[LIJOE848]

Has anyone heard this? http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac2-d looks like it is the same DAC as DAC2 HGC with less inputs.

 

[CybDev]

I wonder how much difference that will actually make for SQ...
The analog inputs shouldn't be causing much noise/interference when not selected as active source I would think?

Granted, it wasn't cheap to begin with, so if you don't ever need the analog inputs at all why spend the extra $200...

 

[AutumnStream]

That`s what I am wondering either... Actually I am going to buy a DAC2 next month when I come back to the US. I already tried it and love that voice. And now they told me they have another one in the same performance and JUST without a 12V trigger and an analog input which I would never use. Should I pay that extra 200 bucks? Or are they really in the exactly same performance??
It is very pleased if you have any ideas. ^ ^

 

[CybDev]

One could even argue the old "less components less noise" I suppose...

 

[lmf22]

Everything Audio Network has a review of the DAC2 D.  They were also the ones who had the first review of the DAC2 HGC.  
http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2013/06/audiophilehome-recording-review.html
 
The review ends by saying: "In essence, the DAC2 D offers the same dynamic accuracy, yet warm, smooth analog character as the "HGC." It just has a few less bells and whistles, but it is lower in price. In my opinion, both Benchmark DAC2s are the standard for today’s full-featured, modular high-resolution audio DAC."

 

[StudioSound]

I don't think the analog circuitry is active at all in the DAC2-HGC when it's not the current input (you hear relays clicking inside the box when you select it) so there shouldn't be any better noise handling with the DAC2-D.
Benchmark themselves aren't making any claims about reduced noise or otherwise improved performance.

Personally, even if I was not intending on using the analog section now, I would still buy the DAC2-HGC instead.
$200 does not seem like nearly enough when you consider the flexibility you are giving up.

Even if you might not be using it now who knows what your audio setup may be in a few years time.
With the analog stage of the HGC, you can run any other audio equipment through it and make use of the excellent headphone amplifier, or the remote controlled volume.

For me, the DAC2-HGC is a long-term purchase. I am so pleased with its performance that I can't imagine wanting to replace it with another DAC or headphone amplifier. It just seems short-sighted to forego the analog input stage and 12V trigger to save 10%. But maybe if you're really sure that you will never use them, that will be a worthwhile saving to you.

Something else to consider is that if you ever do intend to sell it on, potential buyers may not want one without the analog inputs.

 

[AutumnStream]

Thank you guys. I think I should think about it more carefully. The 200 is not a big number, it is also not a small one though. I love the voice from DAC2. I dont think I will sell it in the future, because I have never sell anything, neither my headphones nor my amps. Maybe I will choose D if they truly in the same performance.

 

[7ryder]

I don't know if you decided on the HGC or the D, but I own the HGC. It is a great little DAC and the headphone amp is very good with my HD800s.  Highly recommended.