Benchmark Introduces DAC1 Digital-to-Analog Converter
August 29, 2002
Benchmark Media Systems has just released the DAC1, which brings their digital-to-analog conversion
into a price range more people can afford.
The DAC1 is a two-channel,
24-bit, 96-kHz Digital-to-Analog audio converter with selectable AES and
S/PDIF inputs and simultaneously available balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
outputs, as well as two headphone jacks. The DAC1 is perhaps one of the
more significant recent advances in digital audio conversion technology. The
DAC1 provides some of the finest analog conversion through 96-kHz, and will
play back 192-kHz with a 48-kHz analog bandwidth. The performance of the
DAC1 is unrivaled. THD+N is an astonishing low -106 dB (0.0005%) measured at
0 dBFS, at any playback frequency, at any sample rate, with any degree of
input jitter, and it just gets better from there.
Many DACs derive their system clock directly from the AES receiver
making them very susceptible to jitter on the digital input transmission
line. These DACs can rarely achieve their rated performance in real world
applications. By contrast, the DAC1 takes full advantage of proprietary
jitter free UltraLock technology. On the test bench, or at the end of
1000' of cable, the DAC1's performance is the same!
Additional features include auto-processing of pre-emphasized
digital audio and the 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.
A rack-mount kit is also available for putting either one or two
DAC1's into a standard 19" rack.
The DAC1 is currently shipping at a price of $795
For more information, visit their web site at www.benchmarkmedia.com. | 
