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Thread: Benchmark DAC1

  1. #11
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Birmingham, UK

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    I'm Ian.

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    Wilson Benesch speakers are often described as being "analytical" and "bright" when in reality they are the opposite. Presumably someone somewhere saw the carbon fibre and high tech and thought "analytical" etc and it stuck. The rest of the morons jumped on the "self proclaimed web expect" bangwaggon.

    Similary with the Benchmark DAC1, I suspect. I seriously wonder whether some people comment on kit when they haven't even heard it. Actually strike that. I am certain some people do this.

    I haven't heard the earliest incarnations, but the DAC1-HDR (and I would assume the PRE, as it's the same kit without a remote) sounds absolutely sublime.

    It is significantly better than the Caiman, which is actually quite a compliment for both the Caiman (that it should be held up as any kind of reference) and the Benchmark (in that it is so much better).

    I suggest you have a listen for yourself.
    Chippy.

  2. #12
    MartinT Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chippy_boy View Post
    Wilson Benesch speakers are often described as being "analytical" and "bright" when in reality they are the opposite. Presumably someone somewhere saw the carbon fibre and high tech and thought "analytical" etc and it stuck. The rest of the morons jumped on the "self proclaimed web expect" bangwaggon.
    Well, I have heard Wilson Benesch speakers many times at shows. I also auditioned them when selecting speakers some years ago. To my ears they have a family sound: cold, hard and undynamic. I dislike them intensely. Goodness knows why Chord continue to use them at shows as it does their amps a disservice.

  3. #13
    Join Date: Sep 2009

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    I'm listening to music through a Benchmark DAC1 as I type. It's not even been in my system 24 hours but I'm really enjoying it! It's on another level to my Edirol UA25, though I'm still using the Edirol for its optical output. Later on tonight I'm going to try it with my Meridian 206b as a transport. For context the rest of my kit: NAC72 with 821A boards / TPX1 / Avondale NAP140 / Epos ES22 speakers.

  4. #14
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

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    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    Hi Chippy,

    It is significantly better than the Caiman, which is actually quite a compliment for both the Caiman (that it should be held up as any kind of reference) and the Benchmark (in that it is so much better).
    I'm sure that the above represents your valid experience to date, however for me it's the exact opposite, which goes to show how we hear things differently

    Martin,

    I fully concur with your views on the WBs - I wouldn't give them house room!

    Marco.
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  5. #15
    Join Date: Dec 2008

    Location: Yorks

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    I'm Nobody.

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    I know a lot of people think bright is right but it don't sound right folks, don't sound natural at all.I not intrested in detailed bright sounds.But at the end of the day it's what people like innit!

  6. #16
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: http://www.homehifi.co.uk

    Posts: 6,288

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    When I was developing the prototype for the Caiman I used a TC-7520 and DAC1 as reference in order to compare frequency response and detail. Has anyone else done the same?



  7. #17
    leo's Avatar
    leo is offline Circuit Junkie & DIY Room Forum Leader
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    Of course we all have our own personal tastes , as already mentioned once before brightness is usually caused by high frequency distortion , some folks like it , others can't stand it, also a lot depends on the kit its being used with

    I've tried the Benchmark, wasn't my cup of tea, IMHO I didn't find it good enough to make me want to scrap diy
    Cheers,
    Leo

  8. #18
    leo's Avatar
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    Regarding performance for the price Stan I'd say the Caiman is far better value compared to the BM
    Cheers,
    Leo

  9. #19
    Join Date: May 2008

    Location: That London ( North)

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    I'm Keith.

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    Leo Hi, does the BM use a ASRC? Very best,Keith.
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  10. #20
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    leo is offline Circuit Junkie & DIY Room Forum Leader
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    Quote Originally Posted by purite audio View Post
    Leo Hi, does the BM use a ASRC? Very best,Keith.

    Hi Keith,

    There is a AD1896 before the dac chip inside the BM which is a ASRC IC

    Cheers,
    Leo
    Cheers,
    Leo

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