Where to buy the Benchmark DAC1 USB?

[steaxauce]

I would really like to get my hands on one of these, the only problem is that I haven't been able to find one being sold for less than the retail price of $1275. I'm pretty certain I've never paird retail for anything audio related, and I'm having a hard time stomaching doing this knowing that I won't get anywhere near what I paid for it if and when I decide to sell it. I haven't even seen one used one pop up here, on audiogon or on ebay. A modded one would be even better if I could find one at a reasonable price, since I'll probably want to get mine modded eventually. Thanks, guys!

 

[ronfint]

Actually, I'd be very interested in this information as well. Thanks --

 

[Cosmid]

I am wondering about this too. If I have to pay retail price for a DAC1 USB, I would rather to buy an Apogee Mini-DAC for a little bit over $700.

 

[steaxauce]

Everyone wants to know.

If you know, for goodness' sake post it!

 

[Noobzor]

Im in this delimma as well, it looks like the apogee at the moment.

 

[twsmith]

I suspect Benchmark, like some companies, very tightly controls their distribution/dealer network and does not allow discounting of their products by retailers. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that were originally (and basically still are) mainly a pro-audio manufacturer (??) I have seen from time to time on Audigon, nearly new DAC1's for sale at lower than list prices, although the DAC1-USB may be too new a product for it to show up there yet. I think this particular product is still in such demand that even on Audiogon, you're not going to see that much price reduction on new or slightly used items.

I happen to have a DAC1-USB that I bought recently (of course for the full price), but have never regretted it -- for what you get, I actually think it is an audio bargain, and easily holds its own against DACs costing much more. Sure, you could settle for another DAC but if your heart is really set on a DAC1-USB, you will be unhappy -- so why not just spring for a new one and cough up the money. Incidentally, I would recommend buying from Benchmark directly -- they are very customer friendly and if you have questions, they are always willing to help.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

It's not being sold cheaper because it already is a bargain at list.

 

[ronfint]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's not being sold cheaper because it already is a bargain at list.

To be fair, this might be said about many top pieces of audiophile equipment which are, none-the-less , discounted at about 15% by retailers such as Galen Carol.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronfint /img/forum/go_quote.gif To be fair, this might be said about many top pieces of audiophile equipment which are, none-the-less , discounted at about 15% by retailers such as Galen Carol.

And this is why the MSRP pricing structure in this hobby is so out of control. The HD650 is listed at $600 for example. I'd rather see a more honest MSRP system from manufacturers and I think Benchmark is setting a good trend.