4est,
Powercord is the Shunyata Python Vx Helix (into Shunyta Hydra w/20amp Python PC) on Symposium sveltshelf; IC's are Tara Labs The One.
Sidssp, I don't know if it sounds better than a $4,000 DAC as I haven't heard one in my system. I do have an Esoteric X03SE CD Player, which was $8,000 (+ Python Vx Helix Vx and Tara Balanced The One PC & IC) and the Esoteric does sound much better, but the Benchmark sounds awesome and, for now, am happy with it. The benchmark (hooked to squeezebx) is just for the convenience, casual listening. When I want my mind blown, it's The Esoteric or Vinyl. I am VERY happy with the Benchmark and am quite amazed when I put a playlist together while reading and can't read as I am too involved with the listening. If it were my main source, I'd probably upgrade the Benchmark to the Berkley, or get an Esoteric D03.
I am enjoying the Benchmark way too much for $950 - and, if I did get a $4,000 dac, I would still use $3,000 worth of cables, and, I would be surprised if it would sound as good as the Esoteric.
Powercord is the Shunyata Python Vx Helix (into Shunyta Hydra w/20amp Python PC) on Symposium sveltshelf; IC's are Tara Labs The One.
Sidssp, I don't know if it sounds better than a $4,000 DAC as I haven't heard one in my system. I do have an Esoteric X03SE CD Player, which was $8,000 (+ Python Vx Helix Vx and Tara Balanced The One PC & IC) and the Esoteric does sound much better, but the Benchmark sounds awesome and, for now, am happy with it. The benchmark (hooked to squeezebx) is just for the convenience, casual listening. When I want my mind blown, it's The Esoteric or Vinyl. I am VERY happy with the Benchmark and am quite amazed when I put a playlist together while reading and can't read as I am too involved with the listening. If it were my main source, I'd probably upgrade the Benchmark to the Berkley, or get an Esoteric D03.
I am enjoying the Benchmark way too much for $950 - and, if I did get a $4,000 dac, I would still use $3,000 worth of cables, and, I would be surprised if it would sound as good as the Esoteric.