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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
theppd
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.
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
422 posts
 
Hegel HD11.
dne
141 posts
 
One suggestion before you move on from the DAC1: You mention a lack of resolution, which is surprising since resolution is one of the strong points of the DAC. Could there be an issue with the unit you have; and are you using a top notch digital cable and a very good transport or computer source -both of which dramatically affect the sound of the DAC1?

Re the Benchmark DAC2, it does sound very different - and much improved - from the DAC1, with improved resolution and clarity, more articulate and better defined bass and midrange, and a warmer smoother overall sound.
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