The Benchmark DAC2 or 3 is much better than the DAC1. I have owned all 3. None of them are warm but the 2 and 3 are not fatiguing and much better DAC's. I have the DAC3 now.
A really great DAC that is a bit warm is the Gustard X26 Pro. It costs $1500 and is excellent. Do not let that price make you think is cannot compete with $5K DACs. A really amazing bargain. I use the DAC23B and Gustard in the same system.
A very neutral DAC that is like the DAC3 but cheaper is the Topping D90se. I like the DAC3 for sound (by a bit) and features (by a lot) but the Topping is 1/2 the price and will not add anything to the sound with uber detail. Also non-fatiguing.
A really great DAC that is a bit warm is the Gustard X26 Pro. It costs $1500 and is excellent. Do not let that price make you think is cannot compete with $5K DACs. A really amazing bargain. I use the DAC23B and Gustard in the same system.
A very neutral DAC that is like the DAC3 but cheaper is the Topping D90se. I like the DAC3 for sound (by a bit) and features (by a lot) but the Topping is 1/2 the price and will not add anything to the sound with uber detail. Also non-fatiguing.