Benchmark DAC3 HGC – Silver – Stereo Preamp / PCM & DSD DAC / Headphone Amp w/remote
In stock
- Sample Rate Display
- Word Length Display
- Digital Pass Through
- Native DSD Conversion
- Home Theater Bypass
$4,599.00
In stock
Introduction to Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Discover the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, the pinnacle of Benchmark’s DAC line, setting new standards in digital-to-analog conversion technology. Built upon the legacy of the acclaimed DAC1 and DAC2, the DAC3 incorporates state-of-the-art features and innovations to deliver unparalleled audio performance for both professionals and audiophiles alike.
Reference Performance and Advanced Technologies
Superior Conversion Quality The DAC3 employs the latest ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip, offering significantly lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and THD+N noise compared to its predecessors. This ensures exceptional musical detail and precise stereo imaging, making it a preferred choice in top recording studios and mastering rooms worldwide.
UltraLock3™ Jitter Attenuation Benchmark’s proprietary UltraLock3™ system ensures all inputs are isolated from interface jitter, providing precise clock synchronization and eliminating artifacts that can degrade audio quality. This advanced jitter attenuation system locks with unprecedented speed and accuracy, enhancing clarity and fidelity.
Quad 32-bit Balanced D/A Conversion Featuring a unique 4:1 summation of four balanced 32-bit D/A converters per channel, the DAC3 achieves industry-leading performance with reduced noise and distortion levels. This innovative design elevates signal-to-noise ratios and preserves audio integrity, setting new benchmarks in audio fidelity.
Enhanced Features and Functionality
Advanced Digital Processing The DAC3 boasts a 32-bit digital processing system with 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS, preventing DSP overloads common in other converters. It supports native PCM up to 192 kHz and native DSD64 conversion, ensuring uncompromised playback quality.
Hybrid Gain Control (HGC) Benchmark’s proprietary HGC system combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, and digital gain control for precise volume management without introducing noise or distortion. This ensures optimal signal purity and dynamic range, enhancing overall listening experience.
Integrated Headphone Power Amplifier (HPA2™) The DAC3 includes Benchmark’s renowned HPA2™ headphone amplifier, delivering high-current, 0-Ohm drive to ensure maximum performance with any headphones. Dual 1/4″ headphone jacks provide versatility without compromising audio quality, making it ideal for critical listening sessions.
Versatile Connectivity and User-Friendly Design
Multi-Mode Asynchronous USB Audio System Supporting USB Audio 2.0 and DSD playback, the DAC3’s USB subsystem features asynchronous communication to minimize jitter and support high-resolution audio formats up to 192 kHz. It offers plug-and-play convenience with MAC systems and includes a driver for seamless integration with Windows.
Comprehensive Connectivity Options The DAC3 includes a range of inputs including coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU, along with digital pass-through capabilities for integration with home theater systems. It features bi-directional 12V trigger functionality for automated control and a home theater bypass mode for seamless integration into multi-channel setups.
Designed for Studio-Quality and Audiophile Environments
Transparent, Studio-Grade Sound Engineered for maximum transparency, the DAC3 faithfully reproduces audio with unparalleled accuracy and neutrality. Unlike competitors that add coloration, the DAC3 ensures a natural, uncolored sound, ideal for critical listening and professional studio monitoring applications.
Optimized Gain Staging Benchmark’s unique passive output attenuators optimize gain staging between the DAC and power amplifiers, preserving musical details and minimizing system noise. This meticulous design approach enhances the dynamic range and fidelity of the entire audio playback chain.
Conclusion: Embrace the Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Step into a new era of audio excellence with the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. Designed to meet the demands of discerning professionals and audiophiles, it combines cutting-edge technology, unparalleled performance, and user-friendly features to deliver a truly immersive listening experience. Discover the natural, uncolored sound of the DAC3 and elevate your audio journey to new heights.
For those seeking uncompromising audio quality and reliability, the Benchmark DAC3 HGC stands as a testament to Benchmark’s commitment to innovation and sonic purity in digital audio reproduction.
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 23.7 × 24.9 × 4.5 cm |
| brands | Benchmark |
Specifications
Audio Performance |
|
|---|---|
| Fs = 44.1 to 96 kHz, 20 to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz test tone, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu (unless noted) | |
| SNR – A-Weighted, 0 dBFS = +27 dBu | 128 dB |
| SNR – Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +27 dBu | 126 dB |
| THD+N, 1 kHz at 0 dBFS | -113 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022% |
| THD+N, 1 kHz at -1 dBFS | -114 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022% |
| THD+N, 1 kHz at –3 dBFS | -119 dBFS, -116 dB, 0.00016% |
| THD+N, 20 to 20 kHz test tone at –3 dBFS | -113 dBFS, -110 dB, 0.00032% |
| Frequency Response at Fs=192 kHz |
|
| Frequency Response at Fs=48 kHz |
|
| Crosstalk |
|
| Maximum Amplitude of Jitter Induced Sidebands (10 kHz 0 dBFS test tone, 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1 kHz) | < -144 dB |
| Maximum Amplitude of Spurious Tones with 0 dBFS test signal | < -138 dB |
| Maximum Amplitude of Idle Tones | < -147 dB |
| Maximum Amplitude of AC line related Hum & Noise | < -133 dB |
| Inter-channel Differential Phase (Stereo Pair – any sample rate) | +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz |
| Inter-channel Differential Phase (Between DAC3 Units Fs<110 kHz) Any sample rate. | +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz |
| Maximum Lock Time after Fs change | 6 ms |
| Soft Mute Ramp Up/Down Time | 9.6 ms |
| Mute on Receive Error | Yes |
| Mute on Lock Error | Yes |
| Mute on Idle Channel | No |
| 50/15 us De-Emphasis Enable | Automatic in Consumer Mode |
| De-Emphasis Method | Digital IIR |
| De-Emphasis Supported at | Fs = 32, 44.1, 48 kHz |
Group Delay (Latency) |
|
|---|---|
| Delay – Digital Input to Analog Output (function of sample rate)
|
1.36 ms at 44.1 kHz
1.27 ms at 48 kHz 0.90 ms at 88.2 kHz 0.82 ms at 96 kHz 0.51 ms at 176.4 kHz 0.47 ms at 192 kHz |
Digital Audio Inputs |
|
|---|---|
| Number of Digital Inputs (switch selected) | 5 (1 USB, 2 Optical, 2 Coaxial) |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Input Sample Frequency Range | 28 to 210 kHz (Coaxial Inputs)
28 to 96 kHz (Optical Inputs) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (USB Input) |
| Maximum Input Word Length | 24 bits
|
| Digital Input Impedance | 75 Ohms (Coaxial Inputs) |
| DC Blocking Capacitors on Digital Inputs | Yes (Coaxial Inputs) |
| Transient and Over-Voltage Protection on Digital Inputs | Yes (Coaxial Inputs) |
| Minimum Digital Input Level | 250 mVpp (Coaxial Inputs) |
| Jitter Tolerance
(With no Measurable Change in Performance)
|
>12.75 UI sine, 100 Hz to 3 kHz
>1.5 UI sine at 20 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 40 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 80 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 90 kHz >0.25 UI sine above 160 kHz |
| Jitter Attenuation Method | Benchmark UltraLock3™ – all inputs |
Balanced Analog Outputs |
|
|---|---|
| Number of Balanced Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Output Connector | Gold-Pin Neutrik™ male XLR |
| Output Impedance | 60 Ohms (Attenuator off)
425 Ohms (Attenuator = 10 dB) 135 Ohms (Attenuator = 20 dB) |
| Analog Output Clip Point | +30 dBu |
| Factory Set Bypass Level (at 0 dBFS) | +24 dBu (Attenuator = 0 dB) |
| Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) In ‘Variable’ Mode | Off to +27.5 dBu (Attenuator off)
Off to +17.5 dBu (Attenuator = 10 dB) Off to +7.5 dBu (Attenuator = 20 dB) |
| Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. 96 kHz) | < +/- 0.006 dB |
Unbalanced Analog Outputs |
|
|---|---|
| Number of Unbalanced Analog Outputs | 4 |
| Output Connector | RCA |
| Output Impedance | 30 Ohms |
| Analog Output Clip Point | +13.5 dBu (3.7 Vrms) |
| Factory Set Home Theater Bypass Output Level (at 0 dBFS) | +8.2 dBu (2 Vrms) |
| Output Level Range (with 0 dBFS digital input) | Off to +11.7 dBu (3 Vrms) |
| Output Level Variation with Sample Rate | < +/- 0.006 dB |
HPA2TM Headphone Outputs |
|
|---|---|
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Output Connectors | ¼” TRS with switch on left-hand jack |
| Output Impedance | < 0.11 Ohms |
| Output Level Control | Stereo Control on Front Panel |
| Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) into 60-Ohm Load | Off to +21.5 dBu (9.2 Vrms) |
| Output Power | 1.25 W into 30 Ohms |
| Maximum Output Current | 250 mA |
| Overload Protection (independent per channel) | Current limited at 300 mA, Thermal |
| Bandwidth | > 500 kHz, -0.35 dB at 200 kHz |
| THD+N at 20 mW | -108 dB (0.0004%) into 300 Ohms, -100 dB (0.0010%) into 30 Ohms |
Status Display |
|
|---|---|
| Indicators – Type and Location | 16 LED’s on Front Panel |
| Selection/Status Indication | 1 – Dim/Mute
1 – Polarity |
AC Power Requirements |
|
|---|---|
| Nominal Input Operating Voltage Range (VAC RMS) | 100 – 240V |
| Frequency | 50-60 Hz |
| Power | < 0.5 Watts Idle 12 Watts Typical Program 15 Watts Maximum |
| Fuses | 5 x 20 mm (2 required) 0.5 A 250 V Slo-Blo® Type |
| Min/Max Operating range (VAC RMS) | 90 – 260 VAC 47 – 63 Hz |
Dimensions |
|
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ½ Rack Wide, 1 RU High |
| Depth behind front panel | 8.5” (216 mm) |
| Overall depth including connectors but without power cord | 9.33” (237 mm) |
| Width | 9.5” (249 mm) |
| Height | 1.725” (44.5 mm) |
Weight |
|
|---|---|
| DAC3 only | 1.36 Kg. |
| DAC3 with remote control, power cord, extra fuses, and manual | 1.81 Kg. |
| Shipping weight | 3.18 Kg. |
Important Features
- Sample Rate Display
- Word Length Display
- 5 Digital Inputs
- 2 Stereo Analog Inputs (2 RCA)
- 3 Stereo Analog Outputs (2 RCA, 1 XLR)
- Digital Pass Through
- Native DSD Conversion
- Polarity Switch
- Asynchronous USB 2.0
- Home Theater Bypass
- Bi-Directional 12 Volt Trigger
- Power Switch
- Low Power Consumption
- ES9028PRO Converter
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