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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
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,673 posts
 
I’ve done a lot of listening in the last few hours.  The impression I have is that it is much more accurate and detailed than the Gumby.  However, it is somewhat unforgiving of some CDs even though it’s really outstanding on others.
Have to do  a lot more listening to determine if I want to keep it.  It certainly is convincing me that I don’t want to stay with the Gumby though.
The preamp model is the PV 11 modified by CJ with Teflon caps.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
piano

suggest you give a week, for me it takes time to really come to a solid conclusion, need multiple listening sessions, some cable or equipment swaps, some break in/settling in

to me the gumby had some nice r2r qualities, more rounded sound, detail was from within, not up front, bass was rounder flowed rather than slammed...

i had pv12 and pv14 back in the day... definitely a honey colored lovely luscious tubey character, will do wonders with sharper dacs of the modern day!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,673 posts
 
Second day of listening, and it seems to have broken in.
Very accurate but more mellow.  More forgiving on bad CDs than yesterday.
Even dared to compare the same identical  track from an LP to the Benchmark and the results weren’t bad at all.  Of course, the LP was better, but not by much.
gdnrbob
4,457 posts
 
@OP,
Richard, I would definitely let it burn in. In fact, just leave it on.
The folks at Ayre recommended doing the same with the Codex, despite it running pretty warm. They said it doesn't 'hurt' it and helps with sound quality.
B
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,673 posts
 
Bob,

Thanks for the tip.  I left my Gumby always on, but with the blinking lights and on/off switch on the front, I was turning the Benchmark off.

Just as an aside, I’’m learning to stop listening for the “sound” and start listening for the music to appreciate the DAC more.
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