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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
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
mb9061
137 posts
 
Funny that you like a dry/revealing sound yet you find the Benchmark too glaring and bright, that says something about that particular DAC. I owned a Benchmark USB DAC1 for close to a year and tried everything under the sun to tame it. I prefer a neutral/slightly warm sound though and I like tubes.

I agree with the two posts before mine in that USB cables can help quite a bit. A ridge street poiema may do the trick as it seems to have a smoother top end and tames some brightness (w/o spending $500-$1,000 for a USB cable). Power cords do a lot for this DAC as well (I eventually paired mine with a Shunyata Python Helix). The DAC is so revealing that it responds to just about any tweak you might try.

Another thing I tried that helped were Hi-Fi tuning fuses.

You may want to try the Bel Canto DAC3. I had one after the DAC1. It was still too bright/forward for my taste, but the DAC3 is a slight bit darker/polite in presentation in comparison to the DAC1. Though you'll need a USB converter as it doesn't upsample to the extent the DAC1 will.
velociti OP
8 posts
 
Richlane:
My brother's gear is certainly a bit warmer and darker than my Krell integrated. If I had my way (and funding), I would have gotten a Levinson 383 and called it even. It's a sensational piece of equipment.

Mb9061:
I do like a dry, revealing sound. The fact that I put together a system comprised of components that share these sonic characteristics was a bit shortsighted. With all the raving about the Benchmark, I figured its honesty would be okay with my Krell/Dynaudios. While it's certainly not painful, I'd just like to add some warmth and darkness to make the sound more approachable.

With my taking out loans and starting grad school in three weeks, I figured that dropping a grand on a DAC that I could hopefully use for a long time would be a solid investment, so I don't think upgrading to the Bel Canto DAC3 is a possibility at this point. The recommendations on USB and power cables are probably what I'll wind up doing on my limited budget. I'm just trying to inject the maximum amount of warmth for the fewest dollars, so I'm open to any other suggestions people have...

Thanks for the help thus far!
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
audiojedi
225 posts
 
Trying out a Lavry DA10 would likely be a decent consideration as well. I had an original DAC1 a few years back and I would characterize the Lavry as being more rich sounding while still being quite detailed and accurate as well. I definitely find the Lavry to have a bit more body without tipping too far into warm and fuzzy territory which seems to be what you are trying to avoid.
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