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Benchmark DAC 3B Vs. Schiit Gungnir Multibit and a question.

I currently am using the Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC.  I’m thinking of switching to the Benchmark DAC 3B.  Does anyone have any experience or opinions with regard to both these products? I already have a Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier and would think the DAC would be a good match.  The description of the Benchmark DAC says it’s designed to work directly with an amplifier.  I’ve been using the Gungnir with a CJ preamp until now. Question is, is there still a benefit to using a good preamp with the Benchmark DAC?
128x128rvpiano
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rvpiano OP
2,688 posts
 
That is very good to hear.  I just reordered the Benchmark.
Looking forward to hearing it!
decooney
2,167 posts
 
If "super clarity and absolute neutrality" is what you are looking for, the more recent Benchmark DACs will provide that.  A DAC3B exhibited these characteristics in my system while reviewing various DACs.   

 

 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
If "super clarity and absolute neutrality" is what you are looking for, the more recent Benchmark DACs will provide that. A DAC3B exhibited these characteristics in my system while reviewing various DACs.

same here w dac2 in my case

i would add that 'super clarity' is true... 'absolutely neutrality' maybe/probably so but we don’t really know what that is going from d to a - certainly a leaner brighter sound than most r2r nos or tubed dacs sound characters that have a following - not to say it is not a good unit - i suspect it does (and sounds) exactly as benchmark desires

to me, this sound is impressive at the start, very hifi/super-fi, but becomes hard to listen to and live with for long stretches... so many recordings are presented with too much sharpness and sibilance...  ymmv as always -- as systems are different, tastes are different, rooms are different

decooney
2,167 posts
 
@jjss49 
"...but becomes hard to listen to and live with for long stretches...". 

Exactly.  This was my experience as well on my system, and why I exercised the return policy. Ended up keeping the R2R Ladder DAC instead.  
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
Not my experience with the DAC3B, no fatigue,  and I listen for hours on end in my office with speakers and headphones. The DAC1 was another matter and I got fatigued easily with that old one.

However, since I really have nothing else to do with this system I am going to blow some money on the R2R Halo May Level 3 DAC just to see what the differences are. I will b able to compare side by side.
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