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Benchmark Dac3

I purchased the Benchmark DAC3 and hooked it up (with just the included Monoprice USB cable) to my MacBook Pro playing lossless files ripped from my CDs. Using the HT bypass to play through my Krell integrated amplifier into Audio Physic Virgo speakers (as well as listening through the headphone amp and HGC volume control driving Beyerdynamic DT 880s). With the panoply of input options I was able to do direct A/B comparisons between my Krell CD player and iTunes as well as between the digital and analog outputs of the CD player. I immediately discovered the balanced XLR connection making a huge difference in bringing out subtle details such as the breath of vocalists and the note decay of wind and string instruments.  Is this the case with all sources or just with this DAC?  If it is the case with all sources then I could never imagine purchasing a DAC (in an equivalent price range) which only provides RCA interconnections.  Is this more about the Benchmark DAC or the difference between balanced and single-ended operation?  Would you purchase a DAC without balanced XLR connections?
dave1215
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
(((I will be very surprised if I can actually hear a difference between all three. Once the new DAC 3 arrives, I will make a quick comparison to ensure it is fully functional and then sell my other two Benchmark DACs.))
Shardone
We had a nice comparison with the Ayre XLR Codex Dac vs Benchmark 2.
All 5 of the folks listening picked the Ayre
2 of the folks owned Benchmark Dacs.
If you can get one to listen to it may be worth your efforts.
before your return privilege w/ BM runs away.
We have shot this unit succesfully up to pretty much anything to 5k
Listen to any RCA recording like Heifetz playing at his best.
the unique filtering choices,discreet analog Double Diamond output stage is a freak show with performance.
Also read the review below and see at the end blog report which i agree with.
Best JohnnyR

https://www.audiostream.com/content/ayre-acoustics-codex-usb-dac-headphone-amp-digital-preamp
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,476 posts
 
Ok Benchmark DAC 3 arrived and I can hear an improvement over DAC 2. Ultra clear with lower noise floor or more black and slightly more dynamics.

I am happier with the DAC3 and it seems more like the revelation when I first heard the DAC1 to my ears.

So my two cents is buy a DAC 1 used cheap or spring for a new DAC 3 but avoid DAC 2 if you like details and clarity and dynamics. The DAC2 seems a little too polite or polished for my taste - so it may be the preferred option to some listeners.

My taste is towards live dynamic sound so again YMMV depending on your ears.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,476 posts
 
Compared Benchmark DAC2 vs Gustard X20 pro with Singer SU-1.

Really hard to hear any difference at all. Certainly not enough difference to worry about which makes the Gustard at less than half the price a good bargain.

Not had a chance so far to compare Gustard to DAC3 but given the DAC3 was significantly audibly better than the DAC2 the outcome of that shoot out should be in favour of the DAC 3, however cannot say for sure until they are side by side.

What one can say is the Gustard along with the necessary conditioning Singer SU-1 punches above its weight. Theoretically the Benchmark does not need conditioning given all the reviews proving outstanding jitter immunity but Gustard with the Singer is still a lot cheaper. 

A possible drawback of Gustard may be reliability but this could simply be teething issues on the early models. Certainly Benchmark has a well established reputation for reliability. Whether that track record is worth the significant extra cost is only something each individual can decide.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Can I get an opinion on which DAC is a "better", the Benchmark DAC3 or Schiit Yggdrasil? In my case, I am *not* interested in DSD, MQA or a head phone amp. Just interested in LPCM (all bit depths and sample rates). Better in this context means more "bit perfect" and sounds more analog. Note I currently use an Oppo UDP-205, which has a Sabre DAC chip even more up-to-date than the one used in the DAC3. At face value, should I expect similar sound (Oppo to DAC3)? Thanks in advance. 
lancelock
1,093 posts
 
I haven't heard either of these DACs but I also have the UDP205 and with the Modwright mods it is in another league.
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