What do you replace a Benchmark with for 24/96?


I am contemplating selling my Benchmark DAC 1 because I need a DAC with two coax inputs. My current system is a pair of Monarchy SE-100's, Modwright SWL 9.0, VSA VR4jr's, Onkyo SP 1000 with DH Labs & Acoustic Zen cables. I listen to rock music & prefer a smoother presentation to my music. I must admit the Onkyo sounds very good on it's own if not a touch laid back but the Benchmark beats it on the dynamics. What are some good choices for about $1000.00?
fishwater

Showing 1 response by redkiwi

The Lavry Black will overcome the thinness of the Benchmark, and improve the sound in general, but you will still need to use rca to xlr adaptors on the Lavry for a second coaxial SPDIF. The receiver used in both the Benchmark and the Lavry automatically decode SPDIF or AES/EBU through either connection. For the source you use adaptors on, it is important to keep the cables short - a meter is OK. FWIW I found that adaptors into the XLR input on a Lavry Blue was better than using a Canare 75 to 110 ohm transformer.