I s Benchmark the "Benchmark"


Benchmark DACs and other products always seem to get a good and widespread positive buzz as being on the cutting edge technically and moving the ball forward every few years as well.

As one who has never knowingly heard a BEnchmark product I wonder what Audiogoner's who have heard current Benchmark products, amps and DACS mainly, think of BEnchmark compared to their other favorites?

Benchmark gear is modest cost in these parts. Is Benchmark really a "benchmark" for performance and associated good sound or just another player.
128x128mapman
Benchmark and any other products that have a their roots in Pro Audio are going to be as accurate as to the best of the company's ability . How it translates with your equipment no one can say . If you are trying to achieve a system as accurate as possible it is a good start .
My findings have been the most "accurate" gear allows for the greater amount of recordings to sound best .
Being a casual listener and having used two of their DACs, I really like the Benchmark products. I started with the DAC 1-USB and upgraded to the DAC2-HGC. Really only because I had a little mad money for once. I wlll say it was a nice upgrade in sound quality. Very clean sounding and the music seems to come from a completely black backround. Made my room sound larger yet fuller so to speak. When I listed the DAC-1 on A-Gon it sold in less than an hour. Every once in a while I look for listings here and they are almost non-existant, so I feel they are a sought after product.
Mine is played through a Krell KCT pre & FPB300cx with my Sony laptop & Jriver. It never makes a sound, it's made in USA & Rory at Benchmark is a cool guy if you ever need any info.
I hope this helps, John.
Chris I have a bel canto c5i integrated. The dac is pretty good and probably not bel cantos best so that says something. Would like to compare to Benchmark. I also have mhdt Constantine dac in my main rig currently. It is very musical and engaging but the bc is probably more detailed.