Can I get an opinion on which DAC is a "better", the Benchmark DAC3 or Schiit Yggdrasil? In my case, I am *not* interested in DSD, MQA or a head phone amp. Just interested in LPCM (all bit depths and sample rates). Better in this context means more "bit perfect" and sounds more analog. Note I currently use an Oppo UDP-205, which has a Sabre DAC chip even more up-to-date than the one used in the DAC3. At face value, should I expect similar sound (Oppo to DAC3)? Thanks in advance.
Benchmark Dac3
I purchased the Benchmark DAC3 and hooked it up (with just the included Monoprice USB cable) to my MacBook Pro playing lossless files ripped from my CDs. Using the HT bypass to play through my Krell integrated amplifier into Audio Physic Virgo speakers (as well as listening through the headphone amp and HGC volume control driving Beyerdynamic DT 880s). With the panoply of input options I was able to do direct A/B comparisons between my Krell CD player and iTunes as well as between the digital and analog outputs of the CD player. I immediately discovered the balanced XLR connection making a huge difference in bringing out subtle details such as the breath of vocalists and the note decay of wind and string instruments. Is this the case with all sources or just with this DAC? If it is the case with all sources then I could never imagine purchasing a DAC (in an equivalent price range) which only provides RCA interconnections. Is this more about the Benchmark DAC or the difference between balanced and single-ended operation? Would you purchase a DAC without balanced XLR connections?
Showing 6 responses by gdhal
@lancelock - I've pondered a Modwright update. My issues with doing so are (a) Oppo warranty is voided (b) I am without my Oppo for over a month and likely months (c) the top of line modification is around $2500, the cost of a new DAC (seperate component) in my budget price category (d) there is always a possibility of poor workmanship (unintentional) that causes the sound to be worse (e) the oppo is so outstanding for video, why "chance" anything with the audio? and (f) the Oppo overall (sound, video, features, etc.) is so good, I'm inclined to think "Why fix it if it ain't broke"? @dlcockrum - good questions. I would characterise my system as "accurate" (i.e. no emphasis of any particular frequencies with respect to other frequencies, and a faitful reproduction of the source content). My DAC upgrade desires is only because I have an all digital system, so I'm merely chasing "perfection" (i.e. bit perfect conversion) in a technical/science regard so the result would be (presumably) that my system sounds just a bit *less* digital. In a sense, even a theoretical improvement and not necessarily heard (by me) could be welcome. Somewhat insane, perhaps :) Honestly, my system (Oppo UDP-205 >> Musical Fidelity M6si >> Golden Ear Triton Reference) sounds great. There is an overall synergy between those components that even if just by happenstance produces remarkable results. It can (and has) wow those with much more expensive gear than I have and better/discerning hearing than I as well. Nevertheless, like many of us on the forum who have the good fortune to be able to afford monetarily this hobby and love music, the passion and desire for "better" - whatever that means - may never be completely satiated. *it's an obsession but it's pleasing* http://halr.x10.mx/AV.jpg |
@shadorne Your advice to audition is an excellent one. Unfortunately, in my case, it is somewhat impractical. While manufacturers such as Schiit and Benchmark who sell direct may offer a return policy, that isn't the same type of audition as going to an audio boutique and having the sales rep throw on a handful of DACs. And returns in cases of manufacturers who sell direct are not "free". Still, I get your point and it is very valid. Nevertheless, to a large extent I do intend to buy without first listening. My decision will ultimately be made by public comments by those who have the products, public comments by those who otherwise have subject matter expertise, the product manufacturer specifications, manufacturer reputability, manufacturer "trial" or "evaluation" return policy, and any other do diligence I can perform. |
@dlcockrum / @shadorne I sincerely appreciate your candid feedback. At face value, Dave's point regarding digital sound being somewhat tied to solid state, which conceivably could be eliminated with tubes likely has validity. I'm biased toward the Schiit Yggdrasil, however, as it costs *less* than some of the other options and is R2R multibit, and is specifically oriented to LPCM. I'm reading so many positive things about multibit R2R versus delta sigma. Here is something that will interest the group. I posed the question (Schiit vs DAC3) to a Benchmark sales rep. The following is his response. And I do give credit and value the fact that a Benchmark sales rep took the time to speak with me and respond in writing. "I’ve forwarded your email to engineering in hopes that they will comment. I can tell you that looking at the specs, the noise floor is higher on the Schiit model. With a low noise floor, as in the DAC3, low level details in the music and reverb tails don’t get lost. We want the SNR to be better than the maximum dynamic range of the music, which with 24 bit, while theory would be 144dB, reality is 122dB. Our SNR of the DAC3 is 128dB. The other thing that I notice not mentioned is inter-sample overs. This is a huge problem as most of the recordings we listen to are 16/44. Our DAC sounds detailed, yet smooth, transparent." |
@mapman To your point, I'm told that the end resulting sound is much more than the DAC itself. Case in point, I mentioned to the Benchmark sales rep that the DAC3 has a "Sabre ES9028PRO" DAC while my Oppo UDP-205 has the more advanced "Sabre ES9038PRO" DAC. He immediately dismissed that as essentially being irrelevant and steered the conversation towards the rest of the electronics, citing how they (Benchmark) have implemented the DAC and are getting the most out of it given the rest of their circuitry. |