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Benchmark DAC1 vs CAL Sigma

I have an old CAL Sigma I in my system. I generally like the sound, it's musical & dynamic, however there's a bit of shrillness in the top end that I find off putting. I'm wondering how different a modern upsampling DAC such as the Benchmark DAC1 or a PS Audio Digital Link III would sound in my system? I'm a bit of a noob with external DACs so any input would be greatly appreciated.
craig_hoch

Showing 5 responses by transnova

transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
Thanks Rbstehno!!! I've been playing around with a Citypulse DAC.I like it a lot but am curious about the tubed section of the Music Hall.Also interested in the balanced outputs.
transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
Rbstehno,
Does the Music Hall allow you to drive both the XLR and RCA outputs simultaneously?
transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
I also used both Cal tube DACS (back in the day) along with the Delta transport.I thought they were both good--the Alpha better.I switched to the Monarchy 22b at that time for a more detailed presentation.Then I went to a Soundstream one for something that sounded fuller and more rounded.I remenber the vintage PS Audio DACS as very nuetral,but also lacking sparkle and life.

I've been on this merry-go-round for many years.Like many others,constantly changing equipment in the search for sonic nirvana.Even when a system is very close,some aspect will begin to annoy me and the cycle starts over again!

I have not heard the Benchmark,but do own the purportedly similar Citypulse 2.03.It is very good,and very detailed(I'm back in that groove again).I recently sold the outstanding Musical Fidelity A 3.24.It was also very good,but with a somewhat smoother presentation.I've been told that the V-DAC is quite similar.I hope that these ramblings were of some assistance.
transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
Craig,
I recall that the Delta/Sima combo was imroved by using buth the Audio Alchemy DTI and the Monarchy DIP jitter reducers.
transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
Yes,between the transport and DAC.Many years ago(probably around 1993 or 94) my friend and I undertook the ambitious task of running our own A-B tests on a number of transports,DACs and CD players.We used an Audio Alchemy DLC preamp and a digital spl meter to equalize volume levels and to switch between digital front ends.I recall that certain transports and CD players fed into certain DACs sounded much better with the DIP inserted between them.Other combinations produced small/if any discernable
difference.The Cal Delta,which was supposed to be a low jitter transport, benefieted greatly from the addition of the DTI or DIP inserted between the transport and DAC.
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