Technically Correct: John Siau on DACs and Measurements

What does it mean for audio gear to be “technically correct,” and why should listeners care?

In the fourth-season finale of the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast, host Jorden Guth and producer Dennis Burger are joined by John Siau, vice president of Benchmark Media Systems. He discusses his background in the broadcast industry and how that experience shaped Benchmark’s engineering-driven approach to audio design.

The conversation explores the evolution of DAC technology, the relationship between hi-fi and professional audio, and the ongoing balance between listening impressions and objective measurements. Siau also explains why he believes accurate measurements ultimately lead to better musical performance and addresses common misconceptions about digital audio.

The episode concludes with a look at Benchmark’s commitment to designing and manufacturing its products in the United States, and why the Syracuse, New York–based company sees domestic production as both a practical and philosophical choice.

Sources:

“Florida International Audio Expo: Aretai and Benchmark Present a No-Nonsense Showstopper”: https://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/shows-events/florida-international-audio-expo-2026-tampa-usa/1255-fiae-2026-aretai-and-benchmark-present-a-no-nonsense-showstopper

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:31 Introductions
00:07:09 DACs of a different era
00:10:03 Why hi-res matters for production
00:12:43 What does transparency mean?
00:16:00 Hi-fi vs. pro audio
00:19:09 Listening vs. measurements
00:23:32 Linear phase and the issue of ringing
00:27:50 Nerding out on Nyquist
00:33:41 Born (and built) in the USA
00:40:03 Outro music: “Seven Seasons” by The Days