How to compare Azur 640C V2 and Benchmark DAC 1?

Digital Drive

Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

Last week I purchased the Azur 640C V2 to replace my dead D500. But then I thought maybe I should look into the Benchmark DAC 1 and use it with my Phillips 963SA which I am using only for 2 Channel SACD playback.
So this afternoon I got the DAC 1 today for the weekend.
I've done some preliminary listening already with some of my favourite discs, but the differences appear to be marginal. The DAC 1 seems to be slighltly better in bass and the top end (have to listen more carefully), but I don't sense any differences in soundstage etc. Certainly not the difference I had imagined (which seems to always be the case).
What is the best way to evaluate these two units and what should I be concentrating on listening? I would appreciate any tips or advice.
To make it easier to switch back and forth I've hooked the DAC 1 to the coax out on the Azur 640C for now. I'm running it in calibrated mode and hooked into my MF A3.2CR preamp which is hooked to my Anthem Amp 1 (tube amp). The speakers are Monitor Audio Silver S6.
Or am I just expecting the DAC 1 to perform miracles? Maybe the Azur 640C really is very good? I just keep thinking the external DAC should give me a significant improvement.
Thanks,
-- Sanjay

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

The Cable Cooker

Topic - How to compare Azur 640C V2 and Benchmark DAC 1? - schugh@shaw.ca 22:28:03 07/21/06 (3)

Re: How to compare Azur 640C V2 and Benchmark DAC 1? - Jonesy 11:01:02 07/22/06 (0)

Be sure the levels are well matched. - KT88 09:12:10 07/22/06 (1)

Level adjustment with Benchmark DAC - andy_c 12:18:00 07/22/06 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.