Benchmark VS Mark levinson 36 DAC ?????????

I agree with Knghifi...I have the Parts Connexion RCA mod, and found it to be a legitimate leaps and bounds improvement over stock.

Actually stock Benchmark is not very good. I heard it in a system I'm familiar with and was very surprise after reading all the raving accolades. After the PCX mod it was a HUGE improvement and I ended purchasing one.

I agree with { Knghifi } , I was not a all impressed with the Benchmark in stock form , it was not even close to my Levinson #360 DAC . The slightly newer #360 does except 24/96 .

I was and still am, for a change, impressed with stock Benchmark. A lot of reviewers were as well including 2004 Stereophile "Component Of The Year" award. Why then many people hear "forward and bright"? Possibly because Benchmark, according to their technical director John Siau, was purposely designed not to sound warm, since warm sound (enhanced even harmonics) does bad things to sound of instruments with more complex harmonic structure (like piano). Benchmark will do wonders with properly matched equipment.

06-09-11: Kijanki
I was and still am, for a change, impressed with stock Benchmark.

Go for it if you are impress with it. How it sounds in your system and to you is the most important.

I never found stock to sound bright or forward. It was a little muffled, lacking detail and resolution.

I sold mine a while ago but definitely worth a try for the $$.