Quality of preamp and volume control on DAC 1
Quality of preamp and volume control on DAC 1
Submitted by Cangus on Wed, 2010-04-14 11:17Does the DAC 1 have a proper reference quality preamp or just a volume control? If it does have a proper preamp, could you please guide me on the difference between the quality of the preamp and volume control on the DAC 1 as compared to the DAC Pre and the other DACs in your line-up. If the quality is the same, then is the difference between the DAC 1 and the DAC Pre only in the additional analog inputs? Would the DAC 1 benefit from a high quality preamp or would I get more detail and resolution if I connected the DAC 1 directly to a power amp using the DAC 1 volume control to adjust level? Will I get better performance if I use the DAC 1 calibrated (fixed) output with an outboard high quality volume control before feeding the signal into my power amp. Will I get better performance using the balanced outputs of the DAC 1 as opposed to the single ended output? Using very high quality speakers, cables, interconnects and power amp (incredibly neutral) I've compared the DAC 1 to the Berkeley Alpha DAC, the Bryston DAC and the Weiss Vesta DAC and I am not able to hear any improvement over the DAC 1. Is it just my hearing, or is it a fact that Berkeley, Bryston and Weiss has just used marketing to make people feel that they sound better just because they cost so much more than the DAC 1? Will I get better performance out of the DAC 1 if I use a very high quality transport as opposed to a mid priced CD player like the NAD 542? Thanks for your help, advice and guidance, in advance.
ERS Paper
Will the performace of the DAC 1 improve if I put a sheet of Stillpoint ERS (Electromagnetic radio frequency suppression) paper on top of it? Also, will I shorten the lifespan of the DAC 1 by leaving it on all the time?
Quality of preamp and volume control on DAC 1
Hello Cangus,
Good questions. The preamp section of our DAC1 models is essentially the same. The difference is that the higher end units utilize the National LM4562 opamps throughout the analog stages including the preamp stage. While the measurements of all of our DACs are the same, some reviewers feel that these higher end models do sound a smidgen better. However, all models would be considered to have reference quality preamps with precision volume pots and will offer stunning performance when driving a power amp directly. Keep in mind that if one can avoid inserting another chassis full of components in the audio chain, it seems to reason that noise and distortion will be lower and the overall sonics a bit more resolving.
The output from Benchmark DACs, whether using the calibrated or variable output setting, should sound the same. Differences between models would be opamps, additional inputs, remote control, premium connectors, etc. You can see a detailed comparison of the various models at http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-comparison.
Concerning your listening observations of other dacs and the Benchmark, I would only say this. Benchmark designs what we consider to be world class audio equipment with cutting edge circuit design to achieve the highest performance possible. We feel this can be done at a reasonable price point. Other dac products may offer other features that may add to the ultimate cost of the product. Let you ears guide you.
Many transports in combination with a Benchmark DAC will yield state of the art playback performance. Given our jitter immune UltraLock circuitry, the price of a transport has no bearing on the sonic end result. An inexpensive transport can sound every bit as good as an expensive one, when coupled with a Benchmark DAC. I would think that you would be extremely satisfied with a Benchmark and the 542, both sonically and financially. Try it. We have a 30 day money back policy on direct sales. If you don’t hear an improvement in your playback system, simply return the DAC for a refund. We want you to be satisfied with your investment.
Best regards,
Rory
ERS Paper
I don't think adding this paper will have any effect on the DAC1. But of course, you can try it.
The DAC1 was designed so that it could be left on 24/7 as would be the case in a professional studio. If you wish, you can put it on a switched outlet or power strip but lifespan should not be effected one way or the other.
Best regards,
Rory