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In Reply to: RE: Benchmark DAC1 - 1st edition - opinions ? posted by beppe61 on June 30, 2015 at 22:39:43
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
Follow Ups:
Hi and thanks a lot for the very helpful advice.
I think i have the very 1st edition. There is no usb input.
And i did not see any clock input as well ... so i cannot use an external clock with it.
I think i can do something to smooth out and warm-up a little the sound.
I have found Cardas cables being a godsend for this purpose.
But i am willing to try some other solid core Cu xlr cables.
I would like to stay away from tubes, the usual " antidote ".
And also AES connection sounds to me more relaxed and less noisy.
Thanks a lot again.
Kind regards,
bg
Edits: 07/01/15
Sorry, when I said I was using a master clock with the DAC1, I meant that I was reclocking the SPDIF input data to the DAC1. The point being that, although the "Ultralock" is good, it still requires a clean jitter-free input to give of its best.
The Opamps in the DAC1 are NE5532 according to Benchmark. The DAC1 HDR I have uses LME49720 throughout and that gives a smoother and more realistic presentation. I have found that the NE5532 can sometimes sound a bit "shut-in".
If you are brave, you can try to replace the opamps with LME49722!
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
" Sorry, when I said I was using a master clock with the DAC1, I meant that I was reclocking the SPDIF input data to the DAC1. The point being that, although the "Ultralock" is good, it still requires a clean jitter-free input to give of its best. "
Ok i see. I will keep that in mind. I do not have any clue about the jitter performances of my converter feeding the dac.
" The Opamps in the DAC1 are NE5532 according to Benchmark. The DAC1 HDR I have uses LME49720 throughout and that gives a smoother and more realistic presentation. I have found that the NE5532 can sometimes sound a bit "shut-in".
If you are brave, you can try to replace the opamps with LME49722!
Regards Anthony "
Unfortunately i have no hope for this mod.
I would damage anything.
At max i could think of some caps replacement. Just that.
I like Nichicon FG caps a lot. They are good caps indeed.
I have to see inside one of these days.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
bg
I modded my Dac 1 with by replacing the 5532s with the NS LMEs (you also need to change the voltage regulators)and the improvement is vast and immediately discernible. Sound is warmer with better depth and imaging.
Hi this is a little out of place ... but i have an opinion.
That the quality of the power supply is of paramount importance for sound.
Maybe even more than the op-amps actually used.
Therefore i would think to a new power supply.
But i do not know the voltage requirements for the unit.
I have to look inside first ... in the weekend.
I have seen extremely interesting DIY projects for PS in some sites.
Very interesting indeed.
If you have any useful information please feel free to email me.
Thanks again a lot for the hint.
Kind regards,
bg
Edits: 07/01/15 07/01/15 07/01/15
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