Parts Connexion now modding Benchmark DAC1

[J-Pak]

Forgive me if this is old news:

Quote:

With our pcX, we upgrade the analog output stage...from the DAC chips to the output connectors...including critical signal path caps, resistors, op amps (these are the most expensive and most critical items in the mod...Burr-Brown OPA627 op amps on dual vertical "surface-mount" adaptor boards), output wire and output connectors. Plus, we upgrade the sonically critical PS diodes and resonance damp the chassis. Sonic Results: The op amps we use in this mods are several levels above the exiting NE5532's, both objectively and subjectively...the OPA627's are the very best audio op amps available....which translates into better dynamics, more authoritative bass, silkier highs and a more 3-dimensional mid-range. The caps and resistors chosen in this mod simply have better tone and ambience characteristics, as well as being higher resolving. The wire and connectors we use allow for enhanced detail and more precise imaging.

Has anyone heard one or planning to get one? I'm very interested, since I've always regarded the DAC1 very highly.

 

[Jon L]

This is a great addition to DAC-1 fans. $1395 including mods and DAC-1 is a great price for the amount of parts and labor it would take to do the mentioned mods.

One of us needs to take one for the team

 

[J-Pak]

I wish I could. The volume knob is so much more attractive than the switch to change volume on the Lavry

If there was a trial period I guarantee I would get one and keep the better of the two. ($1475 for DAC1 w/ balanced output mod)

 

[audioengr]

The volume circuit is beyond help IMO. I have done extensive mods to it for several customers and it still isn't as good as a good preamp. There is something fishy about the ground-plane splits to the volume control circuits. Cannot see them because they are inside the 4-layer board. I generally recommend against using the volume control.

The PCX mods are a good value, but they replace only the output op-amps with OPA627's.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer/modder

 

[Snacks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Pak /img/forum/go_quote.gif Forgive me if this is old news: Has anyone heard one or planning to get one? I'm very interested, since I've always regarded the DAC1 very highly.

J-Pak, I've been wondering about the same thing, so I emailed their info. I got a reply less than an hour later on a Saturday there, Sunday here, that's fast! I tell you, this is a very attractive deal. Attached in an email that I've received are other modifications that PCX does to the DAC, to include labor of 4.5, which they only charge 3.5 hours. Most places I've seen sell opamp 627 for $44.99 a pair, there seem to be quite a few of those that they add in to replace the N5532A(Dual) SMT. To me it seems at least worth a try.