[phthora]

So, would the DAC3 B need to be set to -10 gain for powered monitors? I was hoping to do double-duty with mine on headphones and some speakers.

 

[FourT6and2]

Are you saying that you prefer the DAC3 over the HDV 820? I would be buying just one, not both, and I would be using the Sennheiser 800S headphones.

The HDV820 is not a DAC. It is an amp. Although it has an internal DAC. I wouldn't buy the HDV820 for use as a dedicated DAC. And I wouldn't buy the DAC3 for use as an amp... The DAC3-HGC has a built-in amp, but I've never used it. You could get the DAC3-B, which is cheaper than the HGC, and then pair with whatever amp you want. I'm running the DAC3-B and HPA4. But DAC3-B with THX 789 or similar is a good combo.

 

[M Siau]

Has anyone done a comparison with the Benchmark DAC3 and the Sennheiser HDV 820? I wish there was somewhere in the Northeast (incl. NY and PA) that I could sample both.

Benchmark is Located in Syracuse NY. If you would like to make the drive up and listen just call, email or message me here and we can schedule a time! also we will be at the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa in February and CanJam NYC the following weekend!

 

[340519]

I'll be receiving my dac 3B on Monday. I'll have the 1,2 and 3. Looking forward to listening!

 

[walakalulu]

I'll be receiving my dac 3B on Monday. I'll have the 1,2 and 3. Looking forward to listening!

How well does the Icon Audio HP8 pair up with the Benchmark?

 

[340519]

Benchmark is Located in Syracuse NY. If you would like to make the drive up and listen just call, email or message me here and we can schedule a time! also we will be at the Florida Audio Expo in Tampa in February and CanJam NYC the following weekend!

I emailed you on Friday to let you know how incredible Rory is as an employee of benchmark. I have been a customer for 10 years and Rory has helped me with every purchase and all of my questions. He is simply amazing.

 

[340519]

How well does the Icon Audio HP8 pair up with the Benchmark?

Absolutely stunning! I love the pairing.

 

[340519]

I'll be using the dac3b with both the icon audio hp8 and the smsl sp200 888 thx amps.

The dac2d will continue to be the dac and preamp for my 2 channel system.

 

[340519]

How well does the Icon Audio HP8 pair up with the Benchmark?

The hp8 is a very well built exceptional amplifier. It was recommended on headfi to me and I'm so glad I bought it.

 

[walakalulu]

Thanks for that. I may try it with the dac3 HGC as an alternative to the built in headamp. Or the Feliks Audio Euphoria but it’s twice the price...

 

[340519]

Thanks for that. I may try it with the dac3 HGC as an alternative to the built in headamp. Or the Feliks Audio Euphoria but it’s twice the price...

I definitely like the hp8 a lot better than the built in benchmark amps.

 

[340519]

My newest edition

 

[340519]

I'm getting the bryston bha1 this week as well to pair with the dac3 b via xlr output. The se output goes to the tube amp.

 

[340519]

Just picked it up!

 

[340519]

So my dac3 rca out for the left channel has stopped working. I popped the lid and the wire is no longer attached to the pcb board. I received it new a little over a week ago.

I have contacted Rory at benchmark and requested a replacement unit shipped and then I will return the defective unit. I'm hoping the customer service is as good as their equipment.