CDP or DAC with DVD player

Jlc - users reported better results with Benchmark + preamp than Benchmark alone - I don't know why. Why don't you take 30-day free loaner from Benchmark and just try it. It is possible that you would like sound from your Sony more (while playing redbook CD). Benchmark sounds very clean - maybe too clean (takes a while to get used to). Some people call it sterile.

Kijanki,
I'm using the DAC1 without a preamp directly to a tubed poweramp and the sound is glorious. Benchmark even recommends trying it w/o a preamp. The DAC1 has a very nice preamp/volume control.

The difference that some talk about is probably similar to when I used the variable output of my Cary308 cdp direct to an amp vs. through a preamp. You get more body but with less clarity and immediacy. I perfered it without a preamp because it had less coloration and was more intimate in presentation.

Anyway, the Benchmarc DAC1 is so clear w/o the hint of digititus or harshness that it excells as a direct connect to a poweramp. Why muddy up its neutral and honest presentation. The highs are so pure they almost sound smooth because there is no harshness to them. It is a real ear opener.

Mjcmt - what happens when you add class D to Benchmark is that lower midrange becomes too lean. It was the case with my Audioquest Indigo thin sounding speaker cables. While upgrating cables I went with Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun and lower midrange (chestiness on male voices) came back. Satisfied with Acoustic Zen I upgrated IC from AQ King Cobra to Acoustic Zen Absolute - next level in clarity and coherency.