Benchmark DAC3 HGC - Digital to Analog Audio Converter
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC delivers exceptional transparency, deep controlled bass and finely etched three-dimensional imaging from a compact DAC, preamp and dual-headphone-amp hub. audioXpress praised its vanishingly low noise floor and inner detail, while Home Theater Review highlighted its precise soundstage and lifelike instrumental texture. It is a compellingly complete front end for systems that prize neutral accuracy.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
83/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, transparent conversion uncovers low-level detail without strain on complex music.
Deep, pitch-stable bass and spacious, precisely separated imaging.
Versatile DAC, analogue preamp and powerful dual-headphone-amplifier functionality offers strong system-integration value.
Cons
Its revealing, studio-oriented neutrality can sound overly analytical or less romantic in an unsympathetic system.
Half-width chassis is not especially stack-friendly, and the pro-audio styling is understated rather than luxurious.
Some output-gain settings require internal jumper changes, which may be inconvenient for less confident users.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers consistently describe an exceptionally transparent, controlled and uncoloured presentation that uncovers recording information without adding glare or strain. Its strengths are clean digital playback, stable imaging, deep and controlled bass, and a truthful rather than romantic character.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
92/100
The DAC3 HGC is repeatedly described as neutral, linear, cohesive and uncoloured, yet not sterile: Hifi Pig heard a full-bodied, stable presentation with real flow, while audioXpress found it as warm and musical as the source. Everything Audio Network noted strong transient attack without harshness, and Future Audiophile praised its balanced top-to-bottom presentation and realistic instrumental integrity.
Resolution and Detail
94/100
Detail retrieval is a major strength. Home Theater Review heard hidden details normally lost in a mix, audioXpress singled out improved inner detail and bass-drum timbral delineation, and Hifi Pig praised its insight into recordings. Enjoy The Music said it reproduced a demanding recording “as good as any” DAC heard in the reviewer's system, including much more expensive models.
Digital Performance
94/100
Reviewers hear very little digital residue: Home Theater Review found the DAC3 notably quiet, while Hifi Pig described an analogue-like sound free of artifacts and grain. audioXpress reported a seemingly non-existent noise floor and no strain on complex music, supported by measured jitter-sideband reduction to extremely low levels and meaningful harmonic-distortion improvement with compensation enabled.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The compact half-rack enclosure is consistently described as solidly built despite its low weight. Hifi Pig also praised the clearly marked, well-spaced connections for making installation easy, though the reviews provide limited discussion of internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
83/100
The DAC3 HGC is a versatile DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier with USB, dual coaxial and dual optical inputs, balanced XLR and multiple RCA outputs, analogue inputs, variable output, home-theater bypass and a 12-volt trigger. It supports PCM to 24/192 and DSD via DoP, includes a status display and heavy-duty remote, and reviewers found it especially easy to integrate into varied systems.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $2,195-$2,399, reviewers repeatedly consider the DAC3 HGC unusually compelling for its segment. Hifi Pig called its specification and performance “simply outstanding” and its value “terrific,” while Future Audiophile called it a strong value and Enjoy The Music said its price was more than reasonable given its DAC, preamp and dual-headphone-amp roles, with sound comparable to costlier units.
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 = +27 dBu: - 128 dB SNR – Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +27 dBu: - 126 dB
- 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 Range (at 0 dBFS) In ‘Variable’ Mode: Off to +27.5 dBu (Attenuator off), Off to +17.5 dBu (Attenuator = 10 dB), Off to +7.5 dBu (Attenuator = 20 dB) Output Level Variation with Sample Rate (44.1 kHz vs. 96 kHz): < +/- 0.006 dB
- Unbalanced Analog Outputs
- Number of Unbalanced Analog Outputs: 4 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 Range (with 0 dBFS digital input): Off to +11.7 dBu (3 Vrms) Output Level Variation with Sample Rate: < +/- 0.006 dB
- HPA2 Headphone Outputs
- Number of Headphone Outputs: 2 Output Connectors: ¼” TRS with switch on left-hand jack Output Impedance: < 0.11 Ohms Output Level Control: Stereo Control on Front Panel Output Level Range (at 0 dBFS) into 60-Ohm Load: Off to +21.5 dBu (9.2 Vrms) Output Power: 1.25 W into 30 Ohms Maximum Output Current: 250 mA Overload Protection (independent per channel): Current limited at 300 mA, Thermal Bandwidth: > 500 kHz, -0.35 dB at 200 kHz THD+N at 20 mW: -108 dB (0.0004%) into 300 Ohms, -100 dB (0.0010%) into 30 Ohms
- Status Display
- Indicators - Type and Location: 16 LED’s on Front Panel Selection/Status Indication: 1 – Dim/Mute, 1 - Polarity, 6 – Input, 2 – Bypass/Calibrated Output, 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 Inputs (2 RCA) 3 Stereo Analog Outputs (2 RCA, 1 XLR) Digital Pass Through Native DSD Conversion Polarity Switch Asynchronous USB 2.0 Home Theater Bypass 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
- Low THD+N - Below the 0 dB SPL Threshold of Hearing
- Near 0-Ohm Output Impedance for Tight Control of Drivers
- No increase in THD when Driving Loads as Low as 30 Ohms
- Drives Two Sets of Headphones Simultaneously
- One Headphone Jack Mutes the Line Outputs
- Motorized Volume Control
- Single Knob Controls Digital and Analog Inputs
- Digital Inputs are Controlled in the Digital Domain
- Analog Inputs are Controlled in the Analog Domain
- This System Avoids Conversion of Analog Inputs
- Remote Control Rotates the Volume Control Knob
- 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
- Removes Jitter From the Digital Interface
- Keeps Jitter-Induced Distortion 140 dB Below the Music
- Jitter-Induced Distortion is Held Well Below the 0 dB SPL Threshold of Hearing
- Immune to the Jitter Induced by Long Cables
- Immune to the Jitter Induced by Low-Quality Transports
- Immune to the Jitter Induced by USB Interfaces
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.
- POWER - On/Off Momentary Switch
- MUTE/DIM - Enables Mute or -20 dB Dim
- POLARITY - Inverts Output Polarity
- INPUT - Up/Down Buttons
- Analog Inputs - A1 and A2
- USB Input - U
- Digital Inputs - D1 to D4
- Home Theater Bypass - HT
- Bit Depth - 16 and 24
- Sample Rate - 44, 48, 2X, 4X
- DSD Indicator - 2X and 4X both on
- HPA2 Headphone Amplifier
- High Power, Low THD+N
- Left Jack Mutes Line Outputs
- 2nd Jack Allows Simultaneous Outputs
- Designed to Drive 2 Headphones
- Motorized Volume Control
- HGC - Hybrid Gain Control
- Controls Digital Inputs with DSP
- Controls Analog Inputs with a Potentiometer
- 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 1
- L & R RCA - Output 2
- 2 Vrms @ 0 dBFS
- Dedicated Output Buffers
- L & R RCA - Input A1
- L & R RCA - Input A1
- 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
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Benchmark DAC3 HGC - 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