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RE: Benchmark DAC1 - 1st edition - opinions ?

I have the DAC1 HDR which I use to monitor my ADC. I have also used it as preamp before my NAD M51. It isn't quite as good as the NAD, but certainly is a very well engineered DAC. You may have seen my comments on this DAC on another thread - since Benchmark products are aimed at the professional market, they are intended to be as neutral as possible. Consequently, they are often "disappointing". As I said on the other thread "It is disappointing to spend money on a component and not hear it" if you get what I mean! In other words, it doesn't jump out to impress you. On the end of my Grimm CC1 or the Big Ben, it is a technically superb DAC. My only criticism was on the USB input - they use synchronous mode and despite the use of their "Ultralock" technology, the USB input is a long way off the SPDIF input and a high jitter source becomes flat and lacking in precision. NOTE: the HDR doesn't have an AES input like your model, so using the AES input is likely to show an even bigger contrast.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

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