Benchmark DAC 1- Pre

I don't believe that the DAC 1-Pre has a USB input, which may be helpful to you in the future. For less money, you could look at the MHDT Paradisio (+?). Just my 2 cents worth. Happy Listening

There should be lots of discussion about the Benchmark in the archives. It was the "hot thing" a few years back. Benchmark now has several configurations available now.

The DAC1 PRE has a USB input. Benchmark already updated the PRE and it's called the HDR. The HDR uses better op amps in the output stages, a motorized Alps potentiometer, includes a very nice aluminum remote, and it has a two-stage muting function. The HDR is $300 more expensive than the PRE, and Benchmark claims there's little if any audible difference. I just got an HDR and all I can say is that it is the only DAC/pre-amp to unseat my Levinson No 39 from its spot in 15 years. On the other hand, the first you time you see one of the Benchmark products the small size and low weight do take some getting used to for the price, especially after getting used to boat-anchor-heavy Levinson stuff.

Wow, a lot of mis-information here. I've owned benchmark DACs for a few years. I started with the plain DAC1 and now own the DAC1 pre. The DAC1 pre has the same upgrade op amps throughout the analog stage that are in the HDR model. It also has the upgraded RCA plugs AND the DAC1 pre has the USB input along with the toslink and coax digital inputs. There are only 2 differences between the top of the line HDR model and the DAC1 Pre model.
1. The HDR has a remote control.
2. The HDR has a motorized ALPS volume control.
Other than that, the HDR and the PRE models are identical. If you do not plan to use the DAC1 as the preamp, then the two models are effectively identical.

Regarding the sound, the HDR and the PRE sound identical when used in fixed output mode to a preamp. They do not sound identical to the USB and base DAC1 model though. the HDR and the PRE models are more transparent and smidge more forward sounding. This is my findings after hundreds of listening hours with these DACs. They are all world class DACs IMO.

Ya know, Jaxwired, you should check your facts before you accuse me of spreading misinformation. Check the comparison chart on the Benchmark web site. The PRE and HDR are not identical in circuit design. The PRE uses the older op-amps in one of the output stages. I doubt there's even the slightest bit of difference in sound quality when used through a pre-amp or to directly drive power amps in most home environments, but you're still dead wrong.