Instruction manual

DAC1 HDR Instruction Manual Rev I Page 5
Overview
The DAC1 HDR is a reference-quality, 2-
channel stereo preamplifier with infrared
remote control. It features Benchmark’s:
• HDR-VC™ high dynamic-range
volume control
• DAC1 192-kHz, 24-bit digital-to-
analog audio converter
• AdvancedUSB Audio™ computer
audio interface
• HPA2™ headphone amplifier
• UltraLock™ clock system
DAC1 Heritage
The pristine audio performance of the award-
winning DAC1 has made it the ‘Benchmark’ of
stand-alone D/A converters. The DAC1 USB
and DAC1 PRE improved the analog audio
circuitry with state of the art opamps, as well
as adding some of the most frequently
requested features. The DAC1 HDR continues
this tradition of perfectionism by adding a
remote-controlled, high-dynamic-range
volume control (HDR-VC™).
With the introduction of the DAC1 USB we
added an advanced USB input with native 96-
kHz / 24-kHz capability, an auto-mute
function for headphone use, customizable
headphone gain range, an auto-standby
feature, and a high-current
LM4562/LME49860 output stage designed to
drive difficult loads.
The DAC1 PRE added the versatility of a
stereo analog input and three S/PDIF digital
inputs. The LM4562/LME49860 opamps were
used throughout the analog section, and all
RCA connectors were upgraded to premium
bulkhead mounted RCA connectors for
maximum durability and superior grounding.
The DAC1 HDR maintains all of these
performance and feature upgrades, while
adding a remote-control and the HDR-VC™
volume control. The HDR-VC™ volume
control is built with a custom-made, motor-
driven Alps potentiometer. The intelligent
volume control allows the user to easily
control the ‘Normal’ and ‘Dim’ / ‘Soft-Mute’
settings independently for ultimate flexibility.
The DAC1 HDR looks, sounds, and measures
the same as the DAC1 PRE. We have added
convenience and flexibility without altering
the performance or changing the signal path.
Applications
The DAC1 HDR is designed for maximum
transparency and purity. The sonic integrity
of the DAC1 HDR makes it well suited for
critical playback in recording studio control
rooms and mastering rooms. The remote-
control makes it an asset to any high-end
audiophile application, including: HDTV, DVD,
digital cable, music server, digital radio,
analog radio, phono playback, portable music
player, etc.
Benchmark’s AdvancedUSB Audio™ USB
interface makes the DAC1 HDR an ideal
output device for computer-based media
playback, including: home media servers,
digital audio workstations, desktop audio
editing application, and computer-based radio
broadcast systems.
HDR-VC™
Benchmark’s HDR-VC™ (High Dynamic
Range Volume Control) enables remote-
control volume without sacrificing sonic
integrity. HDR-VC™ is based on a custom-
made, motor-driven Alps potentiometer.
This high-quality potentiometer is part of a
gain circuit that is designed to maintain the
full dynamic range of the rest of the audio
circuit. This approach avoids the dynamic
range limitations of digital volume controls
and the distortion and noise introduced by IC-
based analog volume controls.