Benchmark DAC Thoughts


Hi. I have added The Benchmark DAC3 L to my list for a possible purchase.

Does anyone have experience with this particular DAC or Benchmark DACs in general?

Associated equipment is an AudioLab 6000CDT transport and PS Audio Stellar mono amps and preamp. Looking forward to your thoughts/opinions...

 

Thanks!

gnoworyta

Showing 1 response by tk21

If you have a ps audio preamp, why wouldn’t you go for the ps audio DS jr or DS sr dac? These dacs are far superior to the benchmarks in sq, Ethernet and i2s capability, and fpga based. 

Have a look at the ASR review and measurements of the PS Audio DS DAC (linked below). FWIW, it ranks #10 from the bottom of 117 DACs reviewed.  The Benchmark DAC3 ranks #11 from the top. Not that ASR is necessarily the last word in measurements, or that they measure the qualities that matter to YOU.  The PS Audio products do get a lot of raves from owners. Personally, I  like having ethernet as well as USB inputs. 

Stereophile rates BOTH the Benchmark DAC3 HGC and the PS Audio DS as "A+" components.  The PS Audio product is much more expensive (but used models have been widely available in the past).