All Benchmark System Question

@regg This thread is perfect and I have the same exact conundrum regarding my system.

Although I don't have the HPA-4 I do have the Benchmark Dac 3L and two AHB2's feeding my speakers (Raidho D1.1) and I too was considering adding the Audio Mirror Troubador to add some euphonic color/ warmth for those recordings where the instruments seems get in the way of the music and seems a little flat.....it's almost to precise if that makes sense. It's not necessarily a bad recording issue so much as just distracting or boring.

Anyway, you got advice from @yyzsantabarbara whose input I value (a lot) for all things Benchmark:) so now I'm going to have to check out the Gustard x26 pro too, so thank you both for that nugget. The truth is I have a hard time distinguishing between Dac's so I want a quality Dac on the opposite end of the spectrum of the Benchmark strengths to see where that gets me.

Sub's next.

Good luck

@regg I'd really love to hear you thoughts on the Gustard too. I've been looking into it as well and what's holding me back is that I would have to either use 1) RCA to my DAC 3L ( I use as a pre direct to AHB2) which seems like a waist when its a balanced unit. Or 2) swap out XLR from DAC to DAC pending which one I want to listen to. Or 3)..... get a preamp with two XLR in's and HT bypass, but  now I'm getting into  $$$$$ for a just an optional DAC.

So, since switching XLR really isn't practical and I don't have the $$$$$ or desire for a new preamp,  that leaves me using unbalanced IC which I fear will have a signifigant SQ drop. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on its performance unbalanced, but if using unbalance vs balanced IC is anything like the drop off that the Benchmarks had it's definitely won't be an option for me. 


BUT.....if this thing outperforms the Benchmark DAC3 in every regard for you using the XLR!? Well.....maybe I'll give it a trial with the intention of replacing versus complimenting the Benchmark DAC .....and sacrificing HT bypass

@yyzsantabarbara did you by chance try the Gustard unbalanced? Would love to hear your thoughts if you did. Also could you confirm the "replacement" Gustard corrected any issues you had with it serving as both Dac and Preamp direct to amp??

Good luck and Thanks again for the thread
Mark

@yyzsantabarbara this is really promising info on the Gustard in conjunction with the Benchmark! 

If the Gustard can maintain it's SQ via RCA to the DAC 3L connected to the AHB2's via XLR....! Well that's just best case scenario for me! I'll be able to connect the Node 2i to both DAC's and simply select input via my remote for the Dac I prefer on the material I'm hearing :) Hell, if the Gustard is sooooo good to my ears ....I might just religate the DAC 3L for preamp duty only.

Thanks again 

@yyzsantabarbara I appreciate the you updating this thread with your latest comparison. This whole thread has really got me thinking about improving my system. I actually purchased the X26pro (got a week left on trail) and find most of it qualities vs the Dac3L favorable. I hooked both directly to amps via xlr's and feel the X26 sounds more pleasing in macro sense. But the flexibility the filters provide is fantastic at maximizing the material I'm listening to. Although I must say the Dac 3L is slightly darker to my ears which translates into perceived deeper sound stage and maybe slightly better pinpoint imaging. The Dac 3l also has analog inputs and HT Bypass. So they both have advantages but SQ is paramount so I think the Dac3L is going.

Do you know anyone who wants a Dac3L in great condition? :)
Once I sell that I might pick up the topping if you think that might give the x26 a sonic advantage direct to Mono's. I'm not clear on your thought on the x26 direct to amp verses to Pre. The reviewer you referenced didn't seem to think it would, but your motor familiar with my amps.

@regg did you receive you X26pro? what did you think?

@yyzsantabarbara Again thanks for your input. I think maybe  the topping pre90se for Xmas gift to myself may be in my future regardless of which dac I keep :)

 I confess I'm still struggling with which Dac to keep though. Like your impression when switching preamps (liking the latest one more every time you switch).
Also, may I ask where you sell your equipment? I got a quote from one of the used market retailers for $1200. But think I can do better.....maybe? There is something to be said about hassle/ risk free transactions.

@regg thanks for replying. I totally understand your addiction. When the Dac3 is at it's best with the AHB2,  it just seams to provide more than just a terrific musical presentation. It kind of lets you peak behind the curtains of the recordings themselves....warts and all. 

With that said, I think the Gustard gives a "prettier" presentation. Particularly in some harsher/ edgy / brighter recording when using the NOS filter or Composite.

Thanks

@yyzsantabarbara I wish I could keep both but $3400 invested in Dacs is a little too steep for my blood.

The $1200 I referred to what I was offered for my used Benchmark Dac3L, which I paid $1999 w/remote 2yrs ago (I have all the original boxes and extras). I Mentioned that because in your previous post you mentioned getting a very good price for your HPA4. Since I don't think $1200 is a great deal for the DAC3L I was hoping you would shed some light on what you think it could fetch; and how you sold your equipment in the past...ie through audiomart, audiogon, or word of mouth, etc.

Sorry for all the questions/ guidance requests, but I'm new at this.

Thanks