Benchmark DAC1 vs BDA-1

jaxwired · « **on:** 6 Nov 2011, 01:51 am »

Anybody every compare the Benchmark DAC1 to the BDA-1? Anybody make the switch? I have the Benchmark DAC1 and have loved it since the day I bought it (more than 2 years ago), but the BDA-1 would sure look nice with my other Bryston gear...

Freo-1 · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Nov 2011, 02:14 am »

I admit to being a bit biased, but IMHO, the new Eastern Electric Mini Max DAC easily outperforms the Benchmak DAC, and I strongly suspect it will better anything near or or up to several times it's price point.

The ESS Sable 9018 DAC sets a new perfromance standard in the digital domain.

drummermitchell · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Nov 2011, 02:27 am »

I too had the benchmark dac1(a few yrs ago)I liked it alot until I auditioned the BDA-1,
no comparison as far as musicality,just like the BCD-1(which I'll keep) for back up with the soon to be mine BDP-1.

Phil A · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Nov 2011, 02:27 am »

Quote from: jaxwired on 6 Nov 2011, 01:51 am

Anybody every compare the Benchmark DAC1 to the BDA-1? Anybody make the switch? I have the Benchmark DAC1 and have loved it since the day I bought it (more than 2 years ago), but the BDA-1 would sure look nice with my other Bryston gear...

John Gatski of everythingaudio.net has reviewed the BDA-1 and has a Benchmark. The review is on the website. I'm waiting for his review of the BDP-1 too.

larevoj · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Nov 2011, 02:33 am »

Have auditioned the Benchmark...not all too impressed in sound but features loaded and can do without a preamplifier. I went with separates from Bryston...

SoundGame · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Nov 2011, 04:12 am »

Just read the review - sounds like a greater level of smoothness and musicality is what characterized the difference of the Bryston vs. the Benchmark but this was really only evident through comparison via headphones and was less apparent through speakers. So not sure jaxwired, how much you'll notice - depends on room, speakers etc.

As well, thought this was very interesting...and promising for future purchasers who are looking to feed the BDA via USB:

"USB is only capable of 96/24, at this point, and then only with companies writing proprietary software to implement it,” Tanner said. “When USB chips become available that can do 192/24 (as all the other inputs on the BDA-1 are capable of) then we will certainly look at adding higher ‘res’ capability to the BDA-1’s USB input.” The BDA-1 can improve the sound of the 16-bit USB feed, Tanner added, by running it through the upsampling circuit, which takes it to 24-bit and 176.4 kHz sample rate).

robb · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 01:46 am »

I have found that the Benchmark has much greater impact with percussive instruments (probably has to do with its better square wave accuracy)

jaxwired · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 02:07 am »

Yeah, as much as I'd like the ascetics of a matching Bryston amp, I've got to stick with the Benchmark. For one thing, I love it. Another thing, it's a damn good headphone amp (better than the Bryston preamp IMO), and lastly, the reviews speak about how smooth and analog the Bryston DAC sounds. I don't want analog smoothness. I want chiseled detail. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a great DAC because everything Bryston is great (again IMO), but I'll stick with the BEnchmark a bit longer...

BrysTony · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 02:52 am »

Jaxwired-
I can bring my BDA-1/BDP-1 over to your place to check out if you would like to see how it works in your system. I would like to see how it works with your new PMCs and you can compare the Benchmark to the BDA-1.
Tony

Stu Pitt · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 04:03 am »

To my ears, the Benchmark sounds a touch bleached and sterile. It's a great DAC,don't get me wrong; I'm just saying a touch. The BDA-1 sounds a lot better IMO. I can't think of anything the Benchmark does that the BDA-1 doesn't do better. Well, the BDA-1 doesn't have a headphone section nor volume control. But other than that, my feelings remain. For a bit more than 2x the price, it definitely should sound better.

Don't be thrown off by the phrase 'smooth and analog.' The music definitely flows, but it's not an artificially smoothed over and warmed up sound by any means. It doesn't do this at the expense of detail either.

There's no 100% accurate way to describe the differences here (or any gear IMO). Get a demo and decide what's worth what.

I'd take the BDA-1 over the Benchmark if I had the money. I could have bought a Benchmark, but happily chose a Rega DAC for equal money. We may have different sonic priorities.

James Tanner · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 05:58 am »

Quote from: robb on 7 Nov 2011, 01:46 am

I have found that the Benchmark has much greater impact with percussive instruments (probably has to do with its better square wave accuracy)

Hi - where did you see the square-wave response comparison bewteeen the Bryston and the Benchmark - I would be interested in that.

james

rajesh · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 07:04 am »

Quote from: robb on 7 Nov 2011, 01:46 am

I have found that the Benchmark has much greater impact with percussive instruments (probably has to do with its better square wave accuracy)

As per my limited understanding, analogue signal outputted from the DAC would be sine waves. Where, when and how square wave is outputted?

Or is it that you are talking of something more technical? Could you educate me please.

Wallacefl · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Nov 2011, 01:01 pm »

Quote from: jaxwired on 7 Nov 2011, 02:07 am

Yeah, as much as I'd like the ascetics of a matching Bryston amp, I've got to stick with the Benchmark. For one thing, I love it. Another thing, it's a damn good headphone amp (better than the Bryston preamp IMO), and lastly, the reviews speak about how smooth and analog the Bryston DAC sounds. I don't want analog smoothness. I want chiseled detail. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a great DAC because everything Bryston is great (again IMO), but I'll stick with the BEnchmark a bit longer...

I love my 14BSST for the same reason I like the Benchmark > Bryston DAC...the Benchmark is just a more resolved/ transparent DAC.

robb · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 04:24 am »

Percussive instruments require fast rise times to reproduce the explosive impact (transients) of these instruments. I attend alot of jazz and classical concerts and find that the Benchmark reproduces percussion more realistically in my system.

robb

James Tanner · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 11:20 am »

Quote from: robb on 9 Nov 2011, 04:24 am

Percussive instruments require fast rise times to reproduce the explosive impact (transients) of these instruments. I attend alot of jazz and classical concerts and find that the Benchmark reproduces percussion more realistically in my system.

robb

Hi robb,

That's great but can you tell me where you saw the comparisons between the BDA Bryston Dacs rise time and the Benchmark?

James

Teyry · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 11:53 am »

possibly these 2 reviews ?

http://www.stereophile.com/content/bryston-bda-1-da-converter-measurements

http://www.stereophile.com/content/fifth-element-18-measurements

James Tanner · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 12:48 pm »

Quote from: Teyry on 9 Nov 2011, 11:53 am

possibly these 2 reviews ?

http://www.stereophile.com/content/bryston-bda-1-da-converter-measurements

http://www.stereophile.com/content/fifth-element-18-measurements

Thanks-

Reason I thought this might be interesting is what do you think the rise-time of the human ear is

James

rollo · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 02:52 pm »

The Bryston is for the Soul, the Benchmark for the brain.

charles
SMA

TomS · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Nov 2011, 04:12 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 9 Nov 2011, 02:52 pm

The Bryston is for the Soul, the Benchmark for the brain.

charles
SMA

That's interesting, but I've found my BDA-1 is actually both.

I've had a Benchmark in my system and would agree with your statement there.

SoundGame · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Nov 2011, 03:13 am »

Would the BCD-1 sound more like the Benchmark DAC01 or the Bryston BDA-1?

As well, do both the BDA and BCD exude the same characteristic sonics that Bryston amplifiers - i.e. SST/2 display - clarity, detail, punch, soundstaging, yet very smooth. I haven't had time to sit down with either to assess them.