Audio Chain

High-Resolution Playback Begins with the D/A Converter

We live in an analog world. The D/A converter, or "DAC", is the essential bridge between digital storage and analog playback. Today, virtually every audio device has a built-in DAC. CD players, DVD players, computers, HDTVs, cable boxes, and even smartphones, have built-in D/A converters. But there is a problem - these internal D/A converters are rarely capable of delivering high-resolution audio. 

Upgrade to an External D/A Converter

The entire audio system in a consumer audio device is normally built for a budget of about $5. These internal converters may boast that they support 24-bits and 192 kHz, but in most cases, they cannot even do justice to the CD format. Internal converters typically provide the equivalent of 14-bit performance. The remaining 10 bits serve marketing purposes.

In contrast, the Benchmark DAC3 external D/A converter delivers the full performance of today's best 24-bit high-resolution recordings.

Digital Connections

Most audio products now have digital outputs. These outputs bypass the internal D/A converters and deliver raw uncorrupted digital data, losslessly preserving all of the details captured in the recording. These raw digital outputs can be connected to an external D/A converter. The resulting performance improvement is often huge.

Volume Control

Any practical audio system will need a volume control. These days, most audio devices use digital volume controls. These controls place significant demands on the quality of a D/A converter. An internal D/A converter that starts with the equivalent of 14-bit performance, may only deliver 12-bit performance at typical volume-control settings. In contrast, the Benchmark DAC3 D/A converter delivers true high-resolution audio performance over a wide range of volume settings. The DAC3 includes the input selection and output buffering functions of a traditional HiFi "preamplifier" and is designed to directly drive power amplifiers.

Amplification

The DAC3 D/A converter can only be fully appreciated when the entire audio chain is capable of similar performance. Audio amplifiers are a weak link in most audio systems. The amplifier often adds significant noise and distortion. It is difficult to cleanly deliver the power and current required by loudspeakers. For this reason, D/A converters have outpaced the development of power amplifiers. Benchmark set out to solve this problem and create an amplifier that matches the performance of the DAC3.

The AHB2 - A New and Different Power Amplifier

The AHB2 uses THX-patented AAA™ technology to virtually eliminate all forms of distortion. We also focused on frequency response, output noise, drive current, damping factor, and reliability. The result is an amplifier that stands head and shoulders above the competition. No amplifier has lower noise or lower distortion than the AHB2. Experience delicate musical details that are usually lost in a veil of noise and distortion.

The SMS1 Loudspeakers - The Final Link in the Chain

Benchmark developed the SMS1 monitors with a focus on achieving low distortion, accurate matching, and a wide frequency range. The quality components and unique crossover design, contribute to the outstanding vocal clarity, natural sound, and excellent musicality of the SMS1 loudspeakers.