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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 

bimmerman2
bimmerman2's avatar
bimmerman2 OP
90 posts
 

The A26 was a bust, seemed like a defective unit, ground loop noise. 

Back to the drawing board 

996turbo911
55 posts
 

That's been my experience with Gustard too. Lots of rave reviews and happy users, I have had 3 different units fail be for one reason or another. Maybe just bad luck but I am done trying their products.

Bryston BDA3 is a very competent device. I actually do like the Benchmark DAC3 B as well, after really disliking all the prior Benchmark DACs. It's still on the sharper more incisive side, not nearly as much as the prior models though. I also like not having their built in headphone amp as that part doesn't sound good to me at all. 

Benchmark and Bryston are both big name brands so easy to find from a dealer with good in home trial terms.

bimmerman2's avatar
bimmerman2 OP
90 posts
 

Ordered a Marantz SA-10, double duty, upgrade from my SA8004 and also use it as a DAC for the Node. Didn't want to spend so much, but so be it. 

tonyrox's avatar
tonyrox
36 posts
 

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.

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