www.benchmarkmedia.com + DAC1

giorgino1 · « **on:** 5 Jul 2003, 04:28 pm »

Hi - I'd be grateful to hear from any users or informed people with an opinion on this DAC:
www.benchmarkmedia.com
The one in mind is the DAC1. A pal of mine is a musician and is looking for a DAC for his studio.
Many thanks George

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Jul 2003, 08:27 pm »

Did you know John Marks reviewed it in the July 2003 Stereophile??

From the article, "The Benchmark DAC1 is, in my experience, the lowest-priced piece of digital gear that can give sonic performance that is not just improved mid-fi, but genuinely high-end."

BTW, the Benchmark "review" isn't really extensive--it's part of Marks' column that discusses Johathan Swift, budget vs. SOTA gear, used digital, Benchmark and Teac's mega$$ transport/DAC. It's enough to pique one's interest but maybe not enough to base a purchase on.

ABEX · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Jul 2003, 08:04 pm »

This DAC was noticed by another poster awhile back. I read the Marks review of it and it seems to be a good deal if you have the $$ and are looking for a DAC in that range.

The Bolder Art DAC is getting up there in price and it is waying the benefits now between the 2.

Would like to see a comparision done.

giorgino1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 07:35 am »

Thanks for responding. I passed on the Stereophile info to my friend which now seems a little useless. I hadn't realised he was so phobic about buying from another country. He should have just saved all the hassle and told me that in the first place. Jeez!!

ABEX · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 08:30 am »

Nation Phobic! Not trying to be a bigot or anything ,but what countries are we talking about. I do not even know what country the DAC is made in.

If the product is good then anything should be considered. Weather it came from China, Russia , Japan or the moon is irrelevant. to me anyways. Is he Al Qaeda?

I thought music was the medium that is suppose to bring people together ,not move them apart. But I guess this just electronics not music we are talking bout. Oh well.

Cheers!

JohnR · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 11:59 am »

I think he just means he doesn't want to deal with the hassle and risks of an international transaction...

ABEX · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jul 2003, 07:31 pm »

OK! I see ...........I think!

giorgino1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Jul 2003, 07:50 am »

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that my friend is a Xenophobe. He isn't.

It's just that there are 3 major factors that would prevent him buying from the USA:
1) The (perceived) hassle involved if there is some problem with the unit
2) He is incapable to buying something on "faith"
3) This is because he is the type of person who super-glues his wallet together to make sure money doesn't accidentally escape. If there was a nail-gun nearby, he'd probably use it to make sure the wallet doesn't fall out of his trousers. For those who are in the know....he's part Scottish

Oh dear, it's amazing this communication lark. It could cause a major international incident...

Regards

George

ABEX · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Jul 2003, 09:27 am »

Understood--Being on the otherside of the pond makes things like this an issue!

Hopefully it does not become an International Incident!

I would imagine there are Salons where he is that have good components. If he is really watching the wallet he could try to get a ART DIO for around $100US and then do the mods himself or have another do it over there. That seems like the cheapest alternative I know of.

I have one and I like it. There is a Yahoo Group that would walk him through it if he can take his hands out of his pockets long enough to type,order parts and solder. If he is real dexterious then he might be capable to keep one hand still in the old pocket while working on the otherstuff,but it might make the job two times longer though!

Cheers!

giorgino1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Jul 2003, 08:51 am »

Thanks for the tip ABEX. Interestingly enough, I spoke to him yesterday about your ARTDIO suggestion and he expressed an interest in trying it out. Having said that, he's also expressed an interest in designing a new garden and that was 5 years ago...!

ABEX · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Jul 2003, 10:02 am »

Well he might be a part of a garden before he ever gets started on one.

Maybe in the next life!

He might be better off imagining he has a DAC instead of owning one. His pocket will not suffer one pence!

Later!

giorgino1 · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Jul 2003, 12:18 pm »

cjr888 · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 01:06 pm »

Its not much, but the thread listed below has a few comments from a handful of people who own the Benchmark unit. Whether through the thread or personal emails, I'm sure you could get some more impressions from them. Couple people that really like it, couple people that yawn at the performance.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/278678.html

ABEX · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 01:13 pm »

Link at AA did not come up.Might just be the time of the day though!

Thx!

I have the smART DAC which I am happy with. I have only heard one person completely not satisfied with it's performance. I wonder about his assessment ,but he is very knowledgable.