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The profire610 does seem to be a bargain in its ability to play 24/192 files when compared to the RME fireface which costs around $1000. I have a Benchmark DAC1 Pre as well and that's why I like to know more about the ProFire610 because I'd like to play some 24/192 files too. So far my DAC1 Pre is outputting 24/96 through optical from my Macbook pro. I'm still waiting for more reviews of the ProFire610 to justify the purchase since it's still a relatively new product. I don't think the DAC1 Pre will be able to compare to the Weiss because the DAC1 up or down samples everything to 110khz I think. So some people doesn't consider the DAC1 as a real 24/192 DAC. I'm not sure about the Weiss products until I hear it, but right now I can't really afford one. So, unfortunately it will have to wait... How do you like the ProFire610? Have you done any sampling on 24/192 files with your DAC1 Pre? If so, please write a review or something to let us know. I'm interested... Howard.

I'd get it if I have the cash. I am happy with my dac1 pre now, but Weiss dac2 is my target for future upgrade to 24/192 music. Howard.

Nice, so I am guessing this is simply the same DAC1 Pre with remote and the motorized knob?

Thanks for posting this interesting video, he's a great musical and a good speaker. Make me want to go sit in his audiences.<br /> <br /> Howard.

I just found the M-Audio ProFire 610, which claims to provide 24/192 from all I/Os. It runs on firewire when connected to a PC/Mac. I don't see any specifications that said the Firewire port is limited to 96Khz. So, does that mean this is the cheapest solution to 24/192 music compared to the Weiss and RME? Please correct me if I'm wrong, thank you. Howard.

Chris, thank you for replying. I'll stick to my Mac outputting 96/24 now since it sounded very good already (well, for now at least, until I have more cash :-P ). I have another question, I found few of my lossless files and 320k mp3s have some noise, or maybe crackles, at either very high pitch sound (like a female singing in very high pitch) or low pitch (like heavy bass). The lossless files were Apple Lossless files that were converted from FLAC format. I've listened to the original FLAC versions and they have the same noise/crackles as well. The Mac is set to 96/24 output, and the noise is less apparent at 41/16. They blend more into the music but I can still hear them. Are those distortions? But, those FLAC lossless have ripping logs from the CD that said 100% and everything. Also, I get that from few of the CDs I've ripped myself as well. Is the CD manufacturer just did a bad job authoring it? Is there any way to avoid that? It is sometime annoying to hear the noise/cracks when you are enjoying your music. Thank you. Howard.

Chris - so it sounds like Apple have some driver problems with its optical out on OSX? I guess bootcamp sounds like the only, and cheapest, way to go if I want 24/192. Is there a huge significance/difference by up-sampling music to 96/192? Even HDtracks.com offer only 24/96 files. And that is the most you can get out of 24/96 files, will up-sampling that file make a difference? BTW, I think my HD650 is burnt in a bit more now, as well as the DAC1 Pre. They sounded much better than when I first got them. No more harsh/sharp sounds that make my inner ears hurt so far. This "burn-in" term was somewhat skeptical to me at first, but there is really a difference after long hours of playing. And I have to agree, the quality of the DAC1 Pre is very very good for it's money compared to other alternatives just as you've suggested. David - never mind about the Sound Effects settings I've asked you about. Apparently something was corrupted in my system and a bootup with Disk Warrior fixed it. Now there is alert sound playing out my optical out. Thank you. Howard.

David, thanks for answering my questions. :-) 1. When I plugged into the optical out, the Sound Effects in the System Preferences automatically locked to Digital Output. So, I believe it's automatic that when you plug in optical out, the Mac automatically switch to "Optical Out mode". Also, now you've said this, I've tried unplugging the optical out and there is no system sound as well. So, I think something in my Mac is broken. Audio works fine, just the system sounds are broken. Can you try something for me on your Mac? Go to the Sound Effects Tab in System Preferences and click on a system sound (ie. Basso), does your screen flicker once when it plays the sound? I can't tell if it's normal because I can see the screen flicker, but there is no sound. 2. I will ask Benchmarks about it, thank you. 3. I like the sound of the Zu cable over the stock cable. But, I'd rather use the headphone out if the TRS version and the XLR version sounds the same. Reason is that I found it to be more convenient, sometimes, to plug into the TRS jack and the DAC1 will mute the RCAs connecting to my speaker, so I don't have to reach back and shut off the speakers manually. It's more of a laziness factor if you know what I'm saying.

I've been liking my DAC1 Pre so far and have a few questions. If someone can answer them, I would appreciate it. 1. I've connect the DAC1 Pre to my Macbook Pro's optical out. It works well playing my iTunes music, but I can't seem to hear any system sounds this way (like emptying trash and other alert sounds). Is this normal when using optical out? I used to connect to USB and the system sounds were there. 2. On my Macbook Pro specifications, it said it can do 192Khz from optical out. But the reality is that under Audio Midi Setup, it only goes up to 96Khz. I've called Apple Support and they had no idea able it. The spec sheet link to the specs is here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3188 It stated: "Connect external speakers, headphones, or optical digital audio equipment. The headphone / line output jack accommodates optical digital audio output, analog audio output with a 24-bit, 44.1-192 kHz D/A converter, digital audio output up to 24-bit stereo and 44.1-192 kHz sampling rate and supporting encoded digital audio output (AC3 and DTS). For analog headphone / line output a standard audio cable with 3.5mm metal plug should be used. For digital audio, a standard toslink cable with a toslink mini-plug adapter can be used." 3. I've had my HD650 headphone for a week or so now. It's great sounding out the DAC1 Pre's headphone out with stock cable, but I'd like a bit warmth. So, I've ordered the Zu Mobius cables with XLR connectors. It sounds warmer than the HD650 stock cables and I liked it. Now, my question is, if I were to exchange the Zu Mobius w/ XLR to a Zu Mobius with headphone jack, will it still sound the same? Is the warmth I've heard coming from the Zu cables only, or the outputs I've plugged in as well? So, if I were to get the normal Zu Mobius cable without the XLR connector and plug it straight into the DAC1 Pre's headphone jack, will it still have the same warmth? Reason I asked about the jacks because I found plugging into the headphone jack is more convenient because the DAC1 can automatically mute the RCA output to the speakers when I plug in the headphone jack. Plugging into the XLR out is said to sound better by some people? Since I haven't tried the Zu Mobius from the headphone jack (the built-in HPA2 amp), I can't really compare. So, it is more like a Zu Mobius cable, HPA2 amp vs. the XLR out on the DAC1 question.

Nice review Mr. C. I did like the sound of Duet as well. Although there are minimal hissing when there is no music playing (when listening with IEM), the sound of the Duet is still very nice (straight out of headphone jack with SR-80). However, have you have heat issue with your Macbook? I use a Macbook Pro and I noticed that leaving the Duet plugged in make my MB hot (CPU over 80 celsius). It is hot, but the fan wasn't spinning. It's like encoding video, you can feel the part close to the screen hinges hot enough to cook an egg.

Talking about reviews of the DAC1 Pre, I've found one here: http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-preamplifiers/av-preamps/benchmark-dac1-pre-d-a-converter-preamplifier.html and http://www.stereomojo.com/Benchmark%20DAC%201%20Pre%20Review/BenchmarkDAC1PreReview.htm

Honeybadger, thank you for replying as well. I use a Mac, so it's iTunes that I'm running my music off of. The files were all apple lossless, and I believe I have all the setting on the computers done right. The iTunes enhancements were all off, volume at max, and Audio MIDI setting is set to 96000/24bit like everyone and the Benchmark Wiki have recommended. So I don't think it's the computer considering I am a somewhat computer/gadget savvy person. I'm new to the speakers and these audio terms, but is willing to learn more about them. I am hooking them up to the Audioengine A2s. I can read the specification, but don't really understand much of it. So, I don't know if it works well with the DAC1. But, they sounded great to me, very clean, clear, and detailed. On the term "harsh", I don't mean the Ts and Ss. I don't really know how to explain it. It's more like listening to a high pitch noise for a while and feel your inner ears hurting. I love the clarity, but for some reason I can't listen to it continuously. Does that mean I am just not used to it yet, the DAC1 is not burn in yet, or should I go have my ears checked (no, honestly)? I am extremely glad to start with this super device, and it's performing too well!

Chris, thank you for the warm welcome. So you are the one that wrote that article (great article BTW)? I've read it before I made my purchase and it is indeed an incredible little device! Yes, I've only been using it for few days and loved it's flexibility. I can basically hook everything up to it with a nice an clean setup. However, listening to the DAC1 for over 30 min, I had to take the headphone off or pause the music because it kind of stresses my ears. It almost hurt a little inside my ears, well, not exactly hurts, but maybe my ears are tired. The DAC1 brings out every little detail in the music, and so clean and clear, but a bit sharp on my ears (I listen to Jazz and classical, a little rock and pop sometimes). Like you said, I may not be used to this "clean" sound due to listening to bad dacs from the computer/ipod. I was wondering when the DAC1 and HD650s "break-in" more, will it get better? I've ordered some XLR cables for the HD650 because some said it sounds better, but they're not here yet. I really like the DAC1 Pre and the flexibility it provides and I would have to see it going back. I just want to add that I tried the Apogee Duet few weeks ago and really like the sound of it. I returned it because the lack of flexibility and the dependent on a computer (it also make my Macbook Pro CPUs runs hot some times). I did considered the Mini-Dac, but I went for the DAC1 because it will work so well with my setup. But the Apogee Duet didn't hurt my ears for long hour listening with the Grado SR-80 (didn't have the HD650s at that time and I don't think the Duet can drive the HD650 anyways). So, I hope everything will turn out right after a week or two or I might have to figure something out. Return and get the Apogee Mini-DAC? Will that drive the HD650s right? Or is it possible that my ears eventually be "trained" to listen to the DAC1?

I've got mine for 3 days now and I have to say it is as flexible as a swiss knife. I have it connected to my mac by USB (will be using optical out once I get my optical cable), the RCA out is connected to my Audioengine A2s (just got it few days ago too, very nice and small speakers), and the headphone out to the HD650. It's so great in its flexibility! However, I found the sound coming out of the DAC1 to be somewhat too clean and clear that it's almost a bit harsh/bright? I'm still new to this audiophile stuff, so I'm not sure if I am using the right terms. The sounds is sometimes sharp (not sure how to describe it) and sometimes my ears hurt a little bit, well, not exactly hurting, but more like stressed, would that be ear fatigue? So, I was wondering if it will get better or is the DAC1 just not for me?