In Reply to: RE: Get a better CD transport - eventually posted by BRab on October 6, 2016 at 16:59:05:
A few years ago I had no interest in PC audio, but my previous dac had limited inputs and then the coax went out. I still need to send it in. I was satisfied with the SQ, but needed more inputs. I was leaning towards the Mytek when a local dealer listed the Benchmark. Anyway I had a preamp I was trying to sell and although a nice preamp, it was an unknown brand, in a price range with lots of options. Well they took it on trade, that is how I ended up with Dac2. I did do some research, read some reviews.
I like it, balances well with my tube preamp. I have never used it as a standalone preamp, but I did use it with my adc and it was transparent as far as I could tell. From what I have read the volume control is well designed. I like tube preamps, so if you asked me for advice I would say go that way. When I bought the used CJ CT5, my system improved so much. It is not like older tubed preamps, in that it is not overly warm, it is very neutral sounding.
Seeing as you are only using one input on your dac, maybe adding a preamp would be a good way to go.
At the same time, I think you would be happy with the Benchmark, and it would be an upward move, in my opinion. Always remember we all have our own tastes, and ideas of audio bliss.
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Follow Ups
- RE: Get a better CD transport - eventually - Jeff Starr 19:26:02 10/06/16 (1)
- thanks nt - BRab 05:51:25 10/07/16 (0)