Dear all,
I am thinking to build a system with the following configuration:
Benchmark DAC1 + NAD C542 as transport
Placette Passive RVC (preamp)
Bryston 4B-SST
Paradigm Signature S8 (88 to 91 dB sensitivity)
My main concern is whether the DAC1 + Placette passive will be sufficient to drive the Bryston 4B-SST. I have spoken to Benchmark and they claimed that the output voltage of the DAC1 is 2Vrms. The DAC1+Placette will be an "unbalanced" output to Bryston 4B-SST.
Hence I wonde ...
Dear 95bcwh,
The benchmark DAC-1 provide in fixed mode way more then 2 volt. Any way you can adjust the gainfactor of the output stage on the backside with a screwdriver. You can even crack the output stage to 7 volts and more!! So it wil be work any way.
The 4BSST has a sesitivity switch on the backside. You can shoose between 1 and 2 volt. If you select 2 volt it means you reach the full output of the 4BSST when you drive him with 2 volt. If You select 1 volt you need only one volt to reach the full output.
About the Benchmark DAC-1. In "fixed" mode he sounds different then in "variable" mode. This is not only because of the extra potmeter in the signal flow in fixed moden but because of the extra stage with the Burrbown BUF634 buffers that switched in when you choose variable mode. These buffers give the DAC-1 remarkible more bass slamm. Also a slightly more present high. Everyone that have a DAC-1 should try him in variable mode to! even when you drive a input of a preamplifier!
In other words, try to use the Benchmark DAC-1 as a preamp without external passive device first! You won't be dissapointed! And yes that will work great with the 4BSST.
To answer you question short. It will work any way!
Best Regard,
Bas