DACs: PS Audio vs. CI Audio vs. Benchmark

[SunWarrior]

Okay. After reading the various replies in my What's Benefit of DAC? thread, I'm ready to buy a DAC.

The three I'm considering are:

* PS Audio Digital Link III
* CI Audio VDA-2
* Benchmark DAC-1

I believe all three companies sell direct with a 30-day test period, money-back and all that jive. So I could buy and test all three.

But that could be a bit of a PITA.

Among those three DACs, what are pros and cons?

I'll be using a Arcam CD-93 player as the transport (my current source).

All opinionated opinions and real-life experience are welcomed!

Dave, who also might connect an iPod using a USB jack so that's another consideration

[Acoustic Chef]

I vote CI Audio VDA-2.

I couldn't compare against the other two but I do know the VDA-2 a fantastic DAC.

[gtortorella]

I second what Acoustic Chef has recommended--my VDA-2 is impressive. I am not certain what is in the output stage of the other two DACs, but, in my buying decision, I could not see replacing an op-amp with an op-amp. The VDA-2 is a rare find: it has a discrete, Class A output stage (no op-amps), and it sells for under $600.

[gtortorella]

I forgot to note: the VDA-2 is made in the US (rather than China).

[VicAjax]

i don't know if this will help any, but my next purchase will most likely be the Digital Link III with Cullen Circuits mods.

it has optical, coax and USB inputs and a Class A analog output stage (no opamps). the mods upgrade the resistors, capacitors, the RCA jacks and the clock, not to mention other tweaks.

i already own the PS Audio C-100 integrated, so i expect the matched components to play nicely together.

i have heard the stock DLIII and prefer it over the Benchmark, which i find to have a little too much going on in the treble. not to mention they charge a ridiculous premium for the USB version.

i haven't heard the CIA DAC, but i've heard good things about it. it only has two inputs, however, so that's a deal-breaker for me.

[Simon Sez]

Get the DAC-1 just cause no real reason at all...

[gtortorella]

I was thinking that the DL III has a discrete, Class A output stage, but was not sure. We appreciate the commentary, VicAjax.

[granodemostasa]

do a search, there are plenty of benchmark vda-2 comparisons. In short, the vda-2 is better.

[rodentmacbeastie]

Originally Posted by gtortorella

I forgot to note: the VDA-2 is made in the US (rather than China).

Made in the US? Does that mean it is inferior quality?

[socrates63]

Take it for what it's worth, but one VDA-2 owner compared it to a DL III and heard no differences between them. It's posted in the CIAudio subforum in Audio Circle.