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Thread: Benchmark DAC-1 - Need help and opinions guys!

  1. #1
    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Benchmark DAC-1 - Need help and opinions guys!

    I am contemplating buying the following:

    http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac1/

    Does anyone have experience with this dac?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    You might find it a bit clinical but probably not with all that wood in your Horns. (In a hi end review of a mod'd unit that had BeeBee tweaks everywhere)

    Ken, Have a look at some of the Musical Fidelity stuff or the Apogee MiniMe

    My free tip of the day : Never buy a dac or anything else for that matter without hearing it first.

    Second tip: Never ask for an opinion about something your gonna spend bucks of money on.

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    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Ian

    Thanks for the valued opinion. Yes, the thought of buying one without trying it out is keeping me at bay. I have yet to talk to anyone who has one. My understanding is a good dac can make quite a difference on a high end system. I must admit to being curious...

    Ken

  4. #4
    norealtalent
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ian Mackenzie
    ...My free tip of the day : Never buy a dac or anything else for that matter without hearing it first...
    I have to agree with Ian in theory. In reality I sometimes buy without hearing first if buying is the only way to hear it. That is how I have learned what I know, experiencing it for myself. The TAD is a prime example, you loved it, I didn't. What sounds "good" has many angles to be percieved from and are all subjectively based in our own experiences. My moto is to only buy what I know I can get my money back out of if I don't like it. That moto has never let me down.

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    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    I hear ya

    Thanks for the input. I am struggling with the decision. I think I could sell it for a small loss if I don't like it. I could buy one direct from the manufacturer with a 30 day money back guaranty, but it would cost me 250.00 bucks more.

    Hmmm

    Ken

  6. #6
    norealtalent
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Pachkowsky
    ...I think I could sell it for a small loss if I don't like it...
    Ken
    My greatest teacher always said,"Knowledge is expensive." With every single day, I find it to be priceless...

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    Senior Member Bernard Wolf's Avatar
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    Well, if you have a lot of CD's and listen often and there is no other way to do it then I say go for it! I just popped over a grand for a cartridge without hearing it.... sometimes you just have to gamble.

    BTW, the cartridge turned out great.. a Clearaudio

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    Senior Member stevem's Avatar
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    If you buy a Benchmark and don't like it, you can always sell it on eBay. I am absolutely amazed at the prices these units command. Almost as much as a new one.

  9. #9
    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by stevem
    If you buy a Benchmark and don't like it, you can always sell it on eBay. I am absolutely amazed at the prices these units command. Almost as much as a new one.
    Yes, I have noticed that.

    Ken

  10. #10
    Administrator Mr. Widget's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ian Mackenzie
    The Benchmark is very gutsy and has a sound stage to die for.
    I don't know a damned thing about the Benchmark, but I do know that when I used my external DAC, the soundstage opened up in the direction of a good analog front end. It certainly didn't make my CDs sound as open as analog, but another step closer is always a good thing.


    Widget

  11. #11
    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Interesting

    Ian

    Thats good news. I am not sure why you deleted your post but thanks for the report. I do believe I will try one out. Unfortunately, the one I was looking at got sold.

    Your post does confirm what I have read and heard about this dac. I have read reports that it compares to dacs costing thousands of dollars.

    I am going to order one from Benchmark directly.

    Ken

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    Senior Seņor boputnam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Pachkowsky
    I am going to order one from Benchmark directly.


    You should try someone like Sweetwater or some other outfit. You might avoid full price... :dont-know
    bo

    "Indeed, not!!"

  13. #13
    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by boputnam


    You should try someone like Sweetwater or some other outfit. You might avoid full price... :dont-know
    Hi Bo. The reason for a direct purchase is the 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Have you read about this product at all? It almost sounds to good to be true? I have had contact with 3 guys that say it was the most significant upgrade they have ever done. Were talking high end systems as well. I am definately going to try one. I ordered it today. Needless to say, (for what its worth) you guys will be the first to get my impressions.

    Nice to hear from you.

    Ken

  14. #14
    Senior Member Bernard Wolf's Avatar
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    Hate Mail ?? Really ?

  15. #15
    RIP 2014 Ken Pachkowsky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ian Mackenzie
    Hi Ken,

    It would appear that from recent hate mail my opinions are unwelcome.

    Since your in box is /was full I posted the honest truth.
    That is unfortunate Ian. As much as I like this place, the day I can't voice an opinion is the last day I will spend on this forum. Sending you a PM.

    Ken

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