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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Benchmark announces the DAC1 PRE Stereo Playback Pre-amplifier SYRACUSE, New York, January 4, 2008 - Benchmark Media Systems, Inc., reinforces its position as a leading manufacturer of precision audio electronics with today's announcement of the DAC1 PRE stereo playback pre- amplifier. The new pre-amp will be unveiled at the T.H.E. Show (at St. Tropez Suite 1103) during the CES show in Las Vegas, NV, January 7-10, 2008. The DAC1 PRE is designed to interface directly with digital media devices such as CD and DVD players, music servers, satellite radio, digital cable boxes and televisions. In addition, it can interface with traditional analog sources such as phono pre-amps, analog tuners, etc. The DAC1 PRE is designed to act as the central hub in a high-performance stereo playback system. According to Elias Gwinn, Applications Engineer, "The DAC1 PRE offers the music lover an elegant combination of the most advanced D-to-A conversion, outboard computer audio technology, pristine analog audio circuitry, and reference-grade headphone amplification. The result is a central device that can bypass the inferior audio circuitry in all connected devices." Features of the DAC1 PRE include: 4 digital inputs, a USB computer input, a stereo analog input, 2 stereo analog outputs, 2 headphone outputs, and a true analog master volume control. Proprietary features include: Benchmark's jitter-immune UltraLock clock system, Benchmark's HPA2 0-ohm headphone amplifier, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB 24-bit native USB computer audio interface, and Benchmark's DAC1 conversion system. The analog circuitry is driven by LM4562 premium opamps. Other features include selectable headphone gain ranges, power/standby button, high-current analog output drivers, and premium connectors. Vice President, John Siau, notes "The DAC1 PRE combines the no-compromise performance of the award-winning DAC1 with features that many will appreciate in a home setting. Nevertheless this is very much a professional quality product that is also built to meet the demanding needs of recording and mastering professionals. I have enjoyed the stunning delivery and breath- taking realism of Benchmark converters in my own home but have often needed additional inputs to connect all of my digital, computer, and analog sources. The DAC1 PRE delivers the connectivity that today's systems require, without compromising performance or quality." Sales Manager, Rory Rall adds; "Since we first introduced the DAC1, audiophiles, recording engineers and mastering engineers praised the DAC1 for its ability to reveal every detail in a recording. They have also appreciated the ability to connect directly to power amplifiers and eliminate performance- robbing pre-amplifiers and volume controls. The DAC1 PRE offers our customers the performance of the DAC1, with the additional flexibility that many customers have requested." The new DAC1 PRE is expected to begin shipping worldwide in February, 2008 and will retail in the USA for $1,575.00. It can be ordered now, from Benchmark Media Systems or from any of their authorized dealers. For more information about Benchmark's current products visit: http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/products or email Benchmark Media at: press@benchmarkmedia.com For more information about the T.H.E. Show visit: http://www.theshowlasvegas/2008.com Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. 5925 Court Street Road Syracuse, NY 13206-1707 315-437-6300, FAX 315-437-8119 www.benchmarkmedia.com