USB DAC Audio - DAC1 HDR
DAC1 HDR
DAC1 HDR - Let the Music Engage You!
The DAC1 HDR is an all-in-one reference-quality stereo
pre-amplifier. This stereo pre-amp
brings together all
the best features and performance of the award-winning DAC1 family with
the convenience of
an intelligent remote control solution. The DAC1 HDR combines some of
Benchmark’s finest engineering
accomplishments into one device: the DAC1 digital-to-analog
audio converter with
UltraLock™ clock system, AdvancedUSB™ computer audio playback (USB DAC)
interface, and the
legendary HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The
unique remote control solution
of the DAC1 HDR is built
around Benchmark’s new HDR-VC™ (high dynamic range volume
control).
Benchmark’s product designs have achieved unprecedented sonic
purity due to an
uncompromising engineering
philosophy: eliminate digital distortion artifacts, establish a
pristine analog path,
and maintain sonic integrity regardless of external factors. The DAC1 HDR
continues this tradition
of excellence.
The remote control solution of the DAC1 HDR has an intelligent
implementation of dimming
and muting. The ‘Dim’
(quiet) and ‘Soft-Mute’ settings of the remote control can be easily
adjusted independent of
the normal volume setting. The DAC1 HDR remembers and recalls
your specified ‘Dim’
setting. This feature is ideal for HDTV users, as it allows you to set your
preferred ‘Dim’ level
for commercials, etc. The ‘Soft-Mute’ function fades down the volume to
the ‘Dim’ level
before muting and smoothly raises the volume to the normal level after unmuting.
With a generous offering of inputs and outputs, the DAC1 HDR
serves as the heart of
expansive media and
entertainment systems, optimizing the signal path from the various
sources to the amplifier.
The DAC1 HDR will enhance the audio performance of your digital
television, digital cable
box, DVD/CD player, computer, music/media server, satellite radio, and
any other device
with a digital audio output. Also, the HDR-VC™ will control the pristine path
for an analog
source, such as a phono stage, FM tuner, iPod, VCR, tape deck, etc.
All digital inputs on the DAC1 HDR (including the USB) feature
Benchmark’s jitter-immune
UltraLock™ clock system. The USB
interface operates with Benchmark’s AdvancedUSB™
native 24-bit, 96-kHz
USB technology. The DAC1 HDR features a high-current output stage
designed to drive even
the most difficult loads. Other features include selectable headphone
gain ranges and an
auto-mute function for muting the main outputs when headphones are
being used.
HDR-VC™ High Dynamic Range Volume Control
The DAC1 HDR features Benchmark’s HDR-VC™ (High Dynamic Range
Volume Control). The
HDR-VC™ is achieved with a custom-built motorized
motor-driven volume control
maintains the dynamic range of the converter and audio output.
In contrast, digital volume controls reduce dynamic range, and
analog volume IC’s introduce
distortion and noise.
The
acclaimed DAC1 D-to-A conversion system
Recording studios, mastering engineers and audiophiles have
grown to rely on
Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion for more
than 10 years. The superior
performance of the
award-winning DAC1 has made it the ‘Benchmark’ of D-to-A
converters. With the DAC1
HDR, this built-in state-of-the-art converter will improve the
sonic performance of
your digital audio sources, including your computer.
Jitter-Immune
UltraLock™ Clock System
Benchmark’s proprietary UltraLock™ clock
system achieves an unprecedented immunity
to jitter. Many modern (and
expensive) converters suffer from significant
jitter-induced
distortion, generating
non-musical sideband tones and digital distortion. Benchmark’s
highly-regarded UltraLock™ clock system ensures that jitter is never a
problem, even
under extreme
conditions.
Even in the presence of extremely high input jitter, no
jitter-induced artifacts can be
detected on the outputs
of the DAC1 HDR (using state-of-the-art testing equipment
by Audio Precision). UltraLock™ will block more then 12.5 UI of jitter (@ 1
kHz). The
UltraLock™ clock system
easily outperforms even the best-designed two-stage PLL
designs.
The bottom line is this: Benchmark converters will consistently
and faithfully deliver
truthful audio without
jitter-induced artifacts, no matter what variables are present.
AdvancedUSB™
Audio Technology
The USB interface of the DAC1 HDR operates with Benchmark’s unique
AdvancedUSB™
technology. Unlike many
USB-equipped D/A converters, Benchmark’s AdvancedUSB™
technology supports 24-bit
audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of
any drivers or other special
software. Benchmark’s UltraLock™ clock system
isolates the
converter from the high
levels of jitter that are found on USB interfaces. The DAC1 HDR
achieves transparent,
audiophile-quality playback through a true plug-and-play solution.
Audio streamed via USB is subject to significant amounts of
jitter. The AdvancedUSB™
interface utilizes the UltraLock™ clock system. Consequently, the performance of
the
USB input is equal to the performance of the other inputs, regardless
of the jitter present.
The DAC1 HDR is natively compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 and
Mac OS X. As a
native device, there
are no drivers or other software required to install or configure.
HPA2™
Headphone Amplifier
The DAC1 HDR includes the HPA2™ - Benchmark’s signature
high-current, 0-Ohm
headphone amplifier. The
HPA2™ is the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will
deliver the full rated
performance of the DAC1 to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains
less than 0.0003% THD+N under a full
load from two sets of headphones. The DAC1
HDR has two 1/4” headphone jacks on the front panel.
