Benchmark H1

[BobN]

Has anyone here heard the new Benchmark H1 headphone amplifier ? This is the only review I could find on it. Thanks in advance !

http://www.proaudioreview.com/pages/s.0085/t.847.html

 

[feifan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Has anyone here heard the new Benchmark H1 headphone amplifier ? This is the only review I could find on it. Thanks in advance ! http://www.proaudioreview.com/pages/s.0085/t.847.html

The product manual is here http://benchmarkmedia.com/manuals/h1_manual.pdf

Haven't been able to find other reviews.

 

[fkclo]

I think that is basically the same as one can find built-in the DAC1 or DAC1 USB, but I think (not sure) it is called HPA2 by Benchmark.

F. Lo

 

[fkclo]

I checked the Benchmark website. It is the same module as used in the DAC1 USB. H1 just put the module in a case, and add an external power supply.

My experience (3 weeks with DAC1 USB) is that its headphone amp is very revealing, neutral, linear, fast and authoritative. It tends to be analytical but is not "cold" as some may suggest. It provides enough power to drive any dynamic phones.

F. Lo

 

[Thelonious Monk]

does the regular dac1 have a different headamp? because i found it to have a little trouble driving my hd600.

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelonious Monk /img/forum/go_quote.gif does the regular dac1 have a different headamp? because i found it to have a little trouble driving my hd600.

What do you mean by "trouble"?
Distortion?

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Has anyone here heard the new Benchmark H1 headphone amplifier ? This is the only review I could find on it. Thanks in advance ! http://www.proaudioreview.com/pages/s.0085/t.847.html

vastly overpriced at 450.00.. my Maxxed portaphile sounded better..

 

[s.a.b.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkclo /img/forum/go_quote.gif My experience (3 weeks with DAC1 USB) is that its headphone amp is very revealing, neutral, linear, fast and authoritative. It tends to be analytical but is not "cold" as some may suggest. It provides enough power to drive any dynamic phones. F. Lo

I would concur with this, but as I haven't spent much time listening to other headamps, I can't compare it to others.

What's interesting is that when I used the DAC1 in my speaker system, using an aftermarket power cord ($60 pc from signalcable) I had on hand didn't make much if any difference, but when I used the DAC1's amp for headphones, it did. Punchier (lower bass deeper) yet a bit cooler. I have no doubt some might it find it more "analytical" sounding, but I sure like it. (I have no idea if it's relevant but I should say that in the speaker system, it doesn't share an outlet with the CDP used as a transport; in the headphone system it does.)