I've owned both the Benchmark DAC1 and a Bel Canto DAC3 (sorry, I know this isn't the DAC2). Personally, i learned I couldn't pair either of those with a solid state setup as I found both very analytical/revealing, and that was with a "warm sounding" Musical Fidelity A308 integrated and a pair of Quad 22L2 speakers at the time with Cardas Golden Reference ICs. The Bel Canto was a bit "smoother" with a little more low end grip, but truthfully to me it was more similiar to the DAC1 than different.
Another option to mention is a tube DAC of some sort but at least you could easily resell the Benchmark or Bel Canto if bought used to try for yourself.
Another option to mention is a tube DAC of some sort but at least you could easily resell the Benchmark or Bel Canto if bought used to try for yourself.