Not clear exactly what the complexity complaints were from the youtube video reviewer, but this is after all a 3-in-1 piece.
The review in Stereophile was glowing positive. Their test results showed a very well engineered product.
I've added this feature to the TODO list. We will implement it in the next firmware version.
Anyone had a chance to compare the sound of the Benchmark direct to amp with the new Mytek DAC+?
I brought up the (original) Brooklyn, not to burst a bubble, but to offer an alternative that AudioStream.com ranks 'Class A' versus Benchmark DAC2 HGC that they rank 'Class B'. Note that Michael Lavorgna, main reviewer for AudioStream.com, owns the Brooklyn and uses it for his reviews, but the Benchmark was reviewed earlier by Steven Palskin (and as they say, especially in the DAC world, 'the first lair never stands a chance').
Mytek DAC's reportedly have a house sound, while Benchmark DAC's are simply honest and devoid of noise. OTOH Brooklyn offers phono preamp and MQA features while as you mentioned Benchmark has a HT bypass.
Neither are reported to be the best, but chasing that dream would be a frustrating, time consuming, and quite expensive way to chase your tail, IME.
Had A Benchmark DAC2-DX, and really like how it sounded. I wound up replacing it with a McIntosh D-150 for two major reasons:
1) The D-150 has both fixed and variable XLR outputs, which I need for driving both the power amp and the headphone amp (KGSS-HV). The Benchmark was not quite as flexible in that regard.
2) The D-150 turned out to be a better match for use with KGSS-HV. For whatever reason, the headphone setup sounded more neutral with the D-150, with better low level detail.
Still, my time with the Benchmark was most enjoyable, and I would be keen to audition a DAC-3 with my system. I'm sure it would be an excellent performer.
Review and Measurements of Mytek Brooklyn DAC :?
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-mytek-brooklyn-dac.1828/
Again, your Benchmark DAC3 is an excellent purchase.
Brooklyn DAC+ features the following improvements as compared to Brooklyn DAC:
- Sabre 9028 Pro chipset ( 9018 in older model)
- Higher grade, more transparent and less noisy analog attenuator circuit.
- Improved analog input performance
- Improved Phono Stage transparency
- Improved Headphone Amp sound (more detail, more definition)
- Dual mono analog path
My opinion: your DAC 3 is not the bottleneck of your system. I think it would be better to identify the bottlenecks you have in your system and try to solve them before changing the DAC. Like me with my VERY BIG problems with noise, RF/EMI interferences, DC at mains and high voltage (almost 240 volts while in the EU is 230 volts).
..I find the music out of the DAC 3 a little clearer/cleaner and feel I get more music out of whatever source I am using. I guess that's all the trite things I have to say about that...I am definitely encouraged to try Benchmark's amp next to see how it compares. I know it has a lot more power. I want to see if more "veils" can be "lifted" I guess.
Question; does the Benchmark allow output signal routing to both RCA and XLR as the Brooklyn does? I'd like to feed my AVR as well when I want to feed other zones throughout the house. I was trying to find this in the manual (I do agree, it's a bit complicated).
Thx!
JD
But WOW eliminating the preamp and 2 sets of interconnects lifted yet another veil , bringing out even more clarity and layers to the music.
Question; does the Benchmark allow output signal routing to both RCA and XLR as the Brooklyn does? I'd like to feed my AVR as well when I want to feed other zones throughout the house. I was trying to find this in the manual (I do agree, it's a bit complicated).
Thx!
JD
Peter, thanks for starting this thread. My latest update....... After enjoying the DAC3 L for several weeks as a DAC only I finally began using it as a DAC/Pre a couple of days ago. I pulled my preamp (Nuforce P9) out of the loop, BTW I have really been pleased with the P 9 over the last 10 yrs and it was still sounding great. But WOW eliminating the preamp and 2 sets of interconnects lifted yet another veil , bringing out even more clarity and layers to the music. The DAC 3 L as a DAC took my system up to an entire new level and using it as a pre/DAC was another significant step up
SB Touch (Bolder digital mods, Bybee power rails) > Benchmark DAC 3L > itube2 > Bryston 14B sst2 > PMC PB1i speakers
BTW I use RCA connections out of the DAC
...but I like the +6db 60Hz and below bass boost which is an option on the itube2. I'll try your suggestion next week and report back
pstrisik
I think you made an excellent purchase with the DAC 3. In Europe it is more complicated to buy Benchmark hard.
In EU, a great option, from world pro: RME ADI-2 Pro. But it is not a preamp.
https://www.rme-audio.de/en/products/adi_2-pro.php
I heard ALL 14 amps.
1º F5 Juma. I love the sound.
2º VHex+ . It seems doped. Much bass, some anecoic sound. Maybe is the ideal with orchestral music.
3º Quasi. Sweet, warm. It needs more energy and highs. To listen vocal music.
I think that F5 Juma has the best of VHex+ and Quasi. Problem, to me, it has very little power to move my KEF Q100 speakers (86dB and 4.7 Ohms minimum). Am I wrong?
And yes, your speakers sound very bad with orchestral music.
Capacitor multipliers make low-frequency filter and long-duration timing circuits possible that would be impractical with actual capacitors. Another application is in DC power supplies where very low ripple voltage (under load) is of paramount importance, such as in class-A amplifiers.
The Mac Mini is an excellent audio device, not expensive, never had or needed a fan. But whatever works for you; I'm not one to push my choices on others....
I do not agree: it has a very dirty SMPS!
Those old days of the first Mac, MS-DOS, Windows 3.11 and UNIX...
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OFF TOPIC again
AKSA's Lender Preamp with 40Vpp Ouput GB
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/group-buys/315521-aksas-lender-preamp-40vpp-ouput-gb.html
{snip}
I am basically flying blind with the volume control on the Benchmark now. You can see where I added some white electrical tape to the volume knob to try to see it better, but still doesn't work well in a very dim room. I might have to get a relatively dim LED to illuminate the knob!
{snip}
.......Peter
SRB, I had the same thought. I don't think I have a mismatch on impedance (I'll check the numbers and if I recall one wants the receiving gear and the sending gear to have a 10 times difference) , but I like the +6db 60Hz and below bass boost which is an option on the itube2. I'll try your suggestion next week and report back
In the "sometimes you get what you pay for" department, the AURALiC VEGA G2 outshines the Benchmark DAC3 in a not so subtle way. I don't think this reflects badly on the DAC3. I've not heard about a DAC under $2000 that can beat it. The VEGA G2 is almost three times the price. Nice that it accommodates my streaming needs, has Theater Bypass option for the analog inputs, and has the inputs I need. So the price blow is softened by no longer needing the ARIES G2, a separate streaming bridge.
I'll be listing the three month old DAC3-L for sale on the Circle and Audiogon this weekend. PM me if anyone wants a jump on that.
........Peter
Fantastic
The Benchmark Media DAC3 HGC is a fantastic digital-to-analog converter that comes with a fantastic headphone amplifier with two outputs, and can also double as a fantastic preamplifier. Its asking price is more than reasonable for such a versatile component, with a sound quality that can be compared to units costing much more. Whether or not one likes the sound of the DAC3 depends on the audiophile who auditions it, since those who are hard of hearing might not like it.
Sure, you can find a better DAC if you want to spend much more money, you can find a better headphone amplifier if you want to spend much more money, and you can find a preamplifier with more features and better sound quality if you want to spend much more money. But here it is folks, a digital-to-analog converter, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier all-in-one unit that can be called a bargain, even at a cost of about $2200.