2. digital
  3. 1248201169

Finding a little warmth from Benchmark1 USB DAC

So I've always appreciated a relatively dry sound from my audio equipment, and abhored the sound that tubed equipment yields. I started the hobby when I was in high school by getting a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.8 mk IIs, and wound up with a Krell 300il (identical to the 400xi)last year. I just finished off my "system" after buying a Benchmark 1 USB DAC, that I am connecting to an older iMac that has my music collection in a lossless format.

My issue is that while I adore the setup's overall resolution and pinpoint accuracy, it's producing a very lean sound that is a bit bright, and stark for my tastes. My favorite listening setup was a Levinson 383 integrated hooked up to Dynaudio Special 25s. The Dynaudios had spectacular resolution and neutrality, while the Levinson was able to give a substantial, slightly darker sound that was not overly rich (like tubes can be for me).

So my question is, with the way I've framed things above, are there suggestions for interconnects or equipment that will find that balance for me? I feel like my existing components have potential, but it's just too much of the analytical sound.

As an aside, I tried the Benchmark with my brother's S3 B&W 801s and Audio Research gear, and it wasn't bad at all.
velociti

Showing 3 responses by richlane

richlane
167 posts
 
Hi Velociti,

I have a Benchmark DAC1 also, I think it's a remarkable sounding DAC and actually it's what lit a fire under me to get back into the hobby after many years of complacency with digital, however in my opinion, it is a bit on the cool, dry, and analytical side, therefore system matching is imperative.

The Krell also has great resolution and transparency, however it is also a bit cool and dry, so I think that these components are not complimenting each other very well.

I believe the reason that you like the Benchmark on your Brothers Audio Research Gear, is because his equipment is warmer sounding to begin with. I would probably recommend a used Bel Canto DAC3 which I think will be just the ticket for what you're looking for. It is a little warmer, and more musical than the Benchmark, while maintaining resolution and transparency. I know this makes sense, because that's what I did, and I was very happy with the improvements.

Rich
richlane
167 posts
 
"I'm just trying to inject the maximum amount of warmth for the fewest dollars"

How about a blanket? (LOL)

Hey Velociti,

Yeah absolutely man, I hear ya, been there done that. I didn't realize that you bought it new. I think Benchmark also offers a 30day return policy, if that's an option. Maybe your Brother wants to buy it?

Without going too crazy then, you could probably get a warmer sound by changing speaker cables, interconnects, cords, or adding an inexpensive tubed preamp? But that could all add up to big bucks too?

Are you using a USB or digital connection?

Can anyone else recommend inexpensive warmer sounding cables?

Rich
richlane
167 posts
 
No doubt, I love the Levinson gear too, very well balanced and musical.

What's your budget?

Not to push the "get another DAC issue," but it's good that you bought it used because then you could flip it if you want, without getting burned, there's a few Benchmark USB's here for $1000, just for comparison the used Bel Canto DAC3's are $1500 and there are 5 of them for sale right now. Maybe you could make an offer or a trade. I think that the Benchmark would probably go really well with a Tubed Amp, or even a Class D Amp. It could really spice up a darker system.

I know $500 is a lot right now as a student, but you could easily blow a couple hundred bucks on beer, wings, and cables, so just keep that in mind. You know that you could also possibly get the sound that you want from another $1000 DAC, it doesn't have to be the Bel Canto you know.

I'm really not that familiar with darker, inexpensive cables, so that's why I haven't suggested any.

Rich
More to discover