Benchmark Dac1 HDR vs Bel Canto 2.5????

FWIW I don't use the Bel Canto these days and prefer the EMM Labs/Playback.

One thing I do miss from the Bel Canto is the ability to play DSD which you can get from the new Benchmark 2. Not sure how it sounds tho.

Another option I'd consider is the TEAC UD-501. It doesnt have a volume control but it does DSD as well and I like the rich sound it creates.

It's quite cheap as well. Does 32/384 and up to 2xDSD.

Great advice, I think I will upgrade to the Benchmark Dac2 HGC

Audition in your own system, of course, but I preferred the NAD M51 over the Benchmark DAC2 HGC, going direct into my ATC power amp.

Loftarasa,

I read your review, very nice! But for me, I prefer the more
Transparent sound of the Benchmark. I did audition the NAD M51 before I got my DAC1 HDR, and I thought it sounded great.

The Bass is more Round and bigger than the Dac1, but the Dac1 bass was Faster, tighter and more extended in my room.

It's all about System matching!

I have listened to both, and in fact own the Bel Canto 2.5.

I would agree that the Benchmarks are more neutral sounding, and that is fine, given that you have other audio equipment that will color the sound the way you want it to. As I understand it, Benchmark products have a much longer history in the audio engineering/production business than home listening, thus the more neutral sound.

One thing I like more about the DAC 2 is that it offers native DSD conversion, instead of the unit having to process the digital signal to PCM, which allows for sound degradation in the conversation from one format to another. More and more music is becoming available in DSD format, from digital files to SACDs themselves. The only issue is that you would have to have a SACD transport thats transports a true DSD signal.

Why did I end up with the Bel Canto 2.5? Wide dynamics, detailed, smooth and full sound. I also though I would like the headphone amp on the Bel Canto more than the neutral DAC 1/2. And lastly, the Bel Canto has a built-in power supply upgrade, AND has an ADC to digitize phono/analog music. And lastly, at the time i bought the 2.5, I didnt realize how much i would be getting into SACD/DSD in the future.