I'm currently auditioning the new Benchmark HPA4 preamp/linestage/headphone amp and my DAC2 HGC against a Dangerous Audio Convert 2 Pro DAC. I'm very sad to say the HPA4 Preamp does rob me of some upper frequency sparkle and transient response. I've run through putting the hpa4 in and taking it out several times and running each DAC direct to either my Nord Monoblocks or my Art Audio Diavolo SET Tube 300b Amplifier to my Tekton Design Encores speakers and regardless of the DAC or amps I'm using I can hear clearly a noticeable drop in resolution, upper midrange clarity, and transient response. Plucks of guitars seem a little lifeless now. The overall sound is more homogeneous sounding and more 2 dimensional sounding. It's a warmer less neutral sound, but almost like a film coating painted on everything I hear. This is really disappointing because this preamp was supposed to take my system to the next level, but unfortunately it's a step backwards for me. I'm returning it to Benchmark, but I really feel bad about it all the same.
As an aside I love the Benchmark DAC2 HGC, and will be upgrading to the DAC3 HGC. For what its worth the Dangerous convert 2 dac I was auditioning sounded well nigh identical to the Benchmark once the gain level was matched, but it lacks the remote, multiple outputs, and because I'm returning the preamp won't work in my system. It's definitely a competent piece and those level meters provide some sexy eye candy that I will miss over the boring utilitarian looks of the Benchmark DAC2 HGC.
As an aside I love the Benchmark DAC2 HGC, and will be upgrading to the DAC3 HGC. For what its worth the Dangerous convert 2 dac I was auditioning sounded well nigh identical to the Benchmark once the gain level was matched, but it lacks the remote, multiple outputs, and because I'm returning the preamp won't work in my system. It's definitely a competent piece and those level meters provide some sexy eye candy that I will miss over the boring utilitarian looks of the Benchmark DAC2 HGC.