Benckmark DAC1 Review....

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited March 2005 in 2 Channel Audio
Benchmark DAC1: (see my system showcase for a pic)
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/

Description
9.5" wide by 8.5" deep
Approx 3.5lbs
2 headphone jacks with level adjustment
Ruler flat freq response from 10Hz to 42kHz
THD: .0005%
SN: 107dB
Inputs: Toslink, Coax BNC or RCA, AES/EBU
Outputs: AES/EBU, RCA
$975

Performance
Where to begin? I really tried to resist the urge to post this review so soon, wanting to lend more credibility to this, but what
I was hearing compelled me to get the message out---as quickly as possible.

Break-in? Yeah right, I have no mercy on new products, this one got about 25 minutes of run time, thats it. And frankly, if it will get better with time, then bury me in bliss.

I have my CEC CD-3300 CDP connected to the DAC1 via an AES/EBU, 2ft cable from Signal Cable. The DAC is then connected to my MF A3CR via a pair of AQ Copperheads. See my sig for all associated pieces.

I did my initial listening with a mixture of music; Incubus, Morning View; Blue Man Group, The Complex; Kenny Chesney, Greatest Hits; Carpenters, The Singles 1969-1973; and Alter Bridge, One Day Remains.

The first thing that struck me with Incubus, was the how everything sounded completely sorted out. Midrange was pushed back down to the midrange cone, highs left for the tweeter, and bass.......just unbeliveable. The cymbals displayed a 3 dimensional character that sounded like they were literally spread by a fine thread from the front of the speaker, to about 18" behind it. Spooky, real. You could hear the character of the wood stick striking the brass cymbal surface, uncanny.

Blue Man Group reproduce percussion that would knock the fuc*ing wind out of you. Punchy, controlled, slamming bass. Utterly incredible. The louder I cranked it, the better and more real it sounded.

Carpenters allowed me to hear the texture of Karen Carpenters voice like I've never heard it before. Velvety, no longer nasal, just natural and smooth.

Kenny Chesney is a 20bit HDCD, and although this DAC doesn't decode HDCD, it doesn't need to. Again, midrange was just fantastic. Vocals so real it sounds like he's singing in the family room---just the right amount of weight.

Altar Bridges' driving rythm guitars and deep bass lines were rendered cleanly, with just the right amount of presence. Again the punchy solid bass energizes the room's natural resonance and gives a live feel to the music. Vocals sound far less edgy when compared to playback on the CEC using its Burr-Brown DAC's.

Pros
- Sound, specifications, and build quality
- Price
- 3 selectable digital inputs
- AES/EBU inputs/outputs
- Built-in headphone amplifier w/2 jacks
- Ability to use any digital source, regardless of jitter
- Can be used as a preamplifier and/or dedicated DAC

Cons
- No power switch
- LED's are bright to the point of being distracting

Summing up
Want to save alot of money on your digital front end, and have DAC that has been compared to (and regarded as highly as) multi-thousand dollar products? I won't go into this DAC's ability to negate jitter, you can research that, simply type "benchmark DAC1" in Yahoo or visit the Benchmark website.

Sound quality is extremely non-fatiquing, crystalline, and free of any signs of digital harshness or glare. Bass is the best I've heard out of any digital source; deep, controlled, punchy. This DAC just organizes music in such a way that everything is easily identifiable to it's location, with an absolutely black background. Extremely dynamic with very good low-level resolution as well. Air, imaging and soundstaging are phenominal. This product is a genuine "Giant Killer."
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
Post edited by steveinaz on
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Comments

  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2005
    Thanks for the review. Very interesting! Glad to hear your're enjoying the new piece. Outboard DAC's are very special. I remember the Audio Alchemy DAC's I had. Beautiful Sound.

    Maurice
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2005
    I really am happy you enjoy your dac. I think digital frontends are the most important when realizing the full potential of your system. Not to hijack your thread but if anybody has been toying with the idea of adding a dac grab this one now.
    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1116541588
    If you have a high resoulution system you willnot regret it.
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited March 2005
    Excellent review, gotta love it when a review/reviewer can spark your interest in something you've never given much thought to.
    You'll have to bring this one back up given a few more weeks or so of listening.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited March 2005
    Yes, thanks!
    Although I fail to see how $975 is going to save me alot of money :confused:
    I think, unforunately, my wife would fail to see that also :(
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Consider that with this units 100% jitter immunity, you could hook up just about anything as a transport (ie, a $49 Toshiba 3950) and have a digital source that could compete with any of the "big dogs".
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by Zero
    Thanks for sharing your review Steve! I have had my eye on this Dac for a long time now. It is wonderful to see you enjoying your new dac this much. My Scott Nixon tube dac should be arriving soon. Can't wait!

    Enjoy the music bud.

    Man the treble this thing puts out is just unbelieveable. I've never heard cymbals reproduced with such accuracy and air around them. The bass is equally impressive. This thing has literally transformed my system. I now know what all the fuss is about with this unit.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2005
    It's telling you your source sucks. No offense of course.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited March 2005
    I guess that's one way of looking at it. :D
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited March 2005
    $1000 Dac with $40 Copperheads sticking out of it?
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2005
    Many rivers to cross - Bob Marley
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited March 2005
    $1000 Dac with $40 Copperheads sticking out of it?

    I was thinking the same thing. Stevie boy, nice system but time to ugrade the interconnects buddy! ;)
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    I may move to AQ Corals, but I'm not a big fan of laying down serious bucks on copper. How much "damage" is a .5 meter, perfect surface copper, twin 21awg solid core wire gonna do?

    come on now....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    It's telling you your source sucks. No offense of course.

    I don't think so, I think it's more of a testimony of the capabilities of the Benchmark. I must of listened to 30 different CD's last night, I couldn't get over the analog sound and dimensionality that it creates.

    Enough drooling...go listen for yourself. 30-day money back return policy--but I'll bet a months pay you'll keep it.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    Enough drooling...go listen for yourself. 30-day money back return policy--but I'll bet a months pay you'll keep it.
    I'll take that bet! :D

    Glad you're liking the new toy. I'm hoping to upgrade my source soon. I just don't know if I could get my wife to agree to a $1000 CD upgrade...
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by steveinaz
    I don't think so, I think it's more of a testimony of the capabilities of the Benchmark. I must of listened to 30 different CD's last night, I couldn't get over the analog sound and dimensionality that it creates.

    Enough drooling...go listen for yourself. 30-day money back return policy--but I'll bet a months pay you'll keep it.

    Exactly.

    Drooling? No, but it sure is cute.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by tryrrthg
    I'll take that bet! :D

    Glad you're liking the new toy. I'm hoping to upgrade my source soon. I just don't know if I could get my wife to agree to a $1000 CD upgrade...

    For God's sake man, lie. I told my wife it was $275. She loves it.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2005
    :D
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2005
    One begins to understand the differences in digital a little more clearly when playing with higher end stuff. There are differences in digital, and $200 DVD players are not suitable for a higher resolution system.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    I'm going to address that VERY topic next. I'm going to hook up my 3 yr old, $129 panasonic dvd (I think it is an RV-26 or something) to the benchmark dac and do a little shoot-out against the CEC transport. With 3 digital inputs, I'll be able to A/B by throwing a switch.

    I think I'll enlist my wife to do the listening.

    Stay tuned....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited March 2005
    "For God's sake man, lie. I told my wife it was $275. She loves it."

    Yeah, my wife still thinks the Jolida CDP cost $ 200. I know morally i'm wrong but heck....:o :D:D
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by DAGLJAM6
    "For God's sake man, lie. I told my wife it was $275. She loves it."

    Yeah, my wife still thinks the Jolida CDP cost $ 200. I know morally i'm wrong but heck....:o :D:D
    You guys are BRAVE!

    I KNOW she would figure it out. She'd notice the $1000 missing from the checkbook. She did just get a new job and a hefty raise so maybe in a few months I'll be able to get something going.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by DAGLJAM6
    "For God's sake man, lie. I told my wife it was $275. She loves it."

    Yeah, my wife still thinks the Jolida CDP cost $ 200. I know morally i'm wrong but heck....:o :D:D

    Let yourself off the hook brother. Set that bag of bricks down and listen: nowhere in your marriage vows did you say "and I will disclose the price of all audio purchases..." now did you? We're men, this is a survival instinct for us. LOL!!
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited March 2005
    "You guys are BRAVE!"

    You gotta go to the edge to know you're alive, Baby!
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by DAGLJAM6
    "You guys are BRAVE!"

    You gotta go to the edge to know you're alive, Baby!
    Let me know how "Alive" you feel when she goes Lorena Bobbit on your ****! :D
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Updated information in reveiw.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2005
    Steve any chance you and I-Sig are going to do a shootout between the Benchmark and the Bel Canto DAC2?
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    YEP. In fact thanks for reminding me I need to invite him down this weekend.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Ok. we'll probably just take my CDP out of the system and use his NEC for evaluation, more room to work with. My rack is a **** because everything is ty-wrapped and no room in the back. Changing equipment out is a major hassle.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited March 2005
    I'm helping a friend move on Saturday. (check your e-mail, Steve)

    I think I'm open for Sunday or next weekend for sure. :D

    Speaking of the NEC, if I don't head to Steve's Sunday, I'll do a direct A/B comparison of the NEC as a player and the NEC/Bel Canto combo.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    We'll have to plan on 3 weeks from now. Bev & I are out of town weekend after next.

    We'll get it together.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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