Who is using Benchmark DAC's?

[mantis]

Whats up guys ,
We just picked up Benchmark and are getting in the line of DAC's , I believe the Dac 2's are coming soon as I'm eager to demo it. I'm excited as they are well respected in the industry. Opinions on them?

[steveinaz]

Dan
I've been running Benchmark DAC's for about 8 years; my current one is the DAC/PRE with the upgraded op-amps. I can find no fault with it. I run everything thru my DAC (BluRay, HDTV box, CDP) then the BM is connected (line level) to my Placette passive for volume control. The better your input sources, the more you will appreciate the accuracy of the Benchmark, it mates beautifully with my Harbeth speakers.

[falconcry72]

I used a DAC-1 for a while and thought it was awesome. Great sound quality for the price.

[Habanero Monk]

Interesting post from Markk at Audioheuristics.org:


I agree that there are a lot of ways to approach this. It's about flexibility and connectivity as much as "audiophile" aspirations. I stream through the xonar, I stream through the benchmark, meh, most of the time I forget which I'm listening too.

[steveinaz]

I'll take the 20 plus extremely positive reviews from professionals in the industry over "MarkK" on a forum anyday. Not to mention my own experience with this piece over the last 8 years.

Stop "reading" and start "trying."

[BlueFox]

I started with a DAC1, then bought a DAC1 Pre, and had no issue with either. However, in a case of upgrade-itis I bought a Bryston BDA-1 DAC. Personally, I like the Bryston a bit better. The Benchmark seems a bit harsh compared to the Bryston. However, if the Bryston ever breaks, the Benchmark will go right in, and I will not be unhappy.

[Habanero Monk]

I'll take the 20 plus extremely positive reviews from professionals in the industry over "MarkK" on a forum anyday. Not to mention my own experience with this piece over the last 8 years.

Stop "reading" and start "trying."

I thought he was simply talking up the Xonar I didn't realize he's an idiot. He certainly didn't say the Benchmark was junk.

Not going to try something I can't afford. From my read he's not simply some anonymous 'MarkK'. Seems well respected speaker designer. Before I would do the Benchmark I would have to upgrade from my LSi 9's.

I thought the OP just wanted some opinions. Albeit it wasn't mine. Since Mantis strikes me as being in the business I thought him being able to reach out to another professional a plus. Have a Merry Christmas :)

[steveinaz]

I never said he was an idiot.

What makes you think Lsi9's are not worthy of a Benchmark DAC? I've had Lsi9's running on my system, and they were quite impressive w/the BM.

[Habanero Monk]

I already have a solid amp and USB sound card. So after I get my subs built IF I were to spend the $1200-$1400(?) that the Benchmark seems to cost I would think I would have a bigger return on investment in speakers. That would be a while

Is my understanding incorrect that opinions where being solicited?

[tonyb]

Opinions from users here my friend. I'm sure the OP could google user opinions elsewhere if he hasn't already. Incidently, a sound card isn't going to give you the same results as a quality dac imho. Others may disagree, but everyone I know who has upgraded their sound card, still uses an outboard dac for better SQ.

[Habanero Monk]

Opinions from users here my friend. I'm sure the OP could google user opinions elsewhere if he hasn't already. Incidently, a sound card isn't going to give you the same results as a quality dac imho. Others may disagree, but everyone I know who has upgraded their sound card, still uses an outboard dac for better SQ.

I thought he just asked for "Opinions on them". How would I know if he did/didn't Google. Maybe he should. Jeez. I even use an outboard sound card because of portability and the connections are easy to get to. And the fact this is the way they seem to be going

[CCNJ]

I have the Benchmark DAC HDR. It is a great little preamp/dac. Sounds great, very compact, and very versatile. It is hooked up to my TV, sonos and blueray!

[markmarc]

I had the opportunity to experience a db balanced shoot out that included a Benchmark, Bryston BDA-1, Nekko, and the SimAudio D300. To be fair we were listening them thru Burmester, Sooloos, and $140k Gamut S9 speakers so differences were easy to discern. The Benchmark was the oldest model by 2 years. Of the four the SimAudio won first or second in every category among the three of us. After that afternoon I sold my musical Nekko and searched out the Sim.

The great thing about Benchmark DACs is that they truly are a Swiss Army knife. So many people I know that own Benchmarks use them as a preamp/DAC combo. If buying them used make sure to get the most recent chip series as the sonic improvements are noticeable.

[polkfarmboy]

I had the opportunity to experience a db balanced shoot out that included a Benchmark, Bryston BDA-1, Nekko, and the SimAudio D300. To be fair we were listening them thru Burmester, Sooloos, and $140k Gamut S9 speakers so differences were easy to discern. The Benchmark was the oldest model by 2 years. Of the four the SimAudio won first or second in every category among the three of us. After that afternoon I sold my musical Nekko and searched out the Sim.

The great thing about Benchmark DACs is that they truly are a Swiss Army knife. So many people I know that own Benchmarks use them as a preamp/DAC combo. If buying them used make sure to get the most recent chip series as the sonic improvements are noticeable.

Did you use these dacs with USB ?

I am interested in the new benchmarks and the only thing holding me back is the look of them. My wife hates the look of them and she like the ps audio pw dac. I would love to hear a benchmark hooked up to my Martin Logans as they tend to favor a really high quality signal and bring out all the details without sounding harsh so BM might be perfect

[markmarc]

Did you use these dacs with USB ?

I am interested in the new benchmarks and the only thing holding me back is the look of them. My wife hates the look of them and she like the ps audio pw dac. I would love to hear a benchmark hooked up to my Martin Logans as they tend to favor a really high quality signal and bring out all the details without sounding harsh so BM might be perfect

We stuck with COAX. The look of Benchmark is a love it or hate it deal with audiophiles that I have discussed it with over the past few years.

[mantis]

I'm gonna shootout the D2 with the SC-68 USB DAC. That should be interesting as I think it sounds better then the Cambridge , Peach Tree and Audioengine.

[polkfarmboy]

When you say D2 are you referring to the Anthem D2 I have?

[polkfarmboy]

I'm gonna shootout the D2 with the SC-68 USB DAC. That should be interesting as I think it sounds better then the Cambridge , Peach Tree and Audioengine.

Never mind my question Dan I just got done reading your very informative review of the 68 posted and caught that you mentioned the D2 is from benchmark and not Anthem, thanks for posting it for all us to read