Reference Digital Conversion, Analog Control and Headphone Amplification
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital to Analog Audio Converter With Remote is the full-featured model in Benchmark's DAC3 family, combining reference-grade digital conversion, analog preamplifier control and high-performance headphone amplification in one compact component. Its ES9028PRO converter, UltraLock3 clock system and high-headroom digital processing are engineered to minimize noise, jitter and distortion while preserving the clarity, tonal neutrality and transient accuracy required for both critical studio monitoring and high-end home audio.
Five digital inputs and two stereo RCA analog inputs allow the DAC3 HGC to function as the control center of a complete two-channel system. Benchmark's Hybrid Gain Control coordinates digital and analog level adjustment while preserving analog sources in the analog domain, and balanced XLR plus dual RCA outputs provide flexible connection to power amplifiers and additional system components. The built-in HPA2 headphone amplifier drives two pairs of headphones, while the included remote provides convenient access to the DAC3 HGC's primary functions from the listening position.
Highlights & Benefits
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ES9028PRO Reference DAC — Benchmark's DAC3 architecture provides extremely low distortion, low noise and high-resolution digital conversion for demanding music systems.
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Hybrid Gain Control — Coordinates analog and digital gain adjustment from a single volume control while maintaining excellent performance across a wide range of listening levels.
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HPA2 Zero-Ohm Headphone Amplifier — Dual headphone outputs provide low-distortion personal listening with extremely low output impedance.
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UltraLock3 Jitter Attenuation — Isolates the DAC conversion process from timing errors introduced by computers, transports and digital interfaces.
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Complete Source & System Connectivity — Five digital inputs, two analog inputs, XLR and dual RCA outputs, Home Theater Bypass, digital pass-through and 12V trigger capability provide extensive flexibility.
Technology & Design
High-Headroom Digital Processing — Benchmark provides approximately 3dB of digital headroom above 0dBFS to prevent intersample peaks from clipping inside the DAC, reducing short bursts of distortion that can occur with conventional converter designs.
Linear-Phase Reconstruction Filtering — The DAC3 uses a linear-phase reconstruction filter designed to preserve waveform shape and accurate timing relationships throughout the conversion process.
UltraLock3 Clock System — Incoming digital signals are isolated from source-related jitter before conversion, helping keep jitter-induced distortion far below the audible noise floor.
Studio or Hi-Fi Output Levels — Passive 10dB and 20dB attenuation options allow the balanced XLR outputs to be optimized for professional studio equipment or conventional consumer Hi-Fi electronics.
FAQ — Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Can the Benchmark DAC3 HGC connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. The DAC3 HGC includes Hybrid Gain Control and variable balanced XLR and RCA outputs, allowing it to function as both a DAC and control preamplifier connected directly to compatible power amplifiers.
Does the DAC3 HGC have a built-in headphone amplifier?
Yes. It includes Benchmark's HPA2 headphone amplifier with two front-panel headphone outputs. This is one of the primary features that distinguishes the HGC from the DAC3 L.
Does the Benchmark DAC3 HGC support DSD?
Yes. Benchmark specifies native DSD conversion along with high-resolution PCM playback through the asynchronous USB and conventional digital inputs.
What is the difference between the DAC3 HGC, DAC3 L and DAC3 B?
The DAC3 HGC is the full-featured version with Hybrid Gain Control, two analog inputs and the HPA2 headphone amplifier. The DAC3 L removes the headphone amplifier, while the DAC3 B removes the volume-control system and analog inputs for use with a separate preamplifier.
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