Instruction Manual for DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L with 2.X Firmware Page 7
analog attenuation system at the XLR
outputs.
The dual-domain HGC™ system combines the
high dynamic range of Benchmark’s HDR™
analog control (used in the DAC1 HDR) with
the low distortion and accuracy of a digital
control. HGC™ outperforms traditional analog
or digital volume controls, including the two-
stage DAC1 HDR™ system. Musical details
are preserved over a very wide range of
output levels. Analog inputs are controlled in
the analog domain. Digital inputs are
controlled in both domains.
The volume control is a servo-driven analog
potentiometer. This control rotates in
response to commands from the remote
control while providing the convenience of
manual adjustments with a physical knob.
Low-Impedance Passive Attenuators
Like the DAC1 and DAC2, the DAC3 includes
low-impedance passive attenuators on the
XLR outputs. These attenuators can be
adjusted to optimize the interface with the
power amplifier or powered monitors. This
optimization places the volume control in its
best operating range. This exclusive
Benchmark feature can provide substantial
improvements in the performance of the
playback signal chain.
Native DSD Conversion
The DAC3 supports native DSD conversion.
This feature was not available on the DAC1.
DSD signals can be delivered to the USB or
Coaxial inputs in DoP 1.1 format. The DSD
signal is then routed directly to a bank of 1-
bit DSD D/A converters. Four balanced 1-bit
converters are summed together for each
balanced output.
Digital Pass-Through
The second coaxial input (D4) can be
reconfigured as a digital output. When
operating as an output, any selected digital
input is passed through to D4 without any
processing. Optical, coaxial, and USB inputs
can be passed through to the D4 connector.
This even includes special signals such as
DoP, DTS, Dolby Digital, even when these
signals cannot be decoded by the DAC3.
Polarity Control
Each digital input can be inverted, to correct
polarity problems. Some listeners report that
polarity is incorrect on some recordings, and
that they enjoy an improved listening
experience when this is corrected. To toggle,
use the POLARITY button on the front panel
or press and hold the ON button on the
remote.
HT Mode
The HT mode sets the volume control to a
calibrated level that is near its maximum
setting. In HT mode the analog gain is set to
0 dB (unity gain). Likewise the digital
attenuation is set to 0 dB (maximum output).
The HT light is illuminated when the HT mode
is active.
The HT mode is similar to the CALIBRATED
switch setting on the DAC1 except that it is
programmable per input. This flexibility allows
seamless integration into home theater
systems where the DAC3 handles the main
left and right channels.
Bi-directional 12V Trigger
The 12 Volt trigger can be connected to other
audio components so that an entire audio
system can turn on and off in a sequenced
fashion. The DAC3 trigger I/O can be
connected to a preamplifier, power amplifier,
or both. The DAC3 will pull the trigger I/O to
12 volts DC while the DAC3 is on. If the
DAC3 is off and an external device pulls the
trigger I/O to 12 volts, the DAC3 will turn on.
Auto-On Function
The DAC3 can be programmed to
automatically turn on when AC power is
applied. (Page 14
)
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