[jon_010101]

So I am considering a Benchmark DAC after hearing the great things about it.  I'd be using it with my Denon DCD1650AR as transport (which sounds mostly fine as a CD player but does have its own "color") and my Airport Express + Apple Lossless tracks.  But really, how much of an improvement can I expect from an outboard DAC?  Is this going to amount to a night-and-day difference?  Or, am I going to be like "oh, that wasn't worth it"?

Any thoughts?   By how much did an outboard DAC, particularly the Benchmark, improve your systems (if at all)?

Thanks,
Jon

[audioengr]

So I am considering a Benchmark DAC after hearing the great things about it.  I'd be using it with my Denon DCD1650AR as transport (which sounds mostly fine as a CD player but does have its own "color") and my Airport Express + Apple Lossless tracks.  But really, how much of an improvement can I expect from an outboard DAC?  Is this going to amount to a night-and-day difference?  Or, am I going to be like "oh, that wasn't worth it"?

Any thoughts?   By how much did an outboard DAC, particularly the Benchmark, improve your systems (if at all)?

Thanks,
Jon

The benchmark has the most clear highs of ANY stock DAC, and wil outperform most players.  It is a bit thin in the midrange and bass though.  If you have never had an outboard DAC before, you will be amazed anyway.