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Benchmark DAC1 auditions out there? latest model

I just purchased the latest DAC1 and I think that the sound is absolutely superb for the money. I had auditioned the previous version and thought it too was superb. The newer one to my ears sounds a bit more airey in the treble. The same great bass is there, the same huge stage and delicate treble without the digital glare so common in sub 1K products is all there. I find that the Cardas Golden Reference power cord pushes the package foreward more than one might suspect a power cord can do. What auditions have others compared the DAC1 to and what were your impressons? Jallen
jallen
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
I agree with Nealhood's comments on the downsides of the Benchmark. I got quite excited about the Benchmark till I heard the pro audio guys raving about how the Lavry Blue was superior. I tried one and they were right. It is all XLR connectors and has no volume control or headphone jack. But if that doesn't worry you then the extra dollars gets you a much classier DAC in my opinion.
ctchen
68 posts
 
Try also the Apogee Mini DAC.
According to different reviewers ,here in Holland, the Apogee is better than the Benchmark .
The Apogee brings more emotion/life in the music.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
The Apogee is a bit softer than the Benchmark and a bit less resolving, but many do find it more musical. To my ear the Benchmark has an engaging quality to it because it has been cunningly voiced, but that voicing can be a bit brash and thin in some systems. I believe it is let down by the 'el cheapo' analogue output devices used - common or garden 5534s.
abrahavt
101 posts
 
I have to agree that the DAC1 is a bit stark and analytical. Fed from a Meridian transport it has more detail than my Quad CDP but the Quad is more enjoyable. You can try and tame the sound a bit with a tubed preamp. Good value for the money though considering the detail it extracts.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I found it to be about the best stock DAC I have ever heard in terms of the high-frequency extension and dynamics. They definitely got this part right. However, I found an imbalance of these HF dynamics with the mid and bass dynamics. The bass extension and dynamics were not comparable to my other reference DAC's. I believe this is partly caused by the fact that virtually every part in the unit is surface-mounted.
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