Amir is amazing. This forum is fantastic. Discovered it a few weeks ago and my browsing history is 98.9% ASR now...
Context / history:
I have a Benchmark DAC1 (original, not USB) that I purchased used for $490 back in 2012. It is a 2003 build (!). It's been back to Syracuse once already for a pot replacement due to scratchy/balance issues. The issue comes and goes, but I know how to work the volume knob now to avoid the issues.
I primarily use it to drive my HD650 also purchased in 2012. Started driving the headphones via rear XLR outputs (-20db pad) using a cable I built myself (Neutrik XLR + Mogami W3106 dual-channel + Cardas connectors) and I'm really enjoying the sound.
I'm currently feeding the DAC1 with optical S/PDIF from a 2015 MBP, the last of its kind. I'm planning to get a new MBA/MBP this year, which will force me to go USB DAC.
Primarily ALAC (16-bit/44.1kHz) for my old music collection and Apple Music for the new stuff (and TIDAl HiFi when the $1.99 promotions are available).
I've been toying with a several options:
The DAC1 has some sort of (unreasonable) sentimental value to me, and it's so bittersweet that state-of-the-art is progressing so quickly and at insanely affordable prices too!
I don't currently have any plans (yet) to get better headphones, as I am very happy with the current setup and I have still tons of potential with amplification. If I stick with the DAC1, I will likely still get a Crack and/or SS amp in the future. You don't miss what you don't know, am I right?
Sorry for the rambling; 'm overanalyzing again. The "correct" path forward and total cost keep creeping up as far as the A90 / D90 stack (LOL) then crashing back down to just the USB bridge for $40 when I talk some sense into myself. Rinse. Repeat.
Context / history:
I have a Benchmark DAC1 (original, not USB) that I purchased used for $490 back in 2012. It is a 2003 build (!). It's been back to Syracuse once already for a pot replacement due to scratchy/balance issues. The issue comes and goes, but I know how to work the volume knob now to avoid the issues.
I primarily use it to drive my HD650 also purchased in 2012. Started driving the headphones via rear XLR outputs (-20db pad) using a cable I built myself (Neutrik XLR + Mogami W3106 dual-channel + Cardas connectors) and I'm really enjoying the sound.
I'm currently feeding the DAC1 with optical S/PDIF from a 2015 MBP, the last of its kind. I'm planning to get a new MBA/MBP this year, which will force me to go USB DAC.
Primarily ALAC (16-bit/44.1kHz) for my old music collection and Apple Music for the new stuff (and TIDAl HiFi when the $1.99 promotions are available).
I've been toying with a several options:
- Buy a USB bridge, like this XU208-based one for $40 https://www.amazon.com/Douk-Audio-Converter-Interface-PCM192Khz/dp/B085XPRSGM/ . My understanding is it will be essentially transparent for my use case. Thought about going with a Topping D10s as it measures very well and also has a DAC, but that increases my cost to $100. I also started to worry that the DAC in the D10s would obsolete my DAC1 with it's nearly two decade-old design. Has DAC technology really advanced so much as to make a $100 USB-powered DAC better than my DAC1? I know the D10s doesn't have a headphone amp, but that brings me to my next option...
- If I will get better performance out of a D10s, then maybe just get that as a stop-gap with the DAC1, and get a JDS Atom / L30 / A50s in the future? Also toying with the idea of building a Bottlehead Crack, which I know is a complete opposite direction of "reference" but I hear it sounds magical. Might just get both in time...
- Just go all out and purchase a new combo DAC+headphone amp or stack, such as JDS Labs Atom stack or even a Topping E30/L30 stack.
The DAC1 has some sort of (unreasonable) sentimental value to me, and it's so bittersweet that state-of-the-art is progressing so quickly and at insanely affordable prices too!
I don't currently have any plans (yet) to get better headphones, as I am very happy with the current setup and I have still tons of potential with amplification. If I stick with the DAC1, I will likely still get a Crack and/or SS amp in the future. You don't miss what you don't know, am I right?
Sorry for the rambling; 'm overanalyzing again. The "correct" path forward and total cost keep creeping up as far as the A90 / D90 stack (LOL) then crashing back down to just the USB bridge for $40 when I talk some sense into myself. Rinse. Repeat.