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Banchmark DAC3B vs. Denafrips Pontus II (12th Aniv.)

So I'm considering one of these DACs. They're about the same price new. Any thoughts on which direction? My pre-amp and amp are both Benchmark and the speakers are Reference 3A NEFES II. I realize keeping it all Benchmark is appealing, but the Pontus looks very interesting.

koestner
koestner OP
677 posts
 

So the DAC3B has come and gone in the past 8 months. It was nice, but didn't wow me into loving it. I am currently using an Okto DAC8 Stereo and this one I like. While the Benchmark would allow a much higher output level thus allowing the AHB2 amp to be run in a lower input level, thereby reducing noise, I had found no difference in the sound, as overall distortion is way to low to hear anyway.

spydrwebb44
20 posts
 

Thank you for the update.

rizzo1234
15 posts
 

I owned the Denafrips Pontus II for a short time before swapping it out for a Benchmark DAC3 L.

I found the Pontus II to be very colored and it was a poor match with my Sudgen IA-4 integrated.  The Benchmark DAC3 L has been excellent.  Beautiful synergy.  I have no regrets.

FWIW I also owned a Denafrips Ares 2 which I liked very much, although I was running it through a Hegel H190 at the time.  It was a huge step up from the Hegel's onboard DAC.

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