Benchmark DAC3 DX Instruction Manual
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Benchmark DAC3 DX Instruction Manual

Reference stereo d/a converter
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Benchmark DAC3 DX
Instruction Manual
Reference Stereo D/A Converter
Native PCM and DSD D/A Conversion
Headphone Amplifier
Asynchronous USB
Dual Output Buses
ESS9028PRO Conversion System
(Version 2.X Firmware)

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Summary of Contents for Benchmark DAC3 DX

  • Page 1 Benchmark DAC3 DX Instruction Manual Reference Stereo D/A Converter Native PCM and DSD D/A Conversion Headphone Amplifier Asynchronous USB Dual Output Buses ESS9028PRO 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 2...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Rack Mounting Options Rack-Mount Version of the DAC3 DX Connector Block Safety Information 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 DAC1, DAC2 and DAC3 Family History 38...

  • Page 4: Features

    SABRE PRO – Native DSD D/A conversion system, four 1-bit DSD D/A converters per channel  Benchmark UltraLock3™ 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

    A remote control, 12V trigger, and volume control bypass function provide the features DAC3 Technologies needed in a home environment. The DAC3 DX is designed to directly drive a Parallel Conversion Structure wide variety of power amplifiers and powered monitors. The balanced outputs include low-...
  • Page 6 Dual-Mode USB Input No Clipping of Intersample Overs The DAC3 DX has a USB input that can be operated in two modes; driverless USB The DAC3 is one of very few D/A converters Audio 1.1, and a high sample rate USB that can accurately reproduce intersample Audio 2.0.
  • Page 7 USB inputs can be passed through to the properly configured, the entire dynamic range D5 connector. PCM and DoP formatted DSD of the DAC3 DX can be lined up with the can both be passed through the D5 connector dynamic range of the power amplifier. This while also being sent to the D/A converter.
  • Page 8 The CALIBRATED mode is similar to the The DAC3 DX will pull the trigger I/O to 12 CALIBRATED switch setting on the DAC1 volts DC while the DAC3 DX is on. If the except that the DAC3 DX system is much DAC3 DX is off and an external device pulls more flexible.

  • Page 9: Front Panel

    Front Panel Rear Panel Instruction Manual for DAC3 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 DAC3 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 VOLUME Sets the volume of all outputs functions of the front-panel controls. (knob) that are not in CALIBRATED mode. Instruction Manual for DAC3 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 DAC3 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.) DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 15...

  • Page 16: Operational Details

    Starting with the DAC3 DX on, press and listening. hold the POWER button for 10 seconds. At the end of 10 seconds the DAC3 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 DAC3 DX can be used as If the DAC3 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 DAC3...
  • Page 18 If a slave device is turned off, all other devices will stay on. If the DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX use Windows versions). Beginning with Windows Benchmark's UltraLock3™ system to remove 10, no driver is required.
  • Page 26 The 12V TRIGGER I/O connection if the incorrect cable is used. on the DAC3 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

    This direct bonding also maximizes RF shielding. The XLR outputs have passive attenuators The DAC3 DX has two analog output buses that allow direct connections to a wide variety (MAIN and AUX). By default, both buses are of audio devices without a loss of dynamic controlled by the volume control.

  • Page 28: Ac Power-Entry And Fuse Module

    Caution: Always use a grounded power and/or high-capacitance cables. cord. The DAC3 DX is equipped with a standard IEC power entry module. Use Caution: Mono summing with an RCA ‘Y’ an IEC power cord that is equipped with...

  • Page 29: Internal Settings

    The following functions are jumper reduce the output levels while preserving the configured: full dynamic range of the DAC3 DX. The DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX). Instruction Manual for DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 34...

  • Page 35: Rack Mounting Options

    Rack Mounting Options The DAC3 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 DAC3  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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 37...

  • Page 38: Dac1, Dac2 And Dac3 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: Dac3 Series

    ES9018 was the highest performance D/A converter IC available. The ESS PRO series converters are now setting this benchmark. The Benchmark DAC3 is one of the first products to feature this new 32-bit D/A converter. Benchmark's ultra-clean analog stages, low- jitter UltraLock3™...

  • 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 40...
  • Page 41 We believe these interpolators high sample rates. provide groundbreaking improvements to digital to analog conversion. Instruction Manual for DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 41...

  • Page 42: 32-Bit Sabre-Pro 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

    (D/A), or the rate similar performance. estimator in an asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC). Many D/A converters omit the differential amplifiers after the converters. Specifications usually ignore common-mode distortion. A Instruction Manual for DAC3 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 DAC3 will be that was not in the original audio. Instruction Manual for DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 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 DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B...

  • Page 53: Performance Graphs

    Performance Graphs Audio Precision DAC3 DX - FFT Idle Channel Noise at Max Gain, 0 dBr = 0 dBFS = 28 dBu -100 -100 -120 -120 -140 -140 -160 -160 Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis Comment Green Solid Fft.Ch.1 Ampl...
  • Page 54 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - FFT Idle Channel Noise - Low Frequency, 0 dBr = 0 dBFS = 28 dBu dx=121.213 Hz dy=-1.459 dB -100 -100 -120 -120 -140 -140 -160 -160 -158.97 -160.43 59.4129 180.626 Sweep Trace Color Line Style...
  • Page 55 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - FFT 10 kHz, 0 dBr = 0 dBFS = 24 dBu dx=10.0196 kHz dy=-14.283 dB -100 -111.066 -120 -125.349 -140 -160 20.0391k 30.0587k Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis Comment Source 2 Cursor1...
  • Page 56 DAC3 DX - FFT 1 kHz.at27 Graph 4 - FFT 1 kHz The 1 kHz FFT analysis demonstrates the very low harmonic distortion of the DAC3 DX. The second harmonic distortion (2 kHz) measured -118 to -123 dB, while the 3rd harmonic distortion measured better than -120 dB relative to the amplitude of the 1 kHz test tone.
  • Page 57 - 0.013 dB at 10 Hz and -0.006 dB at 40 kHz. The extreme low-frequency extension of the DAC3 DX 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.
  • Page 58 +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz, and +/- 0.43 degrees at 40 kHz. The phase accuracy of the DAC3 DX approaches the phase accuracy of the Audio Precision AP2722 test set. For this reason, the phase error in the AP must be subtracted from the measurement. The green trace assigns the left channel to channel 1 of the AP, and the right channel to channel 2 of the AP.
  • Page 59 -30 dBFS to 0 dBFS. These plots show that THD should never reach the threshold of hearing in most listening environments. This is proof that the DAC3 DX is virtually uncolored by any traces of harmonic distortion.
  • Page 60 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - THD and THD+N vs. Amplitude, 1 kHz, 0 dBFS = 2Vrms Main Unbalanced Outputs -100 -100 -105 -105 -110 -110 -115 -115 -120 -120 -125 -125 -130 -130 dBFS Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick...
  • Page 61 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - THD vs. Amplitude, 1 kHz, 0 dBFS = 2Vrms Unbalanced, 24 dBu Balanced Balanced vs. Unbalanced Outputs -100 -100 -105 -105 -110 -110 -115 -115 -120 -120 -125 -125 -130 -130 -135 -135 -140 -140...
  • Page 62 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - Headphone Amplifier - THD+N vs Power at 1 KHZ (w/20 kHz LPF unweighted) Headphone outputs into 300 Ohms, both channels driven dx=299.8 mW dy=-27.855 dB -76.292 -100 -104.147 -110 -120 10.14u 299.8m 100u 200u 500u...
  • Page 63 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - Headphone Amplifier - THD+N vs Power at 1 KHZ (w/20 kHz LPF unweighted) Headphone outputs into 30 Ohms, both channels driven dx=1.256 W dy=-10.605 dB -76.536 -87.141 -100 -110 -120 1.256 100u 200u 500u 100m...
  • Page 64 Graph 12 - THD+N vs. Frequency 80 kHz The analog output stages on the DAC3 DX have high slew rates and are capable of maintaining low 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.
  • Page 65 Graph 13 - THD and THD+N vs. Frequency These plots demonstrate that the harmonic distortion of the DAC3 DX is lower than the THD+N numbers would suggest. This black curve is a plot of THD+N. The red curve is a plot of THD only.
  • Page 66 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - THD+N vs Sample Rate, 1 kHz at 0 dBFS (w/20 kHz LPF unweighted) dx=182.000 kHz dy=-0.138 dB -100 -105 -110 -112.023 -112.161 -115 -120 -125 -130 210k 100k 120k 140k 160k 180k 200k Sweep Trace...
  • Page 67 Over the entire range of the AES jitter tolerance test, the THD+N performance of the DAC3 DX is unchanged. The DAC3 DX easily passes the AES jitter tolerance test, and it does so without any performance degradation.
  • Page 68 Graph The DAC3 DX shows no change in performance when the AES jitter tolerance test is applied to the digital inputs. No jitter-induced sidebands are visible anywhere in this measurement. Please note that the 10 kHz fundamental needed to be notched out in order to make this very high- resolution measurement.
  • Page 69 Audio Precision DAC3 DX - 11K 12K IMD 02/03/17 09:08:53 dx=9.00196 kHz dy=+1.474 dB -100 -100 -110 -110 -120 -120 -124.162 -125.636 -130 -130 -140 -140 -150 -150 -160 -160 1.01761k 10.0196k Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis...

  • Page 70: 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 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 70...

  • Page 71: 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 Jitter Attenuation Method Benchmark UltraLock3™ - all inputs Instruction Manual for DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 71...

  • Page 72: 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 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 72...

  • Page 73: Status Display

    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 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 73...

  • Page 74: 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 75: Ce Certificate Of Conformity

    CE Certificate of Conformity Instruction Manual for DAC3 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 75...

  • Page 76: 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 77: 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 78 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 DX with 2.X Firmware - Rev. B Page 78...

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