Benchmark Launches New DAC2 HGC

Benchmark Media Systems, the creator of the award-winning DAC1 family, is proud to announce the DAC2 HGC, a new reference stereo preamplifier with headphone amplifier and PCM/DSD D/A converter.

The DAC2 HGC packs more processing power and features in the same compact DAC1 series form factor. Under the hood, eight balanced 32-bit D/A converters are summed together to form a pair of balanced outputs. DAC2 HGC supports 24-bit/192kHz PCM as well as native DSD conversion. Other features include sample rate and word length display, UltraLock2™ jitter attenuation, asynchronous USB Audio 2.0, polarity switch, home theater bypass, bi-directional 12V trigger, additional analog and digital inputs and outputs, digital pass-through, and high-efficiency low-noise power supplies.

Benchmark is introducing Hybrid Gain Control™ (HGC), a system that combines active analog gain control, passive low-impedance attenuators, a 32-bit digital gain control, and a servo-driven volume control. These components are combined to maximize dynamic range while minimizing distortion.

The DAC2 HGC can be used in conjunction with any home theater or audio system. It can connect to a wide array of devices: iPad, music server, laptop, desktop computer, PS3, XBOX, digital cable box, HDTV, Blu-ray/DVD/CD player, Squeezebox, FM tuner, phono preamp, VCR, etc.

“The order of priority for Benchmark is high-resolution sound, high-quality computer playback, jitter elimination, and a rich feature set,” said John Siau, Director of Engineering and VP of Benchmark. “I am proud to say that the DAC2 HGC has excelled in every one of its priorities. This is the best Benchmark digital-to-analog converter to date.”

The new DAC2 HGC will be shipping worldwide by October 19 and will retail in the USA for $1,995.00. It will be available with both black and silver faceplates. Benchmark Media Systems and any of their authorized dealers are accepting pre-orders.

Benchmark will be showing demonstrations of the DAC2 HGC at Rocky Mountain Audiofest in Denver, Colorado on October 12-14 in room number 1000. Benchmark will also be demonstrating the DAC2 HGC at the 2012 Audio Engineering Society convention in San Francisco, California on October 26-29 at booth number 519.

Source: Press Release