Benchmark DAC 1 USB

[panditji]

Getting the above DAC for approx 600 pounds in the UK less than a year old.....
Should I buy this blind as I need a good DAC to start listening to my digital music collection?

Need advice if I should go for the above blindly...

 

[srinisundar]

Price is steal and no doubt it has very good reviews and future proof too, since it will play 24/192.

However for the same price you can get DAC USB pre but without remote.

Regards

 

[sonosphere]

Hi,
This DAC should be paired with neutral or warm sounding front-end... never with bright sounding.

This is not to say that the DAC is forward sounding... its just that it's not fleshy in mids and bass, whereas its treble end is very detailed, sparkling, squeaky clean. So with a "forward" front-end, the bass and mids will sound subdued compared to the treble end, that would sound unduly detailed and prominent, (though such forward character may not be the fatiguing type). Such SQ will not do justice to acoustic instruments based music.

Just my two cents...

Regds,

 

[ravi_d]

Price is steal and no doubt it has very good reviews and future proof too, since it will play 24/192.

However for the same price you can get DAC USB pre but without remote.

Regards

BTW from what I understand none of the DAC1 variants play 24 bit 192 kHz over USB. The Texas Instruments TAS1020B USB controller used in these DAC's maxes out at 24bit/96kHz.

 

[srinisundar]

BTW from what I understand none of the DAC1 variants play 24 bit 192 kHz over USB. The Texas Instruments TAS1020B USB controller used in these DAC's maxes out at 24bit/96kHz.

Yes you are right it is upto 24/96Khz ( thru USB), don't think so we do have enough 24bit/192 Khz contents available for free + it can be played thru toslink or coaxial >

 

[sidvee]

Getting the above DAC for approx 600 pounds in the UK less than a year old.....
Should I buy this blind as I need a good DAC to start listening to my digital music collection?

Need advice if I should go for the above blindly...

Panditji - I bought the non usb version in a similar fashion - blind buy after reading all the glowing reviews - and had it in my system for exactly 2 days. It had a sterile and clinical sound, at-least, to my ears, and I sold it after 6 mos. Maybe the newer ones are better.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[ranjeetrain]

I agree with Sid. Benchmark should only be paired with warm electronics. I have heard Benchmark on multiple systems multiple times over extended periods. And I have to say I find them bright, not detailed, as many reviewers write or many users say. They sound detailed to begin with. But once you pair them with upstream components, they start sounding bright.

 

[hemantwaghe]

Heard a benchmark dac-do not rem the model in last yeras (2011) pune meet.honestly did not like the sound.and that what reaction of many attendees.myself not a good judge of sound but quiete shocked to hear what is considered as one of the best dacs.

 

[panditji]

Ouch.....I had also read glowing reviews and was hoping the forum would confirm the reviews....Your reviews have put me in a fix....If not the Benchmark, then pls suggest other DACs in the price range of $2000 which I can purchase used at a significantly less price...

I plan on using the DAC with a Harbeth Compact 7 and either of a Naim Integrated/ Power or Luxman integrated entry level.....

 

[panditji]

Panditji - I bought the non usb version in a similar fashion - blind buy after reading all the glowing reviews - and had it in my system for exactly 2 days. It had a sterile and clinical sound, at-least, to my ears, and I sold it after 6 mos. Maybe the newer ones are better.
Cheers,
Sid

Sid, is that your opinion after listening to it with the Harbeths?

 

[sidvee]

Sid, is that your opinion after listening to it with the Harbeths?

No I sold it much before the Harbeths arrived. I tried it with B&W N805 and Usher Be718. I also had a musical fidelity xdac v8, which cost about 50% more than the benchmark and it was much superior in direct comparison.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[panditji]

You think the Harbeths might be able to tone down the sterility since they are on the warmer side? Also the most important aspect for me would be the detail and clarity...if it is detailed and throws out a clear sound, then I think it might work well with the Harbeths...What do you think?

 

[sidvee]

You think the Harbeths might be able to tone down the sterility since they are on the warmer side? Also the most important aspect for me would be the detail and clarity...if it is detailed and throws out a clear sound, then I think it might work well with the Harbeths...What do you think?

Not sure Panditji - I have not been very successful in balancing out warm components with cool ones in the past, something always didn't sound right - except cables -so, IMo it is a risk you will have to take - anyways due to their extensive positive reviews you will be able to sell it quickly if you do not like it. Good luck anyways.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[panditji]

Thanks Sid and Manav Malvai for your advice and opinion.....

 

[malvai]

^^dude, go for a W4S Dac2.... its really way better!