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From Our Research Team:

Impressively Clear Digital Audio Playback!

The Benchmark DAC1 PRE is a combination stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device that incorporates the acclaimed 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog conversion system found on the popular DAC1. Boasting six stereo inputs and four stereo analog outputs, you'll enjoy a pure audio path from source to amplifier with your DAC1 PRE. Plus, the heralded UltraLock clock system is also included for near jitter-free operation, alongside the HPA2, Benchmark's signature high-current headphone amplifier. You'll hear your music with incredible delivery and realism when you place the Benchmark DAC1 PRE at the end of your signal chain.

Benchmark DAC1 PRE at a Glance:

• Preamp Stage
  
• A versatile D-A converter
  
• USB functionality
  
• UltraLock for ultra-low jitter
  
• Automatic pre-emphasized audio processing and ultra-low distortion headphone amp
  
• Preamp stage

Preamp stage
The DAC1 PRE is a high-quality 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog audio converter with a dedicated stereo preamplifier/control amplifier. With your DAC1 PRE connected directly to your power amplifiers and/or powered monitors, you can control the preamp's input selection and volume control.

A versatile D/A converter
The DAC1 PRE is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms, mastering rooms, and high-end audiophile applications. Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio interface makes the DAC1 PRE an ideal primary output device for digital audio workstations, desktop audio editing applications, computer-based media playback, home media servers, and computer-based radio broadcast systems. The rugged and compact rackmountable design makes the DAC1 PRE an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks.

USB functionality
The USB input is compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X, and does not require driver installation or system configuration. Unlike all previous driverless USB audio interfaces, Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio technology supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and word lengths up to 24-bits. The DAC1 PRE is a true plug-and-play solution, and is designed to begin playback immediately after the unit is connected to a USB port for the first time.

UltraLock for ultra-low jitter
The Benchmark UltraLock system is nearly 100% jitter-immune. The D/A conversion clock is totally isolated from the input digital audio clock in a topology that outperforms two-stage PLL designs. In fact, no jitter-induced artifacts can be detected using an Audio Precision System 2 Cascade test set. Any signal that can be decoded by the USB or AES/EBU receivers will be reproduced without the addition of any measurable jitter artifacts. The AES/EBU receiver IC has been selected for its ability to accurately recover data in the presence of very high jitter levels.

Automatic pre-emphasized audio processing and ultra-low distortion headphone amp
The DAC1 PRE also features auto-processing of pre-emphasized digital audio and Benchmark's high output, ultra-clean HPA-2 headphone amplifier technology. This technology features distortion levels of 0.0003% under load. The audio output levels may be controlled from the front panel by the same gain control that feeds the headphone amplifier or it may be preset to a precise level with multi-turn trims. The preset gain range is +10 dBu to +29 dBu at 0 dBFS. The DAC1 PRE has built-in international 115/230 volt power.

Benchmark DAC1 PRE Features:

• Reference quality 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter with preamp
  
• Preamp (control amplifier) functions include input selection and volume control
  
• Designed to connect directly to power amplifiers and/or powered monitors
  
• 6 stereo inputs - 1 analog (RCA), 1 computer (USB), 1 optical (TOSLINK), and 3 coaxial (RCA)
  
• 4 stereo analog outputs - balanced (XLR), unbalanced (RCA), and 2 headphone outputs
  
• Rotary input selector switch with standby and on/off functions
  
• Two reference-grade HPA2TM high-current, "0-Ohm", high-output 14" headphone outputs
  
• Front-panel volume control for headphone outputs
  
• Front-panel volume control of all analog outputs (in Variable mode)
  
• Rear-panel Variable/Calibrated mode switch enables volume control of analog outputs
  
• Rear-panel Variable/Calibrated mode switch includes a center mute position
  
• In Calibrated mode, output levels are set by 10-turn trimmers (20 dB Range, 2 dB/turn)
  
• USB input supports high-resolution 96-kHz 24-bit digital audio
  
• USB is compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X without driver installation
  
• Coaxial and optical digital inputs support professional (AES) and consumer (S/PDIF) data formats at up to 192-kHz, 24-bits
  
• Benchmark's UltraLockTM technology eliminates jitter on all digital inputs (including USB)
  
• Jumper-selected low-impedance 10, 20, or 30 dB pads on balanced outputs
  
• HPA2TM gain jumpers to match gain to headphone sensitivity
  
• Left-most headphone jack mutes XLR and RCA outputs (feature may be disabled)
  
• Status LEDs - display input selection and error conditions
  
• Automatic Standby Mode - activated after 15 seconds of loss of digital input signal
  
• Instant wake-up from Standby Mode - no loss of audio
  
• Automatic de-emphasis in response to consumer pre-emphasis bit (44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz)
  
• 115 V, 230 V, 50-60 Hz international power supply with very wide operating range
  
• Low radiation toroidal power transformer significantly reduces hum and line related interference
  
• Low power consumption (8 Watts typical program, 16 Watts peak)
  
• Meets FCC Class B and CE emissions requirements

The DAC1 PRE is a great digital-to-analog converter for your mastering studio, high-quality recording studio, high-end home audio system, or anywhere you need uncolored digital playback!

Specification Detail Channels 2 A to D No D to A Yes Sample Rate 192kHz Bit Depth 24-bit Analog Inputs 2 x RCA Analog Outputs 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA, 2 x Headphone Digital Inputs 1 x Toslink, 3 x S/PDIF, USB Digital Outputs No digital outputs Clock Inputs No clock inputs Clock Outputs No clock outputs Other I/O No other I/O Expansion Slots No expansion slots Rack Spaces 1/2U Height 1.75" Depth 8.5" Width 9.5" Weight 3.5" Manufacturer Part Number 500-14075-100

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