The Benchmark DAC3 is another contender that appears to fit most of the specifications list. I understand that some ding it for having too many op-amps in the unit that adversely affects its sound qualities compared with units having discrete components. Audioengr told me the op-amps contribute to the unit’s internal jitter in the DAC section being too high.
DAC-Preamp having these specifications?
Rather than asking for feedback about specific products, I thought I instead would ask for your recommendations of a DAC-Preamp product(s) having a desired set of following specifications:
Output Impedance: < 300 Ohms
Balanced outputs (XLR)
Unbalanced outputs (RCA)
2 or more analog inputs (RCA or XLR)
2 or more digital inputs (coaxial + optical or USB)
DAC section preferably uses discrete components over op-amps
DAC signal processing capabilities should the usual fare though need not include every conceivable format
Price: ~$2,500 or less
Output Impedance: < 300 Ohms
Balanced outputs (XLR)
Unbalanced outputs (RCA)
2 or more analog inputs (RCA or XLR)
2 or more digital inputs (coaxial + optical or USB)
DAC section preferably uses discrete components over op-amps
DAC signal processing capabilities should the usual fare though need not include every conceivable format
Price: ~$2,500 or less
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- 36 posts total
Celander, I have used Bel Canto DACs the last 5 years. I currently have the DAC 3.7. It is a hybrid design with SS and Class D, and is incredibly accurate (they use TOTL clocks), musical, fast, with top to bottom balance as well as gravitas in the low end. Can be had for $2500. has an outboard PSU- it is a "virtual battery supply", that has such low distortion that it mimics an actual battery )(batteries have less distortion than a power supply attached to the wall constantly). this is a $5000-6000 DAC that is priced at $2500 due to Bel Canto not really advertising much and using more word of mouth to sell products. In fact, this is a discontinued model b/c it was so good in combination with the Bel Canto Renderer that is was detracting from their sales of their new line of "Black" and "Black EX" products, which run over $15,000. I hope I am making my point here .... only drawbacks: one Analog input, BUT you can connect a high end splitter for 2-4 inputs (eg. from Goldpoint, $300-400) http://www.goldpt.com/index.html ) or a cheap one from Schiit. But, the ADC in this DAC is very high end, and like no other I have experienced. it will take a signal, eg from my tuner, convert it to digital, then use their propriety ADC to convert to 24/192 hi res audio. And it sounds amazing. The DAC is always in Standby mode, using 0 watts! When being used, the two units (Audio and power) only use a paltry 18 watts. So you save money not only on using less power, but use less AC during the summer to keep the room cool! best of luck, and I have no affiliation with Bel Canto, just a fan trying to get the word out, http://www.belcantodesign.com/home/ |
@celander https://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-dac3-hgc-da-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier-measurements Check our the measurements of the Benchmark DAC 3. If there is any internal jitter it has not shown up in any of the measurements - so likely very small. The J-Test is perfect. Discrete components aren’t necessarily better - usually you can achieve a lower noise floor but at -160 dbfs the noise floor is pretty low on the DAC 3... |
DAC technology is a moving target. The ESS Pro chip set in the Benchmark product is already obsolete, though I’m sure it’s great as implemented. http://www.esstech.com/index.php/en/products/sabre-digital-analog-converters/audiophile-dacs/sabre-p... Though it’s not a stated product specification, it would be desirable to have some commitment to upgradable pathways for the product. |
- 36 posts total