Benchmark dac - why such diverging opinions?

I'm puzzled ...

Mizuno (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Very simple ... same reason there are more than one flavor of ice cream.

Shadorne, I'm with you, my feelings exactly. Plus, while all these posts address only the dac aspects of the DAC1, let's also remember that the DAC1 is much more, i.e., it's also a preamp and headphone amp all in one chassis,which the other dacs are not. Plus, I have the HDR version so it's also a preamp for an analog source (not just digital) and it has a remote.

I would also suggest, as another poster has mentioned in prior posts, that the DAC1 responds strongly to various improvements in ancillary equipment (which to me indicates its inherent quality), including upgrades in transport, power cable and fuses. I'm using a Mark Levinson transport, Shunyata Python Helix power cords and HiFi tuning fuses, with transport and DAC plugged into a Shunyata Hydra 8 power conditioner. All produced improvements.

Frankly out of the box I didnt care much for the Benchmark. Only after plugging it straight into the wall, changing power cords, ic, fuse, vibration and then addressing server issues (asio settings, power supply) did this DAC start to really sound good.

What is with Mr. English teacher, Lindisfarne?