If you use the Benchmark with any digital transport whether CDP, hard drive, memcard or network it will all sound like the Benchmark, better or worse depending on the jitter across the digital link. Strategies for reducing jitter are popping up, so it is becoming less of a problem with newer gear.
Sonos, Sooloos, Squeezbox, Duet, Transporter, and of course PC/foobar are some options with metadata visible from the listening spot. I like Sonos very much, I use it with an external DAC with excellent results. Best value in quality and performance for me.
For me, I don't want to clean, flip and store records so I prefer digital. My choice has less to do with the sound and more of convenience and overall enjoyment and freedom. I can't buy most new releases on vinyl. I have heard TT rugs that sound a lot better than my digital, but mine is good enough, and I like being able to hear whatever I want right now without cleaning, flipping and storing Vinyl, or even CDs for that matter.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/ It does not have a metadata display. It has a digital output which can be controlled by a networked computer and sent to your Benchmark.
Look for a used Squeezebox 3 to give it a try as a digital transport. You will be hooked.
Rich
