I have owned them both and the Bel Canto is an order of magnitude superior in playback than the Benchmark (all in my opinion of course). The BC exudes a fluid sound character that is extended and dynamic while the Benchmade, although dynamic and clear, sounds bleached to the point of stridency.
The Bel Canto and, the MF Trivista 21 are two very good relatively low cost dacs. Many people have reported very good results from the Benchmark and, with the right equipment it probably sounds very good. But, I didn't like it.
The Bel Canto and, the MF Trivista 21 are two very good relatively low cost dacs. Many people have reported very good results from the Benchmark and, with the right equipment it probably sounds very good. But, I didn't like it.