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Benchmark DAC2 seeting into Ayre k5exMP preamp

I just purchased a Benchmark DAC2 and hooked into my Ayre K-5xeMP preamp and set the HT Volume Bypass mode as per instructed in Benchmark manual. I started getting bad popping noises until I turned off and turned the volume control to 12 O'Clock ( halfway ). Benchmark manuals also states when using Balanced Analog outs the input sensitivityof an amp may require changing the internal output pads to -10db. 
Anyone have any insight on this ? I bought the Benchmark very lightly used at less than a year old, maybe something wrong with it ?

Once I set the volume control to halhway or the 12 O'Clock position all seemed fine. I do not want to blow a resistor in my Ayre preamp howver. Thank you for your feedback.
lnitm
lnitm OP
144 posts
 
Oldest good info. I'd rather not mess with my Ayre Lol, way more than the Benchmark. The output pads adjustment has fixed any issues and sounds really good. I heard a huge improvement in sound, depth and more resolution on Steely Dans Aja....A great go to. Sound is very good running through analog ins and outs to for vinyl playback from my SimAudio phone amp. 

Thanks everyone for good advice!
lnitm OP
144 posts
 
Another piece of info. On the Ayre K-5xeMP the gain is 10db through balanced inputs, so it made a perfect unity gain doing the -10db on the Benchmark analog output. 
celander's avatar
celander
1,504 posts
 
Great discussion! I’ve learned a lot more in so few posts about this product here than I’ve learned elsewhere. Thanks!
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