[S Ferraro]

I recently was able to audition a Benchmark DAC2 L at home for a few days. After reading alot of hype about it I have to say after hearing it, I was really disappointed with the sound. I've been using a Grant Fidelity Tube DAC II for a few years and the Benchmark DAC only added a bit of detail but overall the Grant Fidelity DAC sounded better to me at a fifth of the cost. I was wondering if anyone had had compared Frank"s top of the line The Fet Valve DAC to the Benchmark DAC2 ? One of the biggest problems with the Benchmark DAC was it seemed to be its lacking in gain. I had to install an Equalizer APO on my computer to increase the output to the Benchmark DAC to get a reasonable volume then the Benchmark seemed to be overwhelmed. Loud complex passages seemed distorted, where the Grant Fidelity had no issues in that respect. It also sounded thin compared to the Grant Fidelity DAC which was also sweeter sounding probably because of the tube. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  I'd really hate to order from Frank and have to send it back.

[avahifi]

For your info, we can set the output gain level for the Fet Valve hybrid DAC to pretty much anything you need.  Normally it has a max output level of about 3V peak (more than most DACs) but we can set it higher if you need it.

Certainly the Fet Valve DAC can put out whatever output level you need with no issues.  Its going to sound like the Grant with balls.

Frank

[mresseguie]

"Its going to sound like the Grant with balls. "

 

I like that, Frank!