I just bought a lightly used Benchmark DAC1, basic model. It has yet to arrive. I bought it based on the tons of mostly positive reviews. I also bought it because it has balanced outs and my Rowland preamp has balanced ins. I honestly don't know if that'll end up making any sonic difference, but I'm the kind of guy who likes to use things he paid for.
Since I ordered the DAC1, I've been contemplating a headphone purchase. I've read some comments that the DAC1 isn't all that great as a headphone amp. (
anyone care to elaborate?). I'm willing to bet it sounds fine to me.
In researching the DAC1's headphone capabilities, I ran across the Yulong DAH1. I have to say that from a strictly industrial design standpoint, the Benchmark DAC doesn't hold a candle to the Yulong. I love the Yulong's look, and it would better match my Rowland system, as well as being 1/2 the price of the Benchmark.
Obviously I'm going to give the Benchmark a chance once it gets here, but I have no problem putting it back up for sale and checking out the Yulong, IF anyone can provide some insight as to what I might expect from the Yulong, as a DAC, and how it might fare as a head amp, as compared to the Benchmark.
I must admit I'm a little Chinese DAC-shy, as I recently had a Diyeden Great March II, which provided weak volume and slightly muddy sound via XLR out and had a low hum (also via XLR). Also the build quality was so-so. The Chinese seem to think that heavy casing=quality, without paying much notice to things like fit and finish.
Thanks!
mcdj