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Benchmark DAC1 configuration

Hello all.
I've exhausted just about every possible avenue to try to figure out both the "best" way to hook up a Benchmark DAC1 (not PRE or USB version), and the "appropriate" way. What I mean is (please bear with me):
1. Has anyone out there had any experience having this unit perform as a preamp fed directly to an integrated tube amp? If so, can it be done with RCA interconnects (not balanced) going from the output to amp and another pair from CD player to amp (uncertain how/if this would work; I assume not?

2. If serving solely as a DAC fed into a CD player as transport, what is, in your opinion, the best cable to use (not so much brand, but cable type — though brands are welcome)?

Apologies if this is a bit newbie, but this is my first DAC, thus I am very unfamiliar with the logistics.

Thanks all.
jsawyer09

Showing 1 response by sonofnorway

sonofnorway
62 posts
 
Lots of options for output from a Benchmark DAC. It has both RCA and XLR outputs. And you can set the output to be a fixed level, like any regular CD player or any any other component. Or it can give you a variable output that goes through the front volume control like the output from a preamp. Selecting variable or fixed output is done with the small switch on the back - down for variable or up for fixed.

If you are connecting to an integrated amp, you would probably want to use the fixed output setting and let the integrated amp control the volume. If you were connecting it to a power amp (no volume contol on the amp) you would want to use the variable output setting. Make sure you start with the front volume control turned down in that case. The headphone jacks on the front of the DAC1 go through the volume control knob no matter what the setting on the back.

As far as digital inputs, that will depend on what kind of digital output(s) you have on your transport. You can find different opinions on which input is the best. I used the SPD/IF (BNC) input when I had a DAC 1. SPD/IF will come out of most transports with a RCA type connector. The DAC 1 should have a RCA/BNC converter included with it. Or do like I did and get a digital cable with RCA on one end and BNC on the other end.
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