I've compared Benchmark DAC1 USB vs various Onkyo Receivers from the NR901 to the mid range SR703. In my opinion, use the cheap AV amp if you got it. You'll get more mileage spending that extra money on better headphones or speakers. The sound quality difference between different DACs is...
Audio is usually the least important aspect of motherboard reviews, frequently taking a backseat to overclocking, benchmarking and cooling. I bought two of these Z87-A boards and they both are exhibiting identical issues that hopefully someone on this forum can resolve or simply replicate...