Designed for users who do not need analog inputs, the silver DAC3-DX from Benchmark is a "digital-only," high-resolution DAC and stereo preamplifier, which comes equipped with a zero-Ohm, reference-grade HPA2 headphone amplifier. It maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but delivers the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter chip, when playing back Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) files. Offered as an output device for computer-based media, the DAC3-DX can be used with digital audio workstations, audiophile systems, high-fidelity homes, theaters, or as a standalone headphone amplifier for digital sources.
The 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO chip features two distortion compensation systems, which independently remove most of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion in the D/A converter. It also uses 3:1 summing to form each of the two output channels. This results in an enhanced frequency response and a 4.77 dB signal-to-noise improvement with low THD noise.
The DAC3-DX follows sample-rate changes initiated by your computer or software and uses a multi-mode asynchronous USB system for data transfer. This allows the unit to act as the clock master, reducing jitter by first transferring the audio data from your computer to an internal buffer, and then to the digital to analog subsystem. The dual data transfer uses Benchmark's proprietary UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system, reducing jitter noise and distortion to at least 140 dB below the level of the audio.
The Hybrid Gain Control (HGC) combines the unit's passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and servo-driven volume control. The HGC provides the dynamic range of an analog system and the accuracy of digital control. The 32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) also provides up to 3.5 dBFS excess digital headroom, throughout the entire conversion process.
The DAC3-DX features a variety of digital input and output options. It accepts professional AES/EBU (XLR & coaxial) and consumer S/PDIF (Toslink & coaxial) signals. Analog outputs include a stereo balanced output on two XLRs and two pairs of unbalanced outputs on RCA connectors. All the unit's functions can be controlled from the front panel or from the Benchmark IR remote control (available separately).
- Digital-only DAC for users who do not need analog inputs
- Stereo D/A converter designed for maximum transparency, musical accuracy, and precise stereo imaging – converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems
- Zero-Ohm HPA2 reference headphone power amplifier with two 1/4" outputs – performance remains consistent even when two headphones are being driven simultaneously
- Accepts professional AES/EBU (XLR & coaxial) data formats and consumer S/PDIF data formats (Toslink & coaxial)
- 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip uses 3:1 summing to form each of the two output channels – achieves a 4.77 dB signal-to-noise improvement with low THD
- Digital inputs are controlled via the 32-bit DSP system to preserve precise L/R balance, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion
- High-headroom DSP is designed to handle signals as high as +3.5 dBFS in the entire conversion system and prevent common DSP overloads
- All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system – jitter-induced distortion and noise is at least 140 dB below the level of the music
- DSD (in DoP 1.1 format) is automatically detected on USB, coaxial, and XLR digital inputs – the system seamlessly switches between native DSD and native PCM conversion
- Low-impedance passive output attenuators provide distortion-free gain reduction without reducing the dynamic range (or SNR) of the converter – optimize the gain staging between the DAC3-DX and the power amplifier to enable full use of your power amplifier's dynamic range
- Hybrid Gain Control system combines passive low-impedance attenuators, a 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control
- All analog outputs are controlled by the rotary volume control unless the calibrated output function is selected
- Audio does not pass through the volume control
- Motorized volume control moves in response to commands from the remote control (available separately)
- USB system supports USB Audio 2.0, DSD, and USB Audio 1.1
- Frequency-agile USB – follows sample rate changes initiated by the computer and/or the media playback software
- In all modes, the USB communications are asynchronous in order to eliminate unnecessary sources of jitter
- Driverless USB Audio 1.1 mode supports sample rates up to 96 kHz
- USB 2.0 for high-resolution 192 kHz, and DSD playback – no driver required for Mac operating systems / easy-to-install driver adds 192 kHz and DSD capabilities to Windows operating systems
- Sample-rate and word-length displays confirm the proper operation of your media player
- Digital pass-through function allows for the second coaxial input to be reconfigured as a digital output – in output mode, any selected digital input, including USB, will pass through to the coaxial output
- Programmable Home Theater Bypass function sets the pass-through gain to unity for integration of a home theater audio system via the RCA outputs
- Distributed power supply regulation to achieve the lowest possible noise – each critical subsystem has at least one dedicated low-noise voltage regulator
- 12-volt trigger connection can be used as an input, output, or both, and is compatible with any common 12-volt trigger input or output – the trigger can be used to turn a power amplifier on or off automatically or respond to a 12-volt trigger and follow the actions of another audio component
- Compatible with Benchmark IR remote control (available separately) – all functions can be controlled from the front panel or from the remote
- Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using domestic and imported components – most major components are made in the USA
- Reference-grade studio monitoring
- Sound card elimination for computer audio
- Standalone headphone amplifier for digital sources
- USB to S/PDIF transfer device
- Audio output device for music and video servers
- Home high-fidelity playback from digital sources
- Audio output device for TV and home theater systems
- 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
- Programmable Auto-On mode
- Adjustable calibration
- Asynchronous 192 kHz 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
- Bidirectional 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