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Benchmark Media DAC3 HGC Digital Analogue Converter

Benchmark Media DAC3 HGC Digital Analogue Converter
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 Benchmark Media DAC3 HGC Digital Analogue ConverterBenchmark Media DAC3 HGC Digital Analogue Converter 
£2,449.00
(£2,040.83 Exc. VAT)
  
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Delivery In 1-3 Days

Free U.K. Delivery

Availability

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WHAT HI-FI?

WHAT HI-FI?

STEREOPHILE

STEREOPHILE

  • Reference Performance
  • Four balanced 32-bit D/A converters 
  • Volume Control
  • Hybrid Gain Control
  • Hi-Fi Preamplifier
Benchmark Media
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Why buy from us?

Benchmark Media DAC3 HGC Digital Analogue Converter

Reference Performance
The DAC3 delivers outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. It employs an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a high-sample-rate Asynchronous USB Audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock3™ jitter attenuation system.

Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and this processing includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. This headroom prevents the DSP overloads that commonly occur in other D/A converters.

Four balanced 32-bit D/A converters are summed together to create each balanced analogue output. This 4:1 summation provides a 6 dB noise reduction, and gives the DAC3 industry-leading performance.

Volume Control
Any practical audio system will need a volume control. These days, most audio devices use digital volume controls. These controls place significant demands on the quality of a D/A conversion. An internal D/A converter that starts with the equivalent of 14-bit performance, may only deliver 12-bit performance at typical volume-control settings.

In contrast, the Benchmark DAC3 D/A converter uses a motor-driven 32-bit digital volume control driving a 32-bit D/A conversion stage. This combination delivers true high-resolution audio performance over a wide range of volume settings.

Hybrid Gain Control
Benchmark's unique hybrid volume-control system delivers maximum performance from analogue or digital inputs. A single motor-driven knob controls the volume of the analogue and digital inputs, but the two types of inputs are handled very differently:

•Digital inputs pass through a 32-bit digital volume control.
•Analog inputs pass through a traditional analogue volume control.
•Both share the same knob.

This hybrid approach eliminates all unnecessary A/D and D/A conversion steps. Analog inputs see an entirely analogue path to the outputs. Likewise, digital inputs see an entirely digital path to the 32-bit D/A converter.

Hi-Fi Preamplifier
The DAC3 includes the input selection, volume control, and output buffering functions of a traditional hi-fi "preamplifier". Like a traditional preamplifier, the DAC3 is specifically designed to drive power amplifiers, but the DAC3 carries this concept to perfection. The high-current output stage of the DAC3 can be programmed to match the input sensitivity of your power amplifier. This unique feature optimizes the interface between the DAC and your power amplifier, giving you the highest-possible system performance.

The DAC3 provides the cleanest, most direct path to your power amplifier. No additional "preamplifier" is required or recommended unless your system includes a turntable. If so, your phono preamplifier should be connected to one pair of analogue line-level inputs.

In any system, the most transparent performance will always be achieved when the DAC3 is connected directly to a power amplifier.

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. However, 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 colour to the music.

Shipping typically 1-2 days
  • Sample Rate Display
  • Word Length Display
  • Digital Inputs
  • Stereo Analog Inputs (2 RCA)
  • Stereo Analog Outputs (2 RCA, 1 XLR)
  • Digital Pass Through
  • Native DSD Conversion
  • Polarity Switch
  • Asynchronous USB 2.0
  • Driverless Asynchronous USB 1.1
  • Home Theater Bypass
  • Bi-Directional 12 Volt Trigger
  • Power Switch
  • Low Power Consumption
  • ES9028PRO Converter

UK Delivery

  • FREE delivery via DPD Local By 12pm on orders to value over £300, including one hour delivery window service 'Predict & Follow My Parcel'.
  • Royal Mail Special Delivery By 1pm costs between £5.00 - £10.00 on orders to value under £300, dependent on weight.
  • Saturday or Sunday delivery available upon request for supplemental charge.

EU Delivery

  • £25 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Road service (5-7 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
  • £50 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Air service  (2-3 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

USA & Canada Delivery

  • Services based on your order being shipped to the U.S. and Canada are calculated as follows:
    £100 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL international 'Day Definite' service per parcel.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

Exceptions

  • Not all products are available for order into Europe, USA & Canada

WARRANTY

  • Full manufacturer's warranty on all new purchases. Standard warranty is typically 12 months to 2 years with some goods coming with 6 years manufacturer's warranty.
  • Goods purchased in UK and EU are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
Average Rating (1 Review):  
Write a Review and share your opinions!

Rating:  
Great product and service
13 September 2017  | 

Really enjoying the DAC3. Sounds better with Benchmark XLR->Phono leads allowing passive attenuation of outputs. Sound seems to have improved (more musical) over first few weeks, maybe due to running in. Great service from Igloo.

Was this helpful to you?  Yes  /  No

4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

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