Benchmark DAC1 auditions out there? latest model

Rich,
You can call or e-mail Benchmark who should be able to ID the piece and which version it is.

I have compared the dcs Elgar/Purcell, Jolida JD-100 and the Benchmark at the same time.

The Benchmark is open, lively and dynamic. It is immediate sounding but, it can be a bit strident or bleached in some respects through the midrange and treble areas which tends to rob it of that old fashion analog life. I could also say that it exhibits more of a two-dimensional soundstage that other dacs/players that I have owned or auditioned but, considering my subjective preferences this does not become a disadvantage. But, this is not being said to diminish the Benchmark because it is actually a very good dac - probably excellent for the money.

The Jolida is rhythmically very musical sounding. Notes seem to have just a touch more body than with the Benchmark and burst through with life (especially in the upper bass through midrange)- not so much the treble though. It is also quick and immediate sounding, and slightly rolled off in the extreme treble area. It is reasonably dynamic though a bit less control in the bottom registers than the Benchmark or dcs dacs. Most of all, I would call it emminently enjoyable because is is easy to listen to.

The dcs rig provids a beautifully three dimensional soundstage where music and notes just suddenly appear from nowhere in space and hold their position perfectly. Notes and voices start, evolve and decay in free space. The dcs is very dynamic, has excellent extension at both ends (good bass wieght), and has excellent resolve without sounding etched or bleached. A very nice live sounding system commensurate with it's cost.

All are good dacs/players, each with a set of strengths and weaknesses, and no losers.

I agree with Nealhood's comments on the downsides of the Benchmark. I got quite excited about the Benchmark till I heard the pro audio guys raving about how the Lavry Blue was superior. I tried one and they were right. It is all XLR connectors and has no volume control or headphone jack. But if that doesn't worry you then the extra dollars gets you a much classier DAC in my opinion.

Try also the Apogee Mini DAC.
According to different reviewers ,here in Holland, the Apogee is better than the Benchmark .
The Apogee brings more emotion/life in the music.

The Apogee is a bit softer than the Benchmark and a bit less resolving, but many do find it more musical. To my ear the Benchmark has an engaging quality to it because it has been cunningly voiced, but that voicing can be a bit brash and thin in some systems. I believe it is let down by the 'el cheapo' analogue output devices used - common or garden 5534s.