Benchmark DAC1 vs. PS Audio Digital LinkIII Initial Impressions

Hey guys so I have been using a Benchmark DAC1 USB for about 3 weeks now while I was waiting for my DL3 to come in. So I just got the DL3 today and figured I would post some Initial impressions of the two dacs.

Equipment being used is my iMac using iTunes with mostly AIFF files, running via optical to either the DAC1 or DL3 then running balanced to my Audio GD C-2C which is driving DT880/600.

Now as a note the DAC1 has had 3 weeks of playing time where as the DL3 is brand new so I am not sure if letting the DL3 play some more will make much of a difference in the sound so like I said these are just some initial impressions.

I find the biggest difference between the two is that the DL3 has a more depth and width to the soundstage, it just sounds more natural than the benchmark does to me.

Highs, the DAC1 as of now seems to be a bit smoother in the highs, I feel the extension seems to be about the same on them. I also think the DL3 might tame down with time as well.

Mids, the DAC1 is very sterile and cold sounding here compared to the DL3. The DL3 adds some warmth to the mids making the sound more "fun" to listen to in my opinion.

Bass, the DAC1 extends very well compared to the DL3, but in terms of impact the DL3 has more bass impact. They are both very accurate and detailed though.

Imaging, I would have to give to the DL3 the instruments just sound more accurately placed. When comparing the DAC1 to the DL3 the DAC1 just sounds like everything isn't as separate and just to close together, the DL3 adds a more airy sense to the instrument placement making it easier to distinguish the different instruments.

I find the DL3 is a more balanced natural sounding dac to my ears. Once again these are initial impressions and I am just letting you know what I hear. You ears may differ.

I will definitely keep you updated as to how it burns in.

Ok so an update after 24 hours with the DL3.

The DL3 definitely outclasses the DAC1 in terms of imaging and soundstage, the depth on the DL3 is just so much better than the DAC1. Listening to one song through the DAC1 and then listening to the same song through the DL3 on the DAC1 the instruments are upfront and in your face, as is the singer, it just sounds like there is no depth to the soundstage and instrument placement. The DL3 the drums sound like they are further behind the singer and are easily distinguishable giving you a much more natural sense of the music. Sounds more like you would view it on a stage in terms of placement.

Also in terms of detail it is still a tough one but I think the DL3 has a slight edge over the DAC1 in the detail department as well. I hear some things with the DL3 that I just didn't hear with the DAC1, so the DL3 is better with resolving some of the micro details.

Also the highs have already smoothed out quite a bit on the DL3 and it now sounds very warm, smooth and balanced, while still being resolving and detailed.

So so far in my opinion the DL3 hands down betters the DAC1 in almost every aspect. But once again that is just my ears.

I actually haven't really used the amp in the benchmark since I have my C-2C. So I haven't spent enough time to really give a good answer.