Benchmark Media DAC1 PRE Reference-Quality Stereo Pre-Amplifier description:
The Benchmark DAC1 PRE is a reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device, incorporating the 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 digital-to-analog conversion system.
With six stereo inputs and four stereo analog outputs, the Benchmark DAC1 PRE anchors expansive media systems and provides a pristine audio path from source to amplifier. The six stereo inputs include an analog input, a USB computer input, an optical input, and three coaxial digital inputs. The output section includes stereo XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced, and two headphone jacks driven by Benchmark's HPA2 0-ohm headphone amplifier.
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.
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 solution.
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.
Benchmark DAC1 PRE main features include:
- Six Stereo Inputs: Analog RCA, USB,TOSLINK optical, and three digital coaxial
- Utilizes 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 D/A conversion system
- Benchmark’s phase-accurate UltraLock technology provides total jitter immunity
- AdvancedUSB computer audio interface for native 96-kHz / 24-bit USB audio
- Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X without driver installation
- State-of-the-art LM4562 high-current, low distortion opamps for all analog circuits
- Four stereo outputs: XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced, and two headphone jacks
- True-analog volume control on front panel
- Built-in HPA2 headphone amplifier - 0-Ohm, high-output, two output jacks
- Selectable gain-range for headphone amplifier to match headphone sensitivity
- Left-most headphone jack mutes XLR and RCA outputs (this feature is defeatable)
- Power button and rotary source selector
- “Calibrated/Variable” switch determines gain control for main analog outputs
- Front-panel gain control of all analog outputs (in “Variable” mode)
- Front-panel gain control of headphone outputs only (in “Calibrated” mode)
- Rear-panel trim-pots control gain of XLR and RCA outputs (in “Calibrated” mode)
- Selectable, low-impedance attenuators (0, 10, 20, or 30 db) on XLR outputs
- Status LED’s - display input selection and error conditions
- Low radiation toroidal power transformer significantly reduces hum and line related interference
Benchmark Media DAC1 PRE Reference-Quality Stereo Pre-Amplifier (code 50009)
Stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device, incorporating the 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 digital-to-analog conversion system.
£1,106.37 (ex vat)