[c3p0]

Would a stx essence digital out to standard benchmark dac 1, have as good as sound as benchmark dac 1 usb connected to a pc with usb?

Is there any difference between the two dacs?

Hope that makes sense!

 

[mastertrash]

Actually, my suspicion would be that the sound would be better this way if your card is outputting a bit perfect digital stream. It sounds like the Benchmark's USB input is pretty good quality, but I don't think anyone would argue that it's better than the coaxial input.

I suppose that future flexibility for different setups (maybe a laptop?) argues for ponying up for the USB. But if you're feeling cheap, and already have a quality digital out on your PC, I say save the money and pick up the non-usb version used on Audiogon unless you want to use it as a full-functioned preamp and need the analog in on the PRE version or the future flexibility of the USB input.