Looking for a DAC

Benchmark DAC2 HGC

Chord QuteHD. Contains the same technology as a previous DAC they made at about $9-10K but only costs $1.5-1.7k depending on how you get it. I compared it to the DAC's I have that cost $6-8k. It bested two of them and was close to a third. Very serious stuff indeed and drop dead value. It does get better though with an external power supply and USB converter like the Off-Ramp - that's when it takes on the more expensive stuff - still good mind you without it but really world class doing that.

I would be careful of the Benchmark - many people like myself find it dry, uninvolving, and analytical - make sure you hear it in your system first.

Thanks
Bill

Bhobba, two questions:

Are your comments referring to the Benchmark DAC1 or the Benchmark DAC2 HGC?

How's the bass weight on the Chord QuteHD and where can it be purchased?

Since you like the Cary, they have 2 new DACS getting ready to hit the market in the next couple of weeks. 100 (solid state) and 100t (tube) models.

I would imagine these would be great for you (although not sure of your budget).

*** Cary dealer disclaimer ***

Your CDP used Burr Brown and the Pacific Microsonics chip. You might want to compare higher end products like the Berkeley Alpha 2, the Weiss DAC202, the AMR DP-777