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Should I go to a Benchmark DAC1 pre in my system?

The magazine reviews rave about this device. Absolute Sound calls it revolutionary and says it compares very favorably to high end DCS equipment, which I've heard and liked.

How does it stack up against the competition as a pre-amp for both digital and analogue sources and as a DAC?

I believe I could run my Denon CD as a transport and my Roku Soundbridge directly into it, and add a phono-pre and connect my turntable as well. That would cover 99% of my current listening sources. I could also add a music server later via USB when ready.

Should I do it?
128x128mapman
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
I'm too looking into the DAC1-Pre.
The question is not whether the DAC is good but how good is the preamp section or the DAC1-Pre? Would I be better off with the DAC1 USB and a passive preamp...or some other configuration?
I really wish I could audition this gear.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
I thought Benchmark had a 30 day.....theres no question its good as its been around now for many months.As usual,the question is"Is it synergistically in tune in my system?"Many say yes,I know I was 48 hrs from one and then I got pulled towards a Bel Canto at the last minute,but I digress....good luck,Bob
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,333 posts
 
Synergy in the system to match the individual's taste is always the main key I've found.

Good to know there is a 30 day trial to find out.

I'm not sure if it would work better in my system as just a DAC or as a pre and DAC. I could try it both ways and see without much risk.
tigerwoodkhorns
130 posts
 
How are you going to hook up your TT? The Benchmark has three digital only inputs (or at least the model that I had did). You cannot bypass the Benchmark because you need a volume control.

You have a Musical Fidelity A3.2. Is that a preamp or an integrated?

I went from a Benchamrk DAC1 to a Musical Fidelity A3.24 DAC. I prefer the MF. A little more warm bass (not a huge difference). You can pick them up for $600 or less. You can run you server and CD player into it. Whichever fires first will be recognized by the 3.24 DAC.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,333 posts
 
Tigerwoodkhorns,

The DAC1 pre has a single line level analog input in addition to multiple digital inputs, I believe. I would have to add a separate phono preamp also for my Denon DL103R low output MC cartridge. Suggestions for that anyone?

I also have a cassette tape deck and FM tuner that would be left out however, but I do not use these much these days and can probably manage somehow.

The MF A3CR in my system is a power amp only. I like it a lot. It has far surpassed my expectations when I acquired it for only about $600. It's sound is not unlike what you describe with the MF DAC. I'm thinking it may synergize well with the Benchmark. Won't know for sure though unless I try I suppose.

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