Is the Benchmark DAC1 still a good buy?

[cipsaz]

I am thinking about getting one. It's an older unit, so I am not sure how outdated it is. Still worth it, especially used?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[iamvincent]

how much is the cost? that is the issue
 
Benchmark DAC 1 is really good, and I tried few models out for many times
 
for $1000 range: Lavery DA10 and onward, Benchmark DAC 1, and Wyre 4 Sound DAC 2 are all hot shots
for $1500 range: it really boil down to Benchmark DAC 1 pre and DAC 2 with assync USB

 

[cipsaz]

Quote:

how much is the cost? that is the issue
 
Benchmark DAC 1 is really good, and I tried few models out for many times
 
for $1000 range: Lavery DA10 and onward, Benchmark DAC 1, and Wyre 4 Sound DAC 2 are all hot shots
for $1500 range: it really boil down to Benchmark DAC 1 pre and DAC 2 with assync USB

Well, I need the USB so DA10 is no go. The DA11 is a good choice, but out of the price range as the Wyre DAC2. Maybe used, but kinda hard to find.
 
Now I am thinking about the PS Audio DLIII. Good price, especially used and should perform well, unless I can find something better at around $1K.

 

[Graphicism]

I was going to chime in and suggest the DLIII but see you're already contemplating it. I found the DAC 1 to be rather metallic sounding, perhaps brighter than neutral with poor extension. The DLIII corrected this with a lush analogue sound, the first time I heard it I was taken back 20-years to listening to my Dads hifi equipment.

 

[EliasGwinn]

Hey there,
 
My name is Elias...I'm the applications engineer for Benchmark, as well as an independent record producer.
 
If you have any questions about the DAC1, technical or aesthetic, I'd be happy to answer them for you.
 
Best,
Elias

 

[vrln]

Glad to see Benchmark active on these forums I´ve auditioned the Benchmark DAC-1 a few times, and it´s certainly a unique flavor especially with studio monitors. I hope you guys are planning to upgrade the DAC-1 range in the near future (async USB etc). I believe there´d also be a market for a straight DAC (no headphone amp/preamp stage).

 

[Nuwidol]

I often wander this same question myself. I see a cheap one pop up somewhere used & then i think "is it still worth it?" Have you considered all the Audio-GD products also? Thats what normally steers me away...

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Glad to see Benchmark active on these forums I´ve auditioned the Benchmark DAC-1 a few times, and it´s certainly a unique flavor especially with studio monitors. I hope you guys are planning to upgrade the DAC-1 range in the near future (async USB etc). I believe there´d also be a market for a straight DAC (no headphone amp/preamp stage).

Hello!
 
Thanks for the suggestions.  We love to hear from end users about our current and/or potential future products.
 
Its funny though...we have a lot of customers who try many of the new D/A converters that get hyped, and they call us after each time and say, "I still prefer my DAC1!"  I guess the good thing about a really well-made product is that it outlasts the 'flavors of the day'. 
 
Great to hear from you...let me know if I can answer any questions.
 
Best,
Elias
 

 

[Yoga]

Quote:

I am thinking about getting one. It's an older unit, so I am not sure how outdated it is. Still worth it, especially used?
 
 

Have you seen this thread?
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/528473/review-anedio-d1-dac-my-new-reference-dac
 
$1270 DAC being compared to $9K models :¬)