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We offer a select line of products to improve your computer audio listening experience!

Benchmark DAC1 HDR
(stereo pre-amplifier with remote control, 24/192 DAC, headphone amp and USB playback)


The Benchmark DAC1 HDR is an all-in-one reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier. This stereo pre-amp brings together all the best features and performance of the award-winning DAC1 family with the convenience of an intelligent remote control solution. The DAC1 HDR combines some of Benchmark's finest engineering accomplishments into one device: the DAC1 digital-to-analog audio converter with UltraLock™ clock system, AdvancedUSB™ computer audio playback (USB DAC) interface, and the legendary HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The unique remote control solution of the DAC1 HDR is built around Benchmark's new HDR-VC™ (high dynamic range volume control).

The remote control solution of the DAC1 HDR has an intelligent implementation of dimming and muting. The 'Dim' (quiet) and 'Soft-Mute' settings of the remote control can be easily adjusted independent of the normal volume setting. The DAC1 HDR remembers and recalls your specified 'Dim' setting. This feature is ideal for HDTV users, as it allows you to set your preferred 'Dim' level for commercials, etc. The 'Soft-Mute' function fades down the volume to the 'Dim' level before muting and smoothly raises the volume to the normal level after unmuting.

With a generous offering of inputs and outputs, the DAC1 HDR serves as the heart of expansive media and entertainment systems, optimizing the signal path from the various sources to the amplifier. The DAC1 HDR will enhance the audio performance of your digital television, digital cable box, DVD/CD player, computer, music/media server, satellite radio, and any other device with a digital audio output. Also, the HDR-VC™ will control the pristine path for an analog source, such as a phono stage, FM tuner, iPod, VCR, tape deck, etc.

The Acclaimed DAC1 D-to-A Conversion System
Engineers and audiophiles have grown to rely on Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion for more then 10 years. They are consistently finding themselves engaged in the music when using Benchmark digital analog converters - engaged in a way that is rarely achieved with digital converters.

HDR-VC™ High Dynamic Range Volume Control
The DAC1 HDR features Benchmark's HDR-VC™ (High Dynamic Range Volume Control). The HDR-VC™ is achieved with a custom-built motorized Alps potentiometer. The DAC1 HDR's motor-driven volume control maintains the dynamic range of the converter and audio output. In contrast, digital volume controls reduce dynamic range, and analog volume IC's introduce distortion and noise.

Jitter-Immune UltraLock™ Clock System
Benchmark's proprietary UltraLock clock system achieves an unprecedented immunity to jitter. Many modern (and expensive) converters suffer from significant jitter-induced distortion, generating non-musical sideband tones and digital distortion. Benchmark's highly-regarded UltraLock™ clock system ensures that jitter is never a problem, even under extreme conditions.

 
AdvancedUSB™ Audio Technology
The USB interface of the DAC1 HDR operates with Benchmark's unique AdvancedUSB™ technology. Unlike many USB-equipped D/A converters, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB™technology supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of any drivers or other special software. Benchmark's UltraLock™ clock system isolates the converter from the high levels of jitter that are found on USB interfaces. The DAC1 HDR achieves transparent, audiophile-quality playback through a true plug-and-play solution.

HPA2™ Headphone Amplifier
The DAC1 HDR includes the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under a full load from two sets of headphones. The DAC1 HDR has two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel.

Digital Inputs:
There are five digital inputs (3 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB) and 1 analog input on the DAC1 HDR. These inputs are selected from a front-panel toggle switch.

Analog Outputs:
There are two analog outputs on the DAC1 HDR. These outputs are left and right balanced and unbalanced.

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Benchmark DAC1 PRE
(stereo pre-amplifier, 24/192 DAC, headphone amp and USB playback)



The Benchmark DAC1 PRE is a reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device (USB DAC), incorporating the 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) system. With the DAC1 PRE, the music engages the listener breath-taking realism.

The Acclaimed DAC1 D-to-A Conversion System
Engineers and audiophiles have grown to rely on Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion for more then 10 years. They are consistently finding themselves engaged in the music when using Benchmark digital analog converters - engaged in a way that is rarely achieved with digital converters.  

Jitter-Immune UltraLock™ Clock System
Benchmark’s proprietary UltraLock™ clock system achieves an unprecedented immunity to jitter. Many modern (and expensive) converters suffer from significant jitter-induced distortion. If jitter is not effectively addressed, a converter will generate non-musical sideband tones and digital distortion. Benchmark’s highly-regarded UltraLock™ clock system ensures that jitter is never a problem, even under extreme conditions.

AdvancedUSB™ Audio Technology
The USB interface of the DAC1 PRE operates with Benchmark’s unique AdvancedUSB™ technology. Unlike many USB equipped D/A converters, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB™ technology supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of any drivers or other special software. Benchmark’s UltraLock™ clock system isolates the converter from the high levels of jitter that are found on USB interfaces. AdvancedUSB™ responds automatically to sample-rate changes to bypass the operating system’s sample-rate conversion. The DAC1 PRE achieves transparent, audiophile-quality playback through a true plug-and-play USB DAC.

HPA2™ Headphone Amplifier
The DAC1 PRE includes the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is arguably the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under a full load from two sets of headphones. The DAC1 PRE has two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel.

Digital Inputs:
There are five digital inputs (3 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB) and 1 analog input on the DAC1 PRE. These inputs are selected from a front-panel toggle switch.

Analog Outputs:
There are two analog outputs on the DAC1 PRE. These outputs are left and right balanced and unbalanced.

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Benchmark DAC1 USB
(sterio 24/192 DAC, headphone amp and USB playback)


The Benchmark DAC1 USB is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter featuring Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio™ technology, UltraLock™ clock system, and HPA2™ headphone amplifier.

Preserving the Classic DAC1 Heritage
The pristine audio path of the award-winning Classic DAC1 has made it the 'Benchmark' of standalone D-to-A converters. The DAC1 USB preserves the exact topology of the audio path of the Classic DAC1, while adding some of the most frequently requested features.

Jitter-Immune UltraLock™
Digital interconnect cables, electro-magnetic interference, and many other variables introduce jitter into the digital audio. Jitter presents a major problem to most D-to-A converters. Jitter is a type of clock error that, if not properly addressed, can cause the D-to-A to misfire. The result of these misfires is a non-musical, digital distortion.

AdvancedUSB Audio Technology
Unlike previous native USB audio interfaces, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB Audio technology supports 24-bit audio at sample-rates up to 96 kHz. It is very important to have a 24-bit USB path, even for 16-bit playback, because certain computer-related functions can increase 16-bit audio to 24 bits. If a 16-bit USB DAC is used, 8 bits of every digital audio sample would be truncated. Truncating digital audio causes severe, non-musical digital distortion. Benchmark's AdvancedUSB interface ensures a full 24-bit digital audio path to avoid truncation distortion.

HPA2™ Headphone Amplifier
The DAC1 and DAC1 USB feature the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is arguably the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 and DAC1 USB to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under full load. The DAC1 and the DAC1 USB both have two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel. The performance of the HPA2™ remains consistent even when two headphones are being driven simultaneously.

Digital Inputs:
There are four digital inputs (1 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB and 1 XLR) on the DAC1 USB. These inputs are selected from a front-panel toggle switch.

Analog Outputs:
There are two analog outputs on the DAC1 USB. These outputs are left and right balanced and unbalanced.

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Benchmark DAC1
(sterio 24/192 DAC and headphone amp)


The Benchmark DAC1 is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter featuring Benchmark’s UltraLock™ technology. The DAC1 is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. A compact and rugged enclosure makes the DAC1 an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks. The internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over and under voltage conditions. Two ¼” headphone jacks are driven with Benchmark’s new HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is a high-current amplifier that is capable of driving a wide variety of headphone loads while achieving less than 0.0003% distortion under load. The gain control sets the output level of the headphone jacks. It can also be used to control the output level of the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. A rear-panel switch selects Variable or Calibrated output levels.

Digital Inputs:
There are three digital inputs (1 coaxial, 1 optical and 1 XLR) on the DAC1. These inputs are selected from a front-panel toggle switch.

Analog Outputs:
There are two analog outputs on the DAC1. These outputs are left and right balanced and unbalanced.

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