Benchmark DAC1 Pre vs. Bel Canto DAC3

Benchmark DAC1 tends to be precise - I believe the DAC1 pre is much teh same but I have not heard it. Benchmark claim that because of precise phase accuracy of their pro design you get a narrower and tight image that gravitates more to being between the speakers relative to other DAC's (which sound more open with broader and sometimes bigger than life soundstage). You also tend to more aware that the singer is singing into a microphone on vocals. Anoteh rdifference is a tendency to hear less thickness in the lower midrange - it comes across very clear leaning towards a "horn" type sound. All of this is described on line by countless listeners. Benchmark claim these effects are all due to superior accuracy and preicsion. You must judge yourself.

Many audiophiles prefer something a bit more laid back with less precision in order to be less aware that you are listening to a recording (warts and all).

I like the DAC1 but it fits well with my listening preferences. I am very much interested in the music and individual instruments - I have no worries that it sometimes sounds like a recording (which, after all it is)

BTW I think you've latched on to two very excellent choices depending on which way your musical tastes take you.

I would add only that I think the Benchmark is a very unique device for home audio use at its price point. I'm of the mindset that I still might well give one a try someday.

So the DAC1 and the DAC1 Pre sound similar enough so that any comparisons between the DAC1 and Bel Canto also applies to the DAC1 Pre?

"So the DAC1 and the DAC1 Pre sound similar enough so that any comparisons between the DAC1 and Bel Canto also applies to the DAC1 Pre?"

I believe that is correct.

The DAC1 pre adds additional analog inputs for other input sources. That is the main difference I recall.

"So the DAC1 and the DAC1 Pre sound similar enough so that any comparisons between the DAC1 and Bel Canto also applies to the DAC1 Pre?"

The original DAC1 uses NE5532 op-amps in input and output stages. The DAC1 USB uses the LM4562 in the output stages. The DAC1 Pre uses LM4562 throughout. It stands to reason that these differences might result in a different sound. I recently replaced my DAC1 with a DAC1 Pre and did a quick and admittedly unscientific A/B listening comparison before selling the DAC1. FWIW, I felt I could hear very subtle differences, but both sounded superb and really much more similar than different.