A NEW REFERENCE - GOING BEYOND THE LEGENDARY DAC1 AND DAC2
The DAC3 is Benchmark's newest 2-channel D/A converter featuring the new ESS Technologies ES9028PRO converter chip. The DAC3 converter has lower THD and THD+N noise than Benchmark's DAC2 converter.
Benchmark's DAC1 and DAC2 D/A converter families have been the reference to which other converters have been compared. It is rare to find a converter review that does not draw comparisons to the DAC1 or the DAC2. Benchmark converters are in daily use at many of the world's finest recording studios and mastering rooms. Benchmark converters are also enjoyed by thousands of audiophiles. Benchmark has raised the bar again ... the DAC3 defines a new reference.
REFERENCE PERFORMANCE
The DAC3 delivers outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. It employs an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a high-sample-rate Asynchronous USB Audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock3™ jitter attenuation system.
Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and this processing includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. This headroom prevents the DSP overloads that commonly occur in other D/A converters.
Four balanced 32-bit D/A converters are summed together to create each balanced analog output. This 4:1 summation provides a 6 dB noise reduction, and gives the DAC3 industry-leading performance.
NATIVE DSD CONVERSION
All digital inputs on the DAC3 support native 192 kHz PCM or DSD64 conversion. From any input, DSD is transported with bit accuracy over DoP 1.1. DSD and PCM are both natively converted to analog. There are no DSD to PCM or PCM to DSD conversions to compromise the quality of the music. The DAC3 conversion system seamlessly switches between native PCM and native DSD conversion. DSD over DoP 1.1 is supported by many media players, and DSD downloads are now available from several sources.
DIRECT CONNECTIVITY TO POWER AMPLIFIERS
Benchmark DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and 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). This unique Benchmark feature optimizes the gain staging between the DAC and the power amplifier. Proper gain staging cannot be overemphasized. When audio stages are properly matched, each component in the audio chain is able to operate at its optimum signal level, and the system performance is significantly improved.
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS |
|
|
Number of Digital Inputs (switch selected) |
5 (1 USB, 2 Optical, 2 Coaxial) |
|
Number of Channels |
2 |
|
Input Sample Frequency Range |
28 to 210 kHz (Coaxial Inputs) 28 to 96 kHz (Optical Inputs) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (USB Input) |
|
Maximum Input Word Length |
24 bits
|
|
Digital Input Impedance |
75 Ohms (Coaxial Inputs) |
|
DC Blocking Capacitors on Digital Inputs |
Yes (Coaxial Inputs) |
|
Transient and Over-Voltage Protection on Digital Inputs |
Yes (Coaxial Inputs) |
|
Minimum Digital Input Level |
250 mVpp (Coaxial Inputs) |
|
(With no Measurable Change in Performance)
|
>12.75 UI sine, 100 Hz to 3 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 20 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 40 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 80 kHz >1.5 UI sine at 90 kHz >0.25 UI sine above 160 kHz |
|
Jitter Attenuation Method |
Benchmark UltraLock3™ - all inputs |
BALANCED ANALOG OUTPUTS |
|
|
Number of Balanced Analog Outputs |
2 |
|
Output Connector |
Gold-Pin Neutrik™ male XLR |
|
Output Impedance |
60 Ohms (Attenuator off) 425 Ohms (Attenuator = 10 dB) 135 Ohms (Attenuator = 20 dB) |
|
Analog Output Clip Point |
+30 dBu |
|
Factory Set Bypass Level (at 0 dBFS) |
+24 dBu (Attenuator = 0 dB) |
|
Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) In ‘Variable’ Mode |
Off to +27.5 dBu (Attenuator off) Off to +17.5 dBu (Attenuator = 10 dB) Off to +7.5 dBu (Attenuator = 20 dB) |
|
Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. 96 kHz) |
< +/- 0.006 dB |
UNBALANCED ANALOG OUTPUTS |
|
|
Number of Unbalanced Analog Outputs |
4 |
|
Output Connector |
RCA |
|
Output Impedance |
30 Ohms |
|
Analog Output Clip Point |
+13.5 dBu (3.7 Vrms) |
|
Factory Set Home Theater Bypass Output Level (at 0 dBFS) |
+8.2 dBu (2 Vrms) |
|
Output Level Range (with 0 dBFS digital input) |
Off to +11.7 dBu (3 Vrms) |
|
Output Level Variation with Sample Rate |
< +/- 0.006 dB |
HPA2TM HEADPHONE OUTPUTS |
|
|
Number of Headphone Outputs |
2 |
|
Output Connectors |
¼” TRS with switch on left-hand jack |
|
Output Impedance |
< 0.11 Ohms |
|
Output Level Control |
Stereo Control on Front Panel |
|
Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) into 60-Ohm Load |
Off to +21.5 dBu (9.2 Vrms) |
|
Output Power |
1.25 W into 30 Ohms |
|
Maximum Output Current |
250 mA |
|
Overload Protection (independent per channel) |
Current limited at 300 mA, Thermal |
|
Bandwidth |
> 500 kHz, -0.35 dB at 200 kHz |
|
THD+N at 20 mW |
-108 dB (0.0004%) into 300 Ohms, -100 dB (0.0010%) into 30 Ohms |
Thank you for considering Yorkshire AV for your next investment in your AV or HiFi setup.
We are an approved retailer for all brands sold on our website, which means full manufacturers warranty and support as well as detailed product knowledge within our small business.
We use an inventory tracking system which states if item(s) are in stock and if not, what are the likely lead times.
Who do you use for delivery?
Our primary delivery agent is DPD. Where orders are shipped directly from Yorkshire AV, we always use DPD who offer a fabulous service at competitive rates.
If we drop ship (i.e. direct from the supplier) then the delivery agent is out of our control. It is generally DPD or UPS however - we rarely see other carriers used.
Selecting "Next Day" delivery does not mean you'll receive your item the next day in some cases. It's the next day from when the item(s) are in stock with us. If there is an urgent need then please contact a member of staff via the Live Chat or telephone (01757 826111) to check on live stock levels.
Certain product(s) are delayed in manufacturing due to semi-conductor shortages across the Globe. We'll keep you informed as to your order progress and a likely ETA once we get updates from the manufacturers.
Returns
Standard Returns
Our returns policy lasts for 28 days for all items in our store except those defined in section (1) below.
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be unused/unopened and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. If you return the item to us within 14 days of purchasing, you will be offered a full refund or exchange.
If your return comes to us after 14 days of purchasing and is opened, we will refund the full amount less 20%. Unused items returned up to 28 days after purchasing will be fully refunded.
It's the responsibility of the customer to return the items at your cost.
Yorkshire AV are able to arrange collection - please contact us for a quote.
You must ensure goods are shipped in their original packaging if they are damaged/not working.
Manufacturers will not accept returns and Yorkshire AV can not be held responsible for any damage in transit.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned.
(1) Examples of non-returnable items:
- Gift cards HiFi Racks
- Second hand units / clearance products
- Headphones (due to listener hygiene)
- Custom cables
- Special order items (items that we order in for you/were not in stock at the time of order)
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
To start to return - please email us: info@yorkshireav.co.uk along with your order number and we'll take it from there.
When will orders be dispatched?
- Orders placed Monday - Thursday before 1pm and are in stock will be dispatched the same day for next day delivery. This relates to product that state 'In Stock for immediate dispatch' on the product page.
- Orders placed over a weekend and are in stock will be dispatched on Monday.
Orders for items not in stock
Given the vast amount of variations of each product (e.g. AudioQuest cables) or Pro-Ject Audio Turntables - we keep the most common options in stock (i.e. gloss black finish, or 1.5m RCA cables) whereas longer cables or cables with terminations that are less frequently ordered will be ordered as required.
Generally speaking - we receive orders within 2-3 days for UK suppliers and 3-4 days for European suppliers (i.e. AudioQuest, DALI).
We want you to be 100% satisfied which is why we'll give you an email/call if item(s) aren't in stock and give you the option of changing the order, cancelling or if you're happy to wait a few days, we'll get it out as soon as possible.
If an item states 'Available to Order' - this means the item is not in stock but we are able to order in. Lead times average 2 days but in some circumstances, delivery times may be longer and is outside of our control. Please contact us to get an estimate on delivery times if orders are urgent.
Warranty
By default, our brands follow their standard manufacturers warranty terms and length.
For extended Warranty (should this be offered with your product), please ensure you complete the Extended Warranty registration form that was emailed to you.
Warranty claims within the warranty period are underpinned by the manufacturer. With any extended warranty claims - Yorkshire AV act as your agent to the authorised repair centre.
Shipping charges are excluded from any warranty claim. Original packaging and receipts must be provided else the claim will be rejected.
For any questions or issues - please contact us directly.
Financing your purchase
We’ve got you covered, as we have finance options available for people with varying circumstances. Yorkshire AV believes that you shouldn’t have to pinch your pockets to be able to purchase our products. You can pay in affordable monthly instalments to better suit your needs and budget.
To help you purchase from Yorkshire AV, we have partnered with Kandoo, a regulated credit broker to offer all our customers a range of highly flexible finance options. Kandoo is a comparison service that searches to find you the best Personal Loan option that’s right for you.