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How to compare Azur 640C V2 and Benchmark DAC 1?

Last week I purchased the Azur 640C V2 to replace my dead D500. But then I thought maybe I should look into the Benchmark DAC 1 and use it with my Phillips 963SA which I am using only for 2 Channel SACD playback.
So this afternoon I got the DAC 1 today for the weekend.

I've done some preliminary listening already with some of my favourite discs, but the differences appear to be marginal. The DAC 1 seems to be slighltly better in bass and the top end (have to listen more carefully), but I don't sense any differences in soundstage etc. Certainly not the difference I had imagined (which seems to always be the case).

What is the best way to evaluate these two units and what should I be concentrating on listening? I would appreciate any tips or advice.

To make it easier to switch back and forth I've hooked the DAC 1 to the coax out on the Azur 640C for now. I'm running it in calibrated mode and hooked into my MF A3.2CR preamp which is hooked to my Anthem Amp 1 (tube amp). The speakers are Monitor Audio Silver S6.

Or am I just expecting the DAC 1 to perform miracles? Maybe the Azur 640C really is very good? I just keep thinking the external DAC should give me a significant improvement.

Thanks,

-- Sanjay
schugh

Showing 1 response by schugh

schugh OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. The CDP is burned in for over a hundred hours and probably the DAC is burned in as well being a demo unit. Unforunately, I only have this weekend with the DAC and so don't have time to atune myself ot its sonic signature.

Ultimately, I now feel that one box CDPs even budget units have perhaps really become very good over the years and there is little to pick between them.

So far after about 8 hours of listening both the DAC and the Azur seem to be equally enjoyable though there is a slight difference. Not enough for the price difference though.
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