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All Benchmark System Question

Long time lurker, first time poster. So question relates to my all Benchmark System. I am using the all Benchmark system (AHB2, HPA-4 and DAC 3B with my P3SER’s and loving it most of the time. But if I wanted to add a little more warmth for that 20 percent of the time I think I need to, What would be the best way to do that. My thoughts are maybe switching out the DAC 3B some of the time with an Audio Mirror Troubador, keeping the rest of the system the same. My other, more expensive thought is to leave the DAC 3B and i swapping in the Coda 07x part of the time as I have heard the AHB2 and Coda 07x is a great combination. Obviously that is an expensive fix for 20-30 percent of my listening.
What do you people think?
regg
regg OP
32 posts
 
Exactly! DAC will probably be swapped first. I read the review YYsantabarbara provided on the Gustard and it sounds like a fantastic option. The reviewer actually liked it better than the Benchmark DAC3 (he liked it better than almost every other DAC) and he was running through an HPA-4. Thanks to YYsantabarbara for the link. I will keep everyone posted when it’s in house (I should say apartment rather!)
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
I got permission to post this mini review of the Gustard X26 Pro. The A22 referenced is the Gustard A22. The A22 seems to sound like the DAC3B.

Now for the X26 PRO:

The X26 PRO is potentially the warmest sounding DAC I have ever had in my system. It literally makes digital sound closer to the warm sound of vinyl than any DAC I have had. However, this warm sound does not eliminate detail. This DAC passes more detail than any DAC I have ever had, period. It is an entirely different experience listening to this DAC compared to the A22. The X26 PRO has a seductively warm sound while presenting low level detail that is difficult to comprehend.

I am generally not one to get off on details in a recording that were not intended (like cars going by in the background that were caught by mics in the recording). But I was listening to Tin Pan Alley (SRV) on Couldn't Stand the Weather, and approximately 7 min and 30 sec into that song there is what sounds like a car horn go off in the far, far right deep in the background. I have probably listened to that track 50+ times, and I never, ever noticed that. Seriously, check it out. I first heard it on my hi-rez vinyl transcription. I literally had to replay that part several times as I thought originally it was a car horn coming from outside my house. I then went on to check the CD version of this album (as perhaps this was an artifact of the vinyl version). And sure enough it is in the CD version as well. Not quite as prominite, but I could still hear it without straining.

The X26 PRO has a better soundstage. I think one of the hardest things for components to do is create an image in the deep rear corners (outside of the speakers). The X26 does this better than the A22. My speakers disappear in the soundstage better with the X26 than the A22. The X26 also offers a wider soundstage.

The X26 has better overall micro and macro dynamics. At low volume levels the X26's sound is so good and seductive.

Anyway, I could go on, and on. But the bottom line is that the X26 PRO is in a different class of DACs from the A22. The A22 is a great DAC for $1250. But at $1500, the X26 PRO is an entirely different animal. If you want a more neutral sound, the A22 is more neutral. But if you want a more vinyl kind of warmth with digital, the X26 PRO is an amazing value and performer at $1500.

I will add to this with my review. 

A great DAC
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
@mapman The new KEF sub has a feature for apartment use.
yyzsantabarbara
4,937 posts
 
@regg This is one of the very first reviews on the AudioByte VOX. He has actually reviewed the HUB but I believe he could not publish it in Feb 2021. AudioByte likely asked him to hold of until they get the production issues sorted out (Covid related).

Audiobyte HydraVox 1-bit FPGA DAC Review - Hail Hydra! (soundnews.net)

ghdprentice
7,250 posts
 
I would not recommend getting a combined streamer / DAC since if you wish to upgrade one you end up swapping the other. Provided you are serious about your pursuit. I think your current equipment confirms you are. Each component is a critical one to the system.

yes, you would control your streamer with your iPhone through your network. But the streamer itself would communicate through the Ethernet wire to your network. . 
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