I'd suggest having an audition if you can.
The Benchmark has been around for a while now and while it has its strengths, you may find it sounding very lean. I had the Benchmark Pre before and I understand the DAC is fundamentally the same, just that I had an analog input vs the USB version.
I don't have the Bel Canto DAC1.5 but from my listening impressions, it has the "Bel Canto" family sound which I liked. A bit more musical, a bit more warmth without losing details.
I use the DAC3.5VB MkII now.
The Benchmark has been around for a while now and while it has its strengths, you may find it sounding very lean. I had the Benchmark Pre before and I understand the DAC is fundamentally the same, just that I had an analog input vs the USB version.
I don't have the Bel Canto DAC1.5 but from my listening impressions, it has the "Bel Canto" family sound which I liked. A bit more musical, a bit more warmth without losing details.
I use the DAC3.5VB MkII now.