DAC1 HDR Review - Paul Seydor, The Absolute Sound

DAC1 HDR - "You will have to spend a very, very great deal of money to find a better DAC"

"When Benchmark Media’s DAC1 digital to analog converter was introduced a few years ago, it not only garnered rave reviews, but those reviewers who performed rigorous laboratory tests only wound up confirming Benchmark’s claims that it was a virtually distortionless device. At the time Benchmark essentially serviced the professional audio market, where its products are widely used—it’s probably no exaggeration to say that at some point in the production of better than half of all digitally based music releases a Benchmark product is used for monitoring. But as happens every now and then, word gets out about really exceptional professional products—the original Rogers LS3/5a is a classic case in point—and soon audiophiles start buying them."

"... you will have to spend a very, very great deal of money to find a better DAC and linestage than are in this unassuming but nearly perfect unit."

- Peter Seydor, TAS