Benchmark DAC1 PRE

steveinaz

There are plenty or reviews everywhere on this, so I thought I'd take a different approach and explain some of the new features, then draw a comparison between the DAC1 and DAC1 PRE.

New Features
The big change is that the DAC1 PRE includes an analog input. This, and some additional digital inputs to handle more sources. The inputs now include 3 coaxial, 1 Toslink, and 1 USB. The connectors have been upgraded to teflon insulated, heavy duty jacks. The AES/EBU digital input has been dropped, but the XLR and RCA outputs remain.

New also is the source knob on the front that replaces the 3/4 position toggle switch. It's made of steel and knurled like the volume knob. This a nice addition as the toggle was tiny and subject to wear. The new knob is very smooth and much easier to operate. The source knob also acts as a manual way to put the DAC1 PRE into "standby" mode*. (more on that below)

Two things some previous owners complained about was the lack of a power switch---and some felt the unit sounded best after some warm-up time. Well, Benchmark killed 2 birds with 1 stone. The auto standby mode kicks in when the digital signal is lost for more than 15 seconds. The LED's extinguish, and the unit uses about 8 watts to maintain a standyby warm state. As soon as a signal is detected, the DAC1 PRE comes to life and resumes operation. If you switch the unit off manually, via the source knob, you need to press in again to bring the unit out of standby. IOW, as long as AC is supplied, the DAC1 PRE is in standby.

LED brightness, according to Rory Rall of Benchmark, has been dimmed some. It's still fairly bright in a dark room, but it's a minor quibble for an otherwise excellent piece.

New, upgraded opamps are used througout. See Benchmark Medias website for details, but these were selected I believe to address another complaint by some that felt the DAC1 treble was a bit forward.

Comparisons
The DAC1 PRE sounds very much like the DAC1. The differences I'm about to point out are extremely subtle--but detectable. Bass seems to dig ever so slightly deeper, while being slightly more controlled. The midrange has been fleshed out more, not sounding receeded slightly like it does in the DAC1. Treble has also improved (probably due to the opamp upgrade), but I felt it was always stellar from the DAC1. The improvement might also be due to the standby mode keeping the unit ready, and sounding it's best at all times.

The real deal maker on the DAC1 and PRE is the added weight and realism it gives the music. Is it coloration? I don't know, I wasn't present at the recording studio---but I LIKE IT. It makes the music thrilling, more real, and visceral. It has pace and dynamics that make percussion instruments take on that live quality of "being there."

***** stars.

danz1906

Great Review,the Dac1 pre is one of the best Dac out there:D

steveinaz

Some may wonder how I feel the DAC1 PRE compares to my Placette linestage. Well, to put it simply; the Placette makes accurate music, the Benchmark makes beautiful music. It all depends on what you're after. Nothing does absolute neutrality like Placette, but sometimes neutrality gets boring. The Benchmark pumps some emotion into the music that makes you quit listening to the equipment---and start hearing the music.

Bottom line, they are both excellent pieces. The Benchmark was just a better fit to my listening preferences, which includes alot of rock and jazz. Classical and acoustic lovers would die for the Placette.