DAC Question: Delta-Sigma vs R2R

@mod_asored I recently purchased a Benchmark DAC3 HGC, and am delighted with it. Just passing along a good 3rd party experience, if Benchmark is on your list to consider. I believe one can buy on Amazon Prime w/30 day return period

Jonwatches,

I have a friend who really loves his Benchmark3. It is a little out of my price range right now. But like all audio purchases, I always seem to end up outside my price range. So I am watching for what pops up.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi Guys, An update for those who gave me the great advice.

As I said, I have no audio stores nearby and if I started driving to them I would be wasting a ton of money in gas and still not know what it sounds like with my gear and in my room. I decided the prudent option was to buy used at a fair price and listen for an extended period of time and all transaction fees will be less than gas and travel time.

About 6 weeks ago I was lucky enough to score a Denafrips Ares 2 from a great seller, one of the DAC's on my list. I was blown away, now I didn't want to come on and proclaim the win while in the "shiny new toy" phase, so I waited for a while, kept listening, I can officially say I am blown away. It actually caused me to also go get a Innuos Zen Mini and LPSU to pair with it, like I said wow, even better now.

What happened is a match to how I listen to music, not so much this DAC better than that DAC. What I noticed is when i am really relaxing and listening, I am 50% brain on whole song and the other 50% just tuned into one specific performer trying to experience the song through their performance. I also noticed that is how I listen to live music.

What seems to be the most important to me is not all the detail, but the natural and accurate tone of the instrument I am listening to, if that makes sense. It does to me and I am now in a much better position to know what I am looking for, not just DAC but in all my gear.

So is it the Ares 2 or is it just the high quality DAC?, is it synergy, I don't know, but I think I am gonna continue watching for another of the items on my short list and try flipping the Ares to see, but I am in no rush as I am still paying it off and I am loving it.

Thanks again for all you guys for pointing me in the right direction. It is very much appreciated.

OP,

Congratulations . You said what is important to you is: “but the natural and accurate tone of the instrument I am listening to” 

Yes… I second that. Every component you own effects the output and not concentrating on just detail can lead to a more satisfying system sound.

In my search for a new DAC, I have found some highly regarding R2R Ladder DACs in the 3-5 K price range a bit thin sounding and a bit raw ( particularly with rock music ) .

Is that just my ears? or has anyone else experienced the same.

Do I need to look at higher priced R2R?