[mr_bill]

I have a Dac 1 that I run straight in to my Rowland M501 amps.  I use the Benchmark volume control as a preamp and run balanced in to the amps, with the XLR attenuation jumpers at 0.

I've had my Benchmark Dac1 for awhile now and have noticed a few traits:

I don't notice as much decay in notes in comparison to previous set ups (with other preamp and other CD players).

There's not quite as much depth to the soundstage either.  Less ambience

The soundstage seems a little more up front, forward and flatter, less three dimensional.

Transparency is very good and treble is very extended and clear.  A glassy monochromatic tinge is noted though.  There also seems to be a bit of 'noisiness' in the sound.

I would really like to keep a high level of transparency and extended treble, but would like to pick up some more depth, ambience, more 3D and a touch of naturallness.

Any other experiences out there or suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

[NealH]

I owned the Benchmade Dac-1 and was never thrilled with it.  It provided good detail, a very dynamic soundstage and a wide frequency response but, it was also a bit steril and bleached in it's presentation.  As you indicated, it lacks dimensionality and the natural decay that provides music with that palpable presence.  I didn't keep this dac very long at all as it was no match for the Bel Canto dac nor, the MF Trivista dac that I also owned at the same time.  Fact is, the Bel Canto dac-2 and MF Trivista both were an order of magnitude more musical and enjoyable.  From the moment music started playing through either of these dacs, I had no desire to return to the Benchmade. 

Having mentioned the BC  and Trivista dacs, based on your indicated comments I would recommend seeking out one of these because they will provide a deeper and richer soundfield, with more rhythm and presence.  There are better dacs out there but, these two venerable bargains seem to sit at the point of diminishing returns.   

[thomaspf]

When you look for alternatives you should also listen to the Lavry DA10.

It is very musical in my account

Cheers
 
  Thomas

[srayle]

Check out the Zhaolu DAC out of Hong Kong...I owned the Benchmark for a little while and had the same response and sold it. I was turned on to a Zhaolu 1.3 and was a-m-a-z-e-d at how good it is...period, let alone that it was $200. There is a recent thread here on it on Audiocircle with lots of information re: inexpensive do it yourself opamp upgrades, and there is a HUGE thread on Head-Fi.com extolling the wonders of it.
When I was visiting my discriminating AudioCircle friend  _Richard_ recently, we were plugging and playing
our various goodies (Vinnie modded Olive Musica, RedWine Signature 30, Fi Monoblocks, Roger Modjesky's
latest creations, open baffle speakers...really high grade ore) I put the Zhalou DAC in the mix and Richard's ears perked up instantly..."ooh, I want one of those"...rumor spread to Dmason about it, but don't know if he ever checked it out. Anyway, I have instructions from Richard to obtain one for him (he doesn't like to do credit card orders overseas)...

[Jim N.]

I picked up a MHDT Labs (Taiwan) Paradisea on E-Bay and I'm very impressed with it. It pushed my RAM modded Bel Canto DAC2 (very impressive in it's own right) into my second system. Warm, detailed, no background noise, nice PRAT. I'm waiting for a Bendix 6385 tube to use in it but the stock GE JAN 5670 is not bad at all. I never thought an inexpensive DAC (it cost me 440 bucks shipped) could sound so good.

[95bcwh]

I would really like to keep a high level of transparency and extended treble, but would like to pick up some more depth, ambience, more 3D and a touch of naturallness.

Seems to me that you need to look for a DAC that uses tube..all that phrases you mentioned "depth, ambience, 3D, naturallness" seems to come from gears that generate "good distortion".

[Russell Dawkins]

When you look for alternatives you should also listen to the Lavry DA10.

It is very musical in my account

Cheers
 
  Thomas

Thomas - have you had an opportunity to compare the Benchmark with the DA10? I am on the point of purchasing a Lavry, but mainly because of the features, all of which I need in my studio. I was just assuming it would sound "as good" as the Benchmark. Are you saying you think it sounds better?

[oris98]

First of all,  Benchmark does not have a good preamp section. They are just not in the leaque for audiophile level of gear.  At one time, I tried bypassing my preamp and rely on Benchmark directly go to the power amp.  After 2 days, I switched back to my preamp.  Forget about the preamp section of the DAC1.  Just use it as a DAC and feed to your preamp, you will have a very good result.  I pair it up with my Modwright SW9SE and the BAT VK60 AMP, it is a very wonderful setup.