Jjss49,
Thanks for your input. I was really on the fence about ordering the Benchmark anyway. Your post pushed me over. Reviews are less than glowing about it anyway. |
What is really surprising to me that my Oppo 101 is sounding better than the Gungy in many cases. Shouldn’t be happening. |
I’ve done a lot of listening in the last few hours. The impression I have is that it is much more accurate and detailed than the Gumby. However, it is somewhat unforgiving of some CDs even though it’s really outstanding on others.
Have to do a lot more listening to determine if I want to keep it. It certainly is convincing me that I don’t want to stay with the Gumby though.
The preamp model is the PV 11 modified by CJ with Teflon caps. |
If I just listened to jazz, this DAC would be a no-brainer. |
Thanks for the response.
The CJ with the AHB2 really sounds fine.
Excellent combination. |
Hi Bob,
I ordered the Benchmark, but am curious about the Ayre QB-9 Twenty.
what does it cost? |
Jjss49,
Thanks for your observations.
Canceled my Benchmark order accordingly.
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You’re right, there is no way to separate the transport from the built-in DAC.
The pure audio mode simply turns the video off during audio playback.
what I’m saying is that the Oppo player by itself is sounding better than the Gungy/transport combination. |
That is very good to hear. I just reordered the Benchmark.
Looking forward to hearing it! |
I’m right now listening to my Gungnir prior to receiving the Benchmark and wondering why I’m seeking a new DAC. Honestly, I’m loving the sound right now. The DAC 3B is arriving tomorrow and we’ll see if I made a mistake. . But the upgrade bug bit me. I can always return the Benchmark if it doesn’t improve things. But then there’s always break in time needed, so it’s not so simple.. |
Well, I got it and am making some preliminary tests.
Out of the box it sounds great.
I just put on a CD that I’ve always liked the sound of, and it sounds cleaner, more detailed. Literally the first CD I tried, but I think it bodes well for everything else.
Not the slightest tinge of over brightness. I have a modded CJ tube preamplifier which, I think, matches very well.
More to come as I try out other things. |
Second day of listening, and it seems to have broken in.
Very accurate but more mellow. More forgiving on bad CDs than yesterday.
Even dared to compare the same identical track from an LP to the Benchmark and the results weren’t bad at all. Of course, the LP was better, but not by much. |
Bob,
Thanks for the tip. I left my Gumby always on, but with the blinking lights and on/off switch on the front, I was turning the Benchmark off.
Just as an aside, I’’m learning to stop listening for the “sound” and start listening for the music to appreciate the DAC more. |
I seem to blow hot and cold with this DAC. Some incredible sonic experiences and some very disappointing ones. Compared to the Gumby it’s far more revealing but not always in a positive way. I hear what some refer to as thinness.
And yet it’s very full bodied on some CDs. The Gumby is very consistent and forgiving and has a positive sonic aspect as well.
Certainly more time is needed to make a final judgment.
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Bob,
Thank you for lending me the Ayre Codex DAC to try out. It’s really outstanding!
I find it’s at least the equal of the Benchmark sonically. However, the Benchmark has some features that I really want and won’t require adapters to match up with my other equipment.
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Well, my Benchmark must have broken in more. I don’t hear any more
”thinness.” Only rich beautiful sounds.
Really remarkable! |
Testing is over!
Decided on Benchmark. Totally magnificent presentation.
Honestly didn’t expect this quality.
Also, I added the GeerFab D.Bob Audio Disc Digital Extractor which, (combined with Oppo Blu-ray machine) plays SACDs with incredible resolution. |
I think the point is, the Benchmark gives you what is on the recording.
Garbage in garbage out. It certainly has no inherent “thinness” in itself.
If you want a DAC that sounds good with EVERYTHING, it’s the wrong DAC for you. |
Well, it depends on the source.
I do admit it sounds thin on mediocre recordings. The Gungnir did hide those imperfections. But, on most recordings, which are well recorded, the sound is far superior to the Schiit.
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“Tonally it is warm and careful and very easy on the ears; “
Quote from Hifi Review about the all Benchmark system. |
Not trying to belabor the point too much, but the more I listen to the DAC 3B, the sweeter and fuller it sounds, not at all thin. |
