Benchmark Dac One vs Denafrips Pontus 2

[gazou08]

Hi , i am from Montreal, I would like to know if worthed change my benchmark dac 1 for a denafrips Pontus 2

[Speedskater]

I would think the opposite.

Is there a limitation with your Benchmark?

[gazou08]

Hi, limitations in which sense?

[creativepart]

The DAC 1 is now about 12 years old - and it uses an older sigma-delta DAC chip. It's super resolving but not very pleasant sounding, in my opinion.  I would characterize it as harsh, even.

 

The Denifrips DAC is a much newer design bases on R2R technology and is a warmer, more "analog" sounding DAC. Comparted to the DAC 1 it would be a huge change, and one you'd likely be happy with.

 

I owned the DAC 1 (USB) years ago and moved on to other more pleasant sounding DACs a long time ago. I would not want to go back to the DAC 1's sound character. I've had at least 4-DACs since then and my current DAC is the Chord Hugo TT2. It's not a R2R Dac but offers resolving detail with a much more pleasant overall sound quality. When I was DAC shopping the Pontus 2 was on my list, so was the Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 2. I didn't audition them but folks who have rave about their sound.

 

I've heard people say in forums that the Benchmark DAC 3 is a better sounding DAC but Benchmark's house sound is hyper-detail and I find that sound fatiguing and prefer more musical sounding DACs with lots of soundstage and separation between instruments.

 

Good luck in your choices.

[gazou08]

Thank you for your advice , i think i will go for the moment with the ares 2 12 th -1. Have a nice day and thank you again.