DAC2 DX D/A Converter

The DAC2 DX is Benchmark's premiere 2-channel D/A converter for users who do not need analog inputs. When compared to the legendary DAC1, the DAC2 has lower noise, lower distortion, and improved accuracy. The DAC1 became a reference standard in many of the finest recording studios and mastering rooms. The DAC2 defines a new reference.

DAC2 converters deliver outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. They employ an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a new high-sample-rate Asynchronous USB Audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock2 jitter attenuation system.

Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. Three balanced 32-bit D/A converter are summed together for the main output bus. Two channels are reserved for the auxiliary RCA output bus.

Native DSD Conversion
DSD (in DoP 1.1 format) is automatically detected on USB, coaxial, and XLR digital inputs. The system seamlessly switches between native DSD and native PCM conversion. DoP 1.1 is supported by many media players, and DSD downloads are now available from several sources.
Enjoy seamless transitions between native DSD and native PCM playback.

Direct Connectivity to Power Amplifiers and Powered Monitors
Benchmark DAC1 and DAC2 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and powered speakers. Benchmark converters feature adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators at the XLR outputs that can be used to optimize the interface to the power amplifier (or powered monitor). The sonic importance of these attenuators cannot be overemphasized. Proper gain matching between the DAC/preamplifer and the power amplifier is essential for achieving peak system performance. The attenuators allow precise matching to all amplifiers and powered monitors.

Sonically Neutral
All Benchmark converters are designed for maximum transparency. This transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain. DAC2 converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems. In home applications, the DAC2 delivers the sonic signature that was created in the recording studio.

Take The Studio Home
When Benchmark's professional converters are used in hi-fi applications, studio-quality sound can be enjoyed in a home environment.

Hybrid Gain Control
"HGC" is Benchmark's unique Hybrid Gain Control system. The DAC2 HGC combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, a 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control. All inputs are controlled by the rotary volume control. This volume control moves in response to commands from the remote control. Analog inputs are never converted to digital, and digital inputs never pass through an analog potentiometer. Digital inputs are precisely controlled in the 32-bit DSP system. The DSP system preserves precise L/R balance, and precise stereo imaging, while avoiding any source of noise and distortion. Benchmark's unique passive output attenuators provide distortion-free gain reduction without reducing the dynamic range of the converter. The attenuators optimize the gain staging between the DAC2 HGC and the power amplifier. This optimization is absolutely essential for maximizing the dynamic range of the entire playback system. Much of the success of the DAC1 converters can be attributed to the passive output attenuators. Musical details can be obscured by system noise whenever a preamplifier and power amplifier are improperly matched. The" HGC " system will make full use of your power amplifier's dynamic range. Experience new details in your favorite recordings.