Benchmark DAC3 B Silver - front
Benchmark DAC3 B on a rustic wooden box
Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analog Converter
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video introduction slide showing DAC3 circuit boards. Text reads DAC3 Teardown.
The biggest problem with digital audio. John Siau with several charts and graphs that he talks about in this video tutorial.
DAC Filter Video introduction slide showing scope traces. Text reads "DAC Filters, Live bench demonstration"
Benchmark DAC3 B - rear view
Benchmark DAC3 B Black - right front
Benchmark DAC3 B Silver Rackmount - right front
Optional rackmount coupler - order separately (joins two 1/2 wide units)
Optional 1/2-wide blank plate - order separately
Benchmark DAC3 B Silver - front
Benchmark DAC3 B on a rustic wooden box
Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analog Converter
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video introduction slide showing DAC3 circuit boards. Text reads DAC3 Teardown.
The biggest problem with digital audio. John Siau with several charts and graphs that he talks about in this video tutorial.
DAC Filter Video introduction slide showing scope traces. Text reads "DAC Filters, Live bench demonstration"
Benchmark DAC3 B - rear view
Benchmark DAC3 B Black - right front
Benchmark DAC3 B Silver Rackmount - right front
Optional rackmount coupler - order separately (joins two 1/2 wide units)
Optional 1/2-wide blank plate - order separately
Benchmark DAC3 B Silver - front
Benchmark DAC3 B on a rustic wooden box
Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analog Converter
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video introduction slide showing DAC3 circuit boards. Text reads DAC3 Teardown.
The biggest problem with digital audio. John Siau with several charts and graphs that he talks about in this video tutorial.
DAC Filter Video introduction slide showing scope traces. Text reads "DAC Filters, Live bench demonstration"
Benchmark DAC3 B - rear view
Benchmark DAC3 B Black - right front
Benchmark DAC3 B Silver Rackmount - right front
Optional rackmount coupler - order separately (joins two 1/2 wide units)
Optional 1/2-wide blank plate - order separately

Benchmark DAC3 B - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

$1,899.00 USD
$1,899.00 USD
$1,899.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
High-Headroom Digital Processing
Linear-Phase Filters
Supports Studio or Hi-Fi Output Levels
Jitter-Immune UltraLock3™ Clock System
Fixed Output Levels - Use with a Separate Preamplifier
Style: Silver
Faceplate:
In Stock

SKU: 500-14800-730

Recommendations

Abbey Road Studios

"The biggest sonic improvement in mastering in the last 5 or 6 years is D/A and A/D converters ... we use fairly new Benchmark converters front and back. Abbey Road like a uniformity between the rooms so all of the rooms have the same A/D and D/A conversion."

- Geoff Pesche, Mastering Engineer, Abbey Road Studios
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"Best Digital Audiophile Product of 2024"

"The Benchmark DAC3 B is an audiophile DAC, with pro audio roots, that punches way above its weight."

- Future Audiophile
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Stereophile

"The DAC3 was all about depths, in several respects...I heard deeper into the music."

- Jim Austin, Stereophile
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stereophile recommended components 2025 award
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Selected by Top Studios, Enjoyed by Audiophiles

Sonically-Neutral Studio Monitoring

Benchmark converters are designed to be sonically neutral. This sonic transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain.

Benchmark converters have become a standard fixture in many of the world's finest studios.

Bring the Studio into Your Living Room

When Benchmark's professional converters are used in hi-fi applications, studio-quality sound can be enjoyed in a home environment. Enjoy pure music without any coloration from the electronics. Hear the music exactly the way it was heard in the studio, and exactly the way the artists intended.

Discover the natural, uncolored, analog sound of Benchmark converters.

DAC 3 B Black Right-Side View

Technology of the DAC3 B

High-Headroom DSP

  • Nearly Exclusive to Benchmark
  • Provides 3 dB Headroom Above 0 dBFS
  • Prevents Clipping of Intersample Peaks
  • 0 dBS+ Intersample Peaks Often Occur 100s of Times per Second
  • Prevents Short Bursts of High-Amplitude Distortion
  • Not Available on Most Other D/A Converters
  • May Be the Single Most Important Difference
Learn More

Linear-Phase Filters

  • DAC Reconstruction Filter has a Linear Phase Brick Wall Response
  • Accurately Reproduces the Original Analog Waveform
  • Preserves the Analog Waveshape Through Multiple A/D and D/A Conversions
  • Waveform Integrity is Extremely Important for Studio Applications
  • Delivers a Studio Experience to the Listening Space
  • The "Custom" Filters Found in Other DACs Change the Analog Waveform
Learn More

Calibrated Output Levels

  • Designed to Feed an Analog Preamplifier
  • Ideal for use with the Benchmark LA4 Preamplifier
  • Ideal for use with the Benchmark HPA4 Headphone Amplifier
  • +24 dBu @ 0 dBFS (Attenuators Off)
  • 4 Vrms @ 0 dBFS (10 dB Attenuators On)
Learn More

Studio or Hi-Fi Output Levels

  • High Signal Levels can Increase the System SNR
  • Studios use Levels that are 10 dB Higher than Hi-Fi Levels
  • The DAC3 Balanced Outputs Can be Configured for Studio or Hi-Fi Output Levels
  • All Benchmark Products use Studio Levels Internally
  • In an All-Benchmark System, Every Balanced Interface Operates at Studio Levels
Learn More

Need a Built-In Volume Control?

  • The DAC3 L Adds a Volume Control
  • The DAC3 HGC Adds a Volume Control and Headphone Amplifier
  • All DAC3 Models Share the Same Circuit Boards
  • All DAC3 Models Deliver Identical Performance
  • The Volume Controls on the DAC3 HGC and DAC3 L can be bypassed.
Learn More

Need a Headphone Amplifier?

  • Use the DAC3 B to drive the HPA4 Headphone Amplifier - Best Solution
  • Or, Select the DAC3 HGC with Built-In Headphone Amplifier - Cost Effective Solution
Learn More

High-Resolution Playback Begins with an External D/A Converter

Upgrade to an external Benchmark DAC and experience the full capabilities of high-resolution audio.

The Benchmark DAC3 Converter Family

Each member of the DAC3 converter family is sonically identical, and they share identical performance specifications. Each model is built on the same circuit board, but the higher-priced models add additional features.

  • DAC3 HGC - Full-Featured Version of the DAC3
  • DAC3 L - Removes the HPA2 Headphone Amplifier
  • DAC3 B - Removes the Volume Control and Analog Inputs
Benchmark DAC3 B on a rustic wooden box

Listening Experience

The Benchmark DAC3 delivers a clear, open, and uncluttered playback across the entire frequency range.

Instrumental overtones are rendered with exceptional precision and realism. Vocals are reproduced with outstanding accuracy and natural tones. Transients are fast and precise. Bass is deep and well controlled.

The ultra-linear phase response of the DAC3, allows it to create a precise three-dimensional rendering of the recorded space. This space is open and uncluttered because noise and distortion are held below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at all playback levels.

This experience is not limited to the line-level outputs. The DAC3 HGC includes Benchmark's HPA2 0-Ohm Headphone Amplifier which easily drives difficult headphone loads.

Benchmark DAC3 B with a silver faceplate on a rustic wooden box

Awards

stereophile recommended components 2025 award
HiVi Grand Prix 2020 HiVi Prize for amplifier
2020 Product of the Year Award logo with a red and purple diamond shape
stereophile product of the year award 2018
See more awards

Front Panel

Benchmark DAC3 B Front Panel View
POWER BUTTON
  • On/Off Momentary Switch
CONTROL BUTTONS
  • CONTROL LOCK - Locks Unit on a Single Input
  • INPUT - Up/Down Buttons
STATUS INDICATORS
  • USB Input - U
  • Digital Inputs - D1 to D4
  • Bit Depth - 16 and 24
  • Sample Rate - 44, 48, 2X, 4X
  • DSD Indicator - 2X and 4X both on

Rear Panel

Benchmark DAC3 B Rear Panel View
BALANCED OUTPUTS
  • L & R XLR Outputs
  • Studio Output Levels - Default
  • Hi-Fi Output Levels - Attenuators Enabled
  • Passive 10 dB and 20 dB Attenuators
  • +24 dBu @ 0 dBFS - Attenuator Off
  • 4 Vrms @ 0 dBFS - 10 dB Attenuator On
  • Dedicated Output Buffers
UNBALANCED OUTPUT
  • L & R RCA - Output
  • 2 Vrms @ 0 dBFS
  • Dedicated Output Buffers
DIGITAL INPUTS
  • TOSLINK Optical Inputs - D1 & D2
  • S/PDIF Coaxial Inputs - D3 & D4
  • USB Audio Input - USB
TRIGGER I/O
  • Bidirectional 12V Trigger Port
POWER INPUT
  • IEC Power Connector
  • Dual Fuses
  • International Power Supply
California Proposition 65 Warning Warning: Click here for California safety warnings.

Recommended Accessories

Additional Information

Application Notes
Videos

Manual

DAC3 B Manual

Driver

Windows operating systems prior to Windows 10 require a driver when operating in USB Audio 2.0 mode. USB Audio 2.0 mode is required for sample rates over 96 kHz. No driver is required for Mac or Linux operating systems.

DAC2 and DAC3 Driver

Audio Performance:

Fs = 44.1 to 96 kHz, 20 to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz test tone, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu (unless noted)

SNR
  • SNR – A-Weighted, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu: - 125 dB, 128 dB relative to intersample peaks
  • SNR – Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu: - 123 dB, 126 dB relative to intersample peaks
THD
  • THD+N, 1 kHz at 0 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
  • THD+N, 1 kHz at -1 dBFS: -114 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
  • THD+N, 1 kHz at –3 dBFS: -119 dBFS, -116 dB, 0.00016%
  • THD+N, 20 to 20 kHz test tone at –3 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -110 dB, 0.00032%
Frequency Response
Frequency Response at Fs=192 kHz:
  • +0 dB, -0.015 dB (20 to 20 kHz)
  • -0.015 dB at 10 Hz
  • -0.005 dB at 20 kHz
  • -0.031 dB at 40 kHz
  • -0.15 dB at 80 kHz
  • -0.15 dB at 80 kHz

Frequency Response at Fs=48 kHz:

  • +0 dB, -0.015 dB (20 to 20 kHz)
  • -0.015 dB at 10 Hz
  • -0.005 dB at 20 kHz
Crosstalk
  • -137 dB at 20 Hz
  • -130 dB at 1 kHz
  • -116 dB at 20 kHz
Maximum Amplitude
  • Maximum Amplitude of Jitter Induced Sidebands (10 kHz 0 dBFS test tone, 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1 kHz): < -144 dB
  • Maximum Amplitude of Spurious Tones with 0 dBFS test signal: < -138 dB
  • Maximum Amplitude of Idle Tones: < -147 dB
  • Maximum Amplitude of AC line related Hum & Noise: < -133 dB
Inter-channel Differential Phase
  • Stereo Pair – any sample rate: +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz
  • Between DAC3 Units Fs<110 kHz) - any sample rate: +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz
Phase Lock Loop
  • Maximum Lock Time after Fs change: 6 ms
Volume/Mute Characteristics
  • Soft Mute Ramp Up/Down Time: 9.6 ms
  • Mute on Receive Error: Yes
  • Mute on Lock Error: Yes
  • Mute on Idle Channel: No
De-Emphasis
  • 50/15 us De-Emphasis Enable: Automatic in Consumer Mode
  • De-Emphasis Method: Digital IIR
  • De-Emphasis Supported at Fs = 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

Group Delay (Latency):

Delay – Digital Input to Analog Output (function of sample rate)

  • 1.36 ms at 44.1 kHz
  • 1.27 ms at 48 kHz
  • 0.90 ms at 88.2 kHz
  • 0.82 ms at 96 kHz
  • 0.51 ms at 176.4 kHz
  • 0.47 ms at 192 kHz

Digital Audio Inputs:

  • Number of Digital Inputs (switch selected): 5 (1 USB, 2 Optical, 2 Coaxial)
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Input Sample Frequency Range (Coaxial Inputs): 28 to 210 kHz
  • Input Sample Frequency Range (Optical Inputs): 28 to 96 kHz
  • Input Sample Frequency Range (USB Inputs): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
  • Maximum Input Word Length: 24 bits
  • Digital Input Impedance: 75 Ohms (Coaxial Inputs)
  • DC Blocking Capacitors on Digital Inputs: Yes (Coaxial Inputs)
  • Transient and Over-Voltage Protection on Digital Inputs: Yes (Coaxial Inputs)
  • Minimum Digital Input Level: 250 mVpp (Coaxial Inputs)
  • Jitter Tolerance (With no Measurable Change in Performance): >12.75 UI sine at 100 Hz to 3 kHz, >1.5 UI sine at 20 kHz, >1.5 UI sine at 40 kHz, >1.5 UI sine at 80 kHz, >1.5 UI sine at 90 kHz, >0.25 UI sine above 160 kHz
  • Jitter Attenuation Method: Benchmark UltraLock3™ - all inputs

Balanced Analog Outputs:

  • Number of Balanced Analog Outputs: 2
  • Output Connector: Gold-Pin Neutrik™ male XLR
  • Output Impedance: 60 Ohms (Attenuator off), 425 Ohms (Attenuator = 10 dB), 135 Ohms (Attenuator = 20 dB)
  • Analog Output Clip Point: +30 dBu
  • Factory Calibration (at 0 dBFS): +24 dBu (Attenuator off)
  • Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. 96 kHz): < +/- 0.006 dB

Unbalanced Analog Outputs:

  • Number of Unbalanced Analog Outputs: 2
  • Output Connector: RCA
  • Output Impedance: 30 Ohms
  • Analog Output Clip Point: +13.5 dBu (3.7 Vrms)
  • Factory Calibration (at 0 dBFS): +8.2 dBu (2 Vrms)
  • Output Level Variation with Sample Rate: < +/- 0.006 dB

Status Display:

  • Indicators - Type and Location: 12 LED’s on Front Panel
  • Selection/Status Indication: 1 – Control Lock, 5 – Input, 2 – Word length, 4 – Sample Rate

AC Power Requirements:

  • Nominal Input Operating Voltage Range (VAC RMS): 100 – 240V
  • Frequency: 50-60 Hz
  • Power: < 0.5 Watts Idle, 12 Watts Typical Program, 13 Watts Maximum
  • Fuses: 5 x 20 mm (2 required), 0.5 A 250 V Slo-Blo®Type
  • Min/Max Operating range (VAC RMS): 90 – 260 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz

Dimensions:

  • Form Factor: ½ Rack Wide, 1 RU High
  • Depth behind front panel: 8.5” (216 mm)
  • Overall depth including connectors but without power cord: 9.33” (237 mm)
  • Width: 9.5” (249 mm)
  • Height: 1.725” (44.5 mm)

Weight:

  • DAC3 only: 3 lb.
  • DAC3 with remote control, power cord, extra fuses, and manual: 4 lb.
  • Shipping Weight: 7 lb.

Important Features:

  • Sample Rate Display
  • Word Length Display
  • 5 Digital Inputs
  • 2 Stereo Analog Outputs (1 RCA, 1 XLR)
  • Digital Pass Through
  • Native DSD Conversion
  • Control-lock Switch
  • Asynchronous USB 2.0
  • Bi-Directional 12 Volt Trigger
  • Power Switch
  • Low Power Consumption
  • ES9028PRO Converter

Overall rating: 4.9411764 / 5 from 34 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

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Review highlights

Reviews

This is an excellent little

"This is an excellent little DAC. While physically small, there's nothing diminutive about the quality of audio generated by this unit. The audio is crystal clear with impressive depth and a wide presentation with no indication of ringing or sibilance in voices. Moving from a Grace m920 to the Benchmark DAC3, I thought I'd miss the user-selectable digital filters (e. g. , fast, slow, minimum phase), but the one and only digital filter used in the DAC3 was perfect to my ears. Highly recommended!"

— DAVID D. (5/5)

I am using the DA3

"I am using the DA3 B with a STAX Energizer and SR009D Headphones. I replaced a well known R2R DAC in the chain. The articulation, detail, and soundstage showed immediate improvement with the DAC3 B. There is also convenience in that the XLR and RCA outputs are independent with dedicated buffering, so I can have my energizer and preamp connected simultaneously without worrying about what's powered on. Having two optical inputs is also nice. I recommend the DAC3 B for its versatility and sound quality."

— Fred S. (5/5)

Love listening to the music !

"I'm using dac3 B with an LA4 and 2 AHB2 - a perfect match ! I'm not sure exactly what makes this Dac sound so musical but it it just draws me into the music. I replaced a very good Lumin T3 Dac with this Dac3B even more amazing considering the costs."

— George W. (5/5)

Buy It

"Was using a DAC built in my integrated and decided to upgrade to the Benchmark. What an improvement! Incredible detail and natural sound presentation, with NO noise. Highly recommended"

— Chris T. (5/5)

clarity with sensitivity

"The dac is very revealing. the studio heritage shows as its going to be very transparent in replaying the source. Qobuz hi-res recordings as well as well mixed non hi-res play very clearly. Depth of soundstage, separation of instruments are top notch. the only hitch is how sensitive it is to AC power. It manifests in coax from streamer where it cannot lock on to the resolution (flickering blue lights) at the hint of noise in the source and for reference I am using power conditioners as well. switching to optical takes care of it albeit at 24/96 (instead of the 24/192) though its hard for audible quality differences to show up. so more of a nit really but it does bother me that I had to switch source connections for this reason."

— Samphel N. (4/5)

The Benchmark DAC3 B is

"The Benchmark DAC3 B is the perfect complement to the HPA4. It’s easily the best DAC I’ve owned—clean, detailed, and incredibly refined. I can’t believe I waited so long to upgrade."

— Jim C. (5/5)

After listening to the DAC3B

"After listening to the DAC3B in my headphone system for a few days I am fully satisfied. The sound is quite neutral, resolved, yet easy to listen to over many hours. The best sigma-delta implementation I have heard."

— Michael O. (5/5)

Superior building dn sound quality.

"Superior building dn sound quality. Highly recommended."

— Christopher T. (5/5)

"The best."

— Robert (5/5)

Great product ! Perfect companion

"Great product ! Perfect companion to the LA4 and AHB2's. Sounds fantastic - clean, open & deep musical bass."

— George W. (5/5)

Q&A

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