Benchmark DAC3 B - Digital to Analog Audio Converter
The DAC3 B brings studio-grade neutrality, deep resolution and agile dynamics to digital playback, exposing the texture, space and intent within a recording without adding gloss. StereoNET United Kingdom praised its open clarity and expansive imaging, while Fidelity Magazine found it remarkably revealing. Compact, fuss-free connectivity and UltraLock3 jitter control complete a seriously transparent converter.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
79/100
Value for Money
89/100
Pros
Open, highly detailed and neutral presentation reveals recording texture, musical structure and artistic intent.
Natural, expansive soundstage with strongly resolved stereo images and impressive depth perspective.
Fast, controlled digital performance with effective jitter suppression and quick, simple USB setup.
Purposeful compact build with balanced and RCA outputs plus five practical digital inputs.
Cons
Its honest, unembellished voicing can sound lighter in weight and less romantic than warmer rivals.
Treble can come across as slightly dry or analytical in an already revealing system.
The fixed-output B version has no preamp function, while AES/EBU and network streaming are absent.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe the DAC3 B as transparent, accurate and highly resolving rather than overtly characterful. Its strengths are an honest tonal balance, strong retrieval of recording information and a clean, controlled presentation that makes both excellent and flawed source material easy to hear.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
91/100
hi-fi+ calls the presentation balanced, honest and suitable for long listening, without artificial treble, exaggerated bass or showy dynamics. Fidelity praises its uncoloured flow and ability to convey musical intent, while StereoNET finds it open, clear and agile, though slightly lighter in weight than some rivals. One reviewer finds the upper range occasionally a little dry, so this is more studio-neutral than warmly romantic.
Resolution and Detail
93/100
Detail retrieval is a recurring strength. Future Audiophile heard more of the recording, including small details, layering and openness, while StereoNET says it is excellent at exposing the fine structure of a recording. Fidelity similarly found that it revealed both recording structure and artistic intention; hi-fi+ notes articulate vocals and good imaging.
Digital Performance
92/100
The DAC3 B is repeatedly praised for a clean, controlled conversion character, with hi-fi+ citing low noise, low distortion, fast locking and a linear response. Its UltraLock implementation is described as highly resistant to jitter, and Future Audiophile says jitter-induced distortion is pushed below audibility. Reviewers also find that it makes harsh or poor recordings more approachable without obscuring their underlying flaws.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The DAC3 B is consistently described as a purposeful, professional unit rather than a decorative luxury component. Reviewers note chunky brushed-aluminium construction, solid RCA and XLR sockets, tight tolerances and a rugged studio-oriented feel. Fidelity also praises the simple, tactilely convincing casework and quiet, reliable operation.
Features Connectivity
79/100
Connectivity is practical and well suited to conventional digital systems: USB, two coaxial and two optical inputs are joined by both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs. It supports PCM to 24-bit/192kHz through USB, native DSD playback and provides useful front-panel format and sample-rate indicators. The fixed-output B version has no preamp function, and reviewers note the absence of AES/EBU and network streaming.
Value for Money
89/100
At $1,899/£1,999, reviewers regard the DAC3 B as a convincing performer in its class rather than a budget alternative. Future Audiophile calls the investment "pretty damn safe," and Convince Me Audio considers it one of its favourite Delta-Sigma DACs around this price category. The reviews do not portray it as a bargain-basement giant killer, but they do support its asking price through its resolving, professional-grade performance.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- 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 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
Manufacturer's Description — Benchmark
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Upgrade to an external Benchmark DAC and experience the full capabilities of high-resolution audio.
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
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.
- On/Off Momentary Switch
- CONTROL LOCK - Locks Unit on a Single Input
- INPUT - Up/Down Buttons
- 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
- 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
- L & R RCA - Output
- 2 Vrms @ 0 dBFS
- Dedicated Output Buffers
- TOSLINK Optical Inputs - D1 & D2
- S/PDIF Coaxial Inputs - D3 & D4
- USB Audio Input - USB
- Bidirectional 12V Trigger Port
- IEC Power Connector
- Dual Fuses
- International Power Supply
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Authorized dealers for Benchmark DAC3 B - Digital to Analog Audio Converter
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alto Music — online and in-store — Middletown, New York, United States (website)
- Atlas Pro Audio, Inc. — online and in-store — Sun City Center, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
- Audio Extreme — in-store — Kowloon, China (website)
- Audiolab Stereo & Video — online and in-store — Morrisville, Pennsylvania, United States (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 23 more verified dealers