Benchmark DAC1 as a Preamp?

[jefemeister]

Does anyone have any insight on the quality of the DAC1 as a preamp? I would be using it with a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 60v3 and a power amp such as Bryston, Threshold, Musical Fidelity, etc. The digital signal is coming from a couple hundred dollar DVD player. Would I be better off spending the cash on a real preamp? Source switching is not really a issue. Thanks.

BTW, it the volume control in the analog or digital domain?

 

[clarke68]

This guy seems to like it. I've always been curious about the combination, although I suspect it could be a bit too analytical for fun, daily listening.

 

[insomniac]

I've used the Benchmark feeding directly into a pair of active Paradigm speakers and they sounded great. If you don't need remote control functionality and are using the Benchmark as your source, I don't think you need to invest in an additional preamp.

 

[jefemeister]

Thanks for the link.

Good call on the remote, I hadn't thought about that and it may well be a deal-breaker.

 

[gregeas]

I agree. The DAC1 is a fine pre-amp if you don't need a remote. Taking an extra link out of the chain can't hurt.

I have my DAC1 connected via XLR to active Quad monitors. So this system is minimalist...

 

[MichaelFranks]

sold my remote controlled tube preamp because of the damn dac-1

 

[morphie]

I use the DAC-1 as preamp for my NAD C270 poweramp with Dynaudio floorstanding speakers, n it rocks.

 

[Canman]

Does anyone have any insight on the quality of the DAC1 as a preamp? I would be using it with a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 60v3 and a power amp such as Bryston, Threshold, Musical Fidelity, etc. The digital signal is coming from a couple hundred dollar DVD player. Would I be better off spending the cash on a real preamp? Source switching is not really a issue. Thanks.

Does this mean the Rowland monoblocks are going away?

 

[jefemeister]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canman Does this mean the Rowland monoblocks are going away?

No, my roommate is moving out in a month or so and I guess my audio craziness has sufficiently worn off on him over the years. I'm designing him a 2ch system with easy future multi-channel capability. So far:

DVD-Player (no specific model yet)
Benchmark DAC1
Audio Refinement Pre 5
Threshold S/5000e (probably)
Paradigm Ref Studio 60v3
Cardas Hexlink 5C all around.