Benchmark DAC 1- Pre

Ya know, Jaxwired, you should check your facts before you accuse me of spreading misinformation. Check the comparison chart on the Benchmark web site. The PRE and HDR are not identical in circuit design. The PRE uses the older op-amps in one of the output stages. I doubt there's even the slightest bit of difference in sound quality when used through a pre-amp or to directly drive power amps in most home environments, but you're still dead wrong.

Well, on many sites I could just delete my previous erroneous and embarrassing post, but on this site you can't delete anything. Jaxwired is correct and I was incorrect. The PRE and HDR both have the same op-amps. I was thinking of the USB, and I somehow got things all mixed up. I don't know what to say except to apologize.

Irv

Play nice guys! Yes, I know personally from Benchmark (I've had the DAC 1 pre and HDR from them) that the only difference is the powered volume and remote. It is a great little piece! Awesome DAC and the analog section is pretty damn good as well. Yes the small size is bizarre at first but once you get used to it you will see all kinds of benefits from the small size. The only down size is if you use large heavy cables it can tend to drift on a shelf!

People that value truth over pride are my favorite people. Ivrrobinson is a stand up guy.

Benchmark Media should really do a better job of differentiating between their models. Lots of people find it confusing.

Another tid bit that people don't know is that Benchmark has upgraded parts on occassion from the earliest models of the DAC1 and never changed model names to indicate these changes so all DAC1s may not sound the same.

Here's the comparison chart for anyone wondering about the 4 versions of the DAC1:

Features in all models:

UltraLock™ jitter-immune clock-isolation technology
Built-in HPA2™ reference-grade 0-ohm headphone amplifier
24-bit, 192 kHz digital input capability
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo outputs
True-analog volume control on front panel
Calibrated and variable mode to accommodate various systems
Trim-pots for calibrating output levels
Output attenuators for XLR outputs
Internal power supply with low-radiation torodial power transformer
Built in USA
Rackmount capable

Feature differences:

AdvancedUSB input capable of full-resolution 24-bit / 96-kHz
DAC1 NO
USB YES
PRE YES
HDR YES

State-of-the-art LME49860/LME4562 high-current op-amps
DAC1 NO
USB Ouput stage only
PRE Throughout entire analog stage
HDR Throughout entire analog stage

Selectable gain-range for headphone amplifier
DAC1 NO
USB 2 ranges
PRE 3 ranges
HDR 3 ranges

Auto-mute function built into headphone jack
DAC1 NO
USB YES
PRE YES
HDR YES

Auto-standby feature
DAC1 NO
USB YES
PRE YES
HDR YES

Number of digital inputs
DAC1 3
USB 4
PRE 5
HDR 5

Number of analog inputs
DAC1 0
USB 0
PRE 1
HDR 1

High-quality Teflon, chassis mounted RCA connectors
DAC1 NO
USB NO
PRE YES
HDR YES

Standby ON/OFF button
DAC1 NO
USB NO
PRE YES
HDR YES

Remote Control
DAC1 NO
USB NO
PRE NO
HDR YES

Custom-built motorized Alps potentiometer
DAC1 NO
USB NO
PRE NO
HDR YES

Jaxwired,
Awesome. You should put this up on the Benchmark wiki!