How do you make a final decision on a DAC

two points to you op

your benchmark is a very good dac, clean crisp and clear, if you want something that presents music differently, you should speak to that, and others may recommend options for changing...

btw, as you can tell, there are some shills here, shills gonna shill..

robshaw

First I am looking forward to the DIs. It will be hard to be objective with the speakers with all the hype that has been generated. Also I would agree with others here, you’ve got a great DAC. I mean you could try an r2r ladder DAC like the Denafrips Ares II to hear that flavor but I would think the Benchmark is every bit as good. Just my two cents..

FWIW, I recently switched to an Aqua La Scala. I wasn’t planning to spend more than $3-4k, but was able to audition it in my system, and was captivated.

I can’t be of much help in terms of comparisons, though I originally owned a Pontus II, and consider the Aqua to be a significant step up. The Terminator, which would be a more fair comparison, may be a different story, though.

From a technical standpoint, the modular design and upgrade potential is an attractive aspect of the Aqua.

If you can't demo it don't buy it 

Thanks all that tried to to help. The demo part makes a lot of sense, however, hard to do in this environment. I may look into used via The Music Room, it seems to get a great deal of accolades!   I can't seem to get the Denafrips Terminator out of my mind. They just got a US service r located in Buda , Texas  Thanks for all your posts. It is very much appreciated. Thanks