What do you replace a Benchmark with for 24/96?

Another great sounding DAC is the new Monarchy M24 tube DAC/linestage. It lists for $1490, but you may be able to get it for less. You can run another source through the tube linestage as well (like a phono stage or FM tuner).

The only drawback is that you might find that the tube linestage in the Monarchy sounds as good as the Modwright SWL 9.0 -- in which case you could sell the Modwright as well as the Benchmark and recoup some of your money. ;-)

It only has one coax input, but it also has a Toslink fiber-optic input, if that will work for you.

lavry black DA10.

I wouldn't mind a tube DAC but I really want to stay in the $1,000 or under range. It would be really sweet though if that Monarchy sounded as good as my Modwright, that would be a deal & a half if it did!

Fishwater, I know it may sound unlikely, but I bet the Monarchy does equal the Modwright. It'a a super good and natural sounding piece. It handily beat my TAD-150 Signature and I ended up selling that piece... YMMV

But if you have the chance to try one, definitely go for it.

Plato, I would love to try one but I would really prefer a DAC with two coax inputs if possible. I have my transport & DAT deck. I don't know of a super high quality optical cable so I would need dual coax.