Benchmark DAC3-HGC Reference DAC and Stereo Preamp with HPA2 Headphone Amplifier

Highlights

ES9028PRO Converter Chip

Quad 32-Bit Balanced D/A Conversion

Hybrid Gain Control Technology

Native PCM or DSD Conversion

UltraLock Jitter Attenuation System

Asynchronous USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 System

Built-In HPA2 Headphone Power Amplifier

High-Fidelity Preamplifier

Distributed Power Supply Regulation

Includes Remote Control

Features

The silver DAC3-HGC from Benchmark is a two-channel reference preamplifier with built-in headphone amplifier and digital to analog converter system. It is capable of converting Direct Stream Digital (DSD) signals as well as Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) files up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Designed as an output device for computer-based media, the DAC3-HGC can be used with home media servers, digital audio workstations, desktop audio editing applications, and computer-based radio broadcast systems. The DAC3-HGC maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but delivers the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter chip.

The 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO chip features two distortion compensation systems, which independently remove most of the 2nd harmonic and 3rd harmonic distortion from the D/A converter. It also uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels. This results in an enhanced frequency response and a 6 dB signal-to-noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise.

 

The DAC3-HGC follows sample-rate changes initiated by your computer or software and uses a multimode 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 active analog gain control, 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. All analog inputs are controlled in the analog system and digital inputs in the digital system. The 32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) also provides up to 3.5 dBFS excess digital headroom, throughout the entire conversion process.

 

The DAC3-HGC features a variety of input and output options. It includes two stereo unbalanced analog RCA inputs, two optical TOSLINK digital inputs, two coaxial digital inputs, one USB digital input, two stereo analog unbalanced RCA outputs, and one stereo analog balanced XLR output. A remote control is also included.

 

2-channel D/A converter designed for maximum transparency—converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems

 

8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels—achieves a 6 dB signal to noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise

 

ES9028PRO features two distortion compensation systems that independently remove most of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion in the D/A converter

 

High-headroom DSP is designed to handle signals as high as +3.5 dBFS in the entire conversion system and prevents common DSP overloads

 

All digital inputs support native PCM or DSD conversion

 

All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system

 

Hybrid Gain Control system combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control—all inputs are controlled by the rotary volume control, which also moves in response to commands from the remote control (included)

 

Analog inputs are never converted to digital, and digital inputs never pass through an analog potentiometer

 

Digital inputs are controlled in the 32-bit DSP system to preserve precise L/R balance and precise stereo imaging, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion

 

USB system supports USB Audio 1.1 for sample rates up to 192 kHz (USB Audio 2.0) for high-resolution DSD playback. The system is frequency agile and will follow sample rate changes initiated by the computer and/or the media playback software

 

Sample-rate and word-length displays confirm the proper operation of your media player

 

High-fidelity preamplifier includes input selection, volume control, and output buffering functions—high-current output stage can be programmed to match the input sensitivity of your power amplifier or powered speakers

 

HPA2 reference headphone power amplifier with two 1/4" outputs—performance remains consistent even when two headphones are being driven simultaneously

 

Programmable Home Theater Bypass function sets the pass-through gain to unity for integration of a home theater audio system via the RCA inputs

 

Second coaxial input can be reconfigured as a digital output—in output mode, any selected digital input, including USB, passes through to the coaxial output

 

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

 

Distributed power supply regulation to achieve the lowest possible noise—each critical subsystem has at least one dedicated low-noise voltage regulator

 

Compatible with Benchmark IR remote control (included)—all functions can be controlled from the front panel or from the remote

 

Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components—most major components are made in the USA

 

DAC3 vs DAC2

 

The DAC3 maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but adds the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter

 

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

DAC3 vs DAC1

 

The DAC3 and DAC2 added these features not found on the DAC1:

 

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

Bi-Directional 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

Model Number
B&H #	BEDAC3HGCS
Manufacturer #	500-14800-131
UPC #	602573174005

Audio Performance SpecificationsSampling FrequencyFs = 44.1 to 96 kHz, 20 Hz to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz test tone, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu (unless noted)Signal to Noise RatioA-Weighted, 0 dBFS = +27 dBu: 128 dB
Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +27 dBu: 126 dBDynamic RangeA-Weighted at Maximum Volume: 128 dB
Unweighted at Maximum Volume: 126 dBTotal Harmonic Distortion/Noise1 kHz at 0 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
1 kHz at -1 dBFS: -114 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
1 kHz at -3 dBFS: -119 dBFS, -116 dB, 0.00016%
20 Hz to 20 kHz Sweep at -3 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -110 dB, 0.00032%Frequency ResponseFs= 192 kHz:
+0 dB, -0.015 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
-0.015 dB at 10 Hz
-0.005 dB at 20 kHz
-0.031 dB at 40 kHz
-0.15 dB at 80 kHz

 

Fs= 48 kHz:
+0 dB, -0.015 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
-0.015 dB at 10 Hz
-0.005 dB at 20 kHz

Crosstalk-116 dB at 20 kHz
-130 dB at 1 kHz
-137 dB at 20 HzMax AmplitudeJitter Induced Sidebands (10 kHz 0 dBFS test tone, 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1 kHz): < -144 dB
Spurious Tones with 0 dBFS Test Signal: < -138 dB
Idle Tones: < -147 dB
AC Line Related Hum & Noise: < -133 dBInter-Channel Differential PhaseStereo pair – Any Sample Rate: ±0.25° at 20 kHz
Between DAC3 Units Fs < 110 kHz – Any Sample Rate: ±0.25° at 20 kHzMaximum Lock TimeAfter Fs change: 6 msSoft MuteRamp Up/Down Time: 9.6 msMuteOn Receive Error: Yes
On Lock Error: Yes
On Idle Channel: NoDe-Emphasis50/15 us De-Emphasis Enable: Automatic in Consumer Mode
De-Emphasis Method: Digital IIR
De-Emphasis Supported at: Fs = 32, 44.1, 48 kHzLatencyDigital Input to Analog Output (Function of Sample Rate):
1.36 ms at 44.1 kHz
1.27 ms at 48 kHz
0.90 ms at 88.2 kHz
0.82 ms at 96 kHz
0.51 ms at 176.4 kHz
0.47 ms at 192 kHzUnbalanced Analog I/OInputs2 x RCA stereo pairsInput Impedance20 KOhmsAnalog Input Clip Point+18.5 dBu (6.5 Vrms)Input Sensitivity+8.2 dBu (2 Vrms)Input Bandwidth> 500 kHz, -0.6 dB at 200 kHzInput THD+NAnalog to Analog, 2 Vrms In, +24 dBu Out:
-110 dB (0.00032%)Outputs2 x RCA stereo pairsOutput Impedance30 OhmsOutput Clipping Level+13.5 dBu (3.7 Vrms)Output LevelFactory-Set Home Theater Bypass Output Level (with 0 dBFS digital input):
+8.2 dBu (2 Vrms)
Output Level Range (with 0 dBFS digital input):
Off to +11.7 dBu (3 Vrms)
Output Level Variation with Sample Rate:
< ±0.006 dBBalanced Analog OutputsBalanced Output2 x gold-pin Neutrik male XLROutput Impedance60 Ohms (attenuator off)
425 Ohms (attenuator = 10 dB)
135 Ohms (attenuator = 20 dB)Output Clipping Level+29 dBuBypass LevelFactory-Set (with 0 dBFS digital input):
+24 dBu (attenuator = 0 dB)Volume ControlWith 0 dBFS digital input:
Off to +27.5 dBu (attenuator off)
Off to +17.5 dBu (attenuator = 10 dB)
Off to +7.5 dBu (attenuator = 20 dB)Output Level VariationOutput Level Variation with Sample Rate:
< ±0.006 dBDigital Audio I/OChannels2Digital InputsSwitchable between:
1 x USB 1.1 or USB 2.0
2 x TOSLINK optical
2 x coaxialFormatssupports PCM stereo, AES/EBU, S/PDIF digital formatsInput Sample Frequency RangeCoaxial Inputs: 28 to 210 kHz
Optical Inputs: 28 to 96 kHz
USB Input: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (USB input)Word LengthMaximum: 24 bitsInput ImpedanceCoaxial Inputs: 75 OhmsCapacitorsDC Blocking: Yes (coaxial inputs)Transient/Over-Voltage ProtectionYes (coaxial inputs)Minimum Input LevelCoaxial: 250 mV p-pJitterTolerance (With No Measurable Change in Performance):
>12.75 UI sine, 100 Hz to 3 kHz
>1.5 UI sine at 20 kHz
>1.5 UI sine at 40 kHz
>1.5 UI sine at 80 kHz
>1.5 UI sine at 90 kHz
>0.25 UI sine above 160 kHz

 

Jitter Attenuation Method:
Benchmark UltraLock3 (all inputs)

HeadphonesTypeHPA2Outputs2 x 1/4" TRS, with switch on left-hand jackOutput Impedance<0.11 OhmsOutput Level ControlStereo control on front panelOutput Level RangeOff to +21.5 dBu (9.2 Vrms), with 0 dBFS digital inputOutput Power1.25 W into 30 OhmsMaximum Output Current250 mAOverload ProtectionCurrent Limited: 300 mA, thermal (independent per channel)Bandwidth>500 kHz, -0.35 dB at 200 kHzTHD + NAt 20 mW:
-108 dB (0.0004%) into 300 Ohms
-100 dB (0.0010%) into 30 OhmsStatus DisplayIndicators16 x LEDs on front panelSelection Indication1 x Dim/Mute
1 x Polarity
7 x Input
1 x Bypass/Calibrated Output
2 x Word length
4 x Sample RateGeneralSystem RequirementUSB Audio 1.1 Mode (no driver installation required):
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Mac OS X, iPads with 30-pin to USB camera kit

 

USB Audio 2.0 Mode
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 (driver installation required for all Windows versions)
Mac OS X 10.6 and later (no driver installation required for all OS X versions)

RemoteCompatible with Benchmark IR remote control (included)Operating VoltageNominal Operating Range: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Min/Max Operating Range: 90-260 VAC, 47/63 HzPower<0.5 W, standby 12 W, typical program 15 W, maximumFuses5 x 20 mm (2 required)
0.5 A 250 V, Slo-Blo typeComplianceFCC, RoHSRack Size1/2-rack wide, 1 RU highDimensions8.500 x 9.500 x 1.725" / 215.900 x 241.300 x 43.815 mm
Overall depth including connectors: 9.33" / 236.982 mmWeight3 lb (1.36 kg)Packaging InfoPackage Weight5.3Box Dimensions (HxWxD)3.6 x 11.1 x 14.5

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