Reviews

DAC3 HGC - "More Space, Increased Precision"

The Benchmark DAC3 is the first product to ship with the new ESS Technology ES9028PRO D/A converter chip.

"It may look like the DAC2 HGC, but the new DAC3 HGC offers a slew of better measurements and more notably, an incremental boost in sound quality."

"Via headphones I definitely could hear more space around the instruments and an increased precision in transients — like cymbals and upper-register piano notes."

"In terms of new functions, the DAC3 switches a lot faster between inputs, and gone is that audibly phasy transition when you initially switch between two digital sources."

- John Gatski, Publisher, Everything Audio Network

AHB2 - "A Silent Transmitter of Musical Energy"

"You probably know Benchmark for its long-available ADC and DAC units. The ADC1 analog to digital converter has been used by recordists and mastering engineers for years."

Active vs. Passive Monitors

"Although many studios, particularly smaller at-home outfits, use active monitors (speakers with built-in power amps) ... almost no powered monitors include really super-quality power amps because of the compromises necessary to fit electronics into a speaker cabinet and meet a price point."

"While many of the active monitors get plenty "loud," they often sound un-dynamic and harsh, at least to my ears."

Amplifier Upgrade

"I decided to look into modern alternatives to my circa-1980s Audio Design Associates (ADA) FET300 power amp."

"I thought it was the cat's ass and didn't even consider swapping it out, until I started reading descriptions and reviews of the Benchmark amp."

"As soon as I unplugged the ADA amp and swapped in the Benchmark, it was clear how nice it was to hear less fan noise. I cranked up the monitor volume all the way ... and confirmed there was zero hiss, hum, and other power line hash. I put my ear right to the speakers - still dead silent. The ADA is near-silent but not dead-silent."

"I then started listening to music and other audio - projects I recently completed plus favorite albums. I did this for several weeks ..."

"In every case, I heard the amp as essentially transparent - a silent transmitter of musical energy."

DAC2 HGC - "I Purchased a DAC2 HGC to Replace my DAC1 HDR"

"I liked the feature set on the DAC2 HGC enough to buy it for my big listening room, replacing the DAC1 HDR. I bought the AHB2 power amp for my studio and have started filling the piggy bank to buy one for the big listening room."

- Tom Fine, Tape Op