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Benchmark DAC2 DX Instruction Manual

Reference stereo d/a converter native pcm and dsd conversion headphone amplifier dual output buses asynchronous usb
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DAC2 DX
Benchmark
Instruction Manual
Reference Stereo D/A Converter
Native PCM and DSD Conversion
Headphone Amplifier
Dual Output Buses
Asynchronous USB

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Summary of Contents for Benchmark DAC2 DX

  • Page 1 DAC2 DX Benchmark Instruction Manual Reference Stereo D/A Converter Native PCM and DSD Conversion Headphone Amplifier Dual Output Buses Asynchronous USB...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Quick Start Guide XLR Output Pads Rear Panel Digital Pass-Through Function Front Panel Rackmounting Options Control Functions Rackmount Version of the DAC2 DX Applications Connector Block Professional Applications Premium ½-Wide Blank Rack Panel HI-FI Applications Black ½-Wide Rack Panel Computer Sound Card Elimination...
  • Page 3 CE Certificate of Conformity HPA2 Headphone Outputs Warranty Information Status Display Benchmark 1 Year Warranty AC Power Requirements The Benchmark 1 Year Warranty Dimensions Benchmark Extended Warranty Weight The Benchmark Extended 5* Year Regulatory Compliance Warranty FCC and RoHS Compliance Statements The Benchmark’s Extended 2** Year...

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    CAUTION: DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PARTS OR CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED FIRE HAZARD MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS WITHOUT THE PROTECTION ALWAYS REPLACE THE FUSES WRITTEN APPROVAL OF BENCHMARK MEDIA WITH THE CORRECT SIZE AND TYPE (0.5A SYSTEMS, INC. MODIFICATION MAY CREATE ® 250 V SLO-BLO 5 X 20 MM –...

  • Page 5: Quick Start Guide

    DAC2 DX and other audio devices in the signal chain. If the tip of the TRS connector is driven to 12 volts, the DAC2 DX will turn on. If the DAC2 DX is turned on locally, the DAC2 DX will drive the tip of the TRS connector to 12 V to turn on other linked devices.

  • Page 6: Front Panel

    · Slow Flashes (2 flashes/second) – No input signal, transmission errors, or Non-PCM · Rapid flashes – Non-audio (input is flagged as data) · Intermittent flashes – Invalid sample (v-bit), unreliable connection DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 6...
  • Page 7 2X & 4X – DSD Headphone Jacks The headphone jacks are driven by Benchmark’s “zero-Ohm” HPA2™ headphone power amplifier. Both jacks can be used simultaneously. Both jacks are equipped with switches that can be programmed to mute the MAIN audio output bus when headphones are inserted. By default, the left headphone jack is programmed to mute the MAIN output bus while the right jack will not mute the audio.

  • Page 8: Control Functions

    Control Functions Press once to turn the unit off. All DAC2 DX functions can be controlled from the IR remote control or from the front panel. In most (remote only) * Press and hold to turn off all devices connected to the 12V TRIGGER.

  • Page 9: Applications

    The DAC2 DX has 6 digital inputs, 2 headphone outputs, a volume control, and 3 sets of analog outputs. It supports D/A conversion of PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz, as well as direct DSD conversion.

  • Page 10: Dac2 Vs. Dac1

    Lower Distortion than the DAC1 Benchmark’s DAC1 converters are known for their very low distortion (THD and IMD). But, the DAC2 sets new benchmarks for clean and transparent musical reproduction. The DAC2 is designed to provide the cleanest possible path from digital to analog.

  • Page 11: Dac2 Dx Features

    Multi-Mode Asynchronous USB Audio 2.0 – 24 bit/192 kHz, DSD (DoP 1.1) Ÿ Driverless Asynchronous USB Audio 1.1 – 24-bit/96 kHz Ÿ Benchmark UltraLock2™ Jitter Attenuation System – eliminates jitter-induced distortion Ÿ Sample Rate Display – 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz and DSD Ÿ...

  • Page 12: Special Dac2 Dx Features

    Special DAC2 DX Features The DAC2 DX has some special features that set the DAC2 DX apart from the rest of the DAC2 product family: · AES XLR digital input · Dual Analog Output Busses · Relay-Muted Analog Outputs These features are tailored to the needs of professional users but some Hi-Fi users may also find them useful.

  • Page 13: Feature Details

    HGC™ Hybrid Gain Control HGC™ is Benchmark’s unique Hybrid Gain Control that combines 32-bit digital attenuation with passive analog attenuation. The dual-domain HGC™ system combines the accuracy of digital control while preserving dynamic range through the use of passive analog output attenuators.
  • Page 14 The right-hand jack allows simultaneous use of loudspeakers and headphones. On the DAC2 DX, either or both headphone switches can be enabled or disabled using internal jumpers. The switches and jumpers control logic-level signals, no audio passes through these components.
  • Page 15 Direct Interfacing to +4 dBu Studio Gear If the DAC2 DX will be feeding other professional +4 dBu audio gear, the 0 dB setting should be used. In this setting, the output will reach exactly +24 dBu at 0 dB FS when the volume control is bypassed or to maximum.

  • Page 16: Dac1 And Dac2 Product History

    DAC1 and DAC2 Product History The pristine audio performance of the award-winning DAC1 made it the ‘Benchmark’ of stand-alone D/A converters. The DAC1 USB and DAC1 PRE, and DAC1 HDR added features and minor performance improvements. DAC1 Series History The classic DAC1 was the first member of the Benchmark DAC1 family.

  • Page 17: Dac2 Series History

    The DAC2 L is a lower-cost non-headphone version of the DAC2 HGC · Headphone amplifier and jacks were removed The DAC2 DX replaces the DAC2 D and shares flagship status with the DAC2 HGC. The DAC2 DX adds these features to the DAC2 D: ·...

  • Page 18: Digital Inputs

    The optical inputs do not accept ADAT format. Consistent Performance The Benchmark UltraLock2™ system removes interface jitter from all digital inputs (including the USB input). The result is that all digital inputs have identical jitter performance. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual...

  • Page 19: Usb - Computer Input

    In most cases, the DAC2 can begin streaming high resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio bit-transparently within seconds after being plugged into a computer for the first time. Little or no software or hardware configuration is required in this mode. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 19...

  • Page 20: D1 And D2 - Optical Digital Inputs

    USB AUDIO 2.0 MODE The DAC2’s USB AUDIO 2.0 MODE provides driverless operation with Mac OS X. It is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8 if the Benchmark driver is installed. It has been tested on Mac OS X versions 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8.

  • Page 21: D5 - Coaxial Digital Output

    Transformers are available to match adapt balanced 110-Ohm AES connections to unbalanced 75- Ohm coaxial connections. Our experience is that these work well. Coaxial to XLR adapters should be located near the XLR connector when possible. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 21...

  • Page 22: Analog Outputs

    Analog Outputs The DAC2 DX has two independent stereo output busses. By default, both busses are controlled by the front panel volume control. Either or both busses can be set to bypass the volume control. When the volume control is bypassed the volume is set to a calibrated maximum level.

  • Page 23: Xlr Wiring

    Mono summing with a ‘Y’ cable can be accomplished with the use of a modified cable by implementing a 1k Ohm series resistor in each leg of the ‘Y’. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 23...

  • Page 24: Ac Power-Entry And Fuses

    CAUTION: ALWAYS USE A GROUNDED POWER CORD. THE PRODUCT 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. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 24...

  • Page 25: Internal Settings

    Use a static control wrist strap when changing jumper settings. · Disconnect AC power by unplugging the power cord at the back of the DAC2 DX. · Remove only the 8 screws holding the cover (4 on each side).

  • Page 26: Xlr Output Pads

    XLR Output Pads The XLR outputs are equipped with low-impedance passive pads that may be used to reduce the output levels while preserving the full dynamic range of the DAC2 DX. The unit ships with the pads disabled (0 dB setting).
  • Page 27 Top and Bottom Jumpers - Both switches enabled · Jumper(s) rotated vertically - Storage of unused jumper(s) Unused jumper(s) may be stored vertically on either pair of pins. Figure 2 - Left Headphone Switch Enabled (Factory Default) DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 27...
  • Page 28 If the level is too low at a 2 o-clock volume-control position, the headphone gain is too low, and the attenuation should be decreased. Figure 3 - 0 dB Headphone Attenuation DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 28...
  • Page 29 Figure 4 - 10 dB Headphone Attenuation - (Factory default) Figure 5 - 20 dB Headphone Attenuation DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 29...

  • Page 30: Digital Pass-Through Function

    Digital Pass-Through function is disabled. Figure 7 shows the factory default position (Digital Pass-Through function disabled, D5 is an input). Figure 7 – Digital Pass Through - Disabled (Factory Default) DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 30...

  • Page 31: Rackmounting Options

    Rackmounting Options The DAC2 DX is available with or without rackmount ears. Either version can be rackmounted with the appropriate accesories. There are several accesories availabe for rackmounting a DAC2 DX: · Connector Block - Joins two ½-wide Benchmark products when both have rackmount-type faceplates.

  • Page 32: 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 33: Rackmounting Example

    Rackmounting Example Blank Plate and Connector Block: The Connector Block creates a rigid connection: Ready to mount in a standard 19" rack: DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 33...

  • Page 34: Benchmark Technologies

    Native DSD Conversion http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac2- drivers The digital coaxial, XLR, and USB 2.0 inputs on the DAC2 DX support native DSD An asynchronous driverless USB Audio 1.1 conversion. DoP 1.1 is automatically detected mode supports sample rates up to 96 kHz.

  • Page 35: Jitter-Immune Ultralock2

    Bi-Directional 12 Volt Trigger +3 dBFS while individual samples never exceed 0 dBFS. These inter-sample peaks Benchmark re-invents the 12 volt trigger. are common in commercial releases, and are The trigger connection on the DAC2 can be of no consequence in a PCM system until they used as an input or output or both, and is reach an interpolation process.

  • Page 36: Hpa2™ Headphone Amplifier

    The performance of the HPA2™ does not 10 to 10,000 times higher than the maximum change when headphones are driven. THD+N allowable level for accurate 24-bit conversion. measurements for no-load, 30-Ohm resistive DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 36...

  • Page 37: Dac2 Dx Instruction Manual Rev B

    2 Hz to 200 kHz. Any signal. This ‘new audio’ is unexpected and AES/EBU signal that can be decoded by the unwanted. It can cause a loss of imaging, and DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 37...
  • Page 38 Stop-band attenuation can be measured very easily by sweeping a test tone between 24 kHz and at least 200 kHz while monitoring the output of the converter. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 38...
  • Page 39 DAC2 eliminates one major variable: can be done to remove the damage. Jitter- jitter. induced sidebands are extremely complex and cannot be removed with any existing audio DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 39...

  • Page 40: Usb Audio System Setup

    Benchmark USB device in USB 1.1, playing tracks up to 96 kHz 24-bit. Any audio played from the computer will then be routed to the Benchmark USB device immediately. There is no software to install or configure.

  • Page 41: Usb Driver Installation - Windows Xp, Vista

    Note: The DAC2 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 Driver folder, double click “setup.exe.” DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 41...
  • Page 42 2. A welcome screen will pop-up. Click “Next.” DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 42...
  • Page 43 4. You will be prompted to select a location to install the driver in. It will default to your Program Files folder. If you wish to install it another location, you can change the location. We suggest keeping it in the default destination folder. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 43...
  • Page 44 Press “Install” DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 44...
  • Page 45 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 45...
  • Page 46 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 46...

  • Page 47: Performance Graphs - Dac2 Series

    Performance Graphs - DAC2 Series 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...
  • Page 48 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 48...
  • Page 49 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 49...
  • Page 50 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 50...
  • Page 51 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 51...
  • Page 52 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 52...
  • Page 53 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 53...
  • Page 54 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 54...
  • Page 55 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 56 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 56...
  • Page 57 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 57...
  • Page 58 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 58...
  • Page 59 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 59...
  • Page 60 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 60...
  • Page 61 Graph Plot 3. 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 61...
  • Page 62 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 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 62...

  • Page 63: 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. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 63...

  • Page 64: Group Delay (Latency)

    Yes (Coaxial and XLR Inputs) 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) DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 64...

  • Page 65: 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 DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 65...

  • Page 66: Balanced Analog Outputs

    Factory Set Home Theater Bypass Output Level (at 0 +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) DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 66...

  • Page 67: Hpa2 Tm Headphone Outputs

    Status Display 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 DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 67...

  • Page 68: Ac Power Requirements

    9.33” (237 mm) cord Width 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. DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 68...

  • Page 69: 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 70: Ce Certificate Of Conformity

    CE Certificate of Conformity DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 70...

  • Page 71: 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 72: 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 73 Copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014 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 DAC2 DX Instruction Manual Rev B Page 73...

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