I will second Marco's experiences with the Benchmark - have also tried it twice (two years apart, two different systems) and have returned it both times, for the same reason - the strident and ultimately fatiguing high end.
I am currently demoing the PS Audio Dac III which appears to have all of the Benchmark's fine detail with none of the high end issues. In fact, just a week in, I am very impressed with this unit, and for under a grand!
In comparison with my older MSB Full Nelson and PS Audio DACs, the new PS Audio (and even the Benchmark) are in another league - the older DACs sound slow and veiled, and lack the transparency of the newer units.
Good luck!
james
I am currently demoing the PS Audio Dac III which appears to have all of the Benchmark's fine detail with none of the high end issues. In fact, just a week in, I am very impressed with this unit, and for under a grand!
In comparison with my older MSB Full Nelson and PS Audio DACs, the new PS Audio (and even the Benchmark) are in another league - the older DACs sound slow and veiled, and lack the transparency of the newer units.
Good luck!
james