4500 dollars, are you kidding me, for a headphone amp? Why would anyone spend that kind of money?   I started my journey into the world of headphones with the goal of putting together a system to maximize that elusive price vs. performance ratio curve.  Given the lack of local high-end stores...

So I'm going to take the leap and get a pair of LCD-Xs.  I was wondering if you all had some suggestions on AMPs/DACs to go with them.  I was eyeing the Bifrost Asgard 2 combo but would like some other suggestions.   Fist thing, definitely looking for something solid state at this point...

DAC Showdown: AQVOX USB 2 D/A vs. Benchmark DAC1 vs. Lavry Black DA10 The Back-story: For well over a year, as many of you know, I’ve been one of Head-Fi’s most prominent DAC1 apologists, arguing the merits and performance of this particular piece of gear until the cows came home...

I have a Benchmark DAC1 USB. I would like to upgrade to the "next level". Only one question. What is the next level? Is it a quantum leap in price? Any specific product suggestions out there?

I just got the DAC which I bought in a hurry and didn't notice has no usb input... now I don't know if there's a way to use it without jitter as it has no asynchronous usb input, only xlr, coaxial, and optical digital inputs. Which is a better option and how can I connect to a computer with...

I have read papers where asynchronous reclocking in a DAC actually adds jitter. So I don't buy the "this DAC is immune to jitter" line. With anything in the audio chain there is a good budget solution except a low jitter SDIF source. There are few recommendations. Most info on CDP's center on...

Right now, I am using the Musical Fidelity V-Link to connect to my PC USB and connect the S/PDIF to the DAC1 through the BNC ~~> S/PDIF adaptor....   but I just read the manuel of DAC1, it said it has 75Ohm output pre-install.......   So, do I need to remove the 75Ohm but removing the...

I am thinking about getting one. It's an older unit, so I am not sure how outdated it is. Still worth it, especially used?                  

Title kind of says it all.  I have the Benchmark, but I've heard so many good things about the W4S that I'm curious to compare one to the other.  So this is an invite to a head-fi'er in reasonable driving distance to Stamford, CT to bring their W4S DAC2 over for a test drive in my system:  ...

The Nuforce Icon HD is reputable as a very nice DAC with a USB input and it's a great value at $350. Am I being silly to try to upgrade from that? I know the Benchmark DAC1 has far more features and would look much nicer on a desk, but at triple the price of the Icon HD (more or less depending...

Well, I think the tittle said it all!

Hi, i purchased DAC1 USB and i have "Dual Conduit USB cable (two type A to one type B)" - separate cables for the power and signal lines. Does dac1 usb need usb power lines ?? i tested and it works without those power lines, connected only signal lines. Does this affect sound quality or harm...

Can it;   A). Drive hard-to-power headphones like Audeze and Hifiman orthodynamics models to a good volume easily and without straining? And manage current-hungry models like the K702 as well?   B). Match upper-mid-range models such as the Graham Slee Solo, Lehmann Black Cube, Heed...

In order to justify the purchase price of the Benchmark DAC1 USB, I would like to use it on both my PC and my TV setup. My PC is currently hooked up to a Yulong D100 DAC, Denon D7000 headphones, and no other AMP or speakers. My TV currently has "Some Sony receiver" and a 5.1 sound system I would...

Really need to add some warmth to my system. Any reccomendations? (Used, under $250)

right now i have benchmark dac1 usb   i have read so many good reviews about empirical audio modded dac1 but those reviews are all like many years ago and not many people talk about ea modded dac1 anymore if i ever find one, is ea modded benchmark dac1 still worth buying used? or are...

is modded benchmark dac1(used) still worth buying? i have read great reviews on modded dac1's but they are all reviews of many years ago and they are not even being talked about as much these days i already have dac1 usb but after reading all those reviews on them, im kind of curious how...

Hi, I am from Singapore and want to buy a Benchmark DAC-1.

I'm on the verge of buying the DAC-1, but was wondering if it would run well with monitors and headphones plugged in simultaneously. My main concern is blowing sensitive headphones like the D2000 on accident when turning up the volume for the monitors. Does the volume control both the Headphone...

Proposed system:   iMac --> (DAC) -->  Woo Tube Amp  --> Sennheiser 700.   Would like to pull the DAC trigger this week.  Any advice?  Thank You.

Such as Beyer DT-770 600ohm?

I am thinking about a Benchmark DAC1, but I see there are some different types.       I am wondering the differences among them. 

The DAC1 is $500.00 cheaper than the DAC2. I realize the DAC2 is superior in many ways, that's not in question... What I'm wondering is, given the (much) better price of the DAC1, is it still a viable investment? Is it going to be obsolete in next year or two or is the DAC2 just way ahead of the...

I've been on a bit of a quest lately for a transportable "All-In-One" solution for my workshop and office. Something with a DAC that I can hook up to my laptop and enjoy music from iTunes, Pandora, CD Player etc. I got my hands on three  models that fit my needs and I thought I'd share my...

I am currently extremely happy with my desktop O2/ODAC combo and not looking for spending money anytime soon since the synergy with LCD-2 rev2 is absolutely perfect to my ears...   However, I am still interested to have a look at some high-end deadly-neutral amps/DACs with ultra low...