Re: I own both - prpixel - Computer Audio Asylum

Re: I own both

Posted by prpixel (A) on November 1, 2005 at 15:58:23

In Reply to: Re: I own both posted by oris98 on October 18, 2005 at 00:41:56:

I'm still working on comparing the Benchmark Dac1 to the Bolder modded SB2. I've been very busy lately. The problem I'm having is that the SB2 is not a D/A converter in the traditional sense; it has no digital input. Digital signals must enter it via WiFi or Ethernet. So, the only way to get a digital signal into it is via WiFi from my computer. Whereas the Dac1 is attached to my computer via coax digital cable. Even though I'm using the same files on the computer, they take two different routes to get to the Dac's. In addition, I'm also using two different software programs for playback; Slimserver for the SB2 and WMP10 for the Benchmark Dac1. All files are recorded in WMA lossless.

If I was comparing two traditional Dacs, I would just swap the Dacs and leave the cables and transport the same. This is not possible with the SB2.

My normal Computer rig consists of coax digital out to the benchmark Dac1. Then via balanced cables to a pair of Monarchy Audio SE-100Delux class A monoblock amplifiers. Speakers are B&W mini-monitors. Also, I take the single ended output from the Benchmark Dac1 and run it into a custom Subwoofer to fill in the bottom end. Overall, itâ€™s a very enjoyable little system.

Now, the modded SB2 is in the big rig in the dedicated listening room/home theater. It feeds an Anthem AV30 via coax digital. I also have it attached to the AVM30 using the analog outs. The AVM30 drives a Sherbourn 7/2100A amp via balanced cables. Speakers are Soliloquy 5.3i's and a custom subwoofer based on a Rhythmic Audio driver and amp. The subwoofer is only used for movie viewing. The room was designed with the help of Rives audio.

I thought that I would just run the SB2 into the Monarchy amps in the computer rig and compare it to the Benchmark. The problem is that I would loose the Subwoofer and my little monitors don't have much output below 60 Hz. So, then I thought about taking the Benchmark into the listening/home theater room and running it into the Anthem AVM30. Now the problem is that the computer, with all the music files, is located in another room.

So, I ended up dragging my computer, the Benchmark Dac1 and the Monarchy amps into the listening/home theater room. I now have the Monarchy amps driving the Soliloquy's directly with no subwoofer in the system. The computer runs directly into the Benchmark Dac1 via coax digital. The SB2 is "connected" to the computer via WiFi. Single-ended cables are used between the Benchmark Dac1/SB2 and the Monarchy amps and I manually switch them.

Now, not only am I comparing the DACS in each unit, but I'm also comparing the volume control/preamp in each unit. This makes it very hard to get a handle on the true sound of the Dac in each unit. In addition, the modded SB2 has a lower output than the Benchmark Dac1. So, I had to match the volumes using a sound meter. Overall, this had been one royal pain in the ass to setup.

In a few days I will post my listening impressions/comparisons.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - oris98 19:04:47 10/14/05 (20)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - Bromo33333 12:17:15 10/15/05 (11)

Where did you compare a modded SB2 and Benchmark - Wayne1 07:33:46 10/16/05 (10)

Re: Where did you compare a modded SB2 and Benchmark - Bromo33333 10:28:28 10/16/05 (9)

I own both - prpixel 10:50:56 10/16/05 (8)

Re: I own both - oris98 00:41:56 10/18/05 (5)

Re: I own both - prpixel 15:58:23 11/01/05 (4)

Comparing the SB2 dac and DAC1 - topstr 09:31:20 11/05/05 (2)

Re: Comparing the SB2 dac and DAC1 - prpixel 09:41:10 11/05/05 (1)

Yes please - topstr 09:11:00 11/07/05 (0)

Thanks for the effort - topstr 10:46:03 11/04/05 (0)

then yours is the only opinion that matters here - Boybees 13:48:20 10/17/05 (1)

Re: then yours is the only opinion that matters here - Bromo33333 04:53:39 10/22/05 (0)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - audioengr 21:24:24 10/14/05 (7)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - Wayne1 07:36:35 10/16/05 (1)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - audioengr 11:19:56 10/16/05 (0)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - artcheng@netvigator.com 06:54:06 10/15/05 (4)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - audioengr 10:54:33 10/15/05 (3)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - oris98 14:34:31 10/15/05 (2)

Re: Modded SB2 or Benchmark DAC1 - audioengr 16:42:04 10/15/05 (1)

Onemore quesiton for the Audioengr - Music Lover 17:42:00 11/24/05 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: I own both - prpixel 15:58:23 11/01/05 (4)

Comparing the SB2 dac and DAC1 - topstr 09:31:20 11/05/05 (2)

Re: Comparing the SB2 dac and DAC1 - prpixel 09:41:10 11/05/05 (1)

Yes please - topstr 09:11:00 11/07/05 (0)

Thanks for the effort - topstr 10:46:03 11/04/05 (0)

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