Benchmark DAC1 HDR Preamp/DAC

Filed under: Home Audio > Crossovers and Crossover Parts



Benchmark has released yet another update to its venerable DAC1 line. The new flagship DAC1 HDR is the most feature packed (and expensive) DAC1 product yet. The big new feature over the previous DAC1 Pre is what Benchmark calls its "HDR-VC" (High Dynamic Range Volume Control). Volume is controlled by a custom-built motorized Alps potentiometer, which Benchmark claims provides superior performance to both digital volume controls and IC-based analog volume controls.

An updated remote controls on/off, input selection, volume, soft-mute, and an adjustable "dim" setting. Dim in this case refers not to a display dimmer (as the DAC1 has no display) but to a user adjustable "low volume" setting. In addition to the sophisticated volume, the DAC1 HDR has all of the usual DAC1 features, including the UltraLock low-jitter clock system, AdvancedUSB D/A conversion up to 96/24, and the HPA2 headphone amplifier. The DAC1 HDR begins shipping this week, and is priced at $1,895.