Related Manuals for Benchmark DAC2 L
Summarization of Contents
Safety Information
Fuses
Details about replacing blown fuses with correct type and rating.
AC Input Voltage Range
Specifies the universal power supply voltage range and operation from DC.
Power Cord
Guidelines for using a grounded power cord with the correct connector.
Modifications
Warning against unauthorized modifications that could create hazards or void warranty.
Repairs
Emphasizes that only qualified technicians should service the product.
Introduction and Applications
DAC1 Heritage
Explains how the DAC2 builds upon the successful DAC1 product family with improvements.
System Overview
Highlights new features added to the DAC2 compared to the DAC1.
Technical Performance Details
Lower THD than the DAC1
Compares THD+N performance favorably against the DAC1.
Low Power Consumption
Details the unit's high-efficiency, low-noise power supplies and low standby power.
Low Magnetic Emissions
Explains how small magnetic components minimize magnetic fields for no interference.
UltraLock2 Clock System
Discusses the improved jitter attenuation system for higher SNR.
Dual-Mode USB Input
Describes the two USB modes: driverless 1.1 and high-sample rate 2.0.
New HGC Hybrid Gain Control
Explains the hybrid gain control system combining analog and digital gain.
Advanced Features and Functions
Low-Impedance Passive Attenuators
Discusses passive attenuators on XLR outputs for optimizing interface with power amplifiers.
Native DSD Conversion
Details support for native DSD conversion via USB or Coaxial inputs.
Digital Pass-Through
Explains reconfiguring coaxial input D4 as a digital output for passing signals.
Polarity Control
Describes the function to invert the polarity of selected digital inputs for better listening.
HT Mode
Explains the HT mode for calibrated levels and home theater integration.
Bi-directional 12V Trigger
Details the trigger I/O for system on/off sequencing and bidirectional communication.
Auto-On Function
Explains the programming for automatic turn-on when AC power is applied.
Expanded I/O
Lists the various analog and digital inputs/outputs available on the DAC2.
Physical Layout
Front Panel
Illustrates and describes the controls and indicators on the front of the DAC2.
Rear Panel
Shows the rear panel layout with all input and output connectors.
Quick Start Guide
Audio Inputs
Describes the available analog and digital audio input types and recommendations.
Remote Control
Explains the functions of the infrared remote control for operating the DAC2.
Front Panel Displays
Input Indicators
Describes how input indicators show selected input and digital input errors.
Input Error Codes
Lists error codes indicated by flashing input lights and their causes.
HT Indicator
Explains the meaning of the HT mode indicator light status.
Indicator Functions
DIM, MUTE, and POLARITY Indicators
Explains the status lights for DIM, MUTE, and POLARITY functions.
Word Length Indicators
Describes how the 16 and 24 lights indicate the input word length.
Format Indicators
Explains how lights indicate sample rate and digital input format.
Headphone Features
Headphone Jacks
Details the two headphone jacks and their features on the DAC2 HGC model.
Headphone Mute Switch
Explains the auto-mute switch on the left jack and its disable option.
Driving Two Sets of Headphones
Discusses the HPA2 amplifier's capability to drive two headphone sets.
HPA2 Headphone Power Amplifier
Describes the HPA2 amplifier's specifications and performance.
Operational Details
DIM and MUTE Functions
Explains how to use the DIM and MUTE functions to control audio output levels.
Auto-On and Trigger Functions
Auto-On Function
Details how to enable and disable the automatic power-on feature.
Bi-directional 12V Trigger
Explains the trigger I/O functionality for system automation.
Trigger Output (DAC2 is Master)
Describes the DAC2 acting as a master to send trigger signals.
Trigger Input - (DAC2 is Slave)
Explains the DAC2 acting as a slave to respond to external trigger signals.
Trigger System Applications
Trigger Bus Applications
Covers connecting multiple trigger ports in a bus configuration.
Bi-Directional Trigger Applications
Discusses bi-directional communication for system control.
HT Mode
Details the HT mode settings and applications.
HT Mode Applications
HT Mode - Volume Control Bypass
Explains using HT mode to bypass DAC2 volume for external controls.
HT Mode - Home Theater Bypass
Describes using HT mode for seamless home theater integration.
HT Mode – Calibrated Output
Explains using HT mode for fixed-gain calibrated output in studio setups.
USB and Amplifier Connections
USB MODE Selection
Explains how to switch between USB Audio 1.1 and 2.0 modes.
Driving Power Amplifiers
Details how the DAC2 directly drives power amplifiers via its outputs.
Headphone Amplifier and Pass-Through
HPA2 Headphone Amplifier
Describes the headphone amplifier's performance and capabilities.
Digital Pass-Through
Explains the function of reconfiguring D4 as a digital output.
Firmware Version Identification
Details how to identify the installed firmware version using front panel lamps.
Input Specifications
Inputs
Lists and describes all available digital and analog audio input types.
Analog and Digital Input Details
Analog Inputs RCA Unbalanced
Describes the two sets of unbalanced stereo analog inputs with RCA connectors.
Computer Input – USB
Details the USB input capabilities and modes.
Optical Digital Inputs - D1 and D2
Explains the TOSLINK optical input specifications and recommendations.
Coaxial Inputs and Trigger I/O
Coaxial Digital Inputs – D3 and D4
Describes the coaxial digital inputs and required cable types.
12V TRIGGER I/O
Explains the bi-directional 12V trigger connection and functionality.
Output Configurations
Outputs
Provides an overview of the DAC2's analog output options.
Analog Outputs
Details the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs.
Industry-Standard XLR Wiring
Explains the wiring standards for XLR connections.
Unbalanced RCA Analog Outputs
Describes the RCA outputs and their characteristics.
Power and Fuse Module
AC Power-Entry and Fuse Module
Details the power connection and fuse compartment.
Fuses
Specifics on fuse replacement and type.
Input Voltage Range
Information on the universal power supply and voltage range.
Power Cord
Guidelines for using the correct power cord.
Internal Settings and Configuration
Internal Settings
Information on accessing and configuring internal jumpers.
Jumper-Configured Options
Lists functions configurable via jumpers like XLR pads and headphone settings.
Removing Top Cover
Instructions and precautions for safely accessing internal components.
XLR Output Pads
Explains the use of passive pads for adjusting XLR output levels.
Jumper and Switch Settings
XLR Output Pad Jumpers
Details the specific jumpers for setting XLR output attenuation.
Headphone Switch Configuration
Explains how to configure the headphone mute switch.
Headphone Switch Disable
Describes how to disable the headphone mute switch using jumpers.
Headphone Amplifier Gain Adjustment
Headphone Amplifier Gain
Details how to adjust headphone amplifier gain using jumpers.
Rack Mounting Options
Rack Mounting
Information on mounting the DAC2 in a rack using optional accessories.
Benchmark Rack Mount Tray
Describes the rack mount tray for Benchmark products.
Benchmark 1/2-Wide Blank Plate
Details the blank plate for covering unused rack slots.
Benchmark Technologies Overview
Benchmark Technologies
Overview of Benchmark's audio technologies and product history.
DAC1 and DAC2 Family History
Traces the evolution of Benchmark's DAC products.
Core Technology Explanations
Hybrid Gain Control
Explains Benchmark's unique hybrid gain control system.
Native DSD Conversion
Details support for native DSD conversion via digital inputs.
Jitter-Immune UltraLock2
Discusses the advanced jitter attenuation system.
High Headroom DSP
Explains the DSP's high headroom for preventing inter-sample peak clipping.
Advanced Technical Aspects
32-bit SABRE Conversion System
Describes the high-performance 32-bit D/A conversion system.
Diagnostic Displays
Explains how sample rate and word length displays confirm operation.
Distributed Power Regulation
Details the distributed power supply regulation for low noise.
HPA2 Headphone Amplifier
More details on the HPA2 amplifier's performance and drive capabilities.
Performance Characteristics
0-Ohm Output Impedance
Explains the advantage of a 0-ohm output impedance for headphone amplifiers.
Headphone Performance
Discusses the measured distortion performance with various headphones.
Differential Amplifiers
Explains how differential amplifiers remove common-mode distortion.
UltraLock2 Clock System
Details the clock system's role in accurate 24-bit conversion.
Jitter Impact on Performance
How does conversion clock jitter degrade converter performance?
Explains the impact of jitter on audio signal quality.
Jitter Tolerance Testing
Put UltraLock converters to the test:
Encourages testing UltraLock2 converters for jitter immunity.
Is it possible to eliminate all of the effects of jitter in an entire digital audio system?
Discusses the possibility and challenges of eliminating system-wide jitter effects.
What UltraLock converters cannot do:
Clarifies limitations of UltraLock2 converters regarding pre-existing damage.
Multi-Mode USB Audio
Multi-Mode Asynchronous USB Audio
Details the DAC2's support for USB Audio 1.1 and 2.0 modes.
Plug it in and Start Listening... Immediately
A quick guide to connecting and starting playback via USB.
USB Driver Installation
Windows Operating Systems
Specific guidance for Windows users on driver installation.
Performance Graphs
Graph 1 – FFT Idle Channel Noise
Presents FFT analysis showing low idle channel noise and absence of spurious tones.
Graph 2 - Low Frequency FFT - AC Line-Related Hum
Shows FFT analysis confirming no AC line-related hum.
Graph 3 - FFT 10 kHz
Presents FFT analysis for detecting jitter, showing no sidebands.
Graph 4 - FFT 1 kHz
Demonstrates low harmonic distortion with FFT analysis.
Graph 5 - Frequency Response
Shows the ruler-flat frequency response of the DAC2.
Graph 6 - Differential Phase
Demonstrates inter-channel phase accuracy of the DAC2.
Graph 7 - Balanced THD+N vs. Amplitude
Shows very low harmonic distortion at signal levels from -14 to 0 dBFS.
Graph 8 - Unbalanced THD+N versus Amplitude
Details THD+N performance of the unbalanced outputs.
Graph 9 - Headphone Amplifier – THD+N versus Amplitude (DAC2 HGC model only)
Shows THD+N performance of headphone outputs under load.
Graph 10 - THD+N vs. Frequency 80 kHz
Displays low THD+N levels at high frequencies.
Graph 11 - Even And Odd THD vs. Frequency
Shows harmonic distortion is lower than THD+N numbers.
Graph 12 - THD vs. Frequency - All Outputs
Demonstrates similar THD performance across all analog outputs.
Graph 13 - THD+N versus Sample Rate
Confirms identical THD+N performance at all sample rates.
Graph 14 - Jitter Tolerance
Shows unchanged THD+N performance across AES jitter tolerance test.
Graph 15 - Jitter Tolerance FFT
Presents FFTs showing no jitter-induced sidebands.
Graph 16 - IMD 11k 12K
Demonstrates very low IMD distortion at specific frequencies.
Specifications
Audio Performance
Presents key audio performance metrics like SNR, THD+N, and frequency response.
Detailed Specifications
Group Delay (Latency)
Details the delay between digital input and analog output at various sample rates.
Digital Audio Inputs
Lists specifications for coaxial, optical, and USB digital inputs.
Jitter Tolerance
Specifies the jitter levels the DAC2 can tolerate without performance degradation.
Output Specifications
Balanced Analog Outputs
Details specifications for the XLR balanced analog outputs.
Unbalanced Analog Outputs
Details specifications for the RCA unbalanced analog outputs.
HPA2 Headphone Outputs
Presents specifications for the headphone outputs.
Input and System Specifications
Unbalanced Analog Inputs
Details specifications for the unbalanced analog inputs.
Status Display
Lists the front panel indicators and their meanings.
AC Power Requirements
Specifies power, voltage, and fuse requirements.
Dimensions
Provides the physical dimensions of the DAC2 unit.
Weight
Lists the weight of the DAC2 and shipping weight.
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
Details compliance with FCC rules for digital devices.
RoHS Compliant Information
Statement on compliance with EU RoHS directive for hazardous substances.
Warranty Information
Benchmark 1-Year Warranty
Details the standard one-year limited warranty against defects.
Extended Warranty Options
The Benchmark Extended 5-Year Warranty
Information on the optional 5-year extended warranty.
The Benchmark Extended 2-Year International Warranty
Details the optional 2-year international extended warranty.
Notes on Warranty Repairs
Explains the process and requirements for warranty repairs.
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