Jump in now or wait?


Very close to purchasing a Benchmark DAC1 usb to use pc as sole source. Music is saved in apple lossless w/error correction in Itunes. Is it worth buying now (will need to buy new as these units seem to be rarely available used) or is the pace of technology changing/new products coming to market such that I should wait 6 months or so? Have to believe a number of fellow agoners are wrestling with this same issue.

Relatedly, is the DAC1 going to get me sonically where a nice CD player would (thinking of used Ayre CX-7e).

Thanks for any input.
dokosan
I picked up a Benchmark DAC1 about 4 months ago. Couldn't be happier. Paired it with Accoustic Zen II IC's and a good power cord.
I was leaving a response to someone else. Absent one, I may as well jump in. I am very partial to the Shunyata Cables. They have given me excellent results, although I am up to the Taipans and the Pythons, having started with the diamondbacks. The differnece between stock cables and the diamondbacks was noticable, but the more expensive taipans, and then python cables were quite night and day. I can't recommend a $600 power cables for a $950 component without getting laughed at, but I have found the result better than a $1,500 dac, with a stock cord. I must add that my power line feed and power conditioners (Hydra) may give the power cables more of an opportunity to do more, and your experiences may differ, but I am fortunate that my audio dealer is pretty much like a library, where you can borrow a cable and audition for a very long time, so it's pretty easy for me to experiment.

I can't say how invaluable forming a good relationship with a reputable dealer is. My audio guy and I must have similar tastes. He auditions, and recommends. I borrow, and usually end up buying. Some stuff has gone back but what I do like alot of what I take home, and end up purchasing.