It's here, the Benchmark DAC1

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  • JonMarsh
    Mad Max Moderator
    • Aug 2000
    • 15260

    It's here, the Benchmark DAC1

    Just got home late from Biz travel today, and waiting for me was the Benchmark DAC1 I've had on order a few weeks. Since I've got to go to bed to get up at my usual rediculous go to work time, no chance tonight to listen- I'm afraid if I started, I might not stop until I really regretted staying up till the wee hours!

    I'll be checking this out in the next few days and right up my impressions by the weekend.

    Regards,

    Jon
    the AudioWorx
    Natalie P
    M8ta
    Modula Neo DCC
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    Isiris
    Wavecor Ardent

    SMJ
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    In Development...
    Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
    Obi-Wan
    Saint-Saƫns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
    Modula PWB
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    Natalie P Supreme
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    Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
    Just ask Mr. Ohm....
  • David Meek
    Moderator Emeritus
    • Aug 2000
    • 8938

    #2
    Oh goodie, Jon's got a new toy to tell us about! :banana:
    .

    David - Trigger-happy HTGuide Admin

    Comment

    • aud19
      Twin Moderator Emeritus
      • Aug 2003
      • 16706

      #3
      Yay new toys! arty: Can't wait to hear your thoughts :P

      Jason
      Jason

      Comment

      • Andrew Pratt
        Moderator Emeritus
        • Aug 2000
        • 16507

        #4
        I give him a week tops to have it pulled apart and several new upgraded parts installed :W

        Comment

        • JonMarsh
          Mad Max Moderator
          • Aug 2000
          • 15260

          #5
          Who, me?

          Originally posted by Andrew Pratt
          I give him a week tops to have it pulled apart and several new upgraded parts installed :W

          Heavens, Andrew, what would ever make you think I would tinker around with a nice new unit like this?





          It is very neat and clean inside; nice layout, good power supply, and even has some of my favorite Analog Devices and Linear Tech parts!


          Well, I've only listened to a few things so far, and no "audiophile" stuff. Young Dubliner's "Red", some Natalie Merchant, and a bit of Alison Krause, plus a couple of Johnny Kleg and Savuka cuts from the album "Curel, Crazy, Beautiful World". I'm afraid I might develop a raging case of placebo affect or something with this in my system. So, I'd better not say something like it makes good "normal" CD's sound like they've been remastered as XRCD's; you guys would just figure I was smoking dope or something, and wouldn't pay any attention. Better be quiet for now, and just go back and listen some more.... :B


          ~Jon
          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-Saƫns 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

          • Andrew Pratt
            Moderator Emeritus
            • Aug 2000
            • 16507

            #6
            Andrew, what would ever make you think I would tinker around with a nice new unit like this?
            History has a way of repeating itself...History has a way of repeating itself:W

            Comment

            • ThomasW
              Moderator Emeritus
              • Aug 2000
              • 10934

              #7
              Too bad the top was a extra cost option..........

              IB subwoofer FAQ page


              "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

              Comment

              • aud19
                Twin Moderator Emeritus
                • Aug 2003
                • 16706

                #8
                I dunno....looks pretty small Where do they fit all the musicians? :B

                Jason
                Jason

                Comment

                • JonMarsh
                  Mad Max Moderator
                  • Aug 2000
                  • 15260

                  #9
                  That's why they use micro chips; the musicians eat the micro chips, sometimes with micro dip, and it shrinks them down to size so a whole orchestra can fit in that relatively tiny box...
                  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-Saƫns 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

                  • Bam!
                    Super Senior Member
                    • Jan 2004
                    • 2458

                    #10
                    So jon.....this thing sounds like it is pretty sweet....

                    Question I have a Rotel cd player the RCD 855....If I addewd this DAC to it would it change that mid rangy sound to it ?

                    2nd question...How much is this little baby ?...My budget is shot....but if it is reasonable I guess I can figure a way to squeeze it in!

                    Got a nice rack to show me ?

                    Comment

                    • ThomasW
                      Moderator Emeritus
                      • Aug 2000
                      • 10934

                      #11


                      $975 + shipping

                      The review in Stereophile is quite revealing

                      IB subwoofer FAQ page


                      "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                      Comment

                      • JonMarsh
                        Mad Max Moderator
                        • Aug 2000
                        • 15260

                        #12
                        What's on line in Stereophile is their first review.

                        After that, John Atkins (their gear head and the guy who does all the recording) did a follow up review with measurements in the May issue last month. In comparing it to his reference Mark Levinson No. 30.6 DAC, he had some interesting comments,


                        In level-matched comparisons with my Long-term reference DAC, the Mark Levinson No.30.6, using Illuminati Orchid AES/EBU digital datalinks, I found it surprisingly difficult to hear differences. But after a lot of listening - whether it was solo classical piano, such as the recent JVC XRCD re-release of Artur Rubinstein performing Chopin piano sonatoas (JM-XR24008), or classic rock, such as our February "Recording of the Month", the Beatles' Let It Be...Naked (CD, Apple/Capitol CDP 5 95227 2) - the '30.6 had more low frequency weight, slightly more dimensionality to it's stereo imaging, and a smoother presentation, overall.

                        ....However, before you conlude that I'm dissing the Benchmark, remember that, before being discontinued in 2003, the mightly Levinson cost $17,500, came in two chassis, and weighted more than 80 lb. The Lilliputian DAC1 sells for a mere $975. Considered on it's own merits as a D/A processor, the Benchmark punched way above it's weight...

                        The DAC1 will be an essential companion when I next record on location. I bought the review sample.

                        - John Atkins, from May Stereohpile Follow Up Review

                        One of the most notable points in his measurements was that JA recorded a near absolute state of the art 128 picoseconds of jitter, even when driven by an optical TOSLINK connection from a PC sound card.

                        This makes me give consderable thought to the idea of making a music server PC, picking up a second DAC1 as the audio converter, and storing CD's as uncompressed wave files. OTOH, with two digital inputs, I could use the AES/EBU from the PC on the existing one.

                        Regards,

                        Jon
                        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-Saƫns 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

                        • aud19
                          Twin Moderator Emeritus
                          • Aug 2003
                          • 16706

                          #13
                          All for the low low price of $975 eh? Almost seems hard to believe 8O

                          Jason
                          Jason

                          Comment

                          • ThomasW
                            Moderator Emeritus
                            • Aug 2000
                            • 10934

                            #14
                            There's a 2 month old one on Audiogon for $775


                            IB subwoofer FAQ page


                            "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                            Comment

                            • David Meek
                              Moderator Emeritus
                              • Aug 2000
                              • 8938

                              #15
                              For the performance it "sounds" like you're getting, that's a pretty impressive price.
                              .

                              David - Trigger-happy HTGuide Admin

                              Comment

                              • aud19
                                Twin Moderator Emeritus
                                • Aug 2003
                                • 16706

                                #16
                                Jon, check out this thread if ya get a second :



                                Jason
                                Jason

                                Comment

                                • JonMarsh
                                  Mad Max Moderator
                                  • Aug 2000
                                  • 15260

                                  #17
                                  I've heard of the LynxOne before; the LynxTwo looks quite interesting, but it's something of an apples to oranges comparison; this is more of a recording tool than a playback device.

                                  When I get back from my travel, I'll down load the data; heck, it just might be the right level of wretched excess to be the PC side of a very flexible playback system, but it's focus doesn't appear to be analog output as much as digital recording, mixing, and digital I/O. Note that the DAC1 is rated for +24 dBV output, while this unit is +4 dBV. Not that that isn't enough in many applications, but the PC supply can be a bit of a limitation.

                                  I'll check it out further when I get back from travel. :T

                                  \Jon
                                  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-Saƫns 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

                                  • Phil Rose
                                    Senior Member
                                    • Aug 2000
                                    • 142

                                    #18
                                    What's on line in Stereophile is their first review.

                                    After that, John Atkins (their gear head and the guy who does all the recording)...
                                    FYI, John Atkinson is the mans name.

                                    Comment

                                    • JonMarsh
                                      Mad Max Moderator
                                      • Aug 2000
                                      • 15260

                                      #19
                                      Thank you Phil, I don't mean to get details like that wrong; I should know better, as often as I read his material.

                                      Sometimes these posts are dashed out while collecting my things to dash to the airport, and I'm afraid re-checking what I'm writing doesn't get the attention it should!

                                      Doesn't mean one shouldn't listen to the DAC, though, even if I don't spell his name correctly!

                                      ~Jon
                                      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-Saƫns 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

                                      • Phil Rose
                                        Senior Member
                                        • Aug 2000
                                        • 142

                                        #20
                                        Jon,

                                        I'm very interested in hearing your opinion of the DAC1.

                                        Question: Do you need to calibrate the fixed level output pots or, can you just turn them up full without overloading your downstream components?

                                        I have a Perpetual Technologies P1/P3 with mods that received very good reviews in Stereophile but, I have to admit that my new Sony SCD-XA9000ES easily surpasses it on RBCD. The only time that the PT stack gets to the same level is with the speaker correction software enabled. If the new version (unreleased) of code for the P1 unit doesn't get it right maybe, it's time to look into the Benchmark.

                                        BTW, I really enjoy reading your posts.
                                        Thanks!

                                        Comment

                                        • JonMarsh
                                          Mad Max Moderator
                                          • Aug 2000
                                          • 15260

                                          #21
                                          Hi Phil!

                                          I'm working on a write-up review kind of thing, but I'm trying to go systematically through some important parts of my CD collection, considering past observations and experience with my existing players and other ones. It's a bit more time consuming than I would like, but hopefully it will hit enough different bases and inputs to be musically relevant to a wider audience.

                                          Regarding output levels, I think the trim pots are good to use if you plan/need to set to a specific output level such as to balance volume with other sources. The "normal" output at studio level's is WAY to hot for a lot of consumer gear; even for a preamp with no active circuits before the volume control, it would have you using the level control mostly in the bottom of it's range. That's what occurred with my passive preamp, for example. If you have a unit with a semi-active volume control (electronic) or an active receiver circuit, it will in all likelihood clip the input. This occured with an Ayre preamp I've borrowed. My experimentation indicates that leaving the pots maxed and using the internal jumpers to set -20 dB (0 dBFS = +4) is probably best for the widest range of consumer gear. OTOH, setting to -10 and using the pot (-15 to +5) may work well in some cases.

                                          I've been going back and pulling up a lot of older CD's of mine, ones that I'm quite familiar with- this weekend it was some John Abercombi, the two Animal Logic albums (an experimental pop collaboration between Stuart Copeland, Stanley Clark, and Deborah Holland), the recent (a couple of years ago) Telarc Carmina Burana release, and an old Sonny Landreth Album. Oh yeah, Hooters "Nervous Night". Plus some Maire Brennan.

                                          I wish folks could get a chance to listen to this more easily, because I understand why most people wouldn't buy anything this expensive sight unseen- for me, it's the outstanding jitter rejection and the way they're using the AD1896 (fixed conversion frequency at about 97 kHz) that hooked me into risking my money.

                                          Hopefully by this weekend I'll finish my listening and writeup.

                                          The "short" review is that it's revitalized my CD and Hybrid SACD collection; it's as if most of the better CD's were re-mastered as XRCD's, and everything else moves up a like amount, from whatever level it was at. It won't fix crappy masters, but it makes them more listenable and musical.

                                          Regards,

                                          Jon
                                          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-Saƫns 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

                                          • watchthewaves
                                            Member
                                            • Jul 2004
                                            • 43

                                            #22
                                            Preamp section

                                            Hi Jon,

                                            Are you listening to the DAC section only? Or are you also trying out the praamp section?

                                            I'd be interested to hear your views on the little baby with and without its preamp section as I am considering running it straight into my power amp.

                                            rgds,
                                            Simon

                                            Comment

                                            • JonMarsh
                                              Mad Max Moderator
                                              • Aug 2000
                                              • 15260

                                              #23
                                              In my system I'm currently using it just from the DAC output into a DIY balanced preamp using my own NFB (non feedback) dual differential balanced amplifiers, same circuit as I was using in my own DIY DAC.

                                              I've tried the headphone/preamp output, just for fun, which uses the BurrBrown BUF634 TO220 open loop non feedback buffers, and it's quite nice- the volume tracking matching that I measured is not quite as tight as my Shallco rotary attenuators in my Marchand passive preamp or my Marchand preamp, but the sound is quite good. The DAC is configurable for output level with jumper settings, so though the headhpone/preamp buffer doesn't have gain, you've got more than enough voltage available to drive any power amp out there, consumer, pro, whatever. This output is only unbalanced, on RCA connectors. So, it can't drive my Aragon Palladium monoblocks, for example.

                                              I was just listening to Diana Krall last night before going to bed (you know, Diana Krall to wind down in the evening, maybe Liz Phair to get wound up in the morning?), and was marveling at how natural and focused the piano and her voice sounded.

                                              I have a more detailed write up in progress, but I haven't had time to finish due to work- maybe on the flight back from Singapore at the end of the next two weeks of Biz travel!

                                              ~Jon
                                              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-Saƫns 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

                                              • watchthewaves
                                                Member
                                                • Jul 2004
                                                • 43

                                                #24
                                                Benchmark DAC1 with universal player?

                                                I run both audio and HT in a 2-channel system only (don't intend to go surround). For audio, my DVDP is a transport for a 20-bit DAC. For viewing DVD-V, I take the analog audio output from the DVDP to my pre-amp, bypassing the DAC which can't handle 24/96.

                                                Am thinking of upgrading to a universal player (waiting for the Denon 2910) and the Benchmark DAC1 but have some connection questions.

                                                (1)
                                                For SACD, because it is DSD and not PCM, I presume I will have to take the analog out from the player and bypass the DAC1.

                                                (2)
                                                For DVD-A, I understand that if recorded in surround mode, it goes up to 24/96, but in 2-channel mode, it can be 24/192. In whichever mode, can I take the digital out from the player into the DAC1? Or was there something about the digital out being crippled (limited to 48kHz? SN ratio increased?). If it is crippled, wouldn't I be better off simply taking the analog audio out directly from player?

                                                Which then means that effectively, the DAC1's only use would be for redbook CDs. :cry:

                                                Hope to receive some enlightenment from those more technically clued-in.

                                                Thanks.

                                                Comment

                                                • ajpoe
                                                  Senior Member
                                                  • Jul 2004
                                                  • 439

                                                  #25
                                                  I purchased the Benchmark DAC1 and I have had it hooked up for about a week now. It is on the optical out on my HTPC soundcard and I run my receiver in Pure Audio mode. The sound is excellent. I have it set up on one input and a 2nd input bypassing it. When I listen to the DAC1 for a while and switch to the 2nd input I can really hear a difference in the clarity and overall soundstage. The vocals seem to be much more a part of the music and the bass is very tight with extremely clean highs. I am a big fan of acoustic versions of songs... unplugged CDs, etc. and I absolutely love how I can feel each string of the guitar vibrating my clothing as if I were sitting next to the instrument. I am glad that I decided to go with the DAC1 and it will not be going back. As an added bonus, I was able to get a brand new unit in box for $875 including shipping. I will add that I used to be an MP3 junkie and have since ripped my whole CD collection to the HTPC in Monkey Audio Lossless codec to use as a music server. I have found myself liking other types of music just because of the quality of the recording and the new clarity in sound. I don't even listen to my MP3s anymore (I'll probably just delete them soon to free up space for the bigger ape files) even though the DAC1 did help somewhat with those as well. It's very similar to when I got HD programming... I watch the stupidest stuff in HD instead of something good on my other channels just because the picture is so much better... LOL, what can you do?

                                                  ajpoe
                                                  AJPoe - - Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional!

                                                  Comment

                                                  • Phil Rose
                                                    Senior Member
                                                    • Aug 2000
                                                    • 142

                                                    #26
                                                    Which then means that effectively, the DAC1's only use would be for redbook CDs.
                                                    Sad but true. However, it should make those RBCDs sound great! Can't wait for Jon's write-up. (hint)

                                                    Comment

                                                    • ThomasW
                                                      Moderator Emeritus
                                                      • Aug 2000
                                                      • 10934

                                                      #27
                                                      I've been playing with one for a couple of weeks now and it's wonderful...... :T

                                                      I have a very old Sony 5 disc carousel player that's been sitting unused in the HT for years. Even though it is a ES product the sonics aren't that good. As a result it gathers dust, while I use a SCD-777ES as my only quality SACD/CD player.

                                                      Today I grabbed a Tos-link cable and hooked up the carousel player to the Tos-link in of the DAC-1 and my jaw hit the floor. There is NO audible difference between the 6yr old carousel player and my megabuck SCD-777ES when the DAC-1 is in the loop!!!!!

                                                      So my recommendation is to forget high-end CDP's and go for the Benchmark DAC-1. It will make the even the most lowly CDP (think discman) sound like a multi-thousand dollar player ...... 8O

                                                      Now I want another DAC-1 for the family room system .......... :E

                                                      IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                                      "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                                      Comment

                                                      • JonMarsh
                                                        Mad Max Moderator
                                                        • Aug 2000
                                                        • 15260

                                                        #28
                                                        Just for fun, I hooked mine up to one of my HTPC's; running a 44.1 kHz output from a really cheapo Envy HT chip class card (which is to say, a decent chip, just not a fancy implementation), and that's convinced me that an HTPC music server with high fidelity is possible. If I go optical (smart for isolation reasons), then I would just use the front panel switch to select between transport input on coax or AES/EBU, and PC input on TOSLINK.

                                                        Darn, I wanted an excuse to buy another one of these. Hmmmm, bedroom system? :B Yeah, maybe that's the idea!


                                                        ~Jon
                                                        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-Saƫns 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

                                                        • Drew_W
                                                          Member
                                                          • Dec 2003
                                                          • 75

                                                          #29
                                                          If you wanted to buy *me* one, that would be cool. And a great excuse to buy another one.

                                                          Always fun reading threads like this though...kind of like a blog or thoughts...always thought I should do something similar in a journal since I move around equipment so much and so fast that I can't really remember why I made the move in the first place. Arughhhh. But this is a great hobby yes yes...

                                                          Comment

                                                          • JonMarsh
                                                            Mad Max Moderator
                                                            • Aug 2000
                                                            • 15260

                                                            #30
                                                            Originally posted by Drew_W
                                                            If you wanted to buy *me* one, that would be cool. And a great excuse to buy another one.

                                                            Always fun reading threads like this though...kind of like a blog or thoughts...always thought I should do something similar in a journal since I move around equipment so much and so fast that I can't really remember why I made the move in the first place. Arughhhh. But this is a great hobby yes yes...

                                                            I have a few friends who turn equipment pretty quickly. I'm probably that way with notebook computers; seems like about 1 a year.

                                                            But AV gear is a bit different; I have amplifiers that are 15+ years old, as well as some that are ~5 years old, and a pair of Palladium 1K's that are less than a year old. My problem is I tend to accrete gear without disposing of the old one; sometimes it just get's passed down to a different system, or off to my daughter or a friend.

                                                            The only other unit I considered besides the DA1 was an Ayre CX-7, which is a very good CDP for the money, but wouldn't work in a PC based juke box system, as I've been considering. Of course, even just a good megachanger might be OK, but I like the idea of putting together playlists and compiliations of cuts across multiple albums from my favorite artists- uncompressed wave files on a PC seems the best way to do this. Combine it with a compact LCD display, which I already use on my HTPC (which has a dedicated hardware board for HD and DVD output); could work nicely. Just need time to do it! That's what's hardest to find.

                                                            ~Jon
                                                            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-Saƫns 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

                                                            • whmacs
                                                              Senior Member
                                                              • Oct 2003
                                                              • 184

                                                              #31
                                                              Hi Jon,
                                                              Thanks for all the details on the DAC1, it sounds outstanding. How would you describe the sound it produces i.e. detailed, warm, smooth etc...? I'm still planning my two channel system and like SimonS's idea of something like the new Denon 3910 to handle SACD / DVD-A playback and the DAC1 for redbook.

                                                              Thanks,
                                                              Stephen
                                                              My Home Theatre

                                                              Comment

                                                              • ThomasW
                                                                Moderator Emeritus
                                                                • Aug 2000
                                                                • 10934

                                                                #32
                                                                It's quite detailed, and neutral. What's on the disc is what you get sort of thing. In comparison to Hawk MP-DAC, the Benchmark is more 'live' or 'real' sounding.

                                                                It creates a TON of tight clean bass. I actually had to turn down the IB sub -2dB from it's previous setting

                                                                Bottleheads probably wouldn't be happy unless they're running a tube preamp

                                                                BTW what does 'warm' sounding mean anyway? :wink:

                                                                IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                                                "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                                                Comment

                                                                • whmacs
                                                                  Senior Member
                                                                  • Oct 2003
                                                                  • 184

                                                                  #33
                                                                  Hi ThomasW,
                                                                  Thanks for the reply. I listen to music to relax (Norah Jones etc...), so I kind of like that 'warm' smooth sound I am also trying to decide if I should go for a solid state preamp or a tube based one (probably a Rotel 1080 power amp). I haven't really heard a tube based preamp, so could you explain a bit more what you mean by "...unless they're running a tube preamp"

                                                                  thanks,
                                                                  Stephen
                                                                  My Home Theatre

                                                                  Comment

                                                                  • ThomasW
                                                                    Moderator Emeritus
                                                                    • Aug 2000
                                                                    • 10934

                                                                    #34
                                                                    Those fans of 'warm' sound usually want tubes somewhere in the signal path or they aren't happy. So if they don't get a tube DAC (oxymoron in my world) they use a tube preamp to flavor the sound.

                                                                    Generally speaking of one is prudent in their choice of IC's and speaker wire, one can 'color' the sound anyway they want.

                                                                    IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                                                    "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    • whmacs
                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                      • Oct 2003
                                                                      • 184

                                                                      #35
                                                                      Thanks ThomasW, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

                                                                      cheers,
                                                                      Stephen
                                                                      My Home Theatre

                                                                      Comment

                                                                      • ajpoe
                                                                        Senior Member
                                                                        • Jul 2004
                                                                        • 439

                                                                        #36
                                                                        Originally posted by JonMarsh
                                                                        Just for fun, I hooked mine up to one of my HTPC's; running a 44.1 kHz output from a really cheapo Envy HT chip class card (which is to say, a decent chip, just not a fancy implementation), and that's convinced me that an HTPC music server with high fidelity is possible. If I go optical (smart for isolation reasons), then I would just use the front panel switch to select between transport input on coax or AES/EBU, and PC input on TOSLINK.
                                                                        Jon, that's exactly what my sound card is. The Maddog Multimedia Entertainer 7.1. It was only $50 at CompUSA. I am up to over 3100 lossless tracks on my HTPC and constantly adding. I couldn't be happier. Having the RF remote and random/playlist capabilities is a niced added touch and far superiour to dealing with a CD changer IMHO.

                                                                        ajpoe
                                                                        AJPoe - - Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional!

                                                                        Comment

                                                                        • Steve Goff
                                                                          Senior Member
                                                                          • Feb 2002
                                                                          • 186

                                                                          #37
                                                                          I have yet to hear the Dac1, but what is interesting to me is the mundane parts they use, albeit with great execution, including 5532 op amps and 78xx regulators. Kinda makes me wonder whether my beliefs about good audio design are merely prejudices.
                                                                          Steve Goff

                                                                          Comment

                                                                          • ThomasW
                                                                            Moderator Emeritus
                                                                            • Aug 2000
                                                                            • 10934

                                                                            #38
                                                                            There's a very enlightening thread on the head-Fi forum where John Siau
                                                                            Director of Engineering for Benchmark addresses these issues.

                                                                            His posts start on the 4th page of the thread.

                                                                            IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                                                            "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                                                            Comment

                                                                            • Steve Goff
                                                                              Senior Member
                                                                              • Feb 2002
                                                                              • 186

                                                                              #39
                                                                              I read that thread the other day, after you linked it elsewhere. Very interesting stuff.
                                                                              Steve Goff

                                                                              Comment

                                                                              • aud19
                                                                                Twin Moderator Emeritus
                                                                                • Aug 2003
                                                                                • 16706

                                                                                #40
                                                                                So I just finished reading that thread you posted the link to (thank you Thomas ) and figured out a couple of things.

                                                                                One, sounds like john might not want to mod this little jewel as Andrew had suspected as it seems pretty clear everything's already been optimized with eachother.

                                                                                Two, a non-grounded XLR to RCA cable seems to be the best route to go (or XLR straight through if you have the luxury) so what are you three using (Jon, Ajpoe, Thomas) and have any of you experimented with the different connections?

                                                                                Three, Jon still has yet to post his writeup!

                                                                                Jason
                                                                                Jason

                                                                                Comment

                                                                                • aud19
                                                                                  Twin Moderator Emeritus
                                                                                  • Aug 2003
                                                                                  • 16706

                                                                                  #41
                                                                                  Originally posted by JonMarsh
                                                                                  I've heard of the LynxOne before; the LynxTwo looks quite interesting, but it's something of an apples to oranges comparison; this is more of a recording tool than a playback device.

                                                                                  When I get back from my travel, I'll down load the data; heck, it just might be the right level of wretched excess to be the PC side of a very flexible playback system, but it's focus doesn't appear to be analog output as much as digital recording, mixing, and digital I/O. Note that the DAC1 is rated for +24 dBV output, while this unit is +4 dBV. Not that that isn't enough in many applications, but the PC supply can be a bit of a limitation.

                                                                                  I'll check it out further when I get back from travel. :T

                                                                                  \Jon
                                                                                  Also wouldn't mind hearing the rest of your thoughts on the Lynx Two when you get the chance. (I know you're a busy boy!) Also an explanation of what this:
                                                                                  Note that the DAC1 is rated for +24 dBV output, while this unit is +4 dBV
                                                                                  means in english for us folks who are ...ahem.. less than technical-lingo inclined In other words what does that mean in relation to how it will sound.

                                                                                  Jason
                                                                                  Jason

                                                                                  Comment

                                                                                  • ThomasW
                                                                                    Moderator Emeritus
                                                                                    • Aug 2000
                                                                                    • 10934

                                                                                    #42
                                                                                    means in english for us folks who are ...ahem.. less than technical-lingo inclined
                                                                                    Prosound uses MUCH higher line voltages than home audio. The 24V out is way to to high for home audio. So one needs to attenuate the signal to avoid overdriving the preamp.
                                                                                    so what are you three using (Jon, Ajpoe, Thomas) and have any of you experimented with the different connections
                                                                                    Since I just bought the Ayre K5x, I now have balanced inputs. But haven't gotten around to buying or building any balanced cables yet. So unbalanced am I :wink:

                                                                                    IB subwoofer FAQ page


                                                                                    "Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out." ...... Henri Cartier-Bresson

                                                                                    Comment

                                                                                    • ajpoe
                                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                                      • Jul 2004
                                                                                      • 439

                                                                                      #43
                                                                                      I am running optical in and unbalanced RCAs out to my preamp. I had not heard of using the XLA to RCA for best results...

                                                                                      ajpoe
                                                                                      AJPoe - - Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional!

                                                                                      Comment

                                                                                      • watchthewaves
                                                                                        Member
                                                                                        • Jul 2004
                                                                                        • 43

                                                                                        #44
                                                                                        Any Denon 3910-Benchmark DAC1 owners?

                                                                                        Am looking to upgrade my DVDP as well as improve redbook CD audio quality on my present system. Wondering whether are there any 3910-DAC1 owners out there. If so, would like to hear your views on the audio capabilities of the 3910's internal DACs compared to the DAC1. If the DAC1 doesn't bring a significant improvement, I might just get the 3910 only.

                                                                                        If there is a significant improvement, I would consider either 3910-DAC1 or 2910-DAC1. The latter saves a tidy amount for more CDs, but can't tell whether there will be any audio difference due to the differences in the transport sections of these 2 DVDPs.

                                                                                        Comment

                                                                                        • Aussie Geoff
                                                                                          Super Senior Member
                                                                                          • Oct 2003
                                                                                          • 1914

                                                                                          #45
                                                                                          SimonS,

                                                                                          I would consider either 3910-DAC1 or 2910-DAC1. The latter saves a tidy amount for more CDs, but can't tell whether there will be any audio difference due to the differences in the transport sections of these 2 DVDPs.
                                                                                          My understanding is that the main focus of the upgrade between the 2910 and 3910 is in the digital connections (e.g. Denon Link) and the Video Processing (there may also be some improvements in the DAC for Audio but they both seem to use the same D/A converters... Oh, and the 3910 has substantially more solid build quality. So IMO your need to decide do you want these imrpovements as much (more) than it's quality as a transport. Certainly people have described the extra video quality of the 3910 as "stunning"....

                                                                                          As always with Audio - go listen for yourself.... For examply you could buy a DCA1 and then take it into the store to do comparative listenning. If you've visited before and book a convenient time most stores will be more than happy to oblige (even interesting the outcome themselves!)

                                                                                          Geoff

                                                                                          Comment

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