Benchmark VS older ultrahigh end dac's in these...

With all the responses I am surprised there hasn't been a mention of the Bel Canto DAC 3...any comments on the DAC3 compared to the Benchmark...or others?

The divergence of opinion here doesn't surprise me. The Benchmark has a
sepcific signature that will polarize opinions. Some will say "
transparent" others "clinical". This reminds me of the divide
on Quad ESLs and (particularly older) Merlin VSMs. All the products share a
certain "lean" quality in the mid-bass that I suspect is behind
much of the debate as to their merit.

IMHO, the Benchmark is great. In a system with Verity Parsifal Encores,a
QSonix transport and warmish tube electronics it sounds absolutely great and
to my ear far superior to the DAC/DAC sections that preceded it in my
system.

However, with a ss amp (Odyssey mono) and the aforementioned VSMs,
things went a bit dry and analytical. In short, IMHO this is really system and
taste dependent.

Marty

PS I switched out the Odysseys for TAD Hibachis as my ss "alternate" and the
Benchmark sounds much better via TAD/Merlin. OTOH the Benchmark/Merlin
combo is IMHO still better served by an all-tube chain.

I own a Benchmark, and as it measures better than

units far beyond its price. The sound too is "Crystal"

I suggest that many folks want their music to have a

certain "sound" that the Benchmark fails to deliver.

It plays what has been Mastered on the Disc period!

Just the "MUSIC" pure and without any "characteristics"

just clean Music.

Not every transport delivers the same result. Myself

I use a Sony XA7ES player with Audio Alchemy's Digital

Data Stream cables, with the largest power supply they made, bcn to Balanced XLR preamp. The power

cord for the Benchmark is a Transparent Super Power cord.

P.S. Audio Statement XLR cables for Dac1.

I use the green S.I.D(sound improvement disc) and the

sound is more like the finest of Analog with the Dynamics

of Digital. If hearing the "MUSIC" is Primary to You,

In this configuration, my recently checked ears tell me,

over and over, no matter the Disc...I am totally "blown"

away, the resolution this Dac gives when matched properly.

So I don't know what to tell You, except that when I

listen to my Benchmark, I have never been unhappy!

Sorry I meant BNC connection.To the Balanced XLR's.

Oh and as for Bass playback with the Benchmark:

My "torture" test C.D. Jean Guillou, "The Great Organ

Of Saint Eustache 16hz. Fundamental!

The "Warning" is no joke! If You know Dorian Recordings

then You know, what I am saying.

My dual 15" Velodynes along with the P.S. Audio GCA 500,

plus two more Power Amplifiers, insure that All low

frequencies are "Crystal" Clear, with both seismic depth,

and the speed of a .223 caliber, for quick, tight bass

in all recordings.

Love Your Music!!!