Benchmark Media DAC-1 D/A Converter

  
 

Listening to audio from the DAC1 is an amazing experience. The distortion fsree output is so pristine it truly feels as though someone has finally lifted the curtain! Now you can hear detail that was previously masked by jitter induced artifacts and distortion. If it was an exceptional recording, you'll hear it, if it wasn't, you'll hear that as well.

Many DACs derive their system clock directly from the AES receiver making them very susceptible to jitter. These DACs can rarely achieve their rated performance in real world applications. By contrast, the DAC1 takes full advantage of our jitter free UltraLock™ technology. On the test bench, or at the end of 1000' of cable, the DAC1's performance is the same! Actually, we don't think you should have to be a transmission line expert to be a great audio engineer.

Additional features include auto-processing of pre-emphasized digital audio and our latest HPA-2 headphone amplifier technology. This technology features distortion levels of 0.0003% under load. The audio output levels may be controlled from the front panel by the same gain control that feeds the headphone amplifier or it may be preset to a precise level with multi-turn trims. The preset gain range is +10 dBu to +29 dBu at 0 dBFS. The DAC1 has built-in international 115/230 volt power.

The DAC1 is essential equipment for mastering studios, high quality recording studios, high-end home audio systems, or anywhere un-colored digital playback is demanded.

The up-sampling DAC1 is now listed as a Stereophile Magazine recommended component. John Atkinson called the DAC1   "...a true audiophile bargain."

The DAC1 - Winner of a PAR Excellence Award at the 2002 AES Convention, the Reviewers Pick Award from Pro Audio Review, and nominated for a Mix Magazine TEC Award.


   


NOTE: Stereophile Magazine's 2004 EDITOR's CHOICE Award Winner.

The DAC1... you never heard it so good!
  
 


  Features

  • 2-channel, 24bit, 192-kHz D-to-A conversion
  • All sample rates playback with a 55-kHz analog bandwidth
  • THD+N = -106 dB (0.0005%) measured at -0 dBFS, any sample rate, any test frequency, with any degree of input jitter!
  • 116 dB signal-to-noise ratio @55 kHz, A weighted
  • AES/EBU (XLR & Coax) and S/PDIF (XLR, Coax, & Toslink) inputs
  • Digital input source-selection switch
  • Balanced, low-Z XLR outputs
  • +29 dBu output level capability
  • Unbalanced RCA outputs
  • Variable or preset output level controls, switch selectable
  • Direct connection to powered monitors
  • Built-in Benchmark HPA-2, a high-output, ultra-clean headphone amplifier with dual outputs jacks
  • Total jitter immunity via UltraLock™ technology!
  • Phase Accurate D-to-A conversion across any number of channels
  • 1 power, 2 error indicating LEDs
  • Internal low-radiation toroidal power supply
  • International 115-230 input voltage range
  • Automatic De-emphasis for 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz when Pre-emphasis bit is set
  • Milled aluminum front panel
  • 1/2 wide, 1RU chassis
  • Black rack-mount, Black and Silver non-rackmount versions available
  • Rack mount kit for 19" rackmounting available
  • CE Compliant
pcX Mod Details:

With our pcX, we upgrade the analog output stage...from the DAC chips to the output connectors...including critical signal path caps, resistors, op amps (these are the most expensive and most critical items in the mod...Burr-Brown OPA627 op amps on dual vertical "surface-mount" adaptor boards), output wire and output connectors.  Plus, we upgrade the sonically critical PS diodes and resonance damp the chassis. 

Sonic Results:

The op amps we use in this mods are several levels above the exiting NE5532's, both objectively and subjectively...the OPA627's are the very best audio op amps available....which translates into better dynamics, more authoritative bass, silkier highs and a more 3-dimensional mid-range.

The caps and resistors chosen in this mod simply have better tone and ambience characteristics, as well as being higher resolving.  The wire and connectors we use allow for enhanced detail and more precise imaging.

pcX Pricing (MSRP: $975 USD)

a) Unmodified Unit: Call/Email for Pricing 

b) S/E Output Mod: $495 USD aftermarket ($1395, including DAC-1)

c) Balanced Output Mod: $575 USD aftermarket ($1475, including DAC-1)