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Benchmark DAC 3 HGC or RME ADI-2 DAC

I will be buying a new dac, in order to replace my Lavry DA10. I am satisfied with the sound of the Lavry, but it lacks a remote control.
If I do, it will be one of the two mentioned as I am familiar with brands from studio applications. The RME seems like the obvious choice. It has some EQ ability which would be useful to me, reviews about the sound quality compared to everything else are pretty positive, and it's about half the price.

  So which would you choose and why? I'm wondering what I may be missing that might justify the price of the benchmark?
128x128wengr
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
The Benchmark has a slight edge in pure sonics, but the DSP capabilities of the RME trump all that (5-band PEQ, Bass/Treble adjustment, Crossfeed, and Loudness).
wengr's avatar
wengr OP
19 posts
 
Yes PEQ is very interesting to me because while I typically avoid eq for pleasure listening, I also do alot of transcribing, and I suspect that the PEQ could really help me highlight the individual parts that I need to hear.

Also, I have no need for analog inputs, and the price point is certainly better so the RME seems like the clear choice. The only downside I see is it does not have a trigger to turn the amp on.
dasign's avatar
dasign
201 posts
 
Yzzsantabarbara, I currently own the Benchmark DAC3 HGC and had same issue with the volume control adjustment. I had to open the DAC and move the XLR output pads to the 20 db position so to have a proper volume range adjustment. The factory standard setting is set at 0 db for the Benchmark amplifier. Once this was corrected, I had linearity in using my volume control.
robshaw
264 posts
 

you sent a text message to my post about the Benchmark Dac3 B.  I stated I was looking to replace my Dac 3B with another DAC. You asked why: My name is Robert, see my post: To answer your question, I love my DAC 3B, have NO issues with it at all. Benchmark company is GREAT and RORY who deals with most if not all customers is GREAT.  I was just thinking of adding it to my second system in my house and replacing it with something else.  Not sure why, just to try another DAC?  hope this helps.

wengr's avatar
wengr OP
19 posts
 

Yes it helps a great deal - Thanks! and good luck.

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