Benchmark DAC1 Pre - anybody heard a mod?

Richlane - I agree he should at least try tube preamp (I should too).

Thank you all for your replies. I was also of the opinion that less is more and thus was looking at options of modifying the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Now I am inclined to try a tube pre before deciding on next steps.

On another note, I also considered changing the Benchmark to another DAC. Came across a tube DAC called Chime made by Hagerman Technology? As I need USB input, this sounds very promising.

Hi Guys,

I think it's great that you're both willing to try new things. That's what makes our hobby so much fun. Beatster, as a mentioned earlier, I too own the Benchmark DAC, and I think it is absolutely wonderful,

I initially bought it for my Living Room, but now I have it hooked up to my Mac Pro in my home office, with a pair of Audio Engine 5 speakers and I'm getting wonderful results. I was able to find the sound that I was looking for in the Bel Canto DAC3 used last year for $1750 now it goes for around $1600. But, it was the Benchmark DAC that initially lit a fire under me to upgrade my entire audio system over the past year, and I haven't looked back.

As Kijanki mentioned, the Benchmark DAC does really excel in; clarity, transparency and resolution as well as sound stage width. I think it is a little weak in midrange purity, timbre, harmonics, and sound stage depth, but for $1000 I think it is is still one of the best buys in all of HiFi and I continue to wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a new DAC. I think if someone's system is on the warm side, too laid back or to slow then it's a great choice. If someone's system is too dry, analytical, or too forward then I would go for a used Bel Canto DAC3. The Bel Canto also has a smoother midrange than the Benchmark, without sacrificing transparency, speed, or resolution.

The best thing to do would be to try and demo or borrow different components that you may be interested in, without committing to purchase it just yet.

Oh, one more thing!

True, sometimes, less "is" more. If a component or cable, is not transparent to the source and it gets in the way of the music, than in fact less is more.

So, trust your ears, in your system, that's all that matters.
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I also own the DAC1 Pre and I think it's absolutely a great match for my system. I use a tube preamp, the Convergent Audio Technology SL1 Ultimate, and a tube power amp, McIntosh MC275, to power my Harbeth Super HL-5 speakers. My system tends to be warm and musical and the DAC1 Pre is just the DAC for my system. I use a Rega Saturn for the transport. I plan to connect a hard drive system to the DAC1 Pre in the near future. Also, in my system, the Benchmark is better than the Rega Saturn used as a stand alone CDP. I get the warm and rich sound that the tube components and Harbeths provide while getting all the clarity and resolution that the Benchmark can provide. I have no desire for additional warmth from the DAC1 Pre so I would not consider a professional mod.