I have a DAC3 and I can tell you it's dead quiet and has some technologies that very few other DAC's have, like +3db of digital headroom. Read some of John Siau's blogs on the Benchmark site. Check out the specs as well like .00022%THD, and 128db SN ratio.
Bryston BDA-3 / Benchmark DAC3B
Current setup:
Node 2i/Pardo LPS/Rega DAC-R
Looking to get more clarity/detail and am considering the Benchmark or Bryston used. The Rega has been better than the internal DAC in the Node to my ears, but what it's praised for, "analog like" I'm starting to feel is maybe wooly. How much am I leaving on the table continuing to use it? Looking to be around $1500 or under. Or do I pick up a cheap Topping and call it a day?
Hard to audition, but maybe I'll just buy them all and move on the losers