Benchmark Dac3l Converter Black No Remote

The Benchmark DAC3 L is a 2-channel digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed by Benchmark. It features the ES9028PRO converter chip from ESS Technologies, offering improved performance compared to Benchmark's previous DAC2 model.

The DAC3 is known for its outstanding musical detail, precise stereo imaging, and reference-level performance. It incorporates an advanced high-headroom digital filter design and an asynchronous USB Audio interface with a high sample rate. All inputs on the DAC3 are isolated from interface jitter using Benchmark's UltraLock 3 jitter attenuation system.

The internal digital processing and conversion of the DAC3 is 32 bits, providing 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS to prevent DSP overloads. The DAC3 utilizes four balanced 32-bit D/A converters that are summed together to create each balanced analog output, resulting in a 6 dB reduction in noise and industry-leading performance.

The DAC3 supports native conversion of both PCM and DSD formats. DSD is transported with bit accuracy over DoP 1.1, and there are no conversions between DSD and PCM, ensuring uncompromised audio quality. The DAC3 seamlessly switches between native PCM and native DSD conversion.

Benchmark DAC3 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and speakers, featuring adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators at the XLR outputs. This allows for optimized gain staging and improved system performance.

The DAC3 is designed for maximum transparency and is ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems or high-fidelity applications. It aims to reproduce audio without adding any coloration or distortion, providing a natural and uncolored sound.

The Benchmark DAC3 is designed, assembled, and tested in the USA, utilizing components from both the USA and abroad, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.

Benchmark DAC3 L Black Key Features:

• 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
• 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
• -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

Native DSD Conversion

All digital inputs on the DAC3 support native 192 kHz PCM or DSD64 conversion. From any input, DSD is transported with bit accuracy over DoP 1.1. DSD and PCM are both natively converted to analog. There are no DSD to PCM or PCM to DSD conversions to compromise the quality of the music.

The DAC3 conversion system seamlessly switches between native PCM and native DSD conversion. DSD over DoP 1.1 is supported by many media players, and DSD downloads are now available from several sources.

Direct Connectivity to Power Amplifiers

Benchmark DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and speakers. Benchmark converters feature adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators at the XLR outputs that can be used to optimize the interface to the power amplifier (or powered monitor).

This unique Benchmark feature optimizes the gain staging between the DAC and the power amplifier. Proper gain staging cannot be overemphasized. When audio stages are properly matched, each component in the audio chain is able to operate at its optimum signal level, and the system performance is significantly improved.

Sonically-Neutral Studio Monitoring

All Benchmark converters are designed for maximum transparency. This transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain. For this reason, DAC3 converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems. Unlike many competing products, the DAC3 is not designed to add "euphonic" coloration to the audio. Instead it is designed to be as uncolored and natural as possible.

Step Into the Studio

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 the DAC3.

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. But, this can only happen when the entire playback chain is selected for maximum transparency.

This experience of "being there" cannot be created by systems that are designed to add "warmth" or "euphonic color" to the music.

Designed, Assembled, And Tested In The USA

This Benchmark product was designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components. Most major components are made in USA.