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Next step after Benchmark DAC1

Hello guys! I was really in love with my DAC1 lately but it's time to upgrade but don't know where to.
Is there any of those who loved the first version and upgraded to something new from high-end line up? I love almost everything in DAC1, especially it's PRAT and signature, it's crystal clear and dead quiet. But there is one thing that forced me to sell it — there is a lack of resolution. It totally failed while I've bought my vinyl rig. Some guys told me that higher version PRE or HDR would sound better. Is that so?

The owner of DAC2 told me that it sound completelly different.

Other sources I've owned/listened and didn't liked are:
Lavry DA10
Ps Audio DLIII
VALAB NOS DAC
McIntosh MCD201, MCD500
Antelope

PS. I'm not into analog like sound and whatever it is. I need a quiet and crystal clear sound full of PRAT, that's what I call an egaging DAC.

My rig:
McIntosh MA2275
Klipsch RF-7II
Technics 1210 MKII + Ortofon 2M Black
theppd

Showing 3 responses by dne

dne
141 posts
 
One suggestion before you move on from the DAC1: You mention a lack of resolution, which is surprising since resolution is one of the strong points of the DAC. Could there be an issue with the unit you have; and are you using a top notch digital cable and a very good transport or computer source -both of which dramatically affect the sound of the DAC1?

Re the Benchmark DAC2, it does sound very different - and much improved - from the DAC1, with improved resolution and clarity, more articulate and better defined bass and midrange, and a warmer smoother overall sound.
dne
141 posts
 
@Theppd, I would expect that the improvements you're making in the power cord and usb cable will make a big difference. The toslink that you used previously could have contributed to the lack of resolution if, like many people, you used just a standard plastic toslink. Those are bad.

I first used one awhile back, then went to an inexpensive glass toslink, which was much much better, then went to a Wireworld glass toslink which blew away the inexpensive glass toslink. Tremendous improvement in all areas!
dne
141 posts
 
@jpn2020, Just to clarify, the Benchmark dac used in the article was the DAC1 USB ($1,195) not the Benchmark DAC2. Price of the M2Tech Young with power station was shown as $2748.
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