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Benchmark DAC2 or Bel Canto DAC3.5VB or OPPO 105

I've been reading tons of info and just can't decide on the best computer dac + preamp...

I've started looking at DacMagic plus and quickly got carried way into the higher end ones:

Looked at Benchmark DAC2 and Bel Canto DAC3.5VB but recently came around OPPO 105 player as a dac as well...
(at one point I considered zodiac gold but the weak bass performance, as I've read, discouraged me).

What I have right now is a PC with Auzintech X-FI Prelude sound card going to an ONKYO 905 via toslink and then to Merlin TSM-MM speakers for stereo and others as surrounds. I use my setup as all around entertainment/ht/computer/music system and now I want to upgrade with an external DAC and and amp for the stereo fronts...

Thanks!
unistar99
unistar99 OP
7 posts
 
Is the new Benchmark DAC2-HGC also a good alternative to bel canto sound quality wise?
mihaitaa
111 posts
 
I know that your initial list didn't mention it, but W4S DAC-2 is a very good DAC, has excellent volume control and HT bypass. In my experience, it left the Benchmark in the dust and scored way better than Oppo 105 at a shootout in my house.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I havent heard the new Benchmark 2. I had the old DAC 1 Pre and thought it sounded dry. I've had a few Sabre32 DACs (Oppo 95, Audiolan 8200CDQ and W4S DAC2) and thought they had a familial sound. Sweet, smooth but I found the Bel Canto DAC3.5VB (even in MkI) more engaging and dynamic
audio_lee's avatar
audio_lee
11 posts
 
I too have the DAC3.5VB as Doggiehowser but I would recommend the Meitner MA-1 instead. I have not been using the Bel Canto ever since the Meitner is in the system. I realised then that by adding the costs of the DAC3.5VB, the VBS-1 and the RefLink, the total could come close to the Meitner MA-1 pricing.

There is no volume control on the MA-1 but then again, it's the sound that counts, isn't it? As a bonus, it does DSD via USB....the best thing I heard on computer audio (I used a Mac Mini)

The DAC3.5VBMkII is actually very good on its own but when compared to the MA-1, the MA-1 has slightly more details and emotion.

(Audio)
undilutedigital
5 posts
 
Take a look and listen to the new NAD M51 DAC before you buy, especially if you're interesting in driving your amp directly, which I highly recommend. Superb digital volume control. It uses PWM, unlike any other DAC on the market. Excellent jitter rejection,and asynchronous USB. Some reviewers have called it warm and "tubey," but I think it's just accurate without distortion or harshness. I really don't understand why, but it really improves older and not-so-well-recorded CDs. Many reviewers have commented on that.
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