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DAC1 or DAC1 USB?

I have decided to try out the DAC1 in my system. Does anyone have any experience with both versions of the DAC1? I have been told by Benchmark that a few things were changed from DAC1 to DAC1 USB but I find it hard to justify a 30% increase in price especially when I do not plan on actully using the USB option at least for now. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

My very modest setup:

NAD (5 disc changer)
Stratos Amp
Harbeth 7ES II Speakers
Rotel 1055 (used as peamp, looking to use the DAC1 as a pre and dac)
kego
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
The thing is, the USB implementation on the DAC1 is reported to be, uh, not so great. (This is hearsay, so I may be wrong.) I think we can all look forward to much improved USB DAC performance in the near future.
kschiu
73 posts
 
Dac1Pre has even more LM4562 in the circuit.
chenc
23 posts
 
I have compared using USB and coax and we (my girlfriend and I) both agree that using Cal Audio Delta transport sounds better. I thought it's noticeably better, and she said "of course it's better."
What's $300? That's about 1/4 a Macbook which you can use to feed the DAC1 Macbook via optical out (next time you are looking to get a computer).
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
Chenc -- maybe it's just me, but your post makes no sense. You compared using USB and coax from WHAT and into WHAT? The Cal Audio is better than WHAT?
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Drubin,its not you.Its what you get when talk is cheap{Keith Richards}.I'd put the 300 towards a therapist and skip the USB in this CASE...cheers,Bob
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