(I posted this in the Hi-Fi Other forum yesterday, but it seems more appropriate here)
I'm considering buying the Benchmark DAC1, and was wondering if anyone had any experience of the Benchmark with the Cambridge Audio 840C v2 (so, in effect, 'upgrading' the CA DAC to the Benchmark, and using the 840C as a transport)?
I'm also using the CA 840A v2, alongside B&W N805 speakers, Foundation I stands, various Van den Hul and Tara Labs interconnects. My speaker cable is Chord Carnival Silver Bi-wire.
I also have an Audio Alchemy DDS v3.0 Transport, Audio Alchemy DDE 3.0 DAC and a DTI v2.0 jitter reducing processor, which is also connected to the 840A v2. This sounds great when playing rock music, while the 840C sounds great with jazz (especially recordings from the ECM, ACT and Cam Jazz labels), but less great with rock and electronica.
I'm curious to know if the Benchmark will improve the sound of the 840C. I listened to a Benchmark DAC1 USB a few days ago (here in Hong Kong) and my test CDs (ie the jazz albums I usually listen to) sounded superb, but the DAC was being used in conjunction with different equipment.