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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
 
Testing is over!
Decided on Benchmark. Totally magnificent presentation.
Honestly didn’t expect this quality.

Also, I added the GeerFab D.Bob Audio Disc Digital Extractor which, (combined with Oppo Blu-ray machine) plays SACDs with incredible resolution.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Well, my Benchmark must have broken in more.  I don’t hear any more ”thinness.”

Sorry, but my friend and I were the same, when we A/B'd my r2r dac with his new  Benchmark and it's thinner presentation.
Then he also said after 2 months, it's fine now it must have broken in. Once again did the A/B.
It was his ears that did the breaking in not the Benchmark, now he's looking to sell it.

Cheers George   
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,673 posts
 
Well, it depends on the source.
I do admit it sounds thin on mediocre recordings. The Gungnir did hide those imperfections. But, on most recordings, which are well recorded, the sound is far superior to the Schiit.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,673 posts
 
I think the point is, the Benchmark gives you what is on the recording.
Garbage in garbage out.  It certainly has no inherent “thinness” in itself.
If you want a DAC that sounds good with EVERYTHING, it’s the wrong DAC for you.
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