Benchmark DAC1 final thoughts...
steveinaz
Posts: 19,538
I've spent the last 5 days going through about 60% of my CD library to get a good handle on what the Benchmark does, and doesn't do.
I made it a point to listen to all genre's of music, and more importantly, the good, bad & the ugly engineered CD's. I think most people are wondering what a specific CD player or DAC will do to "help" with bad sounding CD's, more than they are concerned with the devices ability to do a good job with audiophile recordings.
The Benchmark DAC1 raises the level across the board to the next degree; poor CD's sound more like standard redbook; redbook CD's sound like XRCD's or HDCD's, and DDD, 20/24 bit recordings sound breathtaking.
Bottom line: If Redbook CD's and CDP are your primary source of music, everyday you go without this DAC, you are missing out on the full potential of Redbook digital. Deep, controlled bass; fully fleshed-out midrange, and treble that is only equalled by a live event. Music flows from this thing like water. SACD/DVD-A listeners should seriously consider connecting this device to their redbook output.
In closing, I can't emphasize enough that you need to audition this DAC. Mate it with a mid-line CD; NAD C541i, Cambridge Audio Azur 540C, Music Hall CD-25, whatever. I connected this to my $129 Panasonic DVD and both my wife and I could hear absolutely no difference between it and my $600 CEC transport. Even more exciting for people who like CD changers, but always wondered about the audio quality---worry no more, if it has a digital out, the Benchmark DAC1 will do the rest. I know my next transport will be a Rotel or Marantz changer, without a doubt. Convenience and quality---long awaited, and finally here.
You're getting far more than the $975 price tag suggest---by a long shot.
I made it a point to listen to all genre's of music, and more importantly, the good, bad & the ugly engineered CD's. I think most people are wondering what a specific CD player or DAC will do to "help" with bad sounding CD's, more than they are concerned with the devices ability to do a good job with audiophile recordings.
The Benchmark DAC1 raises the level across the board to the next degree; poor CD's sound more like standard redbook; redbook CD's sound like XRCD's or HDCD's, and DDD, 20/24 bit recordings sound breathtaking.
Bottom line: If Redbook CD's and CDP are your primary source of music, everyday you go without this DAC, you are missing out on the full potential of Redbook digital. Deep, controlled bass; fully fleshed-out midrange, and treble that is only equalled by a live event. Music flows from this thing like water. SACD/DVD-A listeners should seriously consider connecting this device to their redbook output.
In closing, I can't emphasize enough that you need to audition this DAC. Mate it with a mid-line CD; NAD C541i, Cambridge Audio Azur 540C, Music Hall CD-25, whatever. I connected this to my $129 Panasonic DVD and both my wife and I could hear absolutely no difference between it and my $600 CEC transport. Even more exciting for people who like CD changers, but always wondered about the audio quality---worry no more, if it has a digital out, the Benchmark DAC1 will do the rest. I know my next transport will be a Rotel or Marantz changer, without a doubt. Convenience and quality---long awaited, and finally here.
You're getting far more than the $975 price tag suggest---by a long shot.
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
Comments
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Nice write up. 60% of your collection huh? That must take quite some time. Nothing like getting great results. For just this side of a grand, it had better be that good though.
Can I borrow it?
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No. You can't borrow it. I need it.
People won't hestitate to drop $600 bucks on speaker cable, IC's and such....forget that crap, buy this DAC. Listen for 30 days---scratch that---listen for 10 minutes, if you don't like it, return if for a full refund. But 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
