DAC Dilemma


I will (probably foolishly) put my decision before you all and see if I get any informed opinions, or if I just get scoffed at. I have been at this hobby many years, but must admit to not having the sophistication that many of you do. To those of you that are DAC experts. I have read, and it is my understanding that DAC technology has progressed to the point that 1) new "entry level" DAC’s blow away earlier generation DACs that originally cost much more, and 2) the difference between most current DACs as far as sound quality is pretty subtle. I have an Aurender N100H (which is going to stay) with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Not the $6K version. The $3K version with no bridge) feeding into an Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp into a high end solid state amp. Should I 1) just keep what I have (yes, it sounds good, but it could always be better) 2) replace the PS Audio with an Audio Research DAC7 that is about 11 years old but very well reviewed in it’s day, or 3) sell the PS Audio and the Audio Research SP16 and replace both with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark would give me a current Class A DAC along with multiple inputs for digital, and two inputs for both of my turntables, thus eliminating the need for a separate preamp. But, would the Benchmark SOUND better than either the PS Audio DAC or the DAC7? I am very much aware that the DAC's mentioned above address the actual digital to analogue conversion in very different ways which is precisely why I'm asking which one you think gives the best (natural, uncolored, transparent) sound. Opinions please.
128x128pascon
op

my 2 cents

modern lower cost dacs do not blow away well respected well performing older dacs

good modern dacs indeed sound different... the difference in sound on a high resolution well assembled system is immediate and obvious

good luck on your pursuit, hope you find something you are really happy with



The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is a good DAC but not that great as a preamp, I used it that way in the past. There is a reason Benchmark makes the LA4 and HPA4 preamp. These preamps will make the DAC3 sound better.

I doubt you would be happy with the Benchmark stack if you like the warm DirectStream and the Audio Research gear. The Benchmark gear has 0 warmth to them. I have the DAC3B and LA4 and it sounds good to me with my warm CODA #8 amp. They also sound good with my ultra neutral Benchmark AHB2 mono amps.

You can always get the Benchmark gear on the 30 day home trial.
@pascon You are receiving solid advice from the members who have posted above.

Despite my love for and appreciation of the DAC 7, here is a caution to consider. Please note I am not trying to talk you out of the DAC 7.

If you were / are using a CD Transport as your primary source, this would not apply.

You posted that you are streaming via an Aurender N100H....therefore digital input / output specs will factor in. This is from ARC's archive database:

USB: Spec 1.0 to 2.0 16 BIT 32kHz to 48kHz, MAC or PC. RCA: 75 ohm SPDIF 16/32 to 24/192. BNC: 75 ohm SPDIF 16/32 to 24/192. XLR: 110 ohm AES/EBY 16/32 to 24/192. OPT: 660 NM TOSLINK FIBER 16/32 to 24/192

Pointing out that you will be limited in the file resolutions and sampling rates, given where current streaming is at and where it's moving (running) to in the near future.

If you move away from MAC (i.e. Aurender) and go to Windows then USB drivers will also factor in.

In particular, the USB spec of the DAC7 is very limiting.
 I'd only say modern dacs are generally higher resolution than older. Higher resolving powers is the general movement, more analog, natural flavor is the other, this not universal. My choice would go with most modern dac one can afford.


Within context of my not having heard any of dacs your speaking of, and based on my impressions from other's reviews, seems your making more of a lateral move than progressing. The Directstream is nice dac, not the greatest resolving, but I'd stick with it vs. others you mention.


If you were open to other options on dac. Look at Holo May, likely best value high end dac with sound signature you're looking for.