Looking for a DAC

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

Try the Micromega MyDAC. I've been very impressed with mine for nearly a year.

You don't mention what you're looking to improve upon or your price range, but some DACs worth looking into:

Calyx Femto
Empirical Audio Overdrive
Bel Canto DAC3.5VB
Berkeley Alpha 2

The only one I've had in my system is the Bel Canto and it is fantastic. Woulda bought it if I had the funds. Very transparent with nice 3D soundstage, very natural tonality, and no edginess or digititis. My guess is the Berkeley is just a touch warmer, but that's just going on what I've read from reviews so take it fwiw.

Best of luck, and please let us know what you find.