Benchmark DAC3 HGC (w/ ESS Sabre 9028PRO)
Jan 21, 2022 at 3:44 AM Post #301 of 325
how do you like the DAC3 HGC? Is the headphone output powerful enough?
Works incredibly well with iems. It’s fast clean and transparent and very low impedance. That being said I don’t think it sounds particularly good with planars. My Audeze 4z and LCD2 sound a bit on the thin side although still very detailed. The amp stay absolutely neutral and flat and you’re not going to get any additional note body anywhere on the spectrum.
 
Jan 21, 2022 at 7:19 AM Post #302 of 325
Works incredibly well with iems. It’s fast clean and transparent and very low impedance. That being said I don’t think it sounds particularly good with planars. My Audeze 4z and LCD2 sound a bit on the thin side although still very detailed. The amp stay absolutely neutral and flat and you’re not going to get any additional note body anywhere on the spectrum.
Those are valuable information. I appreciate it :)
 
Jan 26, 2022 at 4:27 PM Post #303 of 325
Hi guys,

anyone tried the Benchmark DAC 3 HGC with the Arya?

I woul like to know if the amp section is able to drive some full size or not.

Thx
 
Jan 27, 2022 at 10:41 AM Post #304 of 325
I'm using it with Hifiman Ananda and there is lots and lots of headroom. Volume knob is usually at 11am, while I installed jumper inside to attenuate the headphone output by 20dB. That is standard feature of DAC3, no custom modification. So I believe it can handle Arya as well.
 
Jan 27, 2022 at 10:43 AM Post #305 of 325
But the DAC 4 is on the way?…I am also interested in the DAC:)
 
Jan 27, 2022 at 2:42 PM Post #307 of 325
Thanks, how's the sound signature? Too bright?
 
Jan 27, 2022 at 3:53 PM Post #309 of 325
Thank you so much @tesarpa!

I was wondering if could be a good choice for my Arya. The Violectric V281 is excellent, but a little bit too warm. And the DAC section is "budget", since it's included free.
 
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Jan 28, 2022 at 7:36 PM Post #310 of 325
I would look into the Burson Soloist 3xp. Class A amplification. Paired with my DAC3 the sound is exquisite, powerful and reference class. Drives anything. A number of people have commented how the Burson really brings out the bass in the Arya.
 
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Jan 28, 2022 at 9:02 PM Post #312 of 325
Seems like Benchmark is behind on implementing the newer chips. I have owned the DAC2 and demo’d the DAC3. The DAC3 is noticeably better. Imagine if they made one with the 9038pro.
I'm not across the dac chips but my understanding was the main difference was mqa as an option on the 9038 which benchmark have said they won't support.
 
Jan 29, 2022 at 2:17 AM Post #313 of 325
My understanding is that Benchmark is engineering company. They produce the best product they can for reasonable price. And they don't update it only for marketing purposes. If ESS 9038 doesn't bring performance advantage, they don't feel the need to implement it. BTW, they are no alone still using 9028. See OCTO DAC8 - one of the best measuring products, also based on 9028Pro.
 
Jan 30, 2022 at 5:06 AM Post #314 of 325
My understanding is that Benchmark is engineering company. They produce the best product they can for reasonable price. And they don't update it only for marketing purposes. If ESS 9038 doesn't bring performance advantage, they don't feel the need to implement it. BTW, they are no alone still using 9028. See OCTO DAC8 - one of the best measuring products, also based on 9028Pro.
The latest RME ADI-2 DAC iteration is also ESS 9028-based.
 
Feb 21, 2022 at 6:52 AM Post #315 of 325
We’re also still in the midst of supply problems, chip fabrication shortages etc. I doubt a DAC4 is going to happen anytime soon, plus Benchmark wouod likely only do it if there was a distinct measureable performance advantage.
 

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