Upgrade from Benchmark Dac?

IMHO, if you need USB input and 24/96 decoding, at this price, the Benchmark is as good as you can get.

If you are doing USB and only USB, then you might consider one of the Wavelength USB DACs or the forthcoming Ayre USB DAC.

Another approach would be to add an Empirical Audio Offramp (converts USB at up to 24/96 to SPDIF, AES/EBU and I2S), then you are free to get any DAC. I think the Bryston BDA-1 is absolutely killer at $2,000. It has USB, but only for 16/44. I have not heard the Benchmark in a long time, but the Bryston handily surpasses the Lavry DA-10, which many prefer to the Benchmark. Again, though, this is via SPDIF, not USB. [Disclaimer: I'm using Empirical Audio into Bryston.]

I just got The Benchmark a couple of weeks ago. 4est is right above...Dac's will continue to come down in price as the technology changes. My Mcintosh CD was great, but the Dac is several years old now...I'll upgrade the Dac in a couple of years or so. The technology in the Berkely will filter down to less expensive pieces in the future.

I agree with 4est 1000% on interconnects and Power Cables on the Benchmark. Aso power conditioner and isolation. I know spending $3,000 on cables and PC may seem silly on a $950 dac but it really makes the Benchmark perform way better that out of the box. I am truly amazed by it.

The power cord alone! Will greatly change the sound

of the Benchmark. A cheap generic power cord will deliver,

that "metallic" sound, I know because I tried it.

I tried 5 different High End power cords, and each one had

it's own sonic signature.

Mine sounds awesome, and I when I listen, upgrading,

is the LAST thing on my mind.

You have to fiddle with it, to realize it's Best Sound.

Once you do, IMHO, the Benchmark is ALL the music I need.

Different is not always better. Just different.

We All hear different, so get what makes you forget about

upgrading.

The Benchmark is not for everyone, some people do not want

to hear the extreme detail that the Dac-1 presents.

But if you want to hear music, as it was recorded, the

Dac-1 will deliver every iota of the Recording. But it

takes time to find the best power cord for You, and the

rest of the connections are equally fussy, but well worth

it, once you get that Synergy between each component. Like

a metamorphosis occurs.The goosebump effect.

Love Your Music!