The difference between a 'good enough' amp and a great amp - my experience

Hi guys,

I'm about as sceptical as they come. For a short time I was impressed by NwAvGuy's blog and his theory that the sellers of high priced headphone amps were full of shit and out to rob us.

Partly based on his review and Ken Rockwell's glowing review and measurements I bought a Benchmark DAC1 USB.

Then after trying a few lower priced amps I found a good deal on a nearly new Mjolnir 2 and decided to take the plunge.

I've been listening to a Bifrost Multibit-Mojo 2 chain for the last 2 weeks. The DAC1 USB was gathering dust so I decided to just test it as my brain was used to the sound of my Schiit stack by now.

Man the difference is not small. The DAC1 sounds thin with no impact. Music sounds pretty lifeless. I can't go back to the DAC1 now!

Headphone used: ZMF Blackwood

 

Was that feeding the Benchmark into the Mojo2?

 

I read "Mojo2" as his abbreviation for the Mjolnir 2. So Bifrost Multibit / Benchmark -> Mjolnir2

 

I just wanted clarification that he was feeding into the Mjolnir2 and not just comparing vs the built-in amp of the DAC1 which wold be rather unfair.

 

Isn't the Benchmark DAC-1 an all-in-one?

 

there are analog inputs too, to use it as a preamp.

 

There is ambiguity in both the title and post as to whether these impressions refer to (1) the DAC1 as a DAC only, feeding the Mjolnir 2, (2) the HPA2 headphone amplifier built-into the DAC1, fed by the Bifrost Multibit, and/or (3) the DAC1 as both DAC and headphone amp. @Rthomas, could you please clarify?

 

Hello,

The DAC1 was used as a Dac and amp.

The comparison is DAC1 usb vs Schiit stack.

 

No wonder then. The usb input is craptastic on the DAC1.