Banchmark DAC3B vs. Denafrips Pontus II (12th Aniv.)


So I'm considering one of these DACs. They're about the same price new. Any thoughts on which direction? My pre-amp and amp are both Benchmark and the speakers are Reference 3A NEFES II. I realize keeping it all Benchmark is appealing, but the Pontus looks very interesting.

koestner

Showing 1 response by rizzo1234

I owned the Denafrips Pontus II for a short time before swapping it out for a Benchmark DAC3 L.

I found the Pontus II to be very colored and it was a poor match with my Sudgen IA-4 integrated.  The Benchmark DAC3 L has been excellent.  Beautiful synergy.  I have no regrets.

FWIW I also owned a Denafrips Ares 2 which I liked very much, although I was running it through a Hegel H190 at the time.  It was a huge step up from the Hegel's onboard DAC.