The Benchmark DAC1 is a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that made waves in the audio world when it was first released in the early 2000s. Known for its precision, neutrality, and studio-grade accuracy, the DAC1 is designed to extract every last bit of detail from digital audio. It became a favorite among both audiophiles and professional sound engineers due to its ability to deliver transparent, uncolored sound without sacrificing any musicality. In the era where digital audio started to take center stage, the DAC1 set a high standard for what digital playback could achieve.
The Benchmark DAC1 is a compact and minimalist unit, with a clean and functional design that prioritizes performance over aesthetics. Its brushed aluminum front panel has a rugged, no-nonsense look, featuring a headphone jack, volume knob, and a few input selection buttons. There's a set of indicator lights that show the sample rate being processed, ranging from 44.1kHz all the way up to 192kHz.
- Production
- 2000's
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 43550
- Orig. MSRP
- $1275
- Factory Specs
D/A processor with volume control, HPA2 headphone outputs, and UltraLock clock circuit. Digital inputs (4): AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF (BNC, TosLink), USB. Sample rates handled: 28–195kHz (S/PDIF, AES/EBU), 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (USB). Analog outputs: 1 pair RCA, 1 pair balanced XLR, 2 ¼" stereo phone jacks for headphones. Maximum output levels: 23V RMS (29dBu) balanced (factory-calibrated for 12.3V, 24dBu); 2.75V RMS (11dBu) unbalanced (factory-calibrated for 2V, 8dBu); 8.7V RMS (21dBu) for headphone jacks. (Balanced outputs can be padded down in three 10dB steps; headphone outputs can be padded down by 10dB.) Line outputs can be used in variable-level or fixed-level calibrated mode. Output impedances: 60 ohms balanced, 30 ohms unbalanced, <0.11 ohm headphones. (Balanced output impedance ranges from 43 to 425 ohms when padded down.) Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.1dB (48kHz and 96kHz data). Channel separation: 100dB at 20kHz, 125dB at 1kHz, 130dB at 20Hz. THD+N (ref. 1kHz at 0dBFS): 0.00056% (–105dB). Maximum amplitude of jitter-induced sidebands (1kHz, 0dBFS signal with 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1kHz): <–141dB. Power consumption: 8W idle, 16W maximum.
Dimensions: 9.5" (249mm) W by 1.725" (44.5mm) H by 9.33" (237mm) D. Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg). Shipping weight: 7 lbs (3.2kg).
- Liner Notes
The DAC1 is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter featuring Benchmark’s UltraLock™ technology. The DAC1 is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. A compact and rugged enclosure makes the DAC1 an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks.
Benchmark products are designed and manufactured in the USA.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $25, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 8799849447645
The Benchmark DAC1 is a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that made waves in the audio world when it was first released in the early 2000s. Known for its precision, neutrality, and studio-grade accuracy, the DAC1 is designed to extract every last bit of detail from digital audio. It became a favorite among both audiophiles and professional sound engineers due to its ability to deliver transparent, uncolored sound without sacrificing any musicality. In the era where digital audio started to take center stage, the DAC1 set a high standard for what digital playback could achieve.
The Benchmark DAC1 is a compact and minimalist unit, with a clean and functional design that prioritizes performance over aesthetics. Its brushed aluminum front panel has a rugged, no-nonsense look, featuring a headphone jack, volume knob, and a few input selection buttons. There's a set of indicator lights that show the sample rate being processed, ranging from 44.1kHz all the way up to 192kHz.
Production
2000's
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
43550
Orig. MSRP
$1275
Factory Specs
D/A processor with volume control, HPA2 headphone outputs, and UltraLock clock circuit. Digital inputs (4): AES/EBU (XLR), S/PDIF (BNC, TosLink), USB. Sample rates handled: 28–195kHz (S/PDIF, AES/EBU), 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (USB). Analog outputs: 1 pair RCA, 1 pair balanced XLR, 2 ¼" stereo phone jacks for headphones. Maximum output levels: 23V RMS (29dBu) balanced (factory-calibrated for 12.3V, 24dBu); 2.75V RMS (11dBu) unbalanced (factory-calibrated for 2V, 8dBu); 8.7V RMS (21dBu) for headphone jacks. (Balanced outputs can be padded down in three 10dB steps; headphone outputs can be padded down by 10dB.) Line outputs can be used in variable-level or fixed-level calibrated mode. Output impedances: 60 ohms balanced, 30 ohms unbalanced, <0.11 ohm headphones. (Balanced output impedance ranges from 43 to 425 ohms when padded down.) Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.1dB (48kHz and 96kHz data). Channel separation: 100dB at 20kHz, 125dB at 1kHz, 130dB at 20Hz. THD+N (ref. 1kHz at 0dBFS): 0.00056% (–105dB). Maximum amplitude of jitter-induced sidebands (1kHz, 0dBFS signal with 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1kHz): <–141dB. Power consumption: 8W idle, 16W maximum.
Dimensions: 9.5" (249mm) W by 1.725" (44.5mm) H by 9.33" (237mm) D. Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg). Shipping weight: 7 lbs (3.2kg).
Liner Notes
The DAC1 is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter featuring Benchmark’s UltraLock™ technology. The DAC1 is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. A compact and rugged enclosure makes the DAC1 an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks.
Benchmark products are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $25, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
8799849447645