Benchmark Media debuted their new DAC1 digital to analog converter at the AES show. They claim the DAC1 has total immunity to jitter, no matter the length of the cable feeding the converter. The specs are impressive. The converter handles 24bit/96k audio, and will play back 192k with a 48k analog bandwidth. The signal to noise ratio is 116 dB @ 48k A-Weighted, and the THD+N is -107 (0.00045%) measured at -3 dBFS at any sample rate or test frequency. the unit also features automatic de-emphasis for 44.1, 48, and 96k when pre-emphasis bit is set. The unit also features some niceties not usually found in D/A converters. First, the front panel sports two headphone jacks, along with a volume control. The volume knob adjusts level for the headphone jacks and also the analog outputs on the rear of the unit. The rear panel analog outputs are on balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA jacks, and have a switch which toggles them between variable or preset output levels. When in preset mode there are two recessed trim screws that allow the user to set levels. Also on the rear panel are AES, SPDIF and TOSlink digital inputs. The DAC1 has no word clock input, as it clocks off the incoming digital signal. The DAC1 has an internal international 120-240 volt power supply. The case is 1/2 rack wide, one space high and is quite solid. Worth mentioning is the front panel, which is a milled piece of solid black stuff (glass or hard plastic), and presents the unit with a unique and attractive appearance. Thanks to the volume controls and multiple output pairs, the DAC1 can be used in a number of situations. The outputs can be hooked up to a pair of powered monitors, or the converter can also be used in audiophile home stereo setups, courtesy of the RCA outputs. I had a chance to listen to the DAC1 on headphones at the show, and what I heard sounded present and true, but obviously the convention floor was quite noisy. I'm in the market for a DA converter, and this Benchmark unit is one I will definitely consider. Benchmark Media is aiming the DAC1 at mastering facilities and high end recording studios, broadcast facilities, and any other locations requiring uncolored monitoring and conversion. The DAC1 lists at $795. Albert

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/digital/dac1/default.asp

< More From: BENCHMARK MEDIA

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