Benchmark DAC 1 - first thoughts


By way of background, I have recently switched out a bunch of components in my system. Much of the change has been due to logistical, rather than performance related, reasons. I am awaiting the delivery of a QSonix server (they're still ripping my CDs) which I bought for the interface and the ability to centralize my music library for high quality listening and distributed listening (via Sonos) on a single hard drive. The sound of the Qsonix was very good at the dealer (Evolution AV in Agoura Hills, CA) but I certainly wasn't confident that it would represent improvement over my Cary 303/300.

Due to the QSonix cabling regimen, an outboard DAC would be required in my room. TAS also suggested the use of an outboard DAC and even QSonix Corp acknowledged that, while they liked their own internal DAC, many customers preferred outboard units. Since I had specific (and quirky) multiple output requirements, auditioning my final choices of DAC wasn't possible. I posted here for advice and ended up with the DAC 1, largely because it seemed like a "safe choice".

The DAC 1 replaced the Cary's internal DAC which, app 2 years ago replaced a Sony SCD 1. The Sony was the first CD player I really liked and it was in my system for 5ish years before I found the Cary. I really like the 303 and would not have considered replacing it. but for the logistics above. The Cary allows great flexibility (U/S or NOS, tube or SS). While I never found a single "default" setting I really appreciated the ability to "tailor" the sound for any given CD.

The DAC1 arrived yesterday -ahead of the QSonix- and I inserted it into the system temporarily using the Cary as a transport. I was more than a little surprised by the impact of the new DAC,

I was concerned that the DAC1 would be "dry" (solid state pro gear) and hopeful that it would provide powerful bass for the same reason. I cued the CD and.....
dramatic improvement in image depth, front to back. This hadn't even crossed my mind-but (pardon the pun) it leapt out at me instantly. My first track was Rachelle Ferrell's "Sista" with it's punchy bass/kickdrum and powerful vocal. The separation between Ferrell and her backing singers was striking in a way I hadn't heard before. Subsequent tracks continued to highlight this phenomenon. Very surprised, very happy.

Tonally, the change was less dramatic, but still evident. Bass and mid-bass seemed lower in absolute level, but a tad tighter and cleaner. Similarly, the presence region seemed a touch more recessed. The KT88s in my amp seemed a bit "tamer", less evident and more neutral through the DAC 1 than through any setting on the Cary's internal DAC.

This is a very quick first impression after a few hours of listening. The good news is that the DAC 1 is clearly a great sounding DAC. I'm pretty sure that I prefer it to the internal DAC in the Cary which, honestly, comes as a bit of a surprise. Tonally, I suspect that the DAC 1 will complement some systems more than others- in mine it feels a bit more neutral when KT88s are in the loop. That may not be true when other amps/output tubes are in use. I'll follow up when I know more.

Hope this is interesting/useful.

Marty
martykl
I am also using a DAC1 with KT88's, mine in C-J Premier 12's. I agree with Martykl, the DAC1 is neutral, detailed, and provides excellent soundstaging without grain or glare. The clean sound of the DAC1 matches well with the liquidity and bit of warmth from tubed down-stream components. The DAC1 bests the DAC in my Sony 999ES with RBCD's. Wish I could use the DAC1 for SACD's!
If you are running balanced out, don't forget to adjust the output attenuation. The factory default limits the sonics. Check your manual and run it full (0 db). Did you get the USB version. If not, swap it with Benchmark for the USB version (They used to have 30 day trial). You may not think that you will need it, but sonics are better through USB, and it will hold its value better long term. Don't forget to try some AC stuff. I've found it to be very responsive to power cords and conditioners. In fact, I have mine plugged into over twice it's value of product. It sort of pisses me off, as it is the only thing I use conditioning for (besides my Sound Lab's bias supply- because it is available and handy). When I try to remove something, the sound suffers and I put it back in.

If I were to buy it today, I would get the pre-amp version with the extra inputs as I prefer mine without a traditional preamp. Enjoy- it is a great unit. From what I can tell, they have steadily (and quietly) made improvements over the years to fix its weaknesses. Over the last year I have run mine with a lot of amps- tube and solid state. I keep "feeling" I should change it out because of its sticker price, not its sound. However, until the big guns start pumping out USB Dacs, it has few peers IMHO (ARC's due this spring- cannot wait for the review, yet hope the reviewers understand computer audio).

Disclosure:I haven't heard the Bel Canto Dac3. I was tempted to try it until I heard ARC is introducing one. With their introduction, others are surely to follow soon.
If you are running balanced out, don't forget to adjust the output attenuation. The factory default limits the sonics. Check your manual and run it full (0 db).
Can you explain further, 4est? This is news to me.