PS Audio? Rega? Benchmark?

Take advantage of PS Audio & Benchmark's in-home trial.

I am presently evaluating these (and other) DACs in my system. Both DACs are very good. However, they present the music very differently.

My findings are that there is no answer as to which is better. It totally comes down to system synergy and your personal preference.

The ONLY way to get it right is to let your ears do the deciding.

Barrelchief, do you write suspense novels for a living? :-)

How about telling us how the two (PSA and Benchmark) are different? I have owned the Benchmark and found it a bit sterile although I would think it is an excellent unit for the professional music engineer.

The PSA is interesting and would like to know more about what users think. The amount of info available from users on this is minuscule compared to the Benchmark, which surely ranks as one of the most written about pieces on audio forums and 'zines.

Point taken about home trial... but honestly, I don't feel right doing that unless I have a high degree of confidence I will like the unit. Returned units cost the mfg and in the long run may raise prices for everyone.

Would like to hear from people using any of the three in an all-balanced system and their results.

With regard to the Benchmark (which I've never heard) are you aware that amoung the early advocates for this unit was a reviewer, as I recall it ws John Marks, in later review devalued his opinion some by a subsequent inforsement of the Grado DAC which was, he felt warmer and more musical than the Benchmark. Also a tad more expensive. FWIW. I've not heard the Grado either but I do respect Mark's ethics and would include this unit in my evaluation if I were in the market for DAC.

Kck:

Nope...was actually threatened by English teacher that I may not graduate high school, bekuz Eye ka'nt rite.

PS Audio recommends to give the DAC 2 weeks of straight play for the unit to to fully cook...the most significant improvements are noticed within the 1st few days.

At the sound of the beep, my PS DAC will have been continuously playing for 42 hours, 28 minutes and 17 seconds. BEEEEP!

I will report back within a week with a more accurate comparrision. For now, I will hold off using descriptions like: warm, sterile, analytical etc.

Based on initial impressions, I will say that both the PS DL-III and Benchmark's DAC1 produce a lot of detail. The Benchmark seems to squeeze out a little more detail and "air." Whereas the PS Audio DAC has a more "refined" sound.

Simultaniously, I am trying some other system changes. With these changes, I feel that the Benchmark DAC is a better match. With other changes, I prefer the PS Audio DAC. So, as I previously stated, chosing the right DAC can be pretty system dependent.

Regarding the in-home trial, I did not suggest trying gear just because the offer to try it is there. I too only beleive in taking advantage of the offer if there is a genuine interest in the product that may result in its purchase. Besides, I barely have enough time to audition these 2 DACs. I certainly do not have the time to try gear, just because I can. However, considering how system dependent these componnets can be, you owe it to yourself to hear it in your home/system, before you plunk down the cabage.

I will report back. Also in the evaluation process is the Monarchy M24.

Virtually all of my evaluations are being conducted in fully balanced systems.