Benchmark phase is so accurate that soundstage images tend to be more accurately positioned between the speakers (impression is a narrower soundstage than most other DAC's or alternatively other DACs tend to have a wider soundstage) Take your pick.
Benchmark DAC-1, Lavry DA10, Altmann Attraction
Has anyone had a chance to compare any of these 3 DACs?
My understanding based on comments in various forums is that in general Benchmark DAC-1 sounds very detailed, but in some systems may be too thin, with decent but not the best dynamics and soundstage.
Lavry on the other hand sounds more “musical” as compared to Benchmark (whatever that means, could not find much info on its presentation).
Where does Altmann Attraction fall in this picture?
Is it indeed so much better than any of the two mentioned, and are those few reviews justified?
My understanding based on comments in various forums is that in general Benchmark DAC-1 sounds very detailed, but in some systems may be too thin, with decent but not the best dynamics and soundstage.
Lavry on the other hand sounds more “musical” as compared to Benchmark (whatever that means, could not find much info on its presentation).
Where does Altmann Attraction fall in this picture?
Is it indeed so much better than any of the two mentioned, and are those few reviews justified?
Showing 5 responses by shadorne
The Bechmark is detailed almost sterile presentation while the Altmann is a more relaxed almost analog presentation. The Altmann's soundstaging is superior too What everyone is alluding to is that Benchmark DAC1 is so clean it sounds "thin" especially in the lower mids (think in the direction of a horn sound - that kind of clarity) and the exact phase between the two channels makes the soundstage smaller - less depth and less width. If you prefer a laid back slightly less in phase relaxed sound then almost any DAC will sound preferable to the DAC1. If you have a test CD with in-phase and out-of-phase signals then you will know what I mean - it is nothing near as dramatic as a test CD ( maybe 2% or 3% versus the 100% difference on a test CD) but you get the idea. Anyway this is my observation and it seems to be backed up by what everyone else seems to hear. |
Cerrot, Mb9061, and Mjcmt, I suggest you report your findings to Benchmark engineer Elias Gwinn. You will need more than anecdotal evidence though, as everyone knows the power of suggestion or the "placebo" effect. The people that designed and built the DAC1 do not believe a mere change of power cord should make a difference. If what you say is true and you can prove it then they are wrong. (although it is possible that your power cord is helping something else in the audio chain other than the DAC1 - even if it is connected to the DAC1) |
The posters who say that is not the case have gone to the time, trouble and expense of upgrading cables. You are quite correct I did not go to all this time, trouble and expense. It would also appear to be the case according to a Benchmark Engineer's posts too. I apologise for the sarcasm - it wasn't necessary at all - I should have simply provided the link to Benchmark's own statements about their own product and left it that. Sorry guys - I owe all all three of you an apology. |