DAC in the Box?

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  • JonMarsh
    Mad Max Moderator
    • Aug 2000
    • 15261

    DAC in the Box?

    Andrew Pratt and I recently exchanged some mails on the topic of universal SACD/DVD players, and other alternatives for Redbook CD playback. One of the topics which subsequently came up was ~$1000 class DAC's, and what might get you into genuinely high end sound. I think Andrew was a little surprised, and probably skeptical, at one of my recommendations, the Benchmark DAC1.




    This is not a well known unit outside of Pro Audio circles, though that is starting to change. The DAC1's biggest calling card is an exceptionally well designed digital reciever and phase lock loop for jitter rejection. I think it's one of the best, possibly the best DAC under ~1K; in order of ascending price, my next recommendation is the Music Fidelity A324, which IS pretty widely known as an excellent piece for the money, and a true high end piece.

    Well, I hadn't gotten around to reading the last couple of Stereophiles that I bought, yet (saving them for business travel next week ), but opened the July issue this evening briefly. Jonmark's Fifth Element column devoted quite a bit of space to the DAC1, calling it the least expensive digital source out there with true high end performance. (BTW, $850).

    Just a heads up. If you're looking for a well above average piece for a resolving system, and don't want to spend a fortune, this is one unit to consider. Even the "big guys" are starting to notice that.

    As always, I suggest you listen before you leap. :later:

    ~Jon




    Earth First!
    _______________________________
    We'll screw up the other planets later....
    the AudioWorx
    Natalie P
    M8ta
    Modula Neo DCC
    Modula MT XE
    Modula Xtreme
    Isiris
    Wavecor Ardent

    SMJ
    Minerva Monitor
    Calliope
    Ardent D

    In Development...
    Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
    Obi-Wan
    Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
    Modula PWB
    Calliope CC Supreme
    Natalie P Ultra
    Natalie P Supreme
    Janus BP1 Sub


    Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
    Just ask Mr. Ohm....
  • David Meek
    Moderator Emeritus
    • Aug 2000
    • 8938

    #2
    Nice catch Jon! I'd seen the write-up and was wondering about whether or not to have a good case of buyer's remorse with my A3.24. Nah, just kiddin'.

    It would be cool to have a "shoot out" between these two. Anyone in the Houston area with a DAC1 want to set one up?




    David - HTGuide flunky
    Our "Theater"
    Our DVDs on DVD Tracker

    .

    David - Trigger-happy HTGuide Admin

    Comment

    • JonMarsh
      Mad Max Moderator
      • Aug 2000
      • 15261

      #3
      I don't think you have any reason for "buyers remorse" with your A324, but as far as I know, this is the only unit under $1K that could "start" to give the A324 a run for it's money.

      Sleep well at night, David!

      ~Jon




      Earth First!
      _______________________________
      We'll screw up the other planets later....
      the AudioWorx
      Natalie P
      M8ta
      Modula Neo DCC
      Modula MT XE
      Modula Xtreme
      Isiris
      Wavecor Ardent

      SMJ
      Minerva Monitor
      Calliope
      Ardent D

      In Development...
      Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
      Obi-Wan
      Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
      Modula PWB
      Calliope CC Supreme
      Natalie P Ultra
      Natalie P Supreme
      Janus BP1 Sub


      Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
      Just ask Mr. Ohm....

      Comment

      • David Meek
        Moderator Emeritus
        • Aug 2000
        • 8938

        #4
        :Z: Huh? What?

        Jon, I was kidding about the buyer's remorse. I don't think I could have spent $1,000 US on a new CD transport and gotten anywhere near the performance increase I've heard from the A3.24 and my old CD unit. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

        What, no Houston shootout?




        David - HTGuide flunky
        Our "Theater"
        Our DVDs on DVD Tracker

        .

        David - Trigger-happy HTGuide Admin

        Comment

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