Benchmark DAC1 Digital to Analog Converter  From Benchmark

The DAC1 is a two-channel, 24-bit, 96-kHz Digital-to-Analog audio converter. The DAC1 is perhaps one of the more significant recent advances in digital audio conversion technology. The DAC1 provides some of the finest analog conversion through 96-kHz, and will play back 192-kHz with a 48-kHz analog bandwidth. The performance of the DAC1 is unrivaled. THD+N is an astonishing low -106 dB (0.0005%) measured at 0 dBFS, at any playback frequency, at any sample rate, with any degree of input jitter, and it just gets better from there.

Listening to audio from the DAC1 is an amazing experience. The distortion free output is so pristine it truly feels as though someone has finally lifted the curtain! Now you can hear detail that was previously masked by jitter induced artifacts and distortion. If it was an exceptional recording, you'll hear it, if it wasn't, you'll hear that as well.

Many DACs derive their system clock directly from the AES receiver making them very susceptible to jitter. These DACs can rarely achieve their rated performance in real world applications. By contrast, the DAC1 takes full advantage of our jitter free UltraLock technology. On the test bench, or at the end of 1000? of cable, the DAC1's performance is the same! Frankly, we don't think you should have to be a transmission line expert, to be a great audio engineer.

Additional features include auto-processing of pre-emphasized digital audio and our latest HPA-2 headphone amplifier technology. This technology features distortion levels of 0.0003% under load. The audio output levels may be controlled from the front panel by the same gain control that feeds the headphone amplifier or it may be preset to a precise level with multi-turn trims. The preset gain range is +10 dBu to +29 dBu at 0 dBFS. The DAC1 has built-in international 115/230 volt power.

The DAC1 is essential equipment for mastering studios; high quality recording studios, high-end home audio systems, or anywhere un-colored digital playback is demanded. The DAC1 has the Benchmark 5-Year parts and labor warrantee, and your purchase is covered by a satisfaction, money-back guarantee! Place your order today: you have nothing to loose and great audio to gain.

Here's a great quote:

"I found the Benchmark DAC1 incredibly transparent sounding. It made my mastered 16-bit CDs sound more like the original 24-bit master recordings full of rich detail, wide stable stereo imaging and a clear high end. As an invaluable production tool, I use the Benchmark connected to my CD player's digital output to evaluate my mix dailies at home."

-Barry Rudolph, Recording engineer/mixer for Pat Benatar, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall and Oates, BB Mak, The Corrs and Rod Stewart.