All Benchmark System Question

If anyone is interested. I compared the Benchmark HPA4 vs the Topping pre90. I could not tell a difference. They sounded the same. I sold the HPA4 for almost the same price I bought it for and now use the Topping pre90 ($599).

In fact my CODA 07x has not had any play with my floor standers for almost 2 weeks since I have be using the Topping. I am really armored with the Topping. I do use the CODA 07x for my RAAL SR1a.

The Topping pre90 is like the HPA4. It gets out of the way and let’s the other components dictate the sound. I loved this unit so much that I also bought the Topping ext90 ($250) which adds 3 more XLR’s and 1 more RCA. I cannot believe this level of quality for the price.

My CODA #8 amp should be shipped soon. I am certain it will sound great with both the Topping pre90 and CODA 07x. I currently use the Benchmark AHB2 monos. They sound incredible with both preamps. If I was smarter I would not have bought the CODA #8.

BTW - the Topping pre90 does not have the amazing headphone amp as the HPA4. However, now that I only listen to the RAAL SR1a headphones the HPA4 headphone amp was never used.

@yyzsantabarbara I appreciate the you updating this thread with your latest comparison. This whole thread has really got me thinking about improving my system. I actually purchased the X26pro (got a week left on trail) and find most of it qualities vs the Dac3L favorable. I hooked both directly to amps via xlr's and feel the X26 sounds more pleasing in macro sense. But the flexibility the filters provide is fantastic at maximizing the material I'm listening to. Although I must say the Dac 3L is slightly darker to my ears which translates into perceived deeper sound stage and maybe slightly better pinpoint imaging. The Dac 3l also has analog inputs and HT Bypass. So they both have advantages but SQ is paramount so I think the Dac3L is going.

Do you know anyone who wants a Dac3L in great condition? :)
Once I sell that I might pick up the topping if you think that might give the x26 a sonic advantage direct to Mono's. I'm not clear on your thought on the x26 direct to amp verses to Pre. The reviewer you referenced didn't seem to think it would, but your motor familiar with my amps.

@regg did you receive you X26pro? what did you think?

@mrpsync I was using the Topping pre90 for 2 to 3 weeks straight on my floor standers which were driven by the AHB2 monos. It sounded awesome. I do not miss the HPA4 since the Topping pre90 sounds like it. I may have mentioned it on this thread that the HPA4 has way more useful features than the Topping pre90. The pre90 is really bare bones but that is all I need.

Today I have the CODA 07x back in the mix and it is also amazing. Every time I switch preamps I tend to like the new one more. Which is a good reason to keep both.

My CODA #8 is finally built and is being burnt in at CODA this weekend. It will ship on Monday. I had SpeakON speaker connections added to the #8 to play with my Audience FrontRow cable which is used by the AHB2 SpeakON terminal. The SpeakON’s added some delay to my amp delivery.

I use my DAC3B regularly because I find it a bit more detailed than the Gustard. I definitely tested this out a few days ago with my RAAL SR1a. I love both DACs and have come to appreciate the DAC3B even more now.

I always prefer a preamp for my DACs. I have not spent mega bucks on DACs so I do not know if other DACs have better preamp capabilities, but the DACs I have listened to have benefited with a preamp.

One of the top 10 DACs these guys ever measured.
Gustard X26Pro Review (Balanced High-end DAC) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

@mrpsync:
I did receive the x26pro and I agree with yysantabarbara, it is an amazing DAC. It is a touch warmer than the DAC3b but I haven’t decided whether to keep it yet-I am very addicted to the DAC3b, which I think is slightly more detailed. To be honest though, I am not one of those people who hear dramatic differences in DACs-though I have never tried one of the Halo or Denafrips DACs. In my system with Harbeth P3’s I think I would probably hear the most difference with a Sub. Since I don’t have measuring equipment though, I don’t know if I could set a sub up properly. I would highly recommend trying the x26 pro-in your system it may sound great and if you buy it on a trial you can return it.

@yyzsantabarbara Again thanks for your input. I think maybe  the topping pre90se for Xmas gift to myself may be in my future regardless of which dac I keep :)

 I confess I'm still struggling with which Dac to keep though. Like your impression when switching preamps (liking the latest one more every time you switch).
Also, may I ask where you sell your equipment? I got a quote from one of the used market retailers for $1200. But think I can do better.....maybe? There is something to be said about hassle/ risk free transactions.

@regg thanks for replying. I totally understand your addiction. When the Dac3 is at it's best with the AHB2,  it just seams to provide more than just a terrific musical presentation. It kind of lets you peak behind the curtains of the recordings themselves....warts and all. 

With that said, I think the Gustard gives a "prettier" presentation. Particularly in some harsher/ edgy / brighter recording when using the NOS filter or Composite.

Thanks