I have an upgraded Zu Audio Bok power cable on my Benchmark, and it basically lowers the noise floor, and provides for a clearer, cleaner presentation which is really cool, so the notes sound like they are more isolated projecting out of a darker background. I'm not using any power conditioning though.
Rich |
The RCA outputs on the Benchmark are fine. I'm not familiar with Audio Space, but don't go by that, I do like the CAT a lot though.
I'm not sure of your budget, however, I would also like to add; VTL 5.5, Atma-Sphere MP-3, Joule Electra LA150, Aesthetix Saturn Calypso, PrimaLuna ProLogue3, and Rogue Audio Metis to your list. Some are more costly than others, but at least this list will give you a good starting point.
I haven't listened to many of these, but they have all received wonderful accolades and awards from TAS and Stereophile alike.
Rich |
I would try an upgraded power cable first, then do power conditioning only if necessary. As stated many times here before, sometimes power conditioners can suck the life out of a system, and then again sometimes they're necessary.
Good Luck! |
The benchmark is wonderful, I actually own one too. However, the sound is far from warm and full. If this is the type of sound that you are looking for, as stated above, then I think you would do better by putting your money into a Tubed Preamp as opposed to modifying the Benchmark. Mods should be use to improve the underlying characteristics of the component, however I doubt that it will change the Benchmark into something that it's not.
I know people like the purity of plugging the Dac right into the Amp, I've been there and done that too, however you will be amazed at just how much better, warmer and richer the sound could be from a nice tubed preamp. |
Hi Kijanki,
I'm glad you're getting good results with your DAC plugged directly into your AMP. I too had good results with my Bel Canto DAC3 plugged directly into my Class D Bel Canto REF1000 Monoblocks, however when I re-tubbed my VTL Preamp and then put it back in my system; the sound improvement was astonishing. The soundstage opened up further, and there was better depth, width, imaging and PRAT. The Vocals were also more palpable and real with more flesh on the bones.
Sometimes less is more, but sometimes less is less.
I think that Beatster has basically 3 choices to get the warmer, richer sound that he desires.
1) Buy a Tubed Preamp
2) Buy a Tubed Amp or perhaps a high quality Class D Amp.
3) Buy a Tubed DAC
Since he already owns a Great DAC and a SS AMP, I think his best purchasing decision; in order to get a warmer and richer sound would be to add a Tubed Preamp instead of modifying his Benchmark DAC.
I happen to like the combination of a SS Amp matched to a Tubed Preamp.
Not only will a good quality Tubed Preamp warm up the sound, but as I stated above, it will also open up the soundstage dimensions, as well as provide better imaging, and PRAT.
Happy Listening! |
Hi Guys,
I think it's great that you're both willing to try new things. That's what makes our hobby so much fun. Beatster, as a mentioned earlier, I too own the Benchmark DAC, and I think it is absolutely wonderful,
I initially bought it for my Living Room, but now I have it hooked up to my Mac Pro in my home office, with a pair of Audio Engine 5 speakers and I'm getting wonderful results. I was able to find the sound that I was looking for in the Bel Canto DAC3 used last year for $1750 now it goes for around $1600. But, it was the Benchmark DAC that initially lit a fire under me to upgrade my entire audio system over the past year, and I haven't looked back.
As Kijanki mentioned, the Benchmark DAC does really excel in; clarity, transparency and resolution as well as sound stage width. I think it is a little weak in midrange purity, timbre, harmonics, and sound stage depth, but for $1000 I think it is is still one of the best buys in all of HiFi and I continue to wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a new DAC. I think if someone's system is on the warm side, too laid back or to slow then it's a great choice. If someone's system is too dry, analytical, or too forward then I would go for a used Bel Canto DAC3. The Bel Canto also has a smoother midrange than the Benchmark, without sacrificing transparency, speed, or resolution.
The best thing to do would be to try and demo or borrow different components that you may be interested in, without committing to purchase it just yet. |
Oh, one more thing!
True, sometimes, less "is" more. If a component or cable, is not transparent to the source and it gets in the way of the music, than in fact less is more.
So, trust your ears, in your system, that's all that matters.
. |
Yes it would, but only to the degree that a stand alone Tubed Preamp, may be better than an Integrated Hybrid Tubed Amplifier. In other words it will warm up the sound to the the best of it's ability, based on the weakest component in the chain, which in this case may or may not be the Integrated Component as compared to top quality separates.
Rich |
Hey Beatster,
Say hello to Singapore!
Let's look at your entire system:
ATI Amp; sort of a home theater heritage and on the clinical side
Benchmark; also on the clinical side, it already excels in resolution and imaging, I can't see it turning into a warm piece of equipment.
Usher; very nice...., no complaints here.
I would approach your upgrade path with a look forward towards the future, as opposed to a one and done sort of upgrade.
The way I look at your system, you're plugging an analytical DAC/PRE into an analytical Amp, no wonder you're not happy with the sound.
I think you should buy a tubed preamp that can remain in your system for years to come, and then in the future I would consider a warmer SS amp, I would probably recommend one of the new excellent Class D Amps. I could certainly vouch for the Bel Canto Ref1000. If you do this, than I think the Benchmark will shine, remember I also own the Benchmark in my office system.
If you buy a tubed preamp, and a Class D Amp, with your Benchmark DAC and Usher Speakers, I think you will get the warm analog sound that you're looking for, without sacrificing detail and resolution. If you still don't like the sound than I would sell the Benchmark, not modify it, and I would buy a Bel Canto DAC3, once again I have extensive experience with this DAC and it has everything that is lacking from the Benchmark.
Rich |
