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Benchmark DAC1 Pre - anybody heard a mod?

I have a Benchmark DAC1 Pre that I am fairly happy with. I have seen and read several posts from people offering modifications to the DAC1 that apparently increase warmth, resolution and imaging. Does anybody own a modified DAC1 or DAC1 pre that has been modified? What were the modifications, costs and sonic improvements? Your advice will help me decide if this is the right decision for me.

Thanks
beatster
richlane
167 posts
 
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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smatsui
168 posts
 
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.
cjnolan
27 posts
 
I've considered modding my DAC1 USB to see what that could really bring, but really just don't have the desire to do so. I use a BAT VK300xSE which has a tube pre-stage, with SS amplification. Speakers are Totem Hawk. I really like the way this setup sounds.

If you do mod, please report back on your impressions!
byegolly
140 posts
 
This discussion is interesting. I've read more than a few posts that suggest a tube preamp brings some warmth to a system using the Dac1. Perhaps this is a naive question, but would a integrated tube amplifier + Dac1 have a similar warmth as a system having a separate tube preamp? I have a Dac1 USB - not the Dac1 Pre. Thank you.
richlane
167 posts
 
Yes it would, but only to the degree that a stand alone Tubed Preamp, may be better than an Integrated Hybrid Tubed Amplifier. In other words it will warm up the sound to the the best of it's ability, based on the weakest component in the chain, which in this case may or may not be the Integrated Component as compared to top quality separates.

Rich
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