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Description
Benchmark's reference-level DA converter that meets even the highest requirements.
NEW REFERENCE! - Even better than the legendary DAC1 and DAC2
The DAC3 is Benchmark's latest 2-channel D/A converter, incorporating the ESS Technologies ES9028PRO dac circuit. The DAC3 converter has lower THD and THD+N total distortion than Benchmark's DAC2 converter.
Benchmark's DAC1 and DAC2 have always been references to which others have compared their products. It is difficult to find similar products that can be compared equally with the DAC1 and DAC2. Benchmark converters are in daily use in several top studios and production facilities, and they are also popular with many audiophiles. But, Benchmark has raised the bar again… DCA3 redefines the reference level.
Benchmark performance
The DAC3 reproduces all the details of the music incredibly well and creates an accurate stereo image. It uses advanced digital filtering and a high sampling rate asynchronous USB interface. The inputs are isolated from the jitter of the user interface with Benchmark's own UltraLock3™ jitter suppression method.
Digital processing and conversion is 32-bit. With this method, it is possible to increase the sound level by 3.5dB above 0dBFS. This level increase prevents DSP overdrive, which typically occurs in D/A converters. Four balanced 32-bit D/A converters are summed together. This is how all balanced analog outputs are created. This 4:1 summation reduces noise by -6dB. Also due to this, the DAC3's performance is at the leading edge of its field.
DAC3 vs. DAC2
DAC3 is based on Benchmark's successful DAC2 product. DAC3 has the operating environment familiar from DAC2. The features are also the same in many ways, but the DAC3 has been added with a higher performance ES9028PRO D/A circuit. DAC3 also offers the following improvements over DAC2:
- Active 2nd Harmonic Compensation
- Active 3rd Harmonic Compensation
- Lower THD+N
- Lower passband ripple
- Improved frequency response
- Faster PLL lock times
- Faster switching between input signals
DAC3 VS. DAC1
The DAC3 and DAC2 include the following features not found in the DAC1:
- Asynchronous 192kHz USB Audio 2.0
- 32-bit D/A conversion system
- Word Length Display
- Sample Rate Display
- Polarity Control
- Direct DSD D/A Conversion
- -20dB DIM
- Bi-Directional 12V Trigger
- Power Switch with Auto-On Function
- Home Theater Bypass
- Digital Pass-Through
- High-Headroom DSP
- Dual-Domain Hybrid Gain Control
- Additional I/O
Native DSD conversion
All digital inputs support native PCM or DSD conversion. From any input, DSD is passed through DoP1.1 with bit precision. DSD and PCM are both natively converted to analog. Nothing degrades the quality of DSD/PCM or PCM/DSD conversions. DAC3 conversion works seamlessly between native PCM and native DSD.
Can be connected directly to the power amplifier
Benchmark DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3 converters are designed so that they can be connected directly to a power amplifier. The XLR outputs of Benchmark converters have adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators, which can be used to optimize connections to power amplifiers or e.g. active speakers. This unique feature of Bencmark optimizes the line level between the DAC and the amplifier. Proper line-level adjustment cannot be overemphasized. When the devices are properly matched, each component in the chain is able to operate at its optimal signal level and system performance is significantly improved.
Studio-level neutral sound
All Benchmark transducers are designed to reproduce with extreme transparency. Transparency is absolutely essential for studio/observation playback. For this reason, DAC3 converters are the ideal choice for the reference-level sound reproduction systems of even the most critical professionals. Unlike many competing products, the DAC3 is not designed to add any kind of "euphoric" coloration to the sound. Instead, it is designed to reproduce sound specifically without coloration and just as naturally as possible.
Welcome to the studio
When Benchmark converters are used in HiFi equipment, it is then possible to enjoy studio quality in a home environment. Enjoy pure music without the coloration created by electronics. Hear the music exactly as it was made and heard in the studio and exactly as the artist intended it to be played.
Discover the natural, uncolored, analog sound of the DAC3.
Real performance
At its best, sound reproduction can create a studio experience for you. With recordings produced with natural unprocessed sound, it is possible to transport you into the artist's performing environment. This is only possible if the entire sound reproduction chain is based on extreme transparency. A listening experience that can be called "I was there" cannot be created with equipment designed to add "warmth" and "euphoric color" to the sound.
Designed, manufactured and tested in the USA
Bencmark products are designed, manufactured and tested in the USA. The production uses components that are manufactured both in the United States and in other parts of the world. However, the most important components are made in the USA.