The silver DAC3-L from Benchmark is a two-channel reference preamplifier with a built-in digital to analog converter system. It is capable of converting Direct Stream Digital (DSD) signals as well as Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) files up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Designed as an output device for computer-based media, the DAC3-L can be used with home media servers, digital audio workstations, desktop audio editing applications, and computer-based radio broadcast systems. The DAC3-L maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set, but delivers the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter chip.

The 8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO chip features two distortion compensation systems, which independently remove most of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion in the D/A converter. It also uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels. This results in an enhanced frequency response and a 6 dB signal to noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise.

The DAC3-L follows sample-rate changes initiated by your computer or software and uses a multimode asynchronous USB system for data transfer. This allows the unit to act as the clock master, reducing jitter by first transferring the audio data from your computer to an internal buffer, and then to the digital to analog subsystem. The dual data transfer uses Benchmark's proprietary UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system, reducing jitter noise and distortion to at least 140 dB below the level of the audio.

The Hybrid Gain Control (HGC) combines the unit's active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and servo-driven volume control. The HGC provides the dynamic range of an analog system and the accuracy of digital control. All analog inputs are controlled in the analog system and digital inputs in the digital system. The 32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) also provides up to 3.5 dBFS excess digital headroom throughout the entire conversion process.

The DAC3-L features a variety of input and output options including two stereo unbalanced analog RCA inputs, two optical TOSLINK digital inputs, two coaxial digital inputs, one USB digital input, two stereo analog unbalanced RCA outputs, and one stereo analog balanced XLR output. It is compatible with the Benchmark IR remote control (available separately).

ES9028PRO Converter Chip    Quad 32-Bit Balanced D/A Conversion    Hybrid Gain Control Technology    Native PCM or DSD Conversion    UltraLock Jitter Attenuation System    Asynchronous USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 System    High-Fidelity Preamplifier    Distributed Power Supply Regulation    Home Theater Bypass

2-channel D/A converter designed for maximum transparency—converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems

8-channel/32-bit ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip uses 4:1 summing to form each of the two output channels—achieves a 6 dB signal to noise improvement with low THD and THD+N noise

ES9028PRO features two distortion compensation systems that independently remove most of the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion in the D/A converter

High-headroom DSP is designed to handle signals as high as +3.5 dBFS in the entire conversion system and prevents common DSP overloads

All digital inputs support native PCM or DSD conversion

All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system

Hybrid Gain Control system combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control—all inputs are controlled by the rotary volume control, which also moves in response to commands from the remote control (included)

Analog inputs are never converted to digital, and digital inputs never pass through an analog potentiometer

Digital inputs are controlled in the 32-bit DSP system to preserve precise L/R balance and precise stereo imaging, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion

USB system supports USB Audio 1.1 for sample rates up to 96 kHz and USB Audio 2.0 for high-resolution 192 kHz and DSD playback—system is frequency agile and will follow sample rate changes initiated by the computer and/or the media playback software

Sample-rate and word-length displays confirm the proper operation of your media player

High-fidelity preamplifier includes input selection, volume control, and output buffering functions—high-current output stage can be programmed to match the input sensitivity of your power amplifier or powered speakers

Programmable Home Theater Bypass function sets the pass-through gain to unity for integration of a home theater audio system via the RCA inputs

Second coaxial input can be reconfigured as a digital output—in output mode, any selected digital input, including USB, will pass through to the coaxial output

12-volt trigger connection can be used as an input, output or both, and is compatible with any common 12-volt trigger input or output—the trigger can be used to turn a power amplifier on or off automatically or respond to a 12-volt trigger and follow the actions of another audio component

Distributed power supply regulation to achieve the lowest possible noise—each critical subsystem has at least one dedicated low-noise voltage regulator

Compatible with Benchmark IR remote control (available separately)—all functions can be controlled from the front panel or from the remote

Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components—most major components are made in the USA

DAC3 vs. DAC2

The DAC3 maintains the familiar DAC2 form factor and feature set but adds the higher performance available from the ES9028PRO D/A converter

• Active 2nd Harmonic Compensation
• Active 3rd Harmonic Compensation
• Lower THD+N
• Lower passband ripple
• Improved frequency response
• Faster PLL lock times
• Faster switching between input signals

DAC3 vs. DAC1

The DAC3 and DAC2 added these features not found on the DAC1:

• Asynchronous 192 kHz USB Audio 2.0
• 32-bit D/A conversion system
• Word Length Display
• Sample Rate Display
• Polarity Control
• Direct DSD D/A Conversion
• -20 dB DIM
• Bi-Directional 12V Trigger
• Power Switch with Auto-On Function
• Home Theater Bypass
• Digital Pass-Through
• High-Headroom DSP
• Dual-Domain Hybrid Gain Control
• Additional I/O

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. External DAC drive these like Cambridge, well I still need a headphone amp?

A: If the DAC can handle 300-600 ohm headphones, then you would not need amp amp.

Q: 2. Will the mono switch help detect if one of the stereo channels is out of phase? In other words, if the left channel is 180 degrees out of phase from the right, this can be difficult to detect with headphones, but if the channels are summed to mono, the cancellation should be audible in each ear. Is this the case with this mono switch?

A: THE ONLY THING THAT IS EFFECTED IS THE LOW FREQ. SIGNALS. ONE IN THE RT. EAR & ONE IN THE LEFT. TELLING THE DIFF. IS HARD ENOUGH WHEN THE SOUND IS COMING FROM SPEAKERS. MAKE SURE OF THE SOURCES ARE CORRECT BEFORE YOU START. AS MY DAD ALWAYS TOLD ME WAS KISSKEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID WITH LOVE DR PETE

Q: 3. Is this the older model that comes in a silver box or the newer one that comes in a black box?

A: it came with a black box

Q: 4. Is it have enought impedance output for 300 Omhs headphones?

A: To drive higher impedance headphones(such as 300 ohm phones) a amplifier usually needs to produce a higher voltage swing. This is not a case of having "enough impedance for 300 ohm headphones", but of having enough voltage. Having "enough" depends on the sensitivity of the 300 ohm headphones and the voltage output capability of the amplifier, and how loud you prefer to listen. This amplifier can produce a RMS voltage swing of no more than 4.2 volts. That may be enough if you have sensitive headphones (more than 100dB/volt) and listen at safe levels. However, if your phones have low sensitivity(less than 96 dB/volt)and you want to listen at hearing-damaging heavy metal levels, then this amp won't be powerful enough.

Q: 5. what batteries are needed?

A: This Benchmark Remote Control Aluminum with Batteries for DAC2/3-Series/DAC1 HDR uses a cr2032 battery.

Q: 6. Made in China or Germany?

A: The Sennheiser HD 650 was manufactured in Romania.

Q: 7. Is this appliance voltage 220V?

A: The Manley Labs Slam tube stereo limiter and mic preamp is not 220V. It is rated for 120V use only.

Q: 8. What exactly does Output Impedance Minimum 10 ?, per channel mean? I'm trying to find out the actual impendance output of this amp and I don't know what they mean by minimum ? Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks.

A: Don't buy this unit it's a piece of junk it doesn't work.

Q: 9. Is this HD650 comes with black or silver drivers? There is a sound quality improvements with the silver ones. Thank you very much!

A: All the critical parts I can see on either side are silver/metallic. There is plenty of black plastic in there, too, but it all looks like structural support for the silvery parts. I took off the earcup padding and thin foam cover, but that's as much disassembly as I feel safe doing.

Q: 10. Are these $100 better than the HD600s?

A: I will address some of these questions I see here. Some posters would have you waiting forever for a price drop. I haven't listened to the HD600s. I find the HD650S well worth the money. I find them comfortable to wear and I have a big head.The sound is superior to the HD598s which I do own. The one drawback to the 650's is that the cord is long and bulky. You will also need an adapter to use them on a phone or tablet. This would also apply to the HD600s as well. To me either these headphones are in your price range or they are not. If not look elsewhere for cheaper.