Upgrade from Benchmark Dac?

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.

I now use the PS Audio XStream Plus SC power cord(Blue)to

the Benchmark.

Which is plugged into a PS Audio Duet with a PS Audio

XStream Statement(Red) SC to the wall.

Audio Alchemy Data Stream Transmitter/Receiver Digital

Connections with the largest A.A. Power Transformer. Then

I use the B.N.C. inputs and output via. XLR Balanced

with PS Audio XStream Audio XLR's.

Oh, and just another tip from old Pops,they(Benchmark)

say take the cheapest transport, and you are set.

Maybe...

But how about using a rock solid killer transport, with

the Dac-1? Worthwhile? You bet Your last paycheck!

That is where the Sony XA7ES comes in. Instant Synergy!

The $7k Ayon CD-3 implements a Sony Transport,$25K Lindemann

822SACD Player uses a Sony Transport,as does the 800S at $15k.

There are many more, the point is, the Transport does

make a difference. Especially with the Benchmark Dac-1.

I have owned 2 Dac-1's so I am now very familiar with,

some of it's likes, and dislikes.

I owned the benchmark and went to the Marantz 8260, and gave up a bit more top end air and got more body and weight in the bass. Better will require the Marantz albeit, more expensive ones, like the SA15 or up one more which I think is the SA11...clearly better. I auditioned both for some time.... more bass, tighter, dynamic, rhythmic, more open on top, and just more authoritative. Jallen

Thanks for the suggestions!

I take clean power and proper cables for granted. I'm using the Benchmark in USB mode with balanced Cardas Hexlink 5C cables for the output...Cardas Quadlink power cord plugged into an Inouye conditioner which is plugged into a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I never thought about it but I can imagine that power and cables would probably have a much greater impact on digital rather than on analog gear.

I am surprised there aren't more enthusiastic posts from owners of mega buck DACs.

"I owned the benchmark and went to the Marantz 8260, and gave up a bit more top end air and got more body and weight in the bass."

Changing tubes in the mhdt Paradisea can produce similar effects easily for minimal cost.