Reference Digital Conversion for Systems with a Dedicated Preamplifier
The Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analog Audio Converter is the streamlined, fixed-output model in Benchmark's DAC3 family, designed for systems that already use a dedicated preamplifier or line amplifier. It shares the same core conversion platform and sonic performance as the DAC3 L and DAC3 HGC while eliminating the onboard volume-control system, analog inputs and headphone amplifier for a focused digital-source architecture.
Five digital inputs provide asynchronous USB, coaxial S/PDIF and Toslink connectivity, while balanced XLR and dual RCA stereo outputs allow the DAC3 B to integrate with both professional and consumer audio systems. Benchmark's UltraLock3 jitter attenuation, high-headroom digital processing, linear-phase reconstruction filtering and low-distortion analog output stages are designed to preserve the original waveform with exceptional accuracy from source to preamplifier.
Highlights & Benefits
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Same Core Performance as DAC3 HGC & DAC3 L — Uses the same underlying DAC platform and audio-performance architecture as Benchmark's higher-feature DAC3 models.
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Dedicated Fixed-Output DAC Design — Removes volume control, analog inputs and headphone amplification for systems that use a separate preamplifier.
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UltraLock3 Jitter Attenuation — Reduces timing errors from computers, transports and digital interfaces before D/A conversion.
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Five Digital Inputs — Asynchronous USB, two coaxial and two optical inputs accommodate computers, streamers, disc transports and other digital sources.
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Balanced XLR & Dual RCA Outputs — Supports professional-level and conventional Hi-Fi system integration with independently buffered analog outputs.
Technology & Design
High-Headroom Digital Processing — Benchmark provides approximately 3dB of headroom above 0dBFS to prevent intersample peaks from clipping inside the digital signal path.
Linear-Phase Reconstruction Filtering — The DAC3 platform uses linear-phase filtering designed to maintain waveform shape and phase relationships through the conversion process.
UltraLock3 Clock System — Incoming digital signals are isolated from source-clock jitter before conversion, helping keep timing-related distortion well below the audible threshold.
Configurable Balanced Output Levels — Passive 10dB and 20dB attenuator settings allow the XLR outputs to be optimized for either professional studio equipment or conventional consumer preamplifiers.
FAQ — Benchmark DAC3 B
Does the Benchmark DAC3 B have volume control?
No. The DAC3 B is specifically designed as a fixed-output digital-to-analog converter for use with a separate preamplifier such as the Benchmark LA4 or HPA4.
Does the DAC3 B have analog inputs?
No. The DAC3 B accepts digital sources only. The DAC3 L and DAC3 HGC add two stereo RCA analog inputs.
Does the Benchmark DAC3 B include a headphone amplifier?
No. Headphone amplification is not included. Benchmark's DAC3 HGC adds the HPA2 headphone amplifier, while the HPA4 can be used as a separate reference headphone and line amplifier.
Does the DAC3 B sound different from the DAC3 L or DAC3 HGC?
Benchmark states that all three DAC3 models share the same core converter platform and identical audio-performance specifications. The primary differences are their feature sets rather than their fundamental DAC performance.
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