Digital Drive

Replacement for Benchmark DAC1 & CA 840C

198.190.216.43

Several years ago I bought a Benchmark DAC1. However, at the same time I made some other equipment changes. Since then I have tried to get the midrange/vocal magic that I had previous by trading speakers and amps. I always kept the Benchmark because I liked the other things it did - such as HF extension, background, detail, etc.

Well, I finally sold the Benchmark a month ago and bought a used Cambridge Audio 840C. I bought the 840C unheard(as with most of all my equipment purchases). The 840C is a good CD player. In fact, it does some things better than the DAC1. Specifically it seems to be better in the midrange, which I was looking for, and the mid-bass region. Also, there seems to be more bass, but not necessarily better bass. However, in my system, there is a veil over the vocals. If it were not for this I would probably keep the 840C - at least for a while.

What are some recommendations for a CD player or DAC that combines the virtues of both the DAC1 and the 840C? Most important is the midrange, but I also would like detail and impact. I would trade bass depth for tightness. "Analog sound" is not important. Is there such an animal? Oh yeah, most importantly my budget is $1500+/- new/used, built/kit.

My system presently consists of a Grover Huffman tube preamp, Greg Ball SKA amp and Troels Gravesen's PMS speakers. I have a modded Sony DVP-S7700 DVD player for transport duties if necessary.

Thanks in advance.

Follow Ups:

I suggest replacing the DAC1 with a DAC1 - Scrith 15:27:15 05/13/08 (0)
Look no further than.... - Audio Pharaoh 08:39:19 05/13/08 (0)
RE: Replacement for Benchmark DAC1 & CA 840C - humancomputervirus 23:29:04 05/12/08 (3)
- RE: Replacement for Benchmark DAC1 & CA 840C - dls123 06:54:15 05/14/08 (0)
- RE: Replacement for Benchmark DAC1 & CA 840C - BadgerDMS 08:56:06 05/13/08 (0)
- RE: Replacement for Benchmark DAC1 & CA 840C - bacobits 05:51:42 05/13/08 (0)
A sugestion for a radical solution - DBB 18:58:05 05/12/08 (0)
FWIW - I preferred PS Audio DL III to the latest (silver) version of Benchmark. - carcass93 11:19:33 05/12/08 (2)
- modified? - slapshot 18:02:51 05/12/08 (1)
  - Stock. I'm not big fan of mods - poor value IMHO. N/T - carcass93 20:53:34 05/12/08 (0)
Lavry DA-10 - marko445 13:36:29 05/11/08 (0)

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.