Benchmark Dac 1 USB


Dear all,
ive been looking into DACS recently and i come accross this one while browsing the net. It is not very expensive relativly speaking. its small light weight and not very visually striking . there are very glowing reviews on the net. even suggestions that only the very, very best can better its performance.i find that quite difficult to believe. i dont take reviewers word for it, but they are able to point in a right direction. I would like to hear from owners of this dac. how would this dac compare to a dac in a 3-4k player? is it really only bettered by very expensive dacs? any views? thank you kindly
james123
Oh dear. The Benchmark is highly regarded by many, yet frequently quite controversial around these parts. Tends to generate strong feelings (and often disagreement). A search of the forums will bring you back more than you might want, but this one would be a great start. In sum, I think, it is an excellent dac with a very pronounced design goal inherent in its sonic presentation, and folks seem to either love it or hate it. Which camp you might fall into will take a listen to figure out.
I have a DAC-1 USB and I love it but I have friends who absolutely hate it. So just like most things in audio, it is 100% subjective and the spec can't always tell what is better. The only way to find out is to listen to it yourself.

I think Benchmark Media offer a 30 day free trial. Or you can buy a used one and resale it if it doesn't please you.
thank you for the responses. anyone have an idea if a 3- 4 k cd player would have a better dac section. the reason im asking is im considering the dac because of the usb/ computer connection and if it would be better than my own cd player dac, i might consider using it as a transport only. the hi fi reviewers say alot of things but are never specific. thank you.