Grace Design m902 vs. Benchmark DAC1?

I agree. Even the similarly priced Lavry Black is a significant improvement. The second hand price on the Electrocompaniet gets my vote for probably the best bargain around. Another interesting DAC I am looking into is the Zhaolu, which starts at USD80!! But certain upgrades need to be ordered and you need to pay freight, taxes etc and it could cost you up to $500. I have one here but it needs another week or so of running before I will listen to it properly. However some reports from acquaintances indicate it is at least comparable with the Benchmark and better in the areas where the Benchmark is weak.

Kerimf, I'm in a similar situation. Apple Airport Express for streaming, just need a DAC to fulfill the potential. Currently have the Benchmark and I think I'm seeing similar results as reported on 6moons, stereophile, in that the resulting sound is wide with precise soundstaging and great air, yet analytical and not terribly involving. Granted it's my first DAC and I'm impressed nonetheless! However, I want to add SACD down the road and I like the analog input option on the Grace. I ordered it today and am ready for a weekend showdown with a non-broken-in Grace vs. the 3 wk old Benchmark. I'd like to hold onto both longer, but my 30 day trial with the Benchmark is expiring soon!

Well I pretty much don't have much more to add than what's already been posted. To me in my permanent rig the Grace m902 seems warmer than the Benchmark DAC1 with more depth in its soundstage. Bass sounds more full as well; I don't think I've lost any of the detail or transparency either. A good example is the fingersnaps, bass notes, and echo in the recording room (Dianna Krall's Love Songs DVD-A) had twice the amount of air and 3D character with the Grace. I wholly concur with Stereophile's comparisons between the two. I returned the Benchmark today and I'm keeping the m902.

P.S. - I picked up the m902 for $1450 w/free shipping from RMCaudio.com.

I think that the headfi comparison was pretty acurate. The Grace might sound better at times, with more bass, but the reason for that is that the Grace is romanticizing the sound. The Benchmark is revealing the truth.