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Benchmark DAC1 auditions out there?

Our audio group has been auditioning the Benchmark DAC1 and have been impressed with its uncolored, pristine sound, great attack of the bass and would like to know if our assessment is similar to others. We have been using the Phillips SACD 1000, Sony SCD1, and Pioneer 525 as comparisons, transports, etc. I have also used the Cardas Golden Reference power cord which I will say is the best cord I have ever heard IMS, but I know there many other great ones. We have used Radio Shack digital cables, Cardas Lightning, and the Orchid digital cables, with various results. Thanks for the ears, Jallen
jallen

Showing 1 response by cdunlap3daa

cdunlap3daa
1 posts
 

The Benchmark DAC1 is immune to jitter, but that does not mean that it "renders all differences between transports and cables irrelevant."

1) The transport must read the information from the disc accurately. Laser focus, disc stability, disc flatness in the transport, error correction algorythms, and variations in the disc speed all effect the accuracy of the read.

2) The data must be transmitted out of the transport and into the DAC without interference. The quality of cable and quality of output connector influence this.

I do agree that the DAC1's immunity from jitter eliminates the major variable in digital sound. However, I am still upgrading my old transport to the CEC 3300 so that I can use the AES/EBU 110 Ohm output directly into the DAC1. I can also use the optical and coaxial outputs and switch between them to see if any has an advantage.

Maybe they will all sound the same, but I would be surprised.

-Charlie
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