Benchmark DAC1 Pre - anybody heard a mod?

Thank you all for your replies. I was also of the opinion that less is more and thus was looking at options of modifying the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Now I am inclined to try a tube pre before deciding on next steps.

On another note, I also considered changing the Benchmark to another DAC. Came across a tube DAC called Chime made by Hagerman Technology? As I need USB input, this sounds very promising.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I took the plunge...bought a MHTD Labs Havana DAC. The Havana is a NOS non-upsampling DAC with a tube buffer. The unit arrived today and I am running it through the analogue inputs of the Benchamrk Pre. So far so good! The DAC still needs to be run in but the 'harshness' of the Benchmark is gone. The sound is 'fuller' and the clarity and resolution of the Benchmark is still there. The bass sounded a little muddled at fist but this is clearting up as well.

I could have possible gotten the same outcome from a tube pre but there are not that many good deals in the Singapore market.

So now I have 2 DACs. Will probably sell the Benchmark in the near future and get a proper pre-amp once the Havana is run in. The question would be tube or solid-state. The journey goes on...

Thank you for the replies.

I am based overseas (Singapore) and have someone here who can offer a mod. Unfortunately it does cost almost 40% of the price of a new DAC1 Pre. I was wondering if I should go ahead with the mod or use the money to purchase a tube pre-amp to get the warmer / fuller sound.

Rigth now my unmodified Benchmark pre goes directly into my ATI 2002 power amp which goes to the Usher BE-718.

One month down and I am still contemplating options...

1. Mod the Benchmark DAC1 Pre
2. Get a tube pre
3. Sell the Benchmark and start from scratch! (a upgrade bug! but I really do not want to do this)

I am tempted by option 2. There are a couple of used tube preamps that have come up in the market here:

Audio Space Line 2 or CAT SL 1 and others...

I am currently using the XLR outputs of the Benchmark to my ATI 2002 power amp. Most tube pre amps have RCA inputs and outputs. Are the RCA and XLR outputs on the Benchmark equal? I do not have RCA cables so unable to try this out for now.