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Benchmark DAC3 vs RME ADI-2 DAC - Sound

derp1n

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Killingbeans

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Don't think so?

I think most people (including me) just agree with:
Given that both products measure superbly, I would expect that both would sound like exactly whatever signal you put through them (i.e. transparent).

Any findings from comparison would with high probability be a product of psychoacoustics.
 

Purité Audio

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I can’t hear any differences between them, but I don’t expect to, both really first class products.
Keith
 

Chippyboy

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I hope people don't mind me joining someone else's thread (is this poor etiquette - I am not sure - I apologise if so).

Anyway, what is the consensus on my old Benchmark DAC1-HDR vs the RME ADI-2? Since even my old Benchmark is a decent, well-sorted DAC, do people think there will also be minimal sound quality differences? Or would the RME be a decent upgrade, sound-wise, do you think?

Thanks
 

Purité Audio

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I wouldn’t have thought there would be an audible difference, the RME has some useful features though.
Keith
 

Chippyboy

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Thanks. I guess we are getting into the realms of diminishing returns aren't we. My Benchmark has served me well, but I fancy a change - being able to actually see what the word length and sampling frequency I am listening to would be nice, as would DSD.

Some years back I "upgraded" to a Benchmark DAC2, but ended up selling it because (a) I didn't feel it was as well "polished" as the DAC1 - there were horrible clicks and pops on signal input changes, and (b) it didn't sound sufficiently better. I could tell the difference, but it just wasn't worth it.

If I felt the DAC3 would be £2k well spent, I'd buy one, but I have a sneaking feeling that too may not be worth it. Maybe the ADI at less than half that price, makes the investment a bit more sensible.
 

Purité Audio

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If you are in the U.K. I will send you the RME to try, direct A/B against the current incumbent is always best.
Keith
 

sonci

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Maybe the ADI at less than half that price, makes the investment a bit more sensible.
I don't get how they manage to stay in business with these prices? Benchmark even though manufacture of professional audio gear, is nowhere as big as Rme or Lynx or others.
 
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