Kijanki, Warmth that lacks correct pitch definition is yet one more example of an undesirable coloration-- often indicative of weaknesses in rectification, power supply, or coupling caps. IME it is one of the most difficult problems to eliminate in a tube component, but it is not inherent in tubes per se, and once resolved, warmth is preserved with improved "neutrality" as a sense of full & natural embodiment, but without overhang, mid-bass bulge, or congestion.
At the opposing extreme of coloration that some would describe as an overly analytical presentation, the Benchmark is an OK DAC that has been substantially improved by an active community of modifiers. Rather than use a budget DAC to illustrate the point about an opposing coloration in constrast to warmth, it might be more interesting to think about something like a Martin Logan full range electrostatic. In this case at least, we have an absolutely clear window into high resolution, with loss of embodiment and warmth as perhaps a necessary design compromise. But I would submit that within the limitations of what this speaker DOES it is operating in a neutral (i.e uncolored) manner. This assertion follows earlier distinctions made by Bryon concerning errors of commission compared to errors of omission.
At the opposing extreme of coloration that some would describe as an overly analytical presentation, the Benchmark is an OK DAC that has been substantially improved by an active community of modifiers. Rather than use a budget DAC to illustrate the point about an opposing coloration in constrast to warmth, it might be more interesting to think about something like a Martin Logan full range electrostatic. In this case at least, we have an absolutely clear window into high resolution, with loss of embodiment and warmth as perhaps a necessary design compromise. But I would submit that within the limitations of what this speaker DOES it is operating in a neutral (i.e uncolored) manner. This assertion follows earlier distinctions made by Bryon concerning errors of commission compared to errors of omission.