I replaced a Cary 303/300 with a QSonix server into a DAC-1. The Benchmark is a "leaner" sounding unit than the Cary (even with the Cary's ss output stage) in the loop. The DAC-1's sound polarizes opinion like so many other compnents with this tonal quality (IMHO Quads, the original Merlin VSM, and some of the ARC electronics also share this sound). Some say "transparent" other say "dry or analytical".
IMHO, the DAC-1 requires an audition even more than most components. It is also more likely to be system dependant than most components. The rest of this system is a Joule pre into either PrimaLuna monos or TAD Hibachi monos into either Verity Parsifal Encores or Merlin VSMs. The speakers and amps are the primary options in current rotation. FWIW, in this system (particularly with the Veritys) I like my DAC-1 a lot.
Good Luck,
Marty
IMHO, the DAC-1 requires an audition even more than most components. It is also more likely to be system dependant than most components. The rest of this system is a Joule pre into either PrimaLuna monos or TAD Hibachi monos into either Verity Parsifal Encores or Merlin VSMs. The speakers and amps are the primary options in current rotation. FWIW, in this system (particularly with the Veritys) I like my DAC-1 a lot.
Good Luck,
Marty