Related Manuals for Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Summary of Contents for Benchmark DAC3 HGC
- Page 1 Benchmark DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L Instruction Manual Reference Stereo Preamplifier PCM and DSD D/A Converter Asynchronous USB ESS9028PRO Conversion System (Version 2.x Firmware)
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Page 2: Safety Information
EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD IEC POWER ENTRY MODULE. USE AN IEC POWER CORD THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE APPROPRIATE CONNECTOR FOR YOUR LOCATION. CORDS ARE AVAILABLE FROM YOUR DEALER. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 2... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Jumper-Configured Options Notes on Warranty Repairs Removing Top Cover XLR Output Pads Headphone Switch Configuration Headphone Amplifier Gain Digital PASS-THROUGH Function Rack Mounting Benchmark Rack Mount Tray Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 3... -
Page 4: Features
HPA2™ gain jumpers for customizing headphone output gain for headphone sensitivities (DAC3 HGC only) (Page 28) 2 Headphone Output Jacks – one jack automatically mutes the main outputs (DAC3 HGC only), mute feature can be disabled (Page 28) 2 Coaxial Digital Inputs –... -
Page 5: Introduction
Improved frequency response • systems to be fully leveraged in the DAC3. Increased Dynamic Range • Faster PLL lock times • Faster switching between inputs • Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 5... - Page 6 DAC3 can be placed in close proximity to volume control for digital inputs. Both types any audio component without causing of inputs leverage the low-impedance passive interference with the other component. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 6...
- Page 7 AC power is operating as an output, any selected digital applied. (Page 14) input is passed through to D4 without any processing. Optical, coaxial, and USB inputs Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 7...
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Page 8: Front Panel
Front Panel DAC3 HGC DAC3 L Rear Panel DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 8... -
Page 9: Quick Start Guide
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 modes. DAC3. The chart at the right summarizes the Analog Selects analog input A1 and then functions of the IR remote control. toggles between A1 and A2. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 9... -
Page 10: Front Panel Controls
If HT mode is on, the motor drive will attempt to return the volume control to the HT setting. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 10... -
Page 11: Front Panel Displays
The HT light and DIM/MUTE that the input is selected but audio data light will blink together if the unit is is not being received. muted while HT mode is active. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 11... - Page 12 This display makes it streamed in DoP format. easy to detect these processes. All Off Digital signal is not present or is not in a supported format. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 12...
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Page 13: Headphone Jacks
Use the right-hand jack to keep all outputs active. Driving Two Sets of Headphones The HPA2™ is specifically designed with enough power to drive two sets of headphones. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 13... -
Page 14: Operational Details
DIM volume is turned up above the last switched AC outlets. When AUTO-ON is NORMAL setting. If the volume control is turned up by more than 20 dB after DIM is Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 14... -
Page 15: Bi-Directional 12V Trigger
Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 15... - Page 16 Any Benchmark product connected to the bus can turn the entire system on or off. Because of the bi-directional design, any power button on Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 16...
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Page 17: Ht Mode
This configuration gives the can lead to confusion. best-possible performance for stereo applications because it eliminates the AVR Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 17... -
Page 18: Preamp Compatibility Mode
INPUT disabled buttons on the front panel for 3 seconds. The VOLUME knob will be driven to • the unity-gain HT position. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 18... -
Page 19: Driving Power Amplifiers
DAC3 to the back of the DAC3. The right headphone jack input sensitivity of the power amplifier. Most Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 19... -
Page 20: Digital Pass-Through
Tip: If the level is too low at the maximum VOLUME setting, the headphone gain is too low, and the gain should be increased. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 20... -
Page 21: Firmware Version Identification
Digit 2 flashing lamps to determine the version firmware version is number. If no lamp flashes in the second 2.0. column, the second digit is a 0. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 21... -
Page 22: Rear Panel
DAC3. an entire audio system. The digital inputs support PCM stereo AES/EBU and SPDIF digital formats. Maximum Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 22... - Page 23 The coaxial digital inputs will when playing sample rates of 96 kHz or less. accept professional AES/EBU data formats or In this mode, Windows machines can begin Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 23...
- Page 24 TRIGGER can be used to turn other audio components on when the DAC3 turns on. The DAC3 can also turn on and off in response to trigger signals sent from other components. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 24...
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Page 25: Outputs
RCA outputs. Use the 0 dB setting with the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier. A full description of the output attenuators and instructions for Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 25... -
Page 26: Ac Power-Entry And Fuse Module
The DAC3 is equipped with a standard IEC power entry module. Use an IEC power cord that is equipped with the appropriate connector for your location. Cords are available from your dealer. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 26... -
Page 27: Internal Settings
Setting (dB) Impedance Cable (ft) at 20 kHz any internal component. Unbalanced Output Drive Capability: Output Maximum Loss in dB Impedance Cable (ft) at 20 kHz 1360 Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 27... -
Page 28: Headphone Switch Configuration
In most cases it is convenient to have one jack that mutes the outputs and one that does not mute the outputs. If your Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 28... -
Page 29: Headphone Amplifier Gain
If the level is too low at the maximum VOLUME setting, the headphone gain is too low, and the gain should be increased. Figure 5 - HPA2™ Gain is - 10 dB Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 29... -
Page 30: Digital Pass-Through Function
DAC3). By default, D4 functions as a digital input and the jumpers are set according to Figure 8. Figure 8 - Digital PASS-THROUGH Disabled (Factory Default) Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 30... -
Page 31: Rack Mounting
The tray accepts any Visit BenchmarkMedia.com for a complete combination of ½-wide Benchmark products selection of cable, accessories, and (with or without rack-mount type faceplates). replacement parts. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 31... -
Page 32: Dac1, Dac2 And Dac3 Family History
Two stereo analog inputs • • Three stereo analog outputs DAC1 PRE Two optical inputs • High-efficiency low-noise power • The DAC1 PRE added these improvements: supplies Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 32... -
Page 33: Dac3 Series
32-bit D/A converter. Benchmark's ultra-clean analog stages, low- jitter UltraLock3™ clock system, and high- headroom DSP leverage the full capabilities of the new ESS PRO series converters. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 33... -
Page 34: Benchmark Technologies
Also, if the pot is manually overridden, it will of DSD. not damage the motor. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 34... - Page 35 3.5 dB of detail normally associated with high sample headroom in the entire conversion system. rates. We believe this added headroom is a groundbreaking improvement. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 35...
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Page 36: 32-Bit Sabre-Pro D/A System
I/O ports. This driving a headphone load. Unfortunately, bidirectional communication provides greater most manufacturers do not measure or flexibility. In a given system, the power specify headphone amplifier performance Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 36... -
Page 37: Differential Amplifiers
Unfortunately, digital audio signals often have downstream device will expose the common- their strongest jitter components at 2 kHz. mode distortion. Consequently, these converters can achieve their rated performance only when driven Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 37... - Page 38 A/D reference input can never induced sidebands to a measurement limit of have any measurable effect on the conversion about -144 dB relative to the level of the test Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 38...
- Page 39 200 kHz while monitoring the that has already been done. If an A/D with a output of the converter. jitter problem was used to create a digital Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 39...
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Page 40: Multi-Mode Asynchronous Usb Audio
USB 1.0 ports. When possible, The industry-standard USB Audio Mode 2.0 connect the DAC3 to a port that supports mode is not yet natively supported by the USB 2.0 or higher. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 40... - Page 41 96 kHz when using Windows. The Windows USB Audio 2.0 driver is The USB subsystem is computer powered available at: BenchmarkMedia.com/drivers (through the USB cord) and it remains active Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 41...
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Page 42: Usb Driver Installation
This prevents the need to install two different sets of drivers. Please note that the DAC3 USB input will be identified as "Benchmark DAC2" in your computer control panels. This is intentional. Before you install the driver, make sure the USB cable is unplugged. - Page 43 2. A welcome screen will pop-up. Click “Next.” Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 43...
- Page 44 METHOD 2 - FRONT PANEL: From the front panel, simultaneously press and hold • both INPUT buttons for three seconds (the 4X light should flash once). If the 2X light flashes instead of the 4X light, repeat this step. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 44...
- Page 45 We suggest keeping it in the default location. Click “Install”. 5. When the installation begins you will see the following screen. Please be patient while the driver installs. Installation may require several minutes. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 45...
- Page 46 You can now enjoy music over the USB Audio 2.0 connection at sample rates up to 192 kHz. DSD can also be played in DoP 1.1 format. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 46...
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Page 47: Performance Graphs
The rise at 0 Hz is normal in an FFT analysis and is not an indication of noise. This 32k point FFT analysis uses a Blackman-Harris window with 16x power averaging, and spans a frequency range of DC to 32 kHz. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 47... - Page 48 DAC3 operate at frequencies above the audio band and this eliminates the strong line-frequency magnetic fields that would have been created by line-frequency power transformers. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 48...
- Page 49 This 32k point FFT analysis uses a Blackman-Harris window with 16x power averaging. The 10 kHz fundamental has been removed by a notch filter in order to increase the resolution of the A/D converter in the AP2722 test set. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 49...
- Page 50 AP2722 test set. Note that under this full-output condition, the AC line-related hum frequencies (60 Hz, 180 Hz, and 240 Hz) measure better than - 133 dB. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 50...
- Page 51 DAC3 virtually eliminates the phase shifts that often occur at low frequencies (near 20 Hz). Bass is rendered in the proper timing relative to high-frequency content. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware...
- Page 52 5.1 surround system. Four DAC3 converters can be combined to form a 7.1 system. The phase accuracy between any two channels will match the typical phase accuracy shown above. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 52...
- Page 53 -9 dBFS are due to the auto ranging of the AP2722 test set and are an indication that the THD performance of the DAC3 is very close to the measurement limits of the AP2722. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware...
- Page 54 The THD+N levels are slightly higher on the unbalanced outputs. This is due to the relatively low (2 Vrms) signal levels used on unbalanced interfaces. This noise difference highlights one advantage of professional-level balanced interconnects. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 54...
- Page 55 The THD measurements shown above confirm the effectiveness of the differential amplifiers in the DAC3. Additional confirmation can be obtained by measuring the THD of either side of the balanced outputs relative to ground. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 55...
- Page 56 This plot shows the THD+N performance of the headphone outputs when driving a typical 300-Ohm load. Note that the THD+N performance of the headphone outputs approaches that of the balanced outputs (-110 dB at 20 mW). Benchmark's HPA2™ headphone amplifier can cleanly deliver 21.5 dBu (9.2 Vrms) into a 300-Ohm load.
- Page 57 Ohms). Note that the THD+N performance of the headphone outputs still approaches that of the balanced outputs (-110 dB at 20 mW). This graph demonstrate that Benchmark's HPA2™ headphone amplifier can cleanly deliver 1.25 W into 30 Ohms, both channels driven.
- Page 58 THD levels at high frequencies even when driven to 0 dBFS. Note that the THD+N remains very low at 20 kHz, even when operating at maximum output levels. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 58...
- Page 59 This black curve is a plot of THD+N. The red curve is a plot of THD only. Below about 10 kHz, the THD is so low that the THD+N measurement is dominated by noise. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware...
- Page 60 *-113.208 dB DAC3 - THD+N vs Sample Rate.at27 Graph 14 - THD+N versus Sample Rate The THD+N performance of the DAC3 is identical at all Sample Rates. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 60...
- Page 61 Over the entire range of the AES jitter tolerance test, the THD+N performance of the DAC3 is unchanged. The DAC3 easily passes the AES jitter tolerance test, and it does so without any performance degradation. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 61...
- Page 62 If the fundamental was not notched out, the spurious tones, produced by the A/D converter in the AP2722 test set, would have obscured the virtually-perfect results. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 62...
- Page 63 The results shown are partially limited by the performance of the AP2722 test set. All IMD distortion products should be well below audible levels. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 63...
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Page 64: Specifications
Mute on Lock Error Mute on Idle Channel 50/15 us De-Emphasis Enable Automatic in Consumer Mode De-Emphasis Method Digital IIR De-Emphasis Supported at Fs = 32, 44.1, 48 kHz Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 64... -
Page 65: Group Delay (Latency)
>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 Benchmark UltraLock3™ - all inputs Jitter Attenuation Method Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 65... -
Page 66: Balanced Analog Outputs
Current limited at 300 mA, Thermal Bandwidth > 500 kHz, -0.35 dB at 200 kHz THD+N at 20 mW -108 dB (0.0004%) into 300 Ohms, -100 dB (0.0010%) into 30 Ohms Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 66... -
Page 67: Unbalanced Analog Inputs
9.33” (237 mm) Width 9.5” (249 mm) Height 1.725” (44.5 mm) Weight DAC3 only 3 lb. DAC3 with accessories and manual 4 lb. Shipping weight 7 lb. Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 67... -
Page 68: Regulatory Compliance
(European Union) directive 2002/95/EC, or, RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances). As of July 01, 2006, All Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. products placed on the European Union market are compliant (containing quantity limit weight less than or equal to 0.1% (1000 ppm) of any homogeneous Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI), and flame retardant Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) or Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)). -
Page 69: Ce Certificate Of Conformity
CE Certificate of Conformity Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 69... -
Page 70: Warranty Information
In the event of failure of a product under this warranty, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. will repair, at no charge, the product returned to its factory. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. may, at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair. -
Page 71: Benchmark Extended Warranty Options
Benchmark Extended Warranty Options The Benchmark Extended 5-Year Warranty * Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. optionally extends the standard 1-year warranty to a period of five years from the date of delivery. *For the extended warranty to become effective, the original purchaser must register the product at the time of purchase either by way of the enclosed registration card or through the product registration section of the Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. - Page 72 Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. 203 East Hampton Place, STE 2 Syracuse, NY 13206 PHONE: +1-315-437-6300 FAX: +1-315-437-8119 benchmarkmedia.com Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 72...
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