Benchmark DAC1 w/ Rotel

[pyroponic]

Hello, I own a Rotel RMB-1095 and a RSP-1068. The Benchmark DAC1 has a variable gain, so I can either set that high and the RSP-1068 volume low, or turn the gain down but turn the RSP-1068 volume high. Which should it be?

[JDH]

Hello, I own a Rotel RMB-1095 and a RSP-1068. The Benchmark DAC1 has a variable gain, so I can either set that high and the RSP-1068 volume low, or turn the gain down but turn the RSP-1068 volume high. Which should it be?

I own a Benchmark DAC 1, RSP-1066 and RB-1080, RMB-1075. I connect DAC1 to the RSP-1066 with a fixed output (ie. high) and let the RSP-1066 control the output to the amplifier. I also sometimes bypass the RSP-1066 completely using the DAC 1 as a pre-amp connected directly to the RB-1080 using balanced XLR connections.

If you are not making a direct connection between the DAC1 and your RMB-1095 and using the RSP-1068 as the pre-amp then you may as well set the DAC 1 to fixed output (use the toggle switch on the back of the DAC1) and let the RSP-1068 control the output. Either way will still work

[bleeding ears]

guys, what cd players are you using with the dac 1 and can you describe the difference using the dac 1 over the cd player on its own.

Also where do you get a dac 1 in Oz and what are they going for?

Pete

[JDH]

guys, what cd players are you using with the dac 1 and can you describe the difference using the dac 1 over the cd player on its own.

Also where do you get a dac 1 in Oz and what are they going for?

Pete

I use 3 differnent digital sources with the DAC 1 ie.

1. Slimdevices - Squeezebox 3 (computer based music server)
2. Yamaha HD1300 - CDR HDD (CD writer with hard disc)
3. Panasonic DVD recorder and sometimes Pioneer DVD player.

The Slimdevices Squeezebox or Yamaha HD1300 are the ones I use regularly for CD playback.

My CD players above are OK using their internal DAC's or the RSP-1066 DAC's however the dedicated DAC adds more detail and tighter base, I also use the DAC 1 as a headphone amp for my Sennhieser HD600 headphones. The DAC 1 cost more than my RSP-1066, however I was happy with the price paid for the additional sound quality gained.

I purchased the silver version of the Benchmark DAC 1 from a Sydney HiFi store for $1480 AUD, I think the RRP is $1795 based on the Australian Distributors web page. The HiFi store in Sydney I purchased it from was very helpful and ordered it in as one off special order, they are located at Five Dock, PM me if you need further details.

[bleeding ears]

JDH, thanks for that, its something for me to aim for, but for now I will stick with what I have.

Its interesting to know how components change the sound and if the change is always an improvement or not.

I wonder how it would compare with the Rotel 1072 ? or other Rotel cd players?

Anyone been there and done that ?

[Taito]

Spearmint has. There was quite a discussion a while ago on another forum. He'll know which one.

-Ben

[bleeding ears]

thanks taito, I will do a search first and see what comes up.