Separate Transport & DAC: Why not?

I'm a believer in separates, tried CDPs and separates from the same brand and found that even though the DAC section is the same, there is a marked improvement in detail retrieval and resolution when going separate.

Now with the so reasonably priced Benchmark DAC1, I see no reason for anyone to go separate if you've got a half decent budget. Just get a half decent transport(DVDP), even one that outputs high resolution 24/96 in digital if possible, and you should get pretty good sound.

I use a separate dac and transport because it sounds better. My soundstage shrinks in depth and width and my speakers reappear with my standard redbook play on my Sony scd-1. I use a theta genVa for my redbook.

I auditioned the pass labs d1, while auditioning for my system. The disadvantage of the d1 as a preamp it will only allow you digital inputs. The pass labs d1 is great sounding and very musical. A very noticeable improvement over Wayne Colburn’s adcom reference cd player.

An old review of the pass labs D1
http://calab.kaist.ac.kr/~cgkim/audio/amp/zen/www.passlabs.com/d1_ua.htm

my system, Thiel 2.3’s, pass labs x-350, x-2, Sony SCD-1, theta gen va

Enjoy
dave

Are there any DAC's with a volume control?

As I consider separates, I see a big advantage in players such as the well regarded Resolution Audio or the Audio Aero Capitole. You get the player, DAC and preamp in one package. And you spend less on cables.

The Birdland Audio Odéon-Ag DAC has a built-in, remote controllable volume control.

The Benchmark has a vol pot. Its a great unit in a small package.