2. amps-preamps
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Preamp or DAC?

Been slowly building my system and have a pretty decent amp, a Benchmark AHB2. Funds are limited, but ready to get either the Benchmark DAC3 or their bit more expensive LA4 preamp. Trying to keep it all in the family. Recommendations regarding which one would be best choice since can only afford one or other? Wish I could get both, but don’t make that kind of money (maybe in a year or two). For context, feeding it with a streaming Bluesound Node 2i and delivered to Selah 4 ohm floor speakers. My audio knowledge is limited, especially compared to most of you all, so any advice you may offer will be much appreciated. Feel the need to see what you "experts" think before purchasing. Thanks!
kellen
yyzsantabarbara
4,590 posts
 
BTW - use balanced XLR's for your Benchmark gear. Their StarQuad cables are very good. I also use Audience AU24e XLR's with them.
kellen OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for that excellent input yyz....., just what I was hoping for.
I followed your advice and ordered the LA4.  Same with cables.  Since I was literally on the cusp of going one way or the other your quality information and recommendation tipped the balance.Thanks again!
kellen OP
4 posts
 
Oh, to clarify, I don't use headphones so couldn't justify the added cost...
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

kellen OP

Save your money on any preamp, put it toward upgrading something else. The Benchmark Dac3 has a very good volume control, and it's output stage would put many preamps to shame..


Benchmark Dac3 volume control
HGC™ Hybrid Gain Control HGC™ is Benchmark’s unique hybrid gain control that combines analog and digital gain control into a single volume control knob. The HGC™ system uses an active analog gain control for analog inputs and a 32-bit dithered volume control for digital inputs. Both types of inputs leverage the low-impedance passive Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware - Rev. D Page 7 analog attenuation system at the XLR outputs. The dual-domain HGC™ system combines the high dynamic range of Benchmark’s HDR™ analog control (used in the DAC1 HDR) with the low distortion and accuracy of a digital control. HGC™ outperforms traditional analog or digital volume controls, including the twostage DAC1 HDR™ system. Musical details are preserved over a very wide range of output levels. Analog inputs are controlled in the analog domain. Digital inputs are controlled in both domains. The volume control is a servo-driven analog potentiometer. This control rotates in response to commands from the remote control while providing the convenience of manual adjustments with a physical knob.
60ohms output impedance, with up to 18v output available, this is more that enough for any amp ever, would even drive a First Watt F? Nelson Pass amp that has virtually no gain

Cheers George
kellen OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the input George.  Pulled trigger already.  Benchmark describes it as a linear system starting with the DAC3, so that will be next, just need to sock away some quarters and dimes to get to that point again.  Expect the LA4 will serve well until I can get to that more complete stage.
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