PS Audio? Rega? Benchmark?

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.

Barrelchief: Thanks for your posts. I am extremely curious to hear your comparison of the PS Audio and the Monarchy Audio DACs. When you are ready to post your observations, would you also include the associated gear and your personal listening preferences? Thanks in advance.

Barrelchief:
Are you using the USB connection?
Did you bypass the ASIO device driver?

for a little bit more you could get the Bel Canto 300iUSB Integrated with USB DAC and amplifier...Has anyone compared this or heard this unit?

Coax and Toslink only...I am not techy enough to go with a USB set up.

I guess I need to go back to the owner's manuals to familiarize myself with what an ASIO device driver is.

The only thing that I have bypassed is the DAC that is in my cdp.

Follow-ups on the DACs as time permits.