Benchmark to amp direct question?

Audioengr
Have you actually tried to listen to both outputs before concluding that they are the same?

Of course. I mod a LOT of these, so I listen to them continually.

The folks that are reporting better results probably have the older DAC-1 that has high-impedance RC outs. The newer units have low impedance on both Balanced and RCA's, and separate buffering as well. The buffers/drivers are identical on both.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Since last trying the Benchmark directly to my amp I've changed it's power cord to the Cardas GR and the nickel plated outlet to the Oyaide SWO-XXX. All the time running through my tube preamp to amp.

Trying it again directly to amp with the new PC and outlet and I must say I'm very surprised by the results (rca to rca). Perhaps the GR power cord and the SWO-XXX reduced the harshness and quieted the background noise. But for the first time I'm not unhappy with the sound of the Dac1 to directly to the CJ2500a.
Oh, I've also added the DH Cones. Thanks Cmk....

Signal path inside is identical with or without volume control. In one case front volume pot is active and in the other trimpots are engaged instead. Additional components like preamp or extra set of cables cannot make it sound better but often add a little bit of distortion making sound "livelier". Very old Benchmarks had problems with output impedance - fixed in earlier revisions. I have DAC1 driving directly (XLR) Rowland Model 102 with great results. Protect the switch on the back to prevent accidental full power to the speakers.