Gungnir MB vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by BIGGER Dave, Aug 6, 2020.

  1. BIGGER Dave

    BIGGER Dave New

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    Back in March 2018 I upgraded from a BiFrost to a Gungnir MB (B serial number). Wow, love the Gungnir! Amazing sound! But, time passes and the upgrade itch kicks in. I thought about the Yggdrasil, however the small form factor of the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, along with a built-in preamp and remote control had me seriously considering the Benchmark. The final reason was an authorized Benchmark dealer gave me $300 off and free shipping which makes the Yggdrasil much more expensive (almost $700 more when you consider shipping).

    So I went ahead and ordered the DAC3 and it should arrive in a few days. I have 30 days to decide. I’m not expecting Yggdrasil-like performance, however I’m hoping for a noticeable upgrade from the Gungnir. Maybe not. I’ll know shortly. One more thing, the MADE IN THE USA thing was one of the reasons I was originally attracted to Schiit, and Benchmark is also Made In The USA. So hopefully I’ll like the DAC3. More to come!
     
  2. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    Man, I was hoping for impressions (I imagine that's EagleWings dislike so I'll spare you another).

    That said, these should be somewhat distant in terms of character even though the Gungnir version you have veers more neutral than the Analog 1 version. I'd expect DAC3 to come in leaner/brighter.

    What would help us is to understand your tastes and prior experience to get a baseline for your imminent commentary.
     
  3. Huhnkopf

    Huhnkopf Friend

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    "MORE TO COME"

    NEIN!

    Please, either drop proper impressions or don't post before. You are basically wasting people's time. Nobody cares about you having ordered anything, not in a thread. I know you are excited and that's really fine to everyone but people want to go directly to the essence.
    (you can share your excitement in the shoutbox)

    They don't wanna wait for you until more comes. If they are waiting at all it's for the people they trust.
     
  4. BIGGER Dave

    BIGGER Dave New

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    Tastes? I’m nearly 60 years old, grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Hendrix, Van Halen, Steely Dan, Aerosmith (which while growing up I thought was a local band), lots of female vocalists such as Carly Simon, Heart, Liz Phair, Pretenders, Aimee Mann, and more lately Lana Del Rey and St Vincent. Been a performing musician for about 40 years, playing guitar (sometimes bass, sometimes keyboards) in cover bands since the late 70’s and even a wedding band for a few years in the 90’s so I think I have a decent idea of what “live music” sounds like. Been a big JBL fan most of my life (still have a few of their speakers including 4311B, 4425, and some JBL PA speakers with 15” drivers and horns) but have recently become a Harbeth fan. I first tried the P3ESR and was amazed at the realism, especially with female vocals. Sold them off and purchased the M30.1 speakers, along with SVS dual subs. I’ll probably upgrade to the M40.x at some point. I have a few Solid State power amps hanging around the house including a McIntosh MC7270, some Crown PS400 amps, a Crown DC300, an Adcom, but I recently started using a Dynaco ST-70 Gen 3 (circa 2018) running NOS Mullard EL34 XF2 tubes and NOS Mullard ECC82 pre’s. I gave up the high power and punch of the McIntosh MC7270 in favor of the subtlety and detail of the Mullard EL34’s. Hope that answers the “tastes” and experience question.
     
  5. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    and big tits? Get a cat.
     
  6. Josh83

    Josh83 Friend

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    You look very good for 60. What’s your secret?
     
  7. insidious meme

    insidious meme Ambivalent Kumquat

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  8. DigitalMaven

    DigitalMaven Acquaintance

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    I'm in the it's ok Boobs camp. Boobs help unless your an actual Boob!
     
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    Hugo_ New

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