Upgrade from Benchmark Dac?

I now use the PS Audio XStream Plus SC power cord(Blue)to

the Benchmark.

Which is plugged into a PS Audio Duet with a PS Audio

XStream Statement(Red) SC to the wall.

Audio Alchemy Data Stream Transmitter/Receiver Digital

Connections with the largest A.A. Power Transformer. Then

I use the B.N.C. inputs and output via. XLR Balanced

with PS Audio XStream Audio XLR's.

Oh, and just another tip from old Pops,they(Benchmark)

say take the cheapest transport, and you are set.

Maybe...

But how about using a rock solid killer transport, with

the Dac-1? Worthwhile? You bet Your last paycheck!

That is where the Sony XA7ES comes in. Instant Synergy!

The $7k Ayon CD-3 implements a Sony Transport,$25K Lindemann

822SACD Player uses a Sony Transport,as does the 800S at $15k.

There are many more, the point is, the Transport does

make a difference. Especially with the Benchmark Dac-1.

I have owned 2 Dac-1's so I am now very familiar with,

some of it's likes, and dislikes.

I owned the benchmark and went to the Marantz 8260, and gave up a bit more top end air and got more body and weight in the bass. Better will require the Marantz albeit, more expensive ones, like the SA15 or up one more which I think is the SA11...clearly better. I auditioned both for some time.... more bass, tighter, dynamic, rhythmic, more open on top, and just more authoritative. Jallen

Thanks for the suggestions!

I take clean power and proper cables for granted. I'm using the Benchmark in USB mode with balanced Cardas Hexlink 5C cables for the output...Cardas Quadlink power cord plugged into an Inouye conditioner which is plugged into a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I never thought about it but I can imagine that power and cables would probably have a much greater impact on digital rather than on analog gear.

I am surprised there aren't more enthusiastic posts from owners of mega buck DACs.

"I owned the benchmark and went to the Marantz 8260, and gave up a bit more top end air and got more body and weight in the bass."

Changing tubes in the mhdt Paradisea can produce similar effects easily for minimal cost.

I never thought about it but I can imagine that power and cables would probably have a much greater impact on digital rather than on analog gear.

Clean power does seem to affect digital - well it has in my experience. I suspect switched mode power supplies can be a problem. However, before spending $3000, I'd suggest you experiment with say $100 monster power bar filter first and see if it makes an audible difference. FWIW the power supply in the DAC1 is linear (not switched mode like a DVD player) and it runs quite hot - like a hot mug of coffee to the touch. That and the signficant weight of the little box suggests that it probably has a decent power supply to begin with.

Another avenue to check is to ask a question on Head-Fi org to Elias Gwinn (Benchmark engineer). I expect he will tell you that the DAC1 is designed to work in studios with dirty power and should not need conditioning in all but very extreme cases.

Good Luck!