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Benchmark DAC2 DX Instruction Manual

Reference stereo d/a converter
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Benchmark DAC2 DX
Instruction Manual
Reference Stereo D/A Converter
Native PCM and DSD D/A Conversion
Headphone Amplifier
Asynchronous USB
Dual Output Buses
ESS9018 Conversion System
(Version 2.X Firmware)

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Summary of Contents for Benchmark DAC2 DX

  • Page 1 Benchmark DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Reference Stereo D/A Converter Native PCM and DSD D/A Conversion Headphone Amplifier Asynchronous USB Dual Output Buses ESS9018 Conversion System (Version 2.X Firmware)

  • 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 2...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Rack Mounting Options Rack-Mount Version of the DAC2 DX Safety Information Connector Block Premium ½-Wide Blank Rack Panel Fuses Black ½-Wide Rack Panel AC Input Voltage Range Universal Rack Adapter Tray Power Cord Rack Mounting Example Modifications Repairs DAC1 and DAC2 Family History...

  • Page 4: Features

    ESS SABRE – Native DSD D/A conversion system, four 1-bit DSD D/A converters per channel  Benchmark UltraLock2™ Jitter Attenuation System – eliminates jitter-induced distortion  High Headroom DSP - provides 4 dB of analog and digital headroom above 0 dBFS at an ...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    High-Headroom Digital and Analog needed in a home environment. Processing The DAC2 DX is designed to directly drive a wide variety of power amplifiers and powered The DAC2 DX has generous amounts of monitors. The balanced outputs include low- analog and digital headroom.
  • Page 6 Dual-Mode USB Input wide range of output levels. The DAC2 DX has a USB input that can be The XLR outputs leverage the low-impedance operated in two modes; driverless USB passive analog attenuation system. When Audio 1.1, and a high sample rate USB...
  • Page 7 MAIN and/or AUXILIARY Native DSD Conversion outputs are being adjusted. The DAC2 DX supports native DSD conversion. This feature was not available on the DAC1. DSD signals can be delivered to the USB or Coaxial inputs in DoP 1.1 format.
  • Page 8 The CALIBRATED mode is similar to the The DAC2 DX will pull the trigger I/O to 12 CALIBRATED switch setting on the DAC1 volts DC while the DAC2 DX is on. If the except that the DAC2 DX system is much DAC2 DX is off and an external device pulls more flexible.

  • Page 9: Front Panel

    Front Panel Rear Panel Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 9...

  • Page 10: Quick Start Guide

    Audio Inputs Press and hold the OFF button for 3 seconds to force the 12V The DAC2 DX features six stereo digital TRIGGER off (only necessary inputs (1 AES XLR, 2 coaxial, 2 optical, and 1 when another device is acting as a USB).

  • Page 11: Front Panel Controls

    2.0 modes. The chart at the right summarizes the functions of the front-panel controls. VOLUME Sets the volume of all outputs (knob) that are not in CALIBRATED mode. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 11...

  • Page 12: Front Panel Displays

    Pass Through function is enabled. Instructions for configuring this jumper- selected function can be found in the Internal Settings section of this manual (Page 29). Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 12...
  • Page 13 The 16 and 24 lights indicate the measured exceeding 96 kHz word length of the selected digital input. The  Incompatible data type (AC3, ADAT, etc.) DAC2 DX detects active data bits and  Non-audio data is being received displays the results as follows: 16 Only...
  • Page 14 MHz (high-resolution audio (4x and 2X) format). Note: DSD must be streamed in DoP format. All Off Digital signal is not present or is not in a supported format. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 14...

  • Page 15: 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 15...

  • Page 16: Operational Details

    Starting with the DAC2 DX on, press and listening. hold the POWER button for 10 seconds. At the end of 10 seconds the DAC2 DX will MUTE Function power down if the AUTO-ON mode has been successfully disabled.

  • Page 17: Bi-Directional 12V Trigger

    The trigger connection on the DAC2 DX can be used as If the DAC2 DX is off and an external device an input, an output, or both. It is compatible pulls the trigger I/O to 12 volts, the DAC2...
  • Page 18 If a slave device is turned off, all other devices will stay on. If the DAC2 DX is used to turn the system on, any connected AHB2 amplifiers will become slave devices and they can be turned off without shutting down the DAC2 DX.

  • Page 19: Calibrated Mode

    AUX output buses to calibrated levels. the system volume will be controlled before The two output buses are individually or after the DAC2 DX. It is usually best to programmable for each digital input. avoid having two cascaded volume controls in a playback system.

  • Page 20: Preamp Compatibility Mode

    To change the USB MODE, select the USB that will be used to control the system (U) input on DAC2 DX and then press and playback volume. When this mode is used hold the USB button on the remote control with a Benchmark preamplifier or line for 10 seconds.

  • Page 21: Driving Power Amplifiers

    20 dB. The pads should be used to stereo headphone jacks. The audio output on match the output level of the DAC2 DX to the both jacks is wired in parallel and is driven by input sensitivity of the power amplifier. Most Benchmark's HPA2™...

  • Page 22: Digital Pass-Through

    DoP to the USB Tip: When the headphone gain jumpers are input on the DAC2 DX. The USB input can be set properly, a normal listening level will be routed to coaxial output D5. This output can achieved at a VOLUME control setting above be recorded by any 24-bit, 176.4 kHz digital...

  • Page 23: Firmware Version Identification

    Add the values of all flashing lamps to determine the version number. If no lamp flashes in the second column, the second digit is a 0. Digit 1 Digit 2 Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 23...

  • Page 24: Rear Panel

    D5 - Coaxial Digital Input or Output* be unreliable at sample rates above 96 kHz. These inputs are selected using the INPUT Tip: The DAC2 DX will not decode buttons on the front-panel or on the remote- multichannel digital formats such as AC3, and control.
  • Page 25 The USB Audio 2.0 mode was tested for compatibility with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 (driver installation is required for these All of the digital inputs on the DAC2 DX use Windows versions). Beginning with Windows Benchmark's UltraLock2™ system to remove 10, no driver is required.
  • Page 26 The 12V TRIGGER I/O connection if the incorrect cable is used. on the DAC2 DX can be used as an input, an output, or both. It is compatible with most 12 Coaxial Digital Inputs - D4 and D5 volt trigger inputs and outputs.

  • Page 27: Outputs

    The Left and Right balanced outputs use Neutrik™ gold-pin male XLR jacks. The XLR shell and pin 1 (ground) are both directly The DAC2 DX has two analog output buses bonded to the chassis to prevent currents in (MAIN and AUX). By default, both buses are the internal ground system.

  • Page 28: Ac Power-Entry And Fuse Module

    Caution: Always use a grounded power shield. The RCA output impedance is very low cord. The DAC2 DX is equipped with a (30 Ohms). This makes these outputs well standard IEC power entry module. Use suited for driving high-capacitance loads an IEC power cord that is equipped with and/or high-capacitance cables.

  • Page 29: Internal Settings

    The following functions are jumper reduce the output levels while preserving the configured: full dynamic range of the DAC2 DX. The DAC2 DX ships with the pads disabled (0 dB  XLR Output Pads setting). ...

  • Page 30: Headphone Switch Configuration

    -20 dB – (Jumper plug between pins 5 adding a jumper across the top two pins of and 6 of each header) P1. A spare jumper is supplied with the DAC2 DX for use at this location.  No Jumpers - Both switches disabled ...

  • Page 31: Headphone Amplifier Gain

    SNR of the headphone monitoring system. With proper settings, the Figure 3 - HPA2™ Gain is 0 dB full performance of the DAC2 DX can be delivered to the headphones for critical monitoring tasks and for maximum musical enjoyment.

  • Page 32: Digital Pass-Through Function

    Disabled (Factory Default) buffered, but is not processed. Many digital audio formats can be passed through to D5 (even when these formats cannot be decoded by the DAC2 DX). Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 32...

  • Page 33: Calibration Settings

    The chart and photo below show P6 with jumpers installed in the factory-default positions (7, 8, and 9). The P6 legend is located near jumper position 1 (see photo). : : : : : : | | | Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 33...
  • Page 34 The factory default setting can be obtained by installing all three jumpers or by removing all three jumpers. Tip: The factory default setting is recommended when using the LA4 or HPA4 as a volume control. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 34...

  • Page 35: Rack Mounting Options

    Rack Mounting Options The DAC2 DX is available with or without rackmount ears. Either version can be rack mounted with the appropriate accessories. There are several accessories available for rack mounting a DAC2  Connector Block - Joins two ½-wide Benchmark products when both have rackmount-type faceplates.

  • Page 36: Premium ½-Wide Blank Rack Panel

    This premium ¼" thick blank panel matches the finish on the silver rackmount version of the DAC2 DX and features an engraved Benchmark logo. It can also be used to cover an unused slot in the Universal Rack Adapter Tray.

  • Page 37: Rack Mounting Example

    Rack Mounting Example Blank Plate and Connector Block: The Connector Block creates a rigid connection: Ready to mount in a standard 19" rack: Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 37...

  • Page 38: Dac1 And Dac2 Family History

    XLR digital input and replaced features to the basic DAC1 platform. it with two additional coaxial digital inputs. Benchmark converters are in use in many of the world's top studios. DAC1 HDR The following is a brief overview of the various...
  • Page 39 DAC2 D has no analog inputs and no 12V trigger. DAC2 DX The DAC2 DX replaced the DAC2 D. The new model added an XLR digital input and the 12V trigger. It also added a second output bus so...

  • Page 40: Benchmark Technologies

    PCM conversion that meets or motor drive. If the pot is driven beyond the exceeds the clarity of DSD. end of its range, it will not damage the motor. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 40...
  • Page 41 (Figure 10) renders low sample rates with have high-headroom non-clipping the clarity and detail normally associated with interpolators. We believe these interpolators high sample rates. provide groundbreaking improvements to digital to analog conversion. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 41...

  • Page 42: 32-Bit Ess Sabre D/A System

    Eight balanced 32-bit D/A converters deliver flexibility. In a given system, the power audio to Benchmark's low-impedance current button on any Benchmark device can be used to voltage converters. Two converters drive to start or stop the entire audio system in a the two AUX output channels.

  • Page 43: Differential Amplifiers

    The balanced and unbalanced outputs on the DAC2 deliver very similar performance. Many D/A converters omit the differential amplifiers after the converters. Specifications usually ignore common-mode distortion. A Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 43...
  • Page 44 AES/EBU signal that can be decoded by the can add a low and mid frequency ‘muddiness’ AES/EBU receiver in the DAC2 will be that was not in the original audio. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 44...
  • Page 45 D/A converters are the only true insurance designed system. Under ideal (low jitter) against the ill effects of jitter. conditions, the digital anti-alias filter may remove most of this unwanted noise before it Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 45...

  • Page 46: Multi-Mode Asynchronous Usb Audio

    USB 2.0 (High Speed) port. The Asynchronous USB system supports USB Benchmark's USB Audio 1.1 and USB Audio Audio 2.0 for high-resolution 192kHz, and 2.0 modes are frequency agile. This means DSD playback. No drivers are required for that the sample rate is controlled by the MAC operating systems.
  • Page 47 The Windows USB Audio 2.0 driver is A driver is required for older Windows available at: operating systems. The driver supports BenchmarkMedia.com/drivers Windows XP, Vista, or 7, and 8. This driver is Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 47...

  • Page 48: 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 49 2. A welcome screen will pop-up. Click “Next.” Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 49...
  • Page 50 METHOD 2 - FRONT PANEL: From the front panel, select the USB input and then hold the lower INPUT button for 10 seconds (the 4X light should flash once). If the 2X light flashes instead of the 4X light, repeat this step. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 51 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 52 7. Click “Finish.” The Setup will close automatically. This completes the installation process. 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...

  • Page 53: Performance Graphs

    Performance Graphs The following graphs were produced using a DAC2 HGC. The DAC2 DX provides similar performance. Audio Precision FFT Idle Channel Noise, 0 dBr = 0 dBFS = 23 dBu -100 -100 -120 -120 -140 -140 -160 -160 Sweep...
  • Page 54 60 Hz and 180 Hz (frequencies where we would expect to see interference from the 60 Hz AC input. There is absolutely no sign of any AC hum. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev.
  • Page 55 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 56 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 DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 57 Graph 5 - FREQUENCY RESPONSE This plot demonstrates the ruler-flat frequency response of the DAC2. Note that the frequency response measures - 0.01 dB at 10 Hz and -0.02 dB at 40 kHz. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 58 5.1 surround system. Four DAC2 converters can be combined to form a 7.1 system. The phase accuracy between any two channels will match the phase accuracy shown above. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 59 AP 2700 test set. The THD+N measurements on the unbalanced outputs confirm the effectiveness of the differential amplifiers. Similar results are obtained by measuring either side of the balanced outputs relative to ground. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 60 SABRE converters. These differential amplifiers give the unbalanced outputs the ability to approach the performance of the balanced outputs. Please note that the differential amplifiers also eliminate common-mode distortion on the balanced outputs. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 61 This plot shows the THD+N performance of the headphone outputs under load. Note that the THD+N performance of the headphone outputs approaches that of the balanced outputs. The DAC2 includes Benchmark's HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ has a near 0-Ohm output impedance which provides outstanding control and damping of the headphone drivers. The HPA2™...
  • Page 62 THD levels at high frequencies even when driven to 0 dBFS. Note that there is almost no rise in THD+N with frequency, even when operating at maximum output levels. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 63 Note that odd harmonics are lower than the more "musical" even harmonics. Both sets of harmonics are very low in amplitude (-112 dB to -120 dB), and should be entirely inaudible. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev.
  • Page 64 The unbalanced outputs, and the headphone outputs, closely match the performance of the balanced outputs. Like Graph 11, this plot shows THD (not THD+N). Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 65 Anlr.THD+N Ratio Left DAC2 - THD+N vs Sample Rate.at27 Graph 13 - THD+N versus Sample Rate The THD+N performance of the DAC2 is identical at all Sample Rates. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 65...
  • Page 66 Over the entire range of the AES jitter tolerance test, the THD+N performance of the DAC2 is unchanged. The DAC2 easily passes the AES jitter tolerance test without any THD+N performance degradation. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 67 Graph 3 - FFT 10 kHz. The DAC2 shows no change in performance when the AES jitter tolerance test is applied to the digital inputs. No jitter-induced sidebands are visible to a measurement limit that exceeds -140 dBFS. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...
  • Page 68 This plot demonstrates that the DAC2 has very low IMD distortion. The 1 kHz difference frequency measures -122 dB, and the 10 kHz and 13 kHz products measure about -128 dB. IMD distortion should be well below audible levels. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...

  • Page 69: Specifications

    Inter-channel Differential Phase (Stereo Pair – any +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz sample rate) Inter-channel Differential Phase (Between DAC2 HGC +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz Units Fs<110 kHz) Any sample rate. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 69...

  • Page 70: Group Delay (Latency)

    Transient and Over-Voltage Protection on Digital Inputs Yes (Coaxial and XLR Inputs) Transformer Coupling on Digital Inputs Yes (XLR Input) Minimum Digital Input Level 250 mVpp (Coaxial and XLR Inputs) Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 70...

  • Page 71: Jitter Tolerance

    >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 UltraLock2™ - all inputs Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 71...

  • Page 72: Balanced Analog Outputs

    +8.2 dBu (2 Vrms) dBFS) Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) Off to +8.2 dBu Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. < +/- 0.006 dB 96 kHz) Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 72...

  • Page 73: Hpa2 Tm Headphone Outputs

    Indicators - Type and Location 16 LED’s on Front Panel Selection/Status Indication 2 – Dim/Mute 6 – Input 2 – Bypass/Calibrated Output 2 – Word length 4 – Sample Rate Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 73...

  • Page 74: Ac Power Requirements

    9.5” (249 mm) Height 1.725” (44.5 mm) Weight DAC2 only 3 lb. DAC2 with remote control, power cord, extra fuses, and 4 lb. manual Shipping weight 7 lb. Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 74...

  • Page 75: 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 76: Ce Certificate Of Conformity

    CE Certificate of Conformity Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 76...

  • Page 77: 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 78: 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 79 Copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014,2019 Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. 203 East Hampton Place, STE 2 Syracuse, NY 13206-1633 PHONE: +1-315-437-6300 FAX: +1-315-437-8119 www.benchmarkmedia.com Instruction Manual for DAC2 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 79...

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