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 1 response by lewinskih01

How will you use the DAC? Your MA2275 has volume control and analog inputs, so seems you don't need that.

Will the source be a computer? If so, the USB-to-SPDIF "module" will be key. I say module because it could be part of the DAC or could be a separate unit. Many people say getting this right should be a priority, including Steve Nugent (audioengr user here) who's the brains (and marketing manager too) for Empirical Audio, that makes one of the best USB converters around - but expensive.

With such a budget you might want to consider the top contenders for such converters: Berkeley, Empirical's Off-Ramp, Audiophilleo with PurePower, BelCanto RefLink. These go for $1-2k in the US. Maybe after adding one of these you decide you don't need to replace your current DAC.

Just a thought. I hope it helps.