Reference Digital Conversion, Preamplifier Control and Headphone Listening
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital to Analog Audio Converter With Remote in Silver 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 chassis. Its ES9028PRO converter, high-headroom digital processing and UltraLock3 clock system are engineered to deliver extremely low distortion, excellent noise performance and immunity to interface jitter from computers, disc transports and other digital sources.
Five digital inputs are joined by two stereo RCA analog inputs, allowing 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 without unnecessarily converting analog inputs, while balanced XLR and dual RCA stereo outputs provide flexible connection to power amplifiers and other equipment. The built-in HPA2 headphone amplifier drives two pairs of headphones simultaneously, and the supplied remote provides convenient control from the listening position.
Highlights & Benefits
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ES9028PRO Reference DAC — Benchmark's DAC3 architecture delivers extremely low noise and distortion for transparent digital playback.
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Hybrid Gain Control — Coordinates analog and digital level control from a single motorized volume knob while preserving the analog signal path for analog inputs.
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HPA2 Zero-Ohm Headphone Amplifier — Drives two sets of headphones with very low output impedance and low distortion, including loads as low as 30 ohms.
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UltraLock3 Jitter Attenuation — Benchmark's clock system isolates the D/A conversion process from timing errors introduced by digital interfaces and source components.
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Complete DAC/Preamplifier Connectivity — Five digital inputs, two analog inputs, balanced XLR outputs, dual RCA outputs, Home Theater Bypass and 12V trigger support provide extensive system flexibility.
Technology & Design
High-Headroom Digital Processing — Benchmark provides 3dB of headroom above 0dBFS to prevent intersample peaks from clipping inside the digital signal path, reducing short bursts of distortion that can occur with conventional DAC architectures.
Linear-Phase Reconstruction Filtering — The DAC3 uses a linear-phase brick-wall reconstruction filter designed to preserve the original waveform and maintain timing relationships through the conversion process.
UltraLock3 Clock System — Digital interface jitter is attenuated before conversion, helping keep jitter-induced distortion far below the audible noise floor even when using long cables or less-than-ideal digital transports.
Studio or Hi-Fi Output Levels — The balanced XLR outputs can operate at professional studio levels or use passive 10dB/20dB attenuation for easier integration with conventional consumer Hi-Fi equipment.
FAQ — Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Can the Benchmark DAC3 HGC connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. The DAC3 HGC includes variable volume control and balanced XLR plus RCA line outputs, allowing it to function as a DAC and preamplifier connected directly to compatible power amplifiers.
Does the DAC3 HGC have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. It includes Benchmark's HPA2 headphone amplifier with two front-panel headphone jacks. One jack can be used to automatically mute the rear-panel line outputs for private listening.
Does the Benchmark DAC3 HGC support DSD?
Yes. Benchmark lists native DSD conversion among the DAC3 HGC's supported features. The unit also supports high-resolution PCM through its 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, analog inputs and the HPA2 headphone amplifier. The DAC3 L removes the headphone amplifier, while the DAC3 B removes both the volume-control system and analog inputs for use with a separate preamplifier.
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