All Benchmark System Question

@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

@mrpsync, I agree with you completely, The Gustard is “prettier” and it is great with the filters. On a good recording though, the Dac3b is astonishing in its presentation. Probably also has a lot to do with the synergies with the AHB2 and HPA4. So many choices!

@mrpsync The Topping pre90 sounds good with the DAC3B and the Gustard X26 Pro. If you can swing it keep both. They sound different. In my case, with the RAAL SR1a headphones the Gustard X26 Pro was a must. However, that gap has closed recently with a Convolution filter for the SR1a. I totally agree with the comments you 2 guys above have made about the DAC3 and the Gustard X26 Pro. I hear it the same way.

I sold the DAC3B 2x before and regretted it both times (I moved, had kid, etc...). I am never selling the DAC3B. Not sure how long the Gustard X26 Pro will last (it runs warm), but I will enjoy until then.

I am not sure about what you are referring to with the $1200. If it is the Gustard buy it from the Chinese retailer
GUSTARD X26 PRO Full Decoding ES9038Pro*2 Chip DSD512 Bluetooth 5.0 X (shenzhenaudio.com)

If anything goes wrong they will replace it. 

@yyzsantabarbara I wish I could keep both but $3400 invested in Dacs is a little too steep for my blood.

The $1200 I referred to what I was offered for my used Benchmark Dac3L, which I paid $1999 w/remote 2yrs ago (I have all the original boxes and extras). I Mentioned that because in your previous post you mentioned getting a very good price for your HPA4. Since I don't think $1200 is a great deal for the DAC3L I was hoping you would shed some light on what you think it could fetch; and how you sold your equipment in the past...ie through audiomart, audiogon, or word of mouth, etc.

Sorry for all the questions/ guidance requests, but I'm new at this.

Thanks

Guys, I have come to the conclusion that i do get “tired” periodically with whatever I am hearing and want something different. For years I used a Conrad Johnson amp and preamp and I remember hearing it for the first time after living with a Tandberg amp and PS Audio pre and I thought it was a revelation-tubes is the way to go I thought. Then a dear friend convinced me to try all Benchmark and when I first heard it I thought it was a revelation. Now, after reading @yyzsantabarbara’s comments I want a Coda 07x! I do believe I will never sell any of my Benchmark though. @mrpsync, whichever DAC you pick between the two will be a winner. And a year from now there will be a new flavor we all want and we will go through it all again!