Topic: Benchmark DAC 1 or Apogee mini DAC?

[spreetaper]

my vote would be for the ps audio Digital Link III
excellent price and I have been enjoying it in my setup so far..
have run dvd audio and 24 bit from my PC with excellent results (usb connection)
in my opinion its the best value for a device which includes usb

[carlbeck]

I had a Benchmark for a while & it is a great convertor. It wasn't until I switched to analog where it started to become bothersome to listen too. I think it is a little grating in the high end after a while, at first it is seductive because it is so "clean" but after a while it became an un-natural presentation to my ears. With that being said for the money it is hard to beat & I would recommend one to almost anyone, you have to spend a lot more to beat the performance.

[Nick's Picks]

that used to be the case...but in the last few years there are so many excellent DACs under $1k. 

[headroom]

El cheapo + very good sound

http://www.diyparadise.com/dackit/1545bdackit.html

Reference Audio Mods PS Audio Ultralink III Digital to Analogue Converter

http://stereotimes.com/CD022807.shtml

[aegert]

I don't know how I would live without my dac-1.. that being said I loved the mytek when I heard it too. I haven't listened to the apogee..

A

[Nick's Picks]

I can chime back in.
both units are A+
Apogee has a few more features I believe.

my opinion on their sound:
Benchmark sounds a little smoother in its presentation.  it "blends" the music in a way that is one large cohesive presentation.
the Apogee is wicked detailed, it tends to "separate" the music.  which I found cool because I was hearing shit I never heard before through it.
I'd be happy w/either, but prefer the apogee.