Benchmark DAC1 auditions out there? latest model

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.

Very strange. Here we have one of the most well-ragarded dacs ever, especially for the price, and here we have 7 out of 7 responses that, while acknowledging certain positives, on balance convey a strong negative impression. This is in marked contrast to every other forum that has at least a 95% positive evaluation, as well as rave reviews by every professional reviewer and publication that has reviewed the unit. As an owner of a Benchmarkd DAC1 for 3 months, I strongly agree with the latter group and am amazed at the unit, especially for the price.

What can account for the difference? Firstly, there seems to be developing a small backlash against the DAC1, by those who resent its success or possibly fear repurcussions on more conventional manufacturers. But, putting that aside, there could be several other reasons:

1. Comparable comparisons-- Using a $15,000 to $32,000 dcs for comparison is not exactly a fair test. Or, an $8,000 Lavry. But the Benchmark comes very close anyway. But, the Apogee or Jolida are not even in contention, IMO.

2. Effect of lack of jitter -- Jitter can muck up the bass and midrange, making other dacs seem fuller when what you are hearing is distortion. The DAC1 is so clean that other units may seem smoother, or more "analog" or "musical", especially on more poorly-recorded cd's. But, once you get used to no jitter or distortion, you can't go back to one of the other dacs. The lack of jitter can also make the unit sound "thinner" at first. again this is distortion. And, bad recording can sound that way since the unit tells the "truth", but good recordings sound superb.

3. "Bleached, 2 dimensional,lack of dynamics, bass extension" -- No explanation, except for "2" above,since this is at variance with the rest of the world. Almost unanimously, I and other reviewers say just the opposite -- dynamic, deep and powerful bass, wide soundstage. All I can say is try listening for an extended period with a good recording.

Steve at Empirical Audio is working on a Mod that will rectify the shortcomings in the DAC1. Should be interesting.

Dne,

I have to agree. I just recieved my benchmark dac-1 and it sounds astonishingly good. It was a demo unit with less than twenty hours on it. I purchased it from a pro-audio internet retailer. I'm using the Ridge Street Audio top digital cable that Robert installed a BNC connector on for use with the benchmark.

As far as negative comments in this thread concerning this product, I'm at a loss. Perhaps the units weren't allowed proper break-in. This unit has tremendous "presence" and incredible coherence (balance, organic rightness) to its sound. Dimensional AND immidiate with far less edge and bite than I've heard from far more expensive "class A" rated digital. Like the overrated, expensive new Marantz one box players.
I think there are people here motivated by the prospect of selling mods. So it becomes advantageous for them to downplay the incredible achievement that the benchmark represents. Last year I had the opportunity to listen to the "flagship" dac (a modded perpetual technology) of a very well known modder on this forum, and I can tell you from memory his unit sounded like high resolution DIGITAL compared to the absolutely beautiful sound that is pouring out of my speakers right now. This was not meant to be a flame but when professionals all around the world all agree on the sound quality of a unit (regardless of price) and a handful here decrying negatives that are not present in the listening of everyone else (At least none that I've spoken to) a flag goes up. So far I hear nothing that is "a bit strident or bleached". I hear weighty, three dimensional purity at the edge of the most satisfying sound I've heard. I am using extremely neutral cables and and power cord. It's possible that the cabling some here are using in association with the dac-1 is more "revealing" than they are honestly natural and balanced. BTW, One of the systems here are the formidable, original Todao Horn system hand tweeked to perfection that is 105db efficient. No product can hide from the resolution and detail these speakers uncover. One more BTW, If anyone is in the Santa Barbara area and would like to hear audio history at its best e-mail me. These are easily on par or better than the now famous Klangfilm pair that pop up at the shows on occasion.

Again, Benchmark dac-1 GOOOOOOD!!!

I also must express my surprise at some of the negative comments, even though I understand that we all hear differently and have our own expectations of what constitutes good sound.

I bought a Benchmark two years ago and auditioned 12 different DACs (from $2000 to $8000) during that time before upgrading(?) to an Audiomeca Enkianthus X. In my set-up, the Benchmark was only (slightly) surpassed by the Audiomeca. The Benchmark is, without doubt in these quarters, one of the absolute steals in audio.

I listen to mostly classical music, if that is of any significance to you.

Best regards.