Rick Schmidt

Benchmark ADC1 USB Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

Rick Schmidt

The pro-audio company Benchmark has a firm foothold in the audiophile world with their digital to analog converter/headphone amp the DAC1 and DAC1 USB. These have been universally well reviewed, including here at Secrets, and I've been able to listen to them myself, and I concur with the positive reports.

DACs

Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Conditioner

Rick Schmidt

I've been suspicious of power conditioners ever since they first appeared – sometime in the Jurassic Park period I think. Just like the science in that movie is a little glossed over, so is the science of AC power glossed over by wild claims for power conditioning products.

Power Conditioners

Parasound Halo P7 Preamplifier

Rick Schmidt

The Parasound Halo P 7 Preamp is a problem solver. The problem is the gap between home theater systems and hi-end stereo systems. Many home theater buyers are fond of the stereo systems that they already own (and paid big bucks for), those that don't already have a stereo might find that they can afford a lot more two channel gear than 7.1 channel gear and since 90-100% of their music collection is two channel.. well, you get the idea. But unless you are a hifi nut like me, you don't have a room dedicated to the stereo and another dedicated to the home theater.

Preamplifiers

Jaton Lyra HD-661 DX Monitor Speakers

Rick Schmidt

The drivers in the HD 661 DX are where the expense lies. Costs are kept down by using plastic enclosures. Resonances are addressed with internal damping as well as the shape. I found that the overall effect is a success as long as the speakers are carefully placed – as it was in my home theater system where the left and right fronts are essentially contained on all sides except the front.

Bookshelf Speakers