The Channel Islands Audio VDA 2 is a great DAC, in fact I think it sounds better than the Benchmark. It is a minimalist design but the build quality is exceptional and it has a fully discrete analog section and very mild digital filtering. It will also accept 24/192 over coax. Additionally I thought that the DAC 1 has too many bells and whistles that I wouldn't use, not mention that it uses op-amps.
The VDA 2 is very dynamic and revealing, you won't believe you're listening to a $600 DAC. Best money I've spent on audio in a long time.
The VDA 2 is very dynamic and revealing, you won't believe you're listening to a $600 DAC. Best money I've spent on audio in a long time.