I did a direct comparison between the stock TriVista 21 and the Benchmark DAC-1. Now, I'm not the kind of person who believes A is clearly better than B. I'm a synergy guy. So for my system I enjoyed the TriVista more than the DAC-1. I didn't need the detail that the Benchmark offered. I was in need or timbral and tonal balance/wholeness that the TriVista served up. With other components I would have definitely preffered the Benchmark. I heard that the TriVista tubes last 100,000 hours (that's not a misprint). The only thing that bugs me about the TriVista id all the lights. Geez, I wish I could turn-off all of them except the 24/96 or 24/192 lights.
Used MF Trivista 21 or Benchmark Dac1?
I'm looking for a new Dac in the $1000 range, and am wondering if it makes sense to go with a slightly older Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 or a Benchmark Dac1 or a PS Audio Digital Link III or a Bel Canto Dac3 (if I decide to spend even more). What's the downside of the Musical Fidelity? My system is all Krell, so I am thinking the tubes in the MF might soften it a little, though I have read the PS Audio Digital Link III may also be a good choice. Any thoughts?