2. digital
  3. 1366390408

Next step after Benchmark DAC1

Hello guys! I was really in love with my DAC1 lately but it's time to upgrade but don't know where to.
Is there any of those who loved the first version and upgraded to something new from high-end line up? I love almost everything in DAC1, especially it's PRAT and signature, it's crystal clear and dead quiet. But there is one thing that forced me to sell it — there is a lack of resolution. It totally failed while I've bought my vinyl rig. Some guys told me that higher version PRE or HDR would sound better. Is that so?

The owner of DAC2 told me that it sound completelly different.

Other sources I've owned/listened and didn't liked are:
Lavry DA10
Ps Audio DLIII
VALAB NOS DAC
McIntosh MCD201, MCD500
Antelope

PS. I'm not into analog like sound and whatever it is. I need a quiet and crystal clear sound full of PRAT, that's what I call an egaging DAC.

My rig:
McIntosh MA2275
Klipsch RF-7II
Technics 1210 MKII + Ortofon 2M Black
128x128theppd
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
How will you use the DAC? Your MA2275 has volume control and analog inputs, so seems you don't need that.

Will the source be a computer? If so, the USB-to-SPDIF "module" will be key. I say module because it could be part of the DAC or could be a separate unit. Many people say getting this right should be a priority, including Steve Nugent (audioengr user here) who's the brains (and marketing manager too) for Empirical Audio, that makes one of the best USB converters around - but expensive.

With such a budget you might want to consider the top contenders for such converters: Berkeley, Empirical's Off-Ramp, Audiophilleo with PurePower, BelCanto RefLink. These go for $1-2k in the US. Maybe after adding one of these you decide you don't need to replace your current DAC.

Just a thought. I hope it helps.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
To be honest, I don't have the DAC1 already and the USB to SPDIF is some clever guess! Never thought of that as possible improvement. Yes I plan to use the DAC with MacMini (USB) and/or with my Apple TV (toslink) to line in in my amp.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Theppd, the Chord Qute is considered by some to be one of the best right now, thus my recommendation. You are a long way from the US! It's wonderful that the internet gives us the ability to share our common interest in audio half way across the world!

I recently learned of a company that you might be able to use to purchase audio here in the US and have it shipped to you. You might also be able to return audio through them if you needed to. I don't know for sure, but you can investigate the possibilities. Maybe this would help you pursue audio that has 30 day auditions like the Benchmark DAC. (I could be wrong about this but it might be worth investigating since you live in Russia). A fellow who lives in Italy I sold to had me ship audio gear to this company and the company shipped it to him in Italy. The company is called:

TNT Worldshop
https://www.tntworldshop.com/
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Also have a listen to the TEAC UD-501 which also plays DSD and up to 32bit/384kHz using BurrBrown 1795 chips. No volume control preamp but there is a volume control for the headphone amp.

It's the cheapest DSD DAC by far.

Other well reviewed option is the Mytek (abt 500 bucks cheaper than the Benchmark DAC2)
zd542
5,339 posts
 
If you just need USB because you are using a computer and given the sound you are looking for I think you would like an Ayre QB-9. You'll save a lot of money and shouldn't have too much trouble finding one.
More to discover