Good Preamp match for Benchmark DAC1 USB

4est, I saw your set up. So you have pro/pro analog out to HDR's analog in for fronts. Interesting.

I don't have many analog sources.

Do you need extra analog input? The HDR only has one. They both function sort of as a pre amp due to the volume control and multiple digital ins. Semantics I guess. The Benchmark is an acceptable pre, but not SOTA. Then again, it only costs a few hundred $. I traded up to an HDR, I use the analog ins from my HT pro. It sounds better than using the HT pass thru on the pro.

'Benchmark DAC1 HDR' functions as a preamp with remote.
'Benchmark DAC1 USB' doesn't.

Hence the choice - 'Benchmark DAC1 HDR' or 'Benchmark DAC1 USB' + Preamp.

'Benchmark DAC1 HDR' = around $1800
'Benchmark DAC1 USB' = around $900 used

So if I get a around 1K preamp that matches it well, both choices are about same price range.

I thought the Benchmark already functioned as a preamp.

Mark

Both of you, pardon me I didn't quiet understand...

yes, the Benchmark DAC1 USB, as suggested above.

I would run it straight in a it has plenty of "drive".