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Benchmark DAC1 PRE - DAC with Stereo Preamp (110V, Silver)

  • Price: $1,595.00
  • CAD 1,631.84
  • B&H # BEDAC1PRES
  • Mfr# 500-14075-100

Product Highlights

  • D-to-A Conversion
  • Reference Quality Preamp
  • HPA2 Headphone Amplifier
  • USB
  • UltraLock Clock System

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The DAC1 PRE is a reference-quality, two-channel 192kHz, 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter, featuring Benchmark's UltraLock technology. The converter is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. The compact and rugged enclosure makes the unit an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities and mobile trucks. With six stereo inputs and four stereo analog outputs, the DAC1 PRE anchors expansive media systems and provides a pristine audio path from source to amplifier.

The unit features the exact same topography as the original DAC1 and the DAC1 USB. The USB input provides bit-transparent native 24-bit/96kHz capability, along with a programmable mute function. Also included is the automatic standby/resume feature and the headphone output programmable gain range. The analog inputs can be used for devices such as FM tuners, tape transports, analog VCR outputs, iPod and MP3 devices, or outputs from analog mixing consoles. An internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over and under voltage conditions.

Note! This item has a universal power supply, but only includes an AC power cord for 110V use.

Reference quality, two-channel 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog audio converter with "preamp"
Designed to connect directly to power amplifiers and/or powered monitors
"Preamp" functions include input selection and volume control
Six stereo inputs - one analog (RCA), one computer (USB), one optical (TOSLink), and three coaxial (RCA)
Four stereo analog outputs - balanced (XLR), unbalanced (RCA), and two headphone outputs
Rotary input selector switch with standby and on/off functions
Two reference-grade HPA2 high-current, "0-Ω", high-output 1/4" headphone outputs
Front-panel volume control for headphone outputs
Front-panel volume control of all analog outputs (in Variable mode)
Rear-panel Variable/Calibrated mode switch enables volume control of analog outputs
Rear-panel Variable/Calibrated mode switch includes a center mute position
In Calibrated mode, output levels are set by ten-turn trimmers (20dB Range, 2dB/turn)
USB input supports high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz digital audio
USB is compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X without driver installation
Coaxial and optical digital inputs support professional (AES) and consumer (S/PDIF) data formats at up to 24-bits/192kHz
Benchmark's UltraLock technology eliminates jitter on all digital inputs (including USB)
Jumper-selected low-impedance 10, 20, or 30dB pads on balanced outputs
HPA2 gain jumpers to match gain to headphone sensitivity
Left-most headphone jack mutes XLR and RCA outputs (feature may be disabled)
Status LED's display input selection and error conditions
Automatic Standby Mode activated after fifteen seconds of loss of digital input signal
Instant wake-up from Standby Mode with no loss of audio
Automatic de-emphasis in response to consumer pre-emphasis bit (44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz)
115V, 230V, 50-60Hz international power supply with very wide operating range
Low radiation toroidal power transformer significantly reduces hum and line related interference
Low power consumption (8W typical program, 16W peak)
Meets FCC Class B and CE emissions requirements
ADC Not Applicable
DAC 24-bit
Sample Rates 28 to 195kHz (coaxial, XLR, optical)
44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz (USB)
Analog In 1 x RCA phono
Analog Outputs 2 x XLR
2 x RCA phono
2 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone
Digital Input Connectors 3 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
1 x TosLink optical
1 x USB 1.1
Digital Output Connectors Not Applicable
Word Clock No
Dynamic Range Not Specified by Manufacturer
Frequency Response -2.5dB at 45kHz, Fs=96kHz
THD + N -105dB (0.00056%) - 1kHz at 0dBFS
Dimensions 9.5 x 8.5 x 1.73" (241 x 216 x 44mm)
Weight 3.5 lbs (1.6kg)
Specialties Wide AC-voltage operating range with international voltage select

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Benchmark DAC1 PRE - DAC with Stereo Preamp (110V, Silver)
 
5.0

(based on 1 review)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1)

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REVIEWS

Reviewed by 1 customer

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Solid, great sounding, flexible device

By TBR

from Los Angeles, CA

About Me Professional Musician

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Home Studio
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Benchmark DAC1 PRE - DAC with Stereo Preamp (110V, Silver):

      I use the Benchmark DAC-1 Pre in a professional recording studio to listen to music from a laptop either patched into the patchbay, or directly to the main monitors for the cleanest signal path.

      It also works great as a standalone headphone amp for roadtrips when you do not want to listen to the terrible built-in DAC and audio amp of a laptop.

      It easily conforms to the professional world or consumer world, sounds spectacular, and doesn't cost anywhere near as much as it should, given the quality of the build and sound. Great device!

      The Swiss-Army knife of 2-channel DACs.

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      Cables

      Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (1.5')
        • Original: $14.99
        • Save: $1.50
      • Price: $13.49
      • CAD 13.80
       

      Digital Cables

      Comprehensive -  EXF Series XLR Male to XLR Female AES/EBU Cable - 3'
      • Price: $19.95
      • CAD 20.41
       

      Headphones

      Sony -  MDR-V6 Closed Back Stereo Studio Headphones
      • Price: $84.99
      • CAD 86.95
       

      Additional Hardware

      Benchmark -  RM Kit Rack-Mount Coupler and Blank Panel
      • Price: $75.00
      • CAD 76.73
       

      This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.

      View all Accessories

      What's in the Box

      Benchmark DAC1 PRE - DAC with Stereo Preamp (110V, Silver)
      • AC Power Cable
      • Additional Fuses
      • 1-Year Limited Warranty (Extends to 5 Years with Registration)
       
       
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