Benchmark DAC3 HGC USB DA Converter Black with Remote

Benchmark DAC3-HGC Overview

The black DAC3-HGC from Benchmark is a two-channel reference preamplifier with built-in headphone amplifier and digital to analog converter system. It is capable of converting Direct Stream Digital (DSD) signals as well as Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) files up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Designed as an output device for computer-based media, the DAC3-HGC can be used with home media servers, digital audio workstations, desktop audio editing applications, and computer-based radio broadcast systems. The DAC3-HGC maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but delivers the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter chip.

The 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO chip features two distortion compensation systems, which independently remove most of the 2nd harmonic and 3rd harmonic distortion from the D/A converter. It also uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels. This results in an enhanced frequency response and a 6 dB signal-to-noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise.

The DAC3-HGC follows sample-rate changes initiated by your computer or software and uses a multimode asynchronous USB system for data transfer. This allows the unit to act as the clock master, reducing jitter by first transferring the audio data from your computer to an internal buffer, and then to the digital to analog subsystem. The dual data transfer uses Benchmark's proprietary UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system, reducing jitter noise and distortion to at least 140 dB below the level of the audio.

The Hybrid Gain Control (HGC) combines the unit's active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and servo-driven volume control. The HGC provides the dynamic range of an analog system and the accuracy of digital control. All analog inputs are controlled in the analog system and digital inputs in the digital system. The 32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) also provides up to 3.5 dBFS excess digital headroom, throughout the entire conversion process.

The DAC3-HGC features a variety of input and output options. It includes two stereo unbalanced analog RCA inputs, two optical TOSLINK digital inputs, two coaxial digital inputs, one USB digital input, two stereo analog unbalanced RCA outputs, and one stereo analog balanced XLR output. A remote control is also included.

2-channel D/A converter designed for maximum transparency—converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels—achieves a 6 dB signal to noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise ES9028PRO features two distortion compensation systems that independently remove most of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion in the D/A converter High-headroom DSP is designed to handle signals as high as +3.5 dBFS in the entire conversion system and prevents common DSP overloads All digital inputs support native PCM or DSD conversion All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system Hybrid Gain Control system combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control—all inputs are controlled by the rotary volume control, which also moves in response to commands from the remote control (included) Analog inputs are never converted to digital, and digital inputs never pass through an analog potentiometer Digital inputs are controlled in the 32-bit DSP system to preserve precise L/R balance and precise stereo imaging, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion USB system supports USB Audio 1.1 for sample rates up to 192 kHz (USB Audio 2.0) for high-resolution DSD playback. The system is frequency agile and will follow sample rate changes initiated by the computer and/or the media playback software Sample-rate and word-length displays confirm the proper operation of your media player High-fidelity preamplifier includes input selection, volume control, and output buffering functions—high-current output stage can be programmed to match the input sensitivity of your power amplifier or powered speakers HPA2 reference headphone power amplifier with two 1/4" outputs—performance remains consistent even when two headphones are being driven simultaneously Programmable Home Theater Bypass function sets the pass-through gain to unity for integration of a home theater audio system via the RCA inputs Second coaxial input can be reconfigured as a digital output—in output mode, any selected digital input, including USB, passes through to the coaxial output 12-volt trigger connection can be used as an input, output or both, and is compatible with any common 12-volt trigger input or output. The trigger can be used to turn a power amplifier on or off automatically or respond to a 12-volt trigger and follow the actions of another audio component Distributed power supply regulation to achieve the lowest possible noise—each critical subsystem has at least one dedicated low-noise voltage regulator Compatible with Benchmark IR remote control (included)—all functions can be controlled from the front panel or from the remote Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components—most major components are made in the USA DAC3 vs DAC2

The DAC3 maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but adds the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter

• 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 added these features not found on the DAC1:

• Asynchronous 192 kHz USB Audio 2.0
• 32-bit D/A conversion system
• Word Length Display
• Sample Rate Display
• Polarity Control
• Direct DSD D/A Conversion
• -20 dB 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

UPC: 602573174012 In the Box

• Benchmark DAC3-HGC Reference DAC and Stereo Preamp with HPA2 Headphone Amplifier (Black)
• Remote Control
• USB Cable
• 12V Trigger Cable
• Power Cable
• 2 x Spare Fuses
• Limited 5-Year Warranty with Benchmark Online Registration

High-Resolution Playback Begins with an External D/A Converter

Upgrade to an external Benchmark DAC and experience the full capabilities of high-resolution audio.

Sonically-Neutral Studio Monitoring

Benchmark converters are designed to be sonically neutral. This sonic transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain.

Benchmark converters have become a standard fixture in many of the world's finest studios.

Bring the Studio into Your Living Room

When Benchmark's professional converters are used in hi-fi applications, studio-quality sound can be enjoyed in a home environment. Enjoy pure music without any coloration from the electronics. Hear the music exactly the way it was heard in the studio, and exactly the way the artists intended.

Discover the natural, uncolored, analog sound of Benchmark converters.

Sit in the Performance Space

Transparent sound can go beyond replicating the studio experience. Recordings that have been produced with a natural and unprocessed sound can transport you to the performance space. Close your eyes and get ready to be transported!

The experience of "being there" can only happen when the entire audio chain is selected for maximum transparency.

Benchmark DAC3 Product Family

Each member of the DAC3 converter family is sonically identical, and they share identical performance specifications. Each model is built on the same circuit board, but the higher-priced models add additional features.

• Digital Inputs Only
• No Volume Control
• Ideal for use with a separate preamplifier such as the LA4 or HPA4
• Excellent choice for professional studio applications
• The DAC3 B to HPA4 to AHB2 signal chain is our flagship HiFi system.
• The DAC3 B to LA4 to AHB2 signal chain provides the same performance when a headphone amplifier is not needed.

• Includes all of the features found on the DAC3 B
• Adds our Hybrid Gain Control (combined analog and digital volume control)
• Adds two pairs of unbalanced inputs
• Excellent choice when the DAC will act as the system volume control.
• The DAC3 L to AHB2 signal chain is our second-best signal chain.
• An LA4 or HPA4 can be added to the chain to raise the performance to that of our flagship system.
• Volume control is bypassed when an LA4 or HPA4 is added

• Includes all of the features found on the DAC3 B and DAC3 L
• Adds our HPA2™ headphone amplifier.
• An LA4 or HPA4 can be added to the chain to upgrade the performance to the top tier.
• Volume control is bypassed when an LA4 or HPA4 is added