agree that they have done this and that it is revolutionary. The cost of entry is low enough to not be a barrier for many, compared to the high end CD playback options out there.

They also say the whole preamp package, including analog input, is very good and neutral sounding and competitive with other more expensive similar designs out there, at least SS. I would not expect a "tubelike" sound from these units at all from what I have read.

There are other positive reviews of the BEnchmark DAC1 pre that I need to read as well.

Does Benchmark really have enough clout to buy positive reviews like these in multiple publications? Wouldn't that tend to push away other high end vendors that might not compete well with something so different and innovative?

Is there really a Benchmark conspiracy at play here or have they maybe just come up with a better and more cost effective way of doing things?

It's won't cost much to find out, I suppose. Resale value on the BEnchmark stuff seems pretty good as well if it doesn't work out.
Synergy in the system to match the individual's taste is always the main key I've found.

Good to know there is a 30 day trial to find out.

I'm not sure if it would work better in my system as just a DAC or as a pre and DAC. I could try it both ways and see without much risk.
Tigerwoodkhorns,

The DAC1 pre has a single line level analog input in addition to multiple digital inputs, I believe. I would have to add a separate phono preamp also for my Denon DL103R low output MC cartridge. Suggestions for that anyone?

I also have a cassette tape deck and FM tuner that would be left out however, but I do not use these much these days and can probably manage somehow.

The MF A3CR in my system is a power amp only. I like it a lot. It has far surpassed my expectations when I acquired it for only about $600. It's sound is not unlike what you describe with the MF DAC. I'm thinking it may synergize well with the Benchmark. Won't know for sure though unless I try I suppose.

On real problem I might have with the Benchmark DAC1 pre is my dbx dynamic range processor, which is analog and has to have the line level signal fed in an out.

Not sure I'd want to part with the DBX. It brings lesser source material with compressed dynamic range, both analog and digital, back to life.

I might be able to put in series between the pre and power amp in lieu of a processor or tape loop in the pre, but I am not sure how well that would work.

My current Carver pre-amp has two tape loops and two pre-processor loops, so it can handle a lot of peripherals. That's a hard thing to find in a lot of the newer pre-amps out there. They seem to go more the keep it simple route in general.
DNe,

Thanks for the input.

What exactly is the difference between an active and passive pre-amp anyway?

The DAC1 pre is a pre-amp as well as a DAC. Is it active or passive or something else?
Kijanki,

I tend to be a bits is bits kind of guy, but realize clock related timing issues could impact how a DAC applies those bits to generate the analogue waveform.

The BEnchmark approach seems to focus on isolating this process from potential timing issues introduced between transport and DAC, so for what its worth, it seems to make sense to me and I like it.

The test data provided seems to support the claims and I have not those test results challenged successfully to-date. So, on paper and based on reviews, the thing does seem like a winner to me even if its not going to be every ones cup of tea (what is?).

I do tend to like the sound of good tube based systems though and my current Carver SS preamp does a decent job of emulating that sound though, so I do fear the resulting sound might veer more towards the SS/detailed/analytical side with the Benchmark in place. Regardless, I'd have to hear the result to know for sure whether I like it or not.
"Far from it, it is quite remarkable and it may be exactly to your taste."

This would be my only concern at this point.

The 30 day home trial would work to address this concern for me giving me a chance to find out for myself.

My gut feel is that I would want to give a device reputed to do things in an accurate and detailed manner a try first, especially if there is little financial risk.

Then if it doesn't float my boat, I know what directions I might go in from there, given that I've heard a variety of both tube and SS based systems that sound different but good, each of which has unique merits.

Also, I run 6 different pairs of speakers in my house concurrently. As long as my source is doing things well, I have some flexibility there regarding what speakers I use in various listening rooms to provide somewhat different flavors of listening without having to change core components in the system too often.
Mimberman,

Well put.

I'm thinking the romance will come from my Ohm speakers in that they have a very natural presentation and are not inherently analytical. The omni design helps "diffuse" sound that might come across as to detailed, strident, or whatever on designs that provide a more directional or focused presentation.

Any comments or observations from anyone regarding matching a highly detailed and accurate DAC like the Benchmark with the Ohms or perhaps other similar design speaks?