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
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.
arh
366 posts
 
I recommend the Mytek. They have a version of it which can be used as a preamp. Does dsd if you are interested in that. I have it and it is really quite wonderful. I no longer feel a need to listen to my vinyl which is saying quite a lot. Also Mytekdigital is a polish company so you might be able to get it fairly easy. go to Mytekdigital.com
Alan
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
@Dne, ...and a warmer smoother overall sound... that's what I wouldn't like to hear. The DAC1 that I was using was connected via toslink only to variety of sources. Maybe that was the reason. But I've sold the DAC1 a year ago. Right now I'm buying it again (3rd time actually for the last 3 years) at head-fi the Pre version because of upgraded op-amps. I pland to hook it up via USB at the moment. A little bit later will buy the Berkeley USB, and then some fancy cables.
Will see what's gonna change with USB and op-amps only.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
Lately, 've listened Mytek, Electrocompaniet EMC1, MCD500 upgraded and T+A 3000 CD player. Across them all, liked more MCD500 and Mytek, but overall, it wasn't my type of sound at all. MCD500 and Mytek were like twins.

Still waiting my DAC1 PRE...
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
@Dne, just to clarify my previous experience with DAC1, I've had non USB version and fed it from Apple TV/MacBook Pro via Toslink. So maybe that was an issue source?

Right now, I'm waiting for the PRE version of the DAC1 and gonna feed it via stock USB at first, then I upgrade the power cable, since I've bought an amaizing RCA cable already it's Acrotec 2050 (really awesome sound for me), and then I'm about to buy top AQ USB cable, next up is Berkeley USB. So here are my plans for that setup. Oh, and the source is gonna be the Mac Mini.
More to discover