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In Reply to: Benchmark DAC1 output stage posted by Champion on November 11, 2006 at 01:31:27:
something like 18...you might find this thread interesting.
Follow Ups:
This thread describes the NE5532 from Philips. They dont use it anymore.
I understand the Philips version is no longer available--that was the reason for the change, according to the Benchmark folks. Benchmark says the performance is identical.
They should clean the wax out of their ears!!!
Here's how Benchmark puts it, in their list of product updates:"6) changed Op-amps from Philips to TI -- Philips no longer available, tests showed no difference in performance with TI parts manufactured after 2004 (TI parts manufactured before 2004, Faichild, and JRC parts are not approved)."
So what differences do you here? And have you been listening to the post-2004 versions?
Thanks,
I have listened to all versions. I have modded all versions. The new op-amps from TI make all the difference. The "thinness" is gone.
Steve Nugent at Empirical Audio gave the Benchmark here the full overhaul with replacement of chips and other parts -> a SOA DAC. Not cheap but overall less than some of the opposition and yielding superb sounding music on the best CDs. No "thin" sound as your reference relates but excellent sound stage, dynamics and resolution. No, not quite making CDs sound as good as most SACDs, but very close.John
Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)
In standard mode the dac1 was trounced by a behringer src slighly modded better psu caps and schottky diodes. When you consider this unit is 8x cheaper than the dac1 ...make you think !
Dear Sir,excuse me but your following words " In standard mode the dac1 was trounced by a behringer src slighly modded better psu caps and schottky diodes " interest me a lot.
I have a Behringer SRC 2496 plain stock.
Could you give me please some more details about these mods ?
I would like to try them myself even if working on a smd PCB is not the easiest task.Thnak you very much indeed.
Kind regards,
Be warned the pcb is very fragile.......replace all electrolytic caps of 10uf with 10uf 35v elna stargets.
swap the four large psu caps with pannasonic fc caps with a slightly higher capacitance don't add more than 50%.
replace the rectifier diodes with 11DQ10's or better.
find the two 10uf caps that are dc blockers after the dac and opamp in the output before the pair of opamps doing balanced duties.
swap these for you fav dc blocker cap ....this cap plays a big roll in he final sound. I used big paper in oils 2uf 400v.
damp the case and crystals
be warned its very difficult to remove components without lifting tiny tracks ...I had to do several bits of rewiring.
sound changes ...the first and most obvious is that you get bass !but along with that you get better dynamics and a clearer sound.
Thank you very much indeed Sir for your extremely kind and valuable reply.
I have a friend who owns a nice desoldering station and can help me in the task.
I am very sad that with the coming of smd devices all these operations are much more difficult to carry out for unexperienced DIYers like me.
I already knew that this unit had some potential.
Your words confirm.
Moreover it is very interesting to get your recommendation of Panasonic FC series and Elna Starget.
I can purchase them through a RS Components shop in my town.Thank you very much again.
Kind regards,beppe
email me if you need any pics of the internals .....
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