Article: Subjective: Audeze LCD-4z Headphone Review

[audiobomber]

@The Computer Audiophile Any plan to review the Benchmark DAC3? If you aren't interested, maybe another reviewer would take a crack at it, @austinpop, @mitchco, @Sonis?

[audiobomber]

8 hours ago, Sonis said:

I had one for a while last summer (2018). Compared directly to the Schiit Yiggy (which is a “ladder DAC” while the DAC3 is a single-bit, Delta-Sigma DAC), I found the Benchmark to be lacking in detail, and rather homogenous. Not bad, you understand, just not as good as either the Yiggy or the Chord Hugo2. I have an Oppo  UDP-205 Blu-Ray/media player and it too (like the Benchmark) uses the ESS SabreDAC Pro DAC (although the Oppo supposedly uses a more advanced model). I found that they sound very similar.

The Yigg and Hugo2 are not under consideration, as neither operates as a preamp. 

[audiobomber]

On 10/1/2019 at 3:03 AM, Sonis said:

Remind me again where I asserted that they did operate as a preamp? The Benchmark is primarily noted as a DAC with a headphone amp. The fact that it has a couple of line-level inputs does not, in my humble opinion, a “preamp” make.

You said nothing about preamp operation. I was merely clarifying the fact that my short list only includes DAC/preamps only, as I've sold my preamp. The DAC's you preferred to the DAC3 are not under consideration. 

 

The DAC3 has analog and digital inputs, gain control and multiple outputs. According to the manufacturer: "Benchmark DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and speakers." 

Please explain how that is not a preamp.

[audiobomber]

3 hours ago, kennyb123 said:

 

The Hugo 2 includes a remote control and can be used to directly drive an amp.  

Thanks for the info but not enough inputs for my system. I don't need an analog input but it would be nice to have. I do need two Toslink inputs, one coax and USB. 

 

Here's an opinion that contrasts with @Sonis: The Hugo 2 doesn't quite deliver the best sound in this price range – that would be the incredible Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark delivers that sound at a lower price - $2,195, a good $500 cheaper than the Hugo."

https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-chord-hugo-2

 

The DAC3 is listed A+ by Stereophile, with the Dave. The Hugo 2 is not listed, the TT is rated Class A.

 

It's difficult to assess the SQ situation without being able to home trial (I live in a smaller city, a long way from the action).

[audiobomber]

Thanks @kennyb123 and @Sonis for your impressions.

 

The DAC/pre I choose will be the heart of my system. Clearly I need to hear some of these DAC's for myself before I commit. I am starting a new thread in the Questions and Answers forum for more input.