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

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

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.

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.

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.

On real problem I might have with the Benchmark DAC1 pre is my dbx dynamic range processor, which is analog and has to have the line level signal fed in an out.

Not sure I'd want to part with the DBX. It brings lesser source material with compressed dynamic range, both analog and digital, back to life.

I might be able to put in series between the pre and power amp in lieu of a processor or tape loop in the pre, but I am not sure how well that would work.

My current Carver pre-amp has two tape loops and two pre-processor loops, so it can handle a lot of peripherals. That's a hard thing to find in a lot of the newer pre-amps out there. They seem to go more the keep it simple route in general.