Benchmark DAC2 HGC - Digital to Analog Audio Converter From Benchmark

2 channel D/A converter

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Manufacturer's Description from Benchmark

Benchmark's DAC1 family of D/A converters have been the reference to which other converters have been compared. It is rare to find a converter review that does not draw comparisons to the DAC1. The DAC1 has been the best-selling 2-channel reference-quality converter and is in daily use at many of the finest recording studios and mastering rooms. DAC1 converters are also enjoyed by thousands of audiophiles.

The DAC2 is Benchmark's new 2-channel D/A converter. The DAC2 converter has lower noise, lower distortion, and improved accuracy when compared to Benchmark's outstanding DAC1 converter. The DAC1 has become a reference standard in many of the finest recording studios and mastering rooms. The DAC2 defines a new reference.

DAC2 converters deliver outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. They employ an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a new high-sample-rate Asynchronous USB Audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock2™ jitter attenuation system.

Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. Four balanced 32-bit D/A converter are summed together for each balanced output. The performance of the DAC2 exceeds the measurement limits of today's state-of-the art test equipment.

Amplifiers

Benchmark DAC1 and DAC2 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers an speakers. Benchmark converters feature adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators at the XLR outputs that can be used to optimize the interface to the power amplifier (or powered monitor).

Sonically Neutral

All Benchmark converters are designed for maximum transparency. This transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain. DAC2 converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems.

Features:

Sample Rate Display
Word Length Display
More Digital Inputs (5 total)
More Analog Inputs (2 total)
More Analog Outputs (3 total)
Digital Pass Through
Native DSD Conversion
Polarity Switch
Asynchronous USB 2.0
Driverless Asynchronous USB 1.1
Home Theater Bypass
Bi-Directional 12 Volt Trigger
Power Switch
Low Power Consumption
New Benchmark Technologies

"HGC" is Benchmark's unique Hybrid Gain Control system. The DAC2 HGC combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, a 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control. All inputs are controlled by the rotary volume control. This volume control moves in response to commands from the remote control. Analog inputs are never converted to digital, and digital inputs never pass through an analog potentiometer. Digital inputs are precisely controlled in the 32-bit DSP system. The DSP system preserves precise L/R balance, and precise stereo imaging, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion. Benchmark's unique passive output attenuators provide distortion-free gain reduction without reducing the dynamic range of the converter. The attenuators optimize the gain staging between the DAC2 HGC and the power amplifier. This optimization is absolutely essential for maximizing the dynamic range of the entire playback system. Much of the success of the DAC1 converters can be attributed to the passive output attenuators. Musical details can be obscured by system noise whenever a preamplifier and power amplifier are improperly matched. The" HGC " system will make full use of your power amplifier's dynamic range. Experience new details in your favorite recordings.

Hybrid Gain Control

High-Headroom DSP
UltraLock2™ Jitter Attenuation System
Quad 32-bit balanced D/A Conversion System
Multi-Mode Asynchronous USB Audio System
Distributed Power Regulation

About Manufacturer

Long time manufacture of sought after digital converters, have quickly become a top player in the business with the release of their new DAC1 Digital to Analog Converter. With new A to D converters and mic preamps on the way, we plan to keep our eye on them!