Alternate to Benchmark Dac 1?


Over the last few weeks I put together a system for my mother. NHT C-1 speakers, Rega Brio 2017 amp, and  a Benchmark Dac 1 as a source. The Dac 1 is better the the Schiit Modi 3+ I tried before it. If I were buying for myself, I could try this and that for a long time. However, since I am buying it for her, I will have limited opportunity to audition things. The question I have is what would be a good alternative to the Benchmark? As I understand it, the Benchmark is known for being accurate, while others are considered less accurate but are like for certain qualities they have. I was able to get the Dac 1 for $365. What would be a good alternative at $600 or less  (new or used) that would represent a different sound? The benchmark is very clear, lacks distortion, and made sense of Zooropa and other albums which have a lot of complex mixes. I was impressed. I would just like to try something that may have a bit more warmth before we settle on something. She is 72 and will probably have this from now on. By the way , the NHT C-1 speakers seem to very neutral, like the Benchmark. I guess I'm thinking something with a little "warmth" or "character" might be worth a look. 
severncreek
The Benchmark DAC2 or 3 is much better than the DAC1. I have owned all 3. None of them are warm but the 2 and 3 are not fatiguing and much better DAC's. I have the DAC3 now. 

A really great DAC that is a bit warm is the Gustard X26 Pro. It costs $1500 and is excellent. Do not let that price make you think is cannot compete with $5K DACs. A really amazing bargain. I use the DAC23B and Gustard in the same system.

A very neutral DAC that is like the DAC3 but cheaper is the Topping D90se. I like the DAC3 for sound (by a bit) and features (by a lot) but the Topping is 1/2 the price and will not add anything to the sound with uber detail. Also non-fatiguing.
I don't know DAC2, but I jumped from DAC1 to DAC3 - huge difference, in spite of my DAC1 updated with better op-amps.  Sound od DAC3 is fuller in the midrange being as clean/detailed as DAC1 was.   You should update it, if you're still in accurate camp.
@soix I appreciate the recommendation. I see that is an R2R dac. I have heard they have different kind of sound. Have you heard the Musician Draco?