DAC Dilemma


I will (probably foolishly) put my decision before you all and see if I get any informed opinions, or if I just get scoffed at. I have been at this hobby many years, but must admit to not having the sophistication that many of you do. To those of you that are DAC experts. I have read, and it is my understanding that DAC technology has progressed to the point that 1) new "entry level" DAC’s blow away earlier generation DACs that originally cost much more, and 2) the difference between most current DACs as far as sound quality is pretty subtle. I have an Aurender N100H (which is going to stay) with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Not the $6K version. The $3K version with no bridge) feeding into an Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp into a high end solid state amp. Should I 1) just keep what I have (yes, it sounds good, but it could always be better) 2) replace the PS Audio with an Audio Research DAC7 that is about 11 years old but very well reviewed in it’s day, or 3) sell the PS Audio and the Audio Research SP16 and replace both with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark would give me a current Class A DAC along with multiple inputs for digital, and two inputs for both of my turntables, thus eliminating the need for a separate preamp. But, would the Benchmark SOUND better than either the PS Audio DAC or the DAC7? I am very much aware that the DAC's mentioned above address the actual digital to analogue conversion in very different ways which is precisely why I'm asking which one you think gives the best (natural, uncolored, transparent) sound. Opinions please.
pascon

Showing 2 responses by david_ten

Agree with the other members who advise against the Benchmark (for your specific case / situation).

Former ARC DAC7 owner. It's very good; a standout when it was released and offered.

Do you have a budget you can share?
@pascon You are receiving solid advice from the members who have posted above.

Despite my love for and appreciation of the DAC 7, here is a caution to consider. Please note I am not trying to talk you out of the DAC 7.

If you were / are using a CD Transport as your primary source, this would not apply.

You posted that you are streaming via an Aurender N100H....therefore digital input / output specs will factor in. This is from ARC's archive database:

USB: Spec 1.0 to 2.0 16 BIT 32kHz to 48kHz, MAC or PC. RCA: 75 ohm SPDIF 16/32 to 24/192. BNC: 75 ohm SPDIF 16/32 to 24/192. XLR: 110 ohm AES/EBY 16/32 to 24/192. OPT: 660 NM TOSLINK FIBER 16/32 to 24/192

Pointing out that you will be limited in the file resolutions and sampling rates, given where current streaming is at and where it's moving (running) to in the near future.

If you move away from MAC (i.e. Aurender) and go to Windows then USB drivers will also factor in.

In particular, the USB spec of the DAC7 is very limiting.