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why so many benchmark dac1's on audiogon?

I am looking to upgrade my digital front end

my phillips transport Audio Aero gave up the ghost and is too expensive to fix

I bought a nice audio research cd2 - may use it as a transport

I eventually want to go to an alesis masterlink or tascam or other and do 24/96 recordings off my analog rig

I read the sterophile review, see a lot of the benchmark dacs here on audiogon.

I would be interested in the usb version
the pre isn't going to be as good as my dedicated pre

any comments on why there are so many on audiogon?
good sources to buy from?
would want cd and usb inports

I'd prefer the black model
128x128audiotomb
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
There was another thread like this recently. Perhaps people are upgrading to the USB version and selling the older DAC1. Certainly the newer USB version and preamp may make the conventional DAC1 seem more dated.
mickeyf
153 posts
 
I questioned this in another audio site forum at least two years ago, and there was a very large number of DAC1s for sale here then, as I was considering buying one (I didn't - I ended up buying a one-box Raysonic). My perception at the time was a lot of folks thought they sounded sterile and overly analytical. I have heard a music server through a Benchmark DAC with back to back comparison to a good (well, much better)analogue setup so the test wasn't very fair but it wasn't overly appealing to me. You have to wonder why they hit the resale yard so quick...
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
My perception at the time was a lot of folks thought they sounded sterile and overly analytical.

That is a fair comment - it certainly won't flatter a bad recording - in fact chances are you 'll more easily hear whatever errors there are in the recording. It is kind of a "pro sound" or precise sound and lacks the "organic" sound that people find less fatiguing.
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audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb OP
1,112 posts
 
so anything else under $2k that would be a nice warm and resolving analog dac to pair with an ARC cd2?

thanks
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