Benchmark DAC1

wingnut4772
wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
edited October 2007 in Electronics
I just now got my new Benchmark DAC1 hooked up to take an initial listen and I just thought I would post my initial impressions in a decidedly In Progress set up as stuff rolls in.

The first thing that I noticed was soundstage and placement improvement. I am playing Madonna's Confessions Tour Live album and it sounds incredibly spacious.

Before it sounded good to my ears but the soundstage now has deepened and widened considerably. Definitely more 3 dimensional. I am a bit surprised to be honest.

So far a definite inprovement in the digital front end....
Sharp Elite 70
Anthem D2V 3D
Parasound 5250
Parasound HCA 1000 A
Parasound HCA 1000
Oppo BDP 95
Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
Totem Mask Surrounds X4
Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
Sony PS3
Squeezebox Touch

Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
Post edited by wingnut4772 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,396
    edited September 2007
    This is one of many typical improvements when moving to a high quality stand alone DAC. Congrats in discovering even more audio nirvana. I will probably always use a stand alone DAC in each of my systems.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2007
    Very nice, I almost picked up one of these recently got a deal on something else I couldn't turn down.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited September 2007
    Is that a volume control? As in you can connect directly to an amp?
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited September 2007
    One more person that likes the Benchmark. I need to get one.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2007
    I believe it's a volume control for the headphone jack, possibly the whole unit also.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rskarvan
    rskarvan Posts: 2,374
    edited September 2007
    Wingnut... an improvement over what. Gotta know where you've been when you evaluate a change.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    HTrookie wrote: »
    Is that a volume control? As in you can connect directly to an amp?

    Yes. You can and some like it some prefer to keep it going through the pre.It also controls the headphone volume.

    I have it hooked up to the cd input on the Parasound 850. I have not tried it direct yet. I have a lot of sources so it makes sense to go through the Parasound pre.

    I would have to say even with my short time today with it I won't ever not have one in my system for music. It's one of those whammy purchases.

    I have been switching back and forth comparing before and after and it's night and day. I would get this before any other upgrade.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,396
    edited September 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I have been switching back and forth comparing before and after and it's night and day. I would get this before any other upgrade.

    Same when I first ventured into outboard DAC's. There is no going back now, everything else sounds flat and somewhat lifeless. Now of course there are some high dollar cdp's out there that sound excellent but not for around $1K which is about what the Benchmark is new.

    I orginally bought my DAC for my DVDp to play music dvd's because my DVDp sounded like ****. It was a nice surprise the total iimprovement it made for my Nak cdp as well. That was about 5 years ago and I can't stand to listen to music w/o the DAC.

    I have my eye on one of these. My brother just got one and he's going to let me demo it soon.

    Monarchy M24 or NM24 tubed DAC which can also be a line level tube pre-amp
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,222
    edited September 2007
    I'm another one who really enjoys what a good DAC can do for your system. It can really bring things up to a new level. Since I like the flexibility of my Onkyo 6 disc changer (load it & forget it) but didn't want to give up on great 2 channel listening, a DAC is the way to go. I doubt if I'll ever go back to a CD player.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    rskarvan wrote: »
    Wingnut... an improvement over what. Gotta know where you've been when you evaluate a change.

    I had my Pioneer 79avi going through my new (to me) Parasound PHP 850 and out to my Earthquake Cinenova amp. (soon to be replaced by a Parasound HCA 1500a).

    The only difference so far is that now the Pioneer 79 avi goes to the Benchmark and the Benchmark goes to the PHP 850.


    One cool thing is now I feel I can really give a good comparison of vinyl vs digital.

    I have several albums on both formats.

    One bad thing is that SACD and DVD Audio can't go througn the Benchmark and I like the redbook through the DAC1 better than the SACD without in my set up.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ka7niq
    ka7niq Posts: 577
    edited September 2007
    I bought a LITE Audio DAC 72 on Ebay some years ago.
    This page has em http://vocativeaudio.com/
    I am sure there are some better DAC's now, but I think it will cost a LOT more.

    I have some used Mullards in mine and it is sweet, sweet, sweet.

    Price is right too!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited September 2007
    I finally ran my Oppo thru the Bel Canto and noticed the improvement immediately. The Benchmark and Bel Canto DAC2 sound damn near identical.

    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited September 2007
    Without a DAC, IMHO, digital is unlistenable, unless of course you are listening to a high end player like the MF Tri Vista.

    Great find Darla; I heard the Benchmark at PHil's and it sounded gooooood! I love my DAC and won't leave home without it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,222
    edited September 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Without a DAC, IMHO, digital is unlistenable, unless of course you are listening to a high end player like the MF Tri Vista.

    Great find Darla; I heard the Benchmark at PHil's and it sounded gooooood! I love my DAC and won't leave home without it.

    Joe, I think you have me confused with someone else. I did have the Benchmark quite a while ago before I met you. You heard Frank's Ultra DAC at my place but as of yet you haven't heard the TADAC. To date the best one in my system.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited September 2007
    I've tried the DAC. The volume control can act as a pre amp, but doesn't perform as well as the DAC itself. The volume control should be disabled and the DAC placed in line with a good transport and preamp. In the end I thought the DAC was a little too analytical for me. I decided to go with the PS Audio DLIII as its warmth meshed better with my system.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited September 2007
    Congrats Darla. I know that things improved when I acquired the MF Tri-Vista DAC 21 for my system.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • olilugo
    olilugo Posts: 405
    edited September 2007
    Hi all, For those of us that don't know what a DAC is/does.
    what is it?, how do you incorporate a DAC into your system? is this for connecting a computer to your sound system?
    anyone has a picture they can share?
    Tkx.
    Current HT setup
    Mains: B&W 804s
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surround: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
    Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
    Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
    TV: Sony KDS60A2020
    DBP: Sony DBP-S350
    CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
    Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
    speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,396
    edited September 2007
    olilugo wrote: »
    Hi all, For those of us that don't know what a DAC is/does.
    what is it?, how do you incorporate a DAC into your system? is this for connecting a computer to your sound system?
    anyone has a picture they can share?
    Tkx.


    DAC- Digital to analog converter

    All digital components have this as part of their make up. A stand alone DAC in many cases is better at converting the digital information to analog so we can hear it. They tend to use much higher quality parts and are designed to stricter standards and isolate each part of the process much better.

    The DAC typically hooks up to your sources digital output via one of 3 connections. Typical RCA, Toslink (optical) or SPDIF (sp?). It runs between your source and pre-amp/receiver although some stand alond DAC's can act as a preamp as well.

    You can use it for your computer, cdp. DVDp, digital recording equipment, etc.

    Linky that will tell you more than you could possibly wan to know about DAC's :)

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter
    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited September 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Joe, I think you have me confused with someone else. I did have the Benchmark quite a while ago before I met you. You heard Frank's Ultra DAC at my place but as of yet you haven't heard the TADAC. To date the best one in my system.

    DUH!!!:o
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I would have to say even with my short time today with it I won't ever not have one in my system for music. It's one of those whammy purchases.

    I have been switching back and forth comparing before and after and it's night and day. I would get this before any other upgrade.

    I love mine. Try it as a preamp, it's incredibly neutral. I have my CEC connected to the Benchmark via AES/EBU cable.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I love mine. Try it as a preamp, it's incredibly neutral.

    I am tempted to...
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,396
    edited September 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I am tempted to...


    HA, HA, that Parasound PH/P 850 will be back on the FM before you know it :p
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I am tempted to...

    You have to flip a switch in the back...but you probably already knew that ;)

    I could actually run my whole system by the Benchmark if I didn't love my A3CR so much. Polk tuner via toslink, DVD via coax, and CDP via AES/EBU...pretty cool when you think about it. All selectable from the front of the DAC1, which would also add headphone capability to any of the 3 inputs.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited September 2007
    Nice; just missing the remote :)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2007
    remote...bah humbug.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    HTrookie wrote: »
    Nice; just missing the remote :)

    The Parasound does not have a remote either but I need it for the other stuff and it sounds really nice. I admit though that the phono stage is not as nice as the new one.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2007
    Can somebody post a backend shot of one of these please?
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2007
    Note the "Output level" switch near the analog outputs, you switch to "variable" to use the DAC1 in preamp mode. The new model has USB also:
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2007
    So I could use a digital cable to my dvd player & the red & whites to my cd player?:confused:
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2007
    You could connect your DVD player via Toslink or Coax (make sure to change the settings in your DVDP configuration). Then connect your CDP via digital coax to the coax input on the DAC1. the Benchmark comes with a BNC to RCA adapter for the coaxial input.

    You switch between the inputs via the front toggle switch. Optical/Coaxial/XLR

    NOTE: the DVD connections are only DVD 2-channel audio (not DVDA), and redbook CD. SACD/DVDA would still have to be run analog via RCA's if you listen to those sources.

    This how I do my setup. When watching movies I switch the DAC1 input to "coax" and when listening to CD's I switch to "XLR". The DAC1 is then connected to my preamp to the "CD" input.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter