The Benchmark Dac is a lot of bang for the buck $975. New. It has XLR, BNC, Toslink, RCA inputs. Outputs are XLR bal., or RCA. also has a very nice headphone amp for 2 built in. It can be used with a preamp or without as it has a gain dial, I find it better this way in my system.
A New Twist on the Usual DAC Question
I have been searching the archives for DAC questions but here is a different one:
What DAC do you think represents the best VALUE?
By value, I dont mean the cheapest, "under $1000" etc, but what DAC gives the best ratio of
1) highest % of "state of the art" performance per dollar
2) greatest musical enjoyment
3) For the candidates you propose, could you also mention the types of inputs, please?
Ideally, I would like to use the DAC with at least a PC and a redbook player, and may also use an SACD.
Dont know if this is possible, but in any case, look forward to hearing your ideas and opinions.
What DAC do you think represents the best VALUE?
By value, I dont mean the cheapest, "under $1000" etc, but what DAC gives the best ratio of
1) highest % of "state of the art" performance per dollar
2) greatest musical enjoyment
3) For the candidates you propose, could you also mention the types of inputs, please?
Ideally, I would like to use the DAC with at least a PC and a redbook player, and may also use an SACD.
Dont know if this is possible, but in any case, look forward to hearing your ideas and opinions.