I'm a Benchmark fanboi for sure. Currently running DAC3 HGC as a DAC/Pre with the AHB2 amp to ATC speakers. It's a dead quiet system across all inputs, and the S/N ratio is astounding, which allows me to to hear greater detail at lower
SPL. Star-quad interconnects, and speaker cables as I believe in that design after many years of stage and studio work.
"Walk up to your speakers. Do you hear a hiss, hum, or buzz. Your system should be dead quiet. With the current state of the art, the electronics should not be producing audible noise. If you hear noise, then you need to consider replacing some of your electronics. You are never going to cure this noise problem with a new fuse, or a new power cord. It is unlikely that you will even reduce it with a power conditioner. Instead, you will need to identify the offending component or components and make plans to replace them. Start by replacing components that only support unbalanced (RCA) analog interconnects. Replace any component that cannot deliver at least a 115 dB SNR."
Benchmark Media Systems. Right or wrong