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Update: August 2013
I have squeezed even more performance from the DAC2 with the discovery of bit perfect playback via the Foobar player with the WASAPI component installed and set as the playback processor . Definitely worth looking into Foobar for this capability that I was unable to reach with either Windows Media Player or iTunes. You'll know you've reached bit-perfect status as you play a range of bit-depths and sampling rates and observe the DAC2 indicator lights change to properly reflect the data density of the track. I was never able to reach this outcome with the other players. I found HDtracks to be a great source of music that exceeds typical redbook status with 24 bit and 96-192kHz recordings readily available there.
Original review:
I upgraded from a PS Audio DL/III DAC shortly after purchasing a Yamaha A-S2000 amplifier that had fairly stringent requirements of only 2.8 volts in via the XLR connection. This DAC and a precious few others met that specification allowing me to connect via the balanced connection thus gaining the greatest acoustic return from that wonderful Yamaha.
The sound from this Benchmark DAC2 HGC is outstanding. There is a dimensionality, depth and presence to the music that is always engaging and, given excellent recordings, startlingly present. It elevates my system to a superb level. The sound is crystal clear with a completely silent background. The bass is strong, well defined and very tight. It is less bloated in the mid-bass region when compared to the PS Audio and does a nicer job of making my subwoofer produce deep bass I can feel. The midrange is wonderfully present even via the 16-44 standard Redbook content I have currently. I decided to purchase this unit straight from Benchmark as they offered a 30 day no hassle audition option. I valued that since some had considered earlier DAC1 units as somewhat clinical or sterile. I find none of those traits in this unit and consider it a worthy investment in outstanding sound quality. Thanks Benchmark for this creation. I thought it necessary to write this review for others like me looking for optimal sound yet not finding many reviews on this relative newcomer to the DAC line-up.
I have yet to play any DSD content via this unit so sorry I will not be able to help with that. All my comments are based on my playback via a Windows 8 computer with the USB 2 driver from Benchmark installed. I use Windows Media Player as my controlling software. I have disabled all special effects inside the media player as well as in windows. I would have tried the NAD M51 as a comparable option but that unit seemed to have no Windows 8 driver as of my date of purchase. I will add that Benchmark customer service is highly responsive. They answer calls, know their product, and you can tell you are dealing with a company that is driven to provide quality and complete satisfaction. A marketing manager named Rory there helped me ascertain that this unit would indeed meet the voltage specifications of my somewhat hard to match Yamaha system. So many other companies I called before settling on this purchase either did not return calls or otherwise seemed to know little about their products. The warranty on this unit seems also to be unsurpassed at 5 years and the unit is made right here in the U.S. (New York). If you are serious about your music and can afford the investment I suspect you will be delighted as I am. Thanks Benchmark.
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The audio hobby is full of marginal products that charge a premium for expensive "audio bling" , fancy design and over the top case work. Stick to products that deliver performance rather than high priced, so called, prestige. Benchmark delivers with the DAC2 HGC. I would be surprised if any other DAC can substantially outperform it, other than very subtle subjective differences, at any price.Buy Benchmark DAC2 500-14800-200 2-Channel Digital Audio Converter Now
I find myself listening to a lot more music ever since I started using the DAC2 HGC in my computer based system. Before, I used to get listener's fatigue after about 20 minutes, and now, I can listen for hours without any fatigue whatsoever. $2k is a little too steep I thought when I bought this, but not anymore. Highly recommended.Read Best Reviews of Benchmark DAC2 500-14800-200 2-Channel Digital Audio Converter Here
DAC2 surpassed my expectations. It is much better than an older high end DAC that I have which did not have an USB interface.I took it for comparison to another one which is at least 8 times more expensive and although it could not match the other one's performance, his own has gained the respect of those who attend the test.
It presents a detailed and full sound, without the "digital" sound of earlier DACs, generally speaking.
Crispy highs, smoother than previous model are a plus.
A bargain for what it offers.
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