Rules of Thumb for Music and Audio
As an engineer I like to use "rules of thumb" to make quick estimates that help to explain the physical world around me. These rules of thumb are e...
Audio Application Notes
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Feed-Forward Error Correction
The Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier and HPA4 headphone amplifier both feature feed-forward error correction. This correction system is an important ...
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Balanced vs. Unbalanced Analog Interfaces
For analog audio, balanced XLR interfaces are vastly superior to unbalanced RCA interfaces. If you look at the back of any Benchmark product, you w...
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Relay-Controlled Volume - The Ultimate Solution for Analog Audio
Benchmark has introduced a new analog volume control circuit that features a 256-step relay-controlled attenuator and a 16-step relay-controlled bo...
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Laboratory Use of the Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier
SEAS, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality loudspeakers, selected the Benchmark AHB2 as a key component for use in testing loudspeakers. They ...
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Interpreting THD Measurements - Think dB not Percent!
Distortion measurements (THD, THD+N and IMD) are traditionally expressed in terms of percent. But what do 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% or 0.001% mean in terms o...
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Inside the DAC2 - Part 3 - Power Supplies
The Benchmark DAC2 is an audio digital-to-analog converter. This application note explains the power supply configuration inside Benchmark's DAC2 D...
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Inside the DAC2 - Part 1 - Analog Processing
The DAC2 is an audio digital-to-analog converter. Most people focus on the word "digital" and assume that all of the "magic" happens in the digital...
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Grounding XLR Connectors - Neutrik USA
Learn when and how to ground an XLR audio connector. Follow a few simple rules to prevent unwanted noise. Learn how to leverage the full capabiliti...
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AHB2 Crossover Distortion Measurements
These measurements and scope photos demonstrate the effectiveness of the feedforward system in the AHB2. From the first Watt to the last Watt, the ...
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Amplifier Crossover Distortion
Most audio power amplifiers suffer from a defect known as "crossover distortion". This distortion is particularly troublesome at low output levels....
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How Should I Buy an Audio System?
Buying an audio product is much like buying a car. Some products are designed for performance and others are designed for comfort. Cadillac or Pors...
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Star Quad Cable Demonstration - Video
This video demonstrates the magnetic immunity of star-quad cable. It also shows how standard cables have no immunity to magnetic interference. You ...
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The Importance of Star-Quad Microphone Cable
Star-Quad Microphone Cable can reduce magnetic interference by at least 20 to 30 dB when compared to standard 2-wire cable. The 4-wire star geometr...
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Will the HPA2 Drive My Headphones?
Benchmark DAC1, DAC2 and DAC3 converters are equipped with Benchmark’s HPA2 headphone power amplifier. It is capable of driving a wide variety of h...
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The HPA2™ Headphone Power Amplifier
Many Benchmark products include our HPA2™ headphone amplifier. Unlike most headphone amplifiers, the HPA2™ is actually a small power amplifier. Why...
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The Audio Path in Consumer-Grade Audio Products
Explore the differences between consumer and professional audio products. Consumer products are usually packed with features but they often fall sh...
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The AHB2 - A Radical Approach to Audio Power Amplification
Radical! The performance of the AHB2 would not have been achievable without taking a radical approach to power amplification. In many ways, the A...
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