Benchmark DAC1 + Grace 901 + HD600 = Bliss

[ampgalore]

What have I been missing all this time. Have had all 3 pieces sitting under my nose for months. Only bothered to link all 3 pieces once just out curiosity. Didn't think much of the results at first. But as the months went by, as I got to know each piece better and better, finally tonight, tried linking all 3 again, what heavenly bliss I am hearing!

Benchmark DAC1 by itself is a bit edgy.
Hooked up to the Grace 901 smoothes out that edginess without losing any of the detail.
Right now my HD600 is like on steroids!

 

[kunwar]

you probably need a good amp. psst...Talisman T-3H
Then again the DAC1 is edgy if you like music to be a little laid back/not upfront.
I find the DAC1 great because of that exact reason. It does not hold back, it gives you all there is on the track and nothing gets held back.
For that exact reason it is a great source. You can colour your music with whatever presentation style you like.
It gives the music a life of its own and everything on the music is produced mercilessly which is fantastic.
I can actually hear violinists prepare in the background when listening to live orchestral pieces on some of the James Galway recordings.
I personally love the MS Pro's
HD 600 is lifeless to my ears, too slow and boring
Not exciting enough.

 

[kunwar]

and before I get flamed
I have heard the Grace 901 today and I find the Talisman T-3H a more neutral and truer amp than even the Grace
It has just gone into my book as the best amp out there under $1500.
The Grace somehow lacked what I call life/energy/emotive ability that the Talisman manages to do so well and make you a part of the atmosphere.

 

[jooper]

But you've gotta love the stepped attenuator in the Grace. Makes listening at low levels a lot better! (Which is where I do most of my listening)

 

[kunwar]

well
that never really was an issue for me simply because I can get the volume just right with every headphone I use.
The reason the Grace is a fine component is that it can accept inputs of a varied nature which makes it easier to connect different sources to it. eg. say a powerbook, or an optical output etc.

I would buy it if I was on the move too much but now I have the Becnhmark and it happily satisfies any needs I might have for on the move music.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunwar Then again the DAC1 is edgy if you like music to be a little laid back/not upfront. I find the DAC1 great because of that exact reason. It does not hold back, it gives you all there is on the track and nothing gets held back. For that exact reason it is a great source. You can colour your music with whatever presentation style you like. It gives the music a life of its own and everything on the music is produced mercilessly which is fantastic.

My feelings exactly! We really are two sonic peas in a pod!

 

[kunwar]

Quote:

My feelings exactly! We really are two sonic peas in a pod!

hey music was there to enjoy not sit down and mull over while watching dust settle.
It is a way of relaxing and getting the endorphins secreting inside the body
I come back home from a long day, first thing I do after taking bath and eating something is listen to Nocturne by Secret Garden
After that all the tiredness just disappears.
Its simply amazing

BTW Peter I think you might have sold me on the idea of getting the 770 pro because I need a pair of heavy hitting cans for late night movies you know.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunwar BTW Peter I think you might have sold me on the idea of getting the 770 pro because I need a pair of heavy hitting cans for late night movies you know.

Comparing them to the not yet fully burned-in HD650 of mine, they definitely have a bit more lower bass sock (out of the Benchie), mids and highs sound a little boxed in and not quite as detailed, but still very nice. I can help you get the 80-ohm version like mine if you want, send me a PM.

 

[Budley007]

I'm just happy Ampgalore found a sound he likes. He's been buying gear like crazy in search of headphone nirvana for awhile now. Way to go, bro! Glad you found it! My search is hampered by budget constrants. *sigh*

 

[Budley007]

Doh! Just noticed in another thread you sold the Grace. Oh well, the search continues.

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budley007 Doh! Just noticed in another thread you sold the Grace. Oh well, the search continues.

I suppose bliss isn't good enough.

Ampgalore, I think you may have the disease worse than anybody I've seen. What a binge you've been on.
But, hey, it seems you get to audition a ton of stuff.
What is it they say, ignorance is bliss? That's me.

 

[ampgalore]

Audio nirvana is one thing, but money in my checking account is altogether something else.

Besides, Grace design must be coming out with an updated version of the 901 with a better DAC chip. It's been almost 3 years since the 901 came out.

Just downgrading to live with less.

 

[Budley007]

Let us know how the 904 sounds. I'll just live vicariously through you while I'm saving up for my next "pilgrimage".

 

[ampgalore]

904 is nice, but not $1500 nicer than a 901. If Grace design could only update their DAC chip in the 901.

 

[jacopo]

Hi ampgalore!

I just saw you're selling the DAC1, how will you upgrade? what do you have in mind for the next rig?

ciaociao
J|!