1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Benchmark Manuals
  4. Amplifier
  5. DAC2 HGC
  6. Instruction manual

Benchmark DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual

Reference stereo preamplifier
Hide thumbs Also See for DAC2 HGC:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
DAC2 HGC
Benchmark
Instruction Manual
Reference Stereo Preamplifier
PCM and DSD D/A Converter
Headphone Amp ● Asynchronous USB

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the DAC2 HGC and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Benchmark DAC2 HGC

Summary of Contents for Benchmark DAC2 HGC

  • Page 1 DAC2 HGC Benchmark Instruction Manual Reference Stereo Preamplifier PCM and DSD D/A Converter Headphone Amp ● Asynchronous USB...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    BENCHMARK MEDIA SYSTEMS COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO Voltage Selection OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT UNDER FCC REGULATIONS. THE DAC2 HGC IS EQUIPPED WITH A Repairs UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY. THERE IS NO VOLTAGE SELECTION SWITCH. AC VOLTAGE RANGE IS 88-264 VAC, 50-60 CAUTION: DO NOT SERVICE OR REPAIR HZ.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    AC Power-Entry and Fuse Module Warranty Information Fuses Benchmark 1 Year Warranty Voltage Selection Benchmark Extended Warranty Power Cord Internal Settings Removing Top Cover Low-Impedance Passive Pads Jumpers Rack Mounting System1™ Universal Rack Adapter DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 3...

  • Page 4: Features

    Features The DAC2 HGC is a reference-grade digital to analog converter, stereo system pre-amplifier, and headphone amplifier with infrared remote control. It supports D/A conversion of PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz, as well as direct DSD conversion. HGC™ (Hybrid Gain Control) – combines motor-driven active analog potentiometer, 32-bit...

  • Page 5: Overview

    The DAC2 HGC builds upon Benchmark’s highly successful DAC1 product family. Every DAC1 subsystem has been redesigned and upgraded to achieve higher performance. The DAC2 HGC includes an updated version of Benchmark's highly-effective UltraLock™ jitter-attenuation system. New features have been added to extend the versatility of the product, and improve the listening experience.

  • Page 6: Performance Improvements

    The 4:1 summing reduces noise by about 6 dB. Overall, the DAC2 HGC is about 10 dB quieter than the DAC1. Low-level musical details are faithfully reproduced over a breathtakingly quiet noise floor.

  • Page 7: New Features

    Analog inputs are controlled in the or both. The DAC2 HGC will pull the trigger analog domain. Digital inputs are controlled I/O to 12 volts DC when the DAC2 HGC turns in both domains. on. If an external device pulls the trigger I/O to 12 volts, the DAC2 HGC will turn on.

  • Page 8: Expanded I/O

    Expanded I/O The DAC2 HGC has: • 2 stereo unbalanced analog inputs • 2 optical inputs • 2 coaxial inputs • 1 USB input • 2 stereo unbalanced outputs • 1 balanced stereo output • 1 bi-directional 12 volt trigger...

  • Page 9: Applications

    DAC2 HGC makes it well suited for critical playback in recording studio control rooms and mastering rooms. The versatility of the DAC2 HGC makes it an asset to any high-end audiophile application, including: HDTV, DVD, digital cable, music server, digital radio, analog radio, phono playback, portable music player, etc.

  • Page 10: Dac1 Heritage

    ‘Normal’ and ‘Dim’ / ‘Soft- Mute’ settings independently for ultimate flexibility. The DAC2 HGC is a complete redesign with 32-bit D/A conversion, native 24-bit/192kHz PCM, native DSD conversion, multi-mode Asynchronous USB, sample rate and word length displays, UltraLock2™...

  • Page 11: Quick Start Guide

    The remote-control has the following Audio Inputs functions (and their respective icons): The DAC2 HGC features two stereo analog Turns unit off. Press and hold OFF inputs (RCA) and five stereo digital inputs (2 button, it will turn off all devices coaxial, 2 optical, and 1 USB).

  • Page 12: Direct Interfacing To Power Amplifiers

    Amplifiers The level of the ‘Dim’ volume setting can The DAC2 HGC is designed to be able to easily be set by the user with the remote interface directly to power amps and powered control. The DAC2 HGC will remember the studio monitors.

  • Page 13: Front Panel

    D1 – The blue blinking LED indicates no signal is transmitted to optical digital input 1. A solid blue LED indicates a signal is being The DAC2 HGC has sixteen LED status transmitted to optical digital input 1. indicators on the front panel.

  • Page 14: Button Functions

    More information can be found on the next section. The Input Status Display will flash when an error occurs on the selected digital input. The type of error is indicated by the frequency of the flashes. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 14...

  • Page 15: Input Status Display

    ‘Normal’ section of this manual. volume mode is selected. When all LED’s are lit, the display indicates that the DAC2 HGC TIP: Use the left-hand jack to mute your is muted. When all but one LED are lit, the loudspeaker system.
  • Page 16 ‘Internal Settings’ section of this manual. TIP: For optimal performance, the headphone gain jumpers should be set so that comfortable listening levels occur when the ‘Volume Control’ is set above the ‘11 o’clock’ position. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 16...

  • Page 17: Hgc™ Volume Control

    TIP: For optimal performance and of the converter. The attenuators optimize minimal noise, the XLR gain jumpers the gain staging between the DAC2 HGC and should be set so that comfortable the power amplifier. This optimization is listening levels occur when the ‘Volume absolutely essential for maximizing the Control’...

  • Page 18: Rear Panel

    The USB input accepts a ‘B-type’ male USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 connector. An ‘A-B type’ USB TIP: The DAC2 HGC will not decode AC3 cable is provided with the DAC2 HGC. The or ADAT signals. The ‘Status Display’ will...
  • Page 19 Do not use 50-Ohm cables or twisted pair The DAC2 HGC’s USB 1.1 is designed, tested cables, or any non-coaxial cables. and proven compatible with Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7, Mac OS X, and iPads...

  • Page 20: Outputs

    Shorting pin 3 to ground will increase the temperature of the output drivers, will increase power The DAC2 HGC has one pair of balanced XLR consumption, and may cause distortion. outputs and two pairs of unbalanced RCA outputs.
  • Page 21 1360 feet (see Table 1). But, long un-balanced cables will generally suffer from hum problems due to ground loops. We highly recommend using balanced interconnects for long runs. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 21...

  • Page 22: Ac Power-Entry And Fuse Module

    Module Power Cord The AC power input uses a standard IEC type connector. One USA-compatible power cord is included with DAC2 HGC converters. IEC style power cords in country-specific configurations are available in your locality. CAUTION: ALWAYS USE A GROUNDED POWER CORD.

  • Page 23: Internal Settings

    The XLR outputs are equipped with low- impedance passive pads that may be used to reduce the output levels while preserving the The DAC2 HGC cover must be removed to full dynamic range of the DAC2 HGC. The gain access to the jumpers. Do not attempt DAC2 HGC ships with the 10 dB pads to remove the faceplate or rear panel.

  • Page 24: Jumpers

    -10 dB – *** (Jumper plug between pins 3 and 4 of each header) – Factory Default • -20 dB – (Jumper plug between pins 5 and 6 of each header) Figure 1 - 10 dB (Factory Default) DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 24...
  • Page 25 Headphone Switch Disable (JP1 and JP2): The DAC2 HGC is configured so that the analog outputs will mute when a headphone plug is inserted into the left-hand jack. This is convenient when the user wishes to switch between headphones and speakers. This feature can be defeated by adding jumpers at JP1 and JP2.
  • Page 26 5 - 0 dB for more gain or move the jumpers according to example in Figure 6 - 20 dB for Figure 5 - 0 dB less gain. Figure 6 - 20 dB Figure 4 - 10 dB (Factory default) DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 26...

  • Page 27: Rack Mounting

    An optional rack mount adapter allows the The Universal Rack Mount Adapter is a mounting of any two Benchmark System1™ tray that mounts up to two ½ RU Benchmark products in a single rack space. A Blank products in a single race space. The tray Rack Panel can be added when only one unit accepts any combination of ½...

  • Page 28: Benchmark Technologies

    Digital inputs are computer asynchronously transfers audio data precisely controlled in the 32-bit DSP system. to a buffer in the DAC2 HGC. The contents The DSP system preserves precise L/R of the buffer are then asynchronously balance, and precise stereo imaging, while transferred to the D/A conversion sub- avoiding any source of noise and distortion.

  • Page 29: Jitter-Immune Ultralock2

    The conversion system at UltraLock2™ is an improved version of the the core of the DAC2 HGC is as good as it UltraLock™ system used in the DAC1 gets. The analog circuits that follow the D/A product family.

  • Page 30: Hpa2™ Headphone Amplifier

    HPA2™ Headphone Amplifier Ohm headphone loads are virtually identical. The HPA2™ will substantially improve the The DAC2 HGC headphone output is driven sound of 30 and 60-Ohm headphones. It will by Benchmark’s signature HPA2™ headphone make very noticeable improvements with amplifier.
  • Page 31 Fortunately, interface jitter has absolutely no the addition of any measurable jitter artifacts. effect on the audio unless it influences the conversion clock in an analog-to-digital The DAC2 HGC employs Benchmark’s converter (A/D) or in a digital-to-analog UltraLock2™ technology to eliminate jitter- converter (D/A).
  • Page 32 (they will never add Stop-band attenuation can be measured very audible jitter induced artifacts to an audio easily by sweeping a test tone between 24 signal). DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 32...
  • Page 33 What UltraLock™ converters attack jitter at both ends of the audio chain. cannot do: The DAC2 HGC is a great start, as it will allow accurate assessment of various A/D UltraLock2™ converters cannot undo converters. It is impossible to audibly damage that has already been done.

  • Page 34: Multi-Mode Asynchronous Usb Audio System

    There is no software to install or configure. To play tracks up to 192 kHz or DSD, the DAC2 HGC needs to be engaged in USB 2.0 mode. To engage it in USB 2.0 mode, hold down the USB button on the remote control until you see the 4X LED blink.

  • Page 35: Usb Driver Installation - Windows Xp, Vista

    USB Driver Installation - Windows XP, Vista, 7 Note: The DAC2 HGC driver is available for download at: http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac2-hgc/driver Before you install the driver, make sure the USB is unplugged before installation of the driver. 1. In the DAC2 HGC Driver folder, double click “setup.exe.”...
  • Page 36 2. A welcome screen will pop-up. Click “Next.” DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 36...
  • Page 37 3. When you see the following screen, turn on the DAC2 HGC, set it into USB 2.0, and plug it in one of the USB ports. Then hit “Next” 4. You will be prompted to select a location to install the driver in. It will default to your Program Files folder.
  • Page 38 When the installation begins you will see the following screen. Please be patient while the driver installs. Installation time is between 1-5 minutes. 6. Once the installation finishes a message at the top will say “Installation Complete.” Press “Next” to continue. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 38...
  • Page 39 7. Click “Finish.” The Setup will close automatically and this completes the installation process. You can now enjoy music up to 192 kHz and DSD. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 39...

  • Page 40: 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 40...
  • Page 41 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 41...
  • Page 42 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 42...
  • Page 43 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 43...
  • Page 44 Graph Plot 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 44...
  • Page 45 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 45...
  • Page 46 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 46...
  • Page 47 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 47...
  • Page 48 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(TM) headphone amplifier. The HPA2(TM) has a near 0-Ohm output impedance which provides outstanding control and damping of the headphone drivers. The HPA2(TM) has the voltage and current drive necessary to drive a wide variety of headphones.
  • Page 49 The analog output stages on the DAC2 have high slew rates and are capable of maintaining low 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 49...
  • Page 50 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 50...
  • Page 51 The unbalanced outputs, and the headphone outputs, closely match the performance of the balanced outputs. Like Graph Plot 11 - EVEN AND ODD THD vs. FREQUENCY, this plot shows THD (not THD+N). DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 51...
  • Page 52 Anlr.THD+N Ratio Left Solid Anlr.THD+N Ratio Left DAC2 - THD+N vs Sample Rate.at27 Graph Plot 13 - THD+N versus Sample Rate The THD+N performance of the DAC2 is identical at all Sample Rates. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 52...
  • Page 53 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 53...
  • Page 54 FIGURE 8. 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 54...
  • Page 55 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. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 55...

  • Page 56: Specifications

    < -140 dB 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. Audio Performance (continued) Maximum Lock Time after Fs change...

  • Page 57: Group Delay (Latency)

    1.36 ms at 44.1 kHz sample rate) 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 kHz DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 57...

  • Page 58: Analog Audio Inputs

    Off to +10.5 dB (RCA in to Headphone) Factory-Set Analog-Input Gain In Home Theater Bypass +0 dB (RCA in to RCA out) Mode 6 dB (RCA in to XLR out) (w/10dB Pad) DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 58...

  • Page 59: Digital Audio Inputs

    >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 DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 59...

  • Page 60: Balanced Analog Outputs

    Factory Set Home Theater Bypass Output Level (at 0 +7.5 dBu (1.77 Vrms) dBFS) Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) Off to +7.5 dBu Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. < +/- 0.006 dB 96 kHz) DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 60...

  • Page 61: Hpa2 Tm Headphone Outputs

    Indicators - Type and Location 16 LED’s on Front Panel Selection/Status Indication 1 – Dim/Mute 7 – Input 1 – Home Theater Bypass 1 – Polarity 2 – Word length 4 – Sample Rate DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 61...

  • Page 62: Ac Power Requirements

    Width 9.5” (249 mm) Height 1.725” (44.5 mm) Weight DAC2 HGC only 3 lb. DAC2 HGC with remote control, power cord, extra 4 lb. fuses, and manual Shipping weight 7 lb. DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 62...

  • Page 63: 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 64: Ce Certificates Of Conformity

    CE Certificates of Conformity DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 64...

  • Page 65: 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 66: Benchmark Extended Warranty

    Benchmark Extended Warranty The Benchmark Extended 5* Year Warranty Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. optionally extends the standard one (1) year warranty to a period of five (5)* 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 67 DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 67...
  • Page 68 Copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. 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 DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev D Page 68...

Table of Contents