Sweepstakes

Benchmark DAC2 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter Sweepstakes

Jon Iverson  |  Feb 16, 2013

Register to win an Benchmark DAC2 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter (MSRP $1995) we are giving away.

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According to the company:

Benchmark has just raised the bar with the new DAC2 HGC, defining a new reference. With over 15 new features, the DAC2 HGC packs more processing power in the same DAC1 series form factor.

The DAC2 HGC is a reference-grade digital to analog converter, stereo system pre-amplifier, and headphone amplifier with infrared remote control. It supports D/A conversion of PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz, as well as direct DSD conversion. Other features include sample rate and word length display, UltraLock2™ jitter attenuation, asynchronous USB Audio 2.0, polarity switch, home theater bypass, bi-directional 12V trigger, additional analog and digital inputs and outputs, digital pass-through, and high-efficiency low-noise power supplies.

The DAC2 HGC builds upon Benchmark’s highly successful DAC1 family. Every DAC1 subsystem has been redesigned and upgraded to achieve higher performance. The DAC2 HGC includes an updated version of Benchmark's highly effective UltraLock™ jitter-attenuation system. DSP processing is 32-bits, DSP headroom is 3.5 dB, sample rate is 211 kHz, and jitter-induced distortion and noise is at least 140 dB below the level of the music - well below the threshold of hearing. Benchmark's UltraLock2™ system eliminates all audible jitter artifacts.

Click here for more info.

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To enter the sweepstakes, all you need is an account on this website. If you don't already have one, click on the link labeled "register" at the bottom of this announcement or "Create new account" in the right column (under the ads). Then, enter a username and a valid e-mail address, and click on the "Create new account" button. A message will be automatically sent to the e-mail address you specified, which will include a link to activate the account.

The final step (and only step for those who already have an account) is to log in and leave a comment right here on this announcement—any comment will do, as long as it's not profane or spam. Then, when the sweepstakes closes, a lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive the prize. So post a comment, and good luck!

For complete sweepstakes rules, click here.

[This Sweepstakes is now closed.]

COMMENTS
lmf22's picture
Submitted by lmf22 on February 17, 2013 - 8:01pm

I actually had a dream about the DAC2 last night.  I woke up with an intense desire to listen to one.  True story.  But I am a Ph.D graduate student and money is tight right now, so I guess the DAC2 audition will have to wait... unless... I win this.  

AndrewF's picture
Submitted by AndrewF on February 17, 2013 - 8:08pm

That would work quite nicely in my setup.

jhadley's picture
Submitted by jhadley on February 17, 2013 - 8:16pm

I love the DAC1 and would love to be able to upgrade to the DAC2.

Robfine59's picture
Submitted by Robfine59 on February 17, 2013 - 8:38pm

To set this baby up in my library!

internethandle's picture
Submitted by internethandle on February 17, 2013 - 8:47pm

Always happy to enter an excellent Stereophile contest.

 

Thanks!

TreAdidas's picture
Submitted by TreAdidas on February 17, 2013 - 8:59pm

Count me in on this one!!

s10sondek's picture
Submitted by s10sondek on February 17, 2013 - 9:25pm

Thanks for running this sweepstakes!  This constitutes my entry.

emmanuelv's picture
Submitted by emmanuelv on February 17, 2013 - 9:25pm

Would love to win this beauty :)

Bill N's picture
Submitted by Bill N on February 17, 2013 - 9:37pm

Would love to upgrade to this baby!

stilespj's picture
Submitted by stilespj on February 17, 2013 - 9:43pm

All your bits are mine!

 

Paul

techtape's picture
Submitted by techtape on February 17, 2013 - 9:44pm

I deserve it more than others!

phill's picture
Submitted by phill on February 17, 2013 - 10:11pm

ME.....please!

Re-Animator's picture
Submitted by Re-Animator on February 17, 2013 - 10:24pm

This would look (and sound) great in my system.  Please pick me!

Eagle13's picture
Submitted by Eagle13 on February 17, 2013 - 10:38pm

This looks like the best DAC out there

niten's picture
Submitted by niten on February 17, 2013 - 11:28pm

Cheers to audio!

sfactor23's picture
Submitted by sfactor23 on February 17, 2013 - 11:46pm

hopefully! Thanks!

ac714's picture
Submitted by ac714 on February 17, 2013 - 11:48pm

Count me in!

rnarumi's picture
Submitted by rnarumi on February 17, 2013 - 11:49pm

thanks!

idigmingus's picture
Submitted by idigmingus on February 17, 2013 - 11:53pm

Ain't nobody got time for that!

I'm your winner!

GloryUprising's picture
Submitted by GloryUprising on February 18, 2013 - 12:17am

For the chance. I am looking into building a balanced setup. 

mvaltieri's picture
Submitted by mvaltieri on February 18, 2013 - 1:01am

I whish I could read more reviews about it, but I was about to get it anyway by December. Better if you send me one free!!

hypernox2001's picture
Submitted by hypernox2001 on February 18, 2013 - 2:09am

My logitech needs a mate....

HIFIMAN-HE-400's picture
Submitted by HIFIMAN-HE-400 on February 18, 2013 - 2:12am

ONE TO GO PLEASE!

d99ivar's picture
Submitted by d99ivar on February 18, 2013 - 2:52am

Nice DAC is nice

evaldoaltino's picture
Submitted by evaldoaltino on February 18, 2013 - 4:05am

This is mine! Thanks!

MiLKMAN's picture
Submitted by MiLKMAN on February 18, 2013 - 4:06am

This DAC would be great upgrade for enjoying music even more :)

dougsing's picture
Submitted by dougsing on February 18, 2013 - 4:11am

Hit me!

lellis's picture
Submitted by lellis on February 18, 2013 - 5:19am

I have been using a Benchmark DAC1 USB since 2008 and it allows me to get a very decent sound even from modest sources like a netbook, the iPad and also my Squeezebox Duet (when it works...).

The DAC2 seems to be a great product and surely would give me a reason to dig deeply in the field of computer audio, starting with a new, up-to-date music server.

js's picture
Submitted by js on February 18, 2013 - 5:39am

I have been looking so much at this one to upgrade my system. What a great opportunity! Finger crossed...

daddyx's picture
Submitted by daddyx on February 18, 2013 - 5:47am

This would make a nice upgrade to my system. On the other hand, this would force me to upgrade my system. Wishful thinking on my part, I guess.

WishTree's picture
Submitted by WishTree on February 18, 2013 - 5:51am

This looks like a great a DAC and might be the right answer for a very long search!

euidon's picture
Submitted by euidon on February 18, 2013 - 5:55am

Rock me baby~~~

dave2dreams's picture
Submitted by dave2dreams on February 18, 2013 - 6:07am

Pick me please.

stebaht's picture
Submitted by stebaht on February 18, 2013 - 6:28am

Muchas Gracias :)

ednazarko's picture
Submitted by ednazarko on February 18, 2013 - 6:35am

I've got just the place for this...

Greg121986's picture
Submitted by Greg121986 on February 18, 2013 - 6:41am

I would love for the DAC2 HGC to transport me into a state of bliss with asynchronous USB. 

Pericomojado's picture
Submitted by Pericomojado on February 18, 2013 - 6:50am

Muchas Gracias!

docdan50's picture
Submitted by docdan50 on February 18, 2013 - 7:02am

looks good

Pjay's picture
Submitted by Pjay on February 18, 2013 - 7:03am

win it

karlrborne's picture
Submitted by karlrborne on February 18, 2013 - 7:17am

I can't believe how many give aways you all have.  Thanks.

SimplePleasures's picture
Submitted by SimplePleasures on February 18, 2013 - 7:20am

I want it!

rep4ever's picture
Submitted by rep4ever on February 18, 2013 - 7:27am

Direct DSD, one of the best DAC's on the market regardless of cost, and a better chance of winning than the Hoosier Lottery all for free? OK!

mav52's picture
Submitted by mav52 on February 18, 2013 - 7:34am

Looks like a nice unit, I want one, But I can't wait for someone to do a comparsion against the Mytek DSD 192 DAC

prerich45's picture
Submitted by prerich45 on February 18, 2013 - 7:45am

Gimme' dat!!!!! I mean, may I please aquire that dac? winkcool

mohit25's picture
Submitted by mohit25 on February 18, 2013 - 7:46am

or you won't. i hope you do though :-)

neogeo's picture
Submitted by neogeo on February 18, 2013 - 7:48am

This would be great to have.

Jon T. Gale's picture
Submitted by Jon T. Gale on February 18, 2013 - 7:49am

Direct DSD?! I've been waiting. Count me in!

snorin's picture
Submitted by snorin on February 18, 2013 - 7:51am

Count me in please.

nielsabel's picture
Submitted by nielsabel on February 18, 2013 - 8:09am

I'm interested.  Looks like a nice piece of equipment.

james's picture
Submitted by james on February 18, 2013 - 8:13am

thanks to Benchmark and Stereophile for this contest! Nice feature list on this thing.

Capucco's picture
Submitted by Capucco on February 18, 2013 - 8:27am

... is a sublime piece of gear.

I'm crossing fingers (and toes) that I can get hold of it!

Cheerio

 

 

 

WillWeber's picture
Submitted by WillWeber on February 18, 2013 - 8:46am

a nice musical addition!

James.Seeds's picture
Submitted by James.Seeds on February 18, 2013 - 8:53am

I'm feeling Lucky today

scardeal's picture
Submitted by scardeal on February 18, 2013 - 8:59am

I'd take it.

Spotcheck Billy's picture
Submitted by Spotcheck Billy on February 18, 2013 - 9:10am

......please choose me!

SebieDreamtime's picture
Submitted by SebieDreamtime on February 18, 2013 - 9:16am

Exactly what my system "needs" right now!

johnmotex's picture
Submitted by johnmotex on February 18, 2013 - 9:21am

Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!

andymoore's picture
Submitted by andymoore on February 18, 2013 - 9:22am

This would be a dream come true!   Really, honestly, just last night I had this very dream!  

ghostman's picture
Submitted by ghostman on February 18, 2013 - 9:28am

...is this thing on? Hello? Hello?.....how come I ....oh. there I am. :) Good luck!

KP Mishra's picture
Submitted by KP Mishra on February 18, 2013 - 9:35am

It will be a great addition to any stereo setup,

KP

 

Ric Flinn's picture
Submitted by Ric Flinn on February 18, 2013 - 9:45am

I have been *very* interested in this product. Winning one would make my whole year.

Jer99's picture
Submitted by Jer99 on February 18, 2013 - 9:45am

Bought one a couple of weeks ago - it is absolutely sensationally good .. a step change in quality and pleasure .. don't dream about winning competitions guys, try one out at home now!

Vicolindo's picture
Submitted by Vicolindo on February 18, 2013 - 9:49am

Just got the Sennheiser HD-650 cans! With this DAC I will be in audio nirvana!

CosmicHippo's picture
Submitted by CosmicHippo on February 18, 2013 - 9:54am

 

and thuaaaaaaaaaank you

CThru's picture
Submitted by CThru on February 18, 2013 - 9:58am

Fingers crossed...

TiFramelock's picture
Submitted by TiFramelock on February 18, 2013 - 10:00am

This would certainly be a nice way to start...thank you for the opertunity. The funny thing is that I'm in the market for a new DAC right now and that's what brought me to the website in the first place. 

Thanks again.

martin_leves's picture
Submitted by martin_leves on February 18, 2013 - 10:00am

Would be great to win this dac!

kylewest's picture
Submitted by kylewest on February 18, 2013 - 10:04am

fingers crossed!

nonoise's picture
Submitted by nonoise on February 18, 2013 - 10:05am

I love it when Christmas comes early.

chrisartuad's picture
Submitted by chrisartuad on February 18, 2013 - 10:17am

Dream into reality
Benchmark of hope

Et Quelle's picture
Submitted by Et Quelle on February 18, 2013 - 10:19am

I was saving for the Primaluna and thought about buying the Centrance at T.H.E Show in Las Vegas last month. It was one of the few products you can buy and haul from T.H.E. Show in one punch. He offered it for $500 bucks. I do not know if it was new though it probaly was out of the box. Better than the $795, I have seen on the net. Just building my listening room, apart from the home theatre. I would love to start it with a free Benchmark, even though you guys believe it is more subtle than Centrance. Isn't a dac supposed to drastically improve the sound. Although you recommend the Benchmark!cheeky

mjazz's picture
Submitted by mjazz on February 18, 2013 - 10:27am

for a long time. Would love to try DSD

bmad's picture
Submitted by bmad on February 18, 2013 - 10:31am

Looks like a great DAC

Meta's picture
Submitted by Meta on February 18, 2013 - 10:35am

Very nice, I thank you in advance!

KoSe's picture
Submitted by KoSe on February 18, 2013 - 10:35am

coluld be a welcome addition to my system.

bprochford's picture
Submitted by bprochford on February 18, 2013 - 11:00am

Please let it be this one.

Scloue's picture
Submitted by Scloue on February 18, 2013 - 11:07am

There is someday, being a canadian is so difficult to accept

wudai_e's picture
Submitted by wudai_e on February 18, 2013 - 11:16am

Been dreaming for one for so long!

desmondjim's picture
Submitted by desmondjim on February 18, 2013 - 11:29am

Me Please

StCugat's picture
Submitted by StCugat on February 18, 2013 - 11:37am

Thanks

hutmacher's picture
Submitted by hutmacher on February 18, 2013 - 11:47am

Pick me

nowave's picture
Submitted by nowave on February 18, 2013 - 11:58am

Bring it on! 

sbjork's picture
Submitted by sbjork on February 18, 2013 - 12:17pm

  . . . would be nice.

cortes's picture
Submitted by cortes on February 18, 2013 - 12:27pm

comment!

It would be great to win one of these.

GuyinVictoria's picture
Submitted by GuyinVictoria on February 18, 2013 - 12:42pm

The new Dac2 HGC from all accounts will be music to my ears.  Please include me in this contest & my ears will thank you.

selarom's picture
Submitted by selarom on February 18, 2013 - 1:01pm

I've been looking at this particular DAC for a while. It has some very cool features. I personally like the HT bypass mode so I can integrate it directly to my home theather system.

 

Please, I want one!!

niarfe's picture
Submitted by niarfe on February 18, 2013 - 1:15pm

Thank you Stereophile and benchmark for giving us the chance to win this!!

I cannot afford one right now, and winning this would mean a lot to me and my music passion!!

 

Please choose me!

 

Thanks again.

jajur's picture
Submitted by jajur on February 18, 2013 - 1:33pm

This would go extremely well with my SBT -> Naim Nait XS -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4

It's exactly what I need!

chris158b's picture
Submitted by chris158b on February 18, 2013 - 1:43pm

Great addition to a system. Good that it has asynchronous USB. Yes please.

pbhatt's picture
Submitted by pbhatt on February 18, 2013 - 1:43pm

Great price/performance ratio at no cost!

NeoVibe's picture
Submitted by NeoVibe on February 18, 2013 - 1:52pm

I am pretty sure luck will be on my side on 28th Feb!

uvrmd's picture
Submitted by uvrmd on February 18, 2013 - 1:54pm

Pick me Monty!

berlinguyinca's picture
Submitted by berlinguyinca on February 18, 2013 - 1:57pm

since it would be a nice match for my amplifiers.

MSEdell's picture
Submitted by MSEdell on February 18, 2013 - 2:17pm

Onegaishimasu!

My system *needs* the help  :P

Vogelhaus's picture
Submitted by Vogelhaus on February 18, 2013 - 2:22pm

It's about time I won something.. 

BKinTheBK's picture
Submitted by BKinTheBK on February 18, 2013 - 2:32pm

but only if art dudley joins me

clbgld's picture
Submitted by clbgld on February 18, 2013 - 3:05pm

Count me in!!

jgossman's picture
Submitted by jgossman on February 18, 2013 - 3:10pm

Me please!

SpursGator's picture
Submitted by SpursGator on February 18, 2013 - 3:19pm

...and it worked on me!

JennMartin's picture
Submitted by JennMartin on February 18, 2013 - 3:19pm

Thank you for this opportunity!

silverjd's picture
Submitted by silverjd on February 18, 2013 - 3:37pm

Thanks

JD

Esaslow's picture
Submitted by Esaslow on February 18, 2013 - 3:47pm

Love to have one.

ksamynathan's picture
Submitted by ksamynathan on February 18, 2013 - 3:58pm

Count me in!

PurestAV's picture
Submitted by PurestAV on February 18, 2013 - 3:59pm

I have had my eye on this for a while. It would be a great addition to my system.

davidmcc's picture
Submitted by davidmcc on February 18, 2013 - 4:43pm

This would be great!

Holygeezer's picture
Submitted by Holygeezer on February 18, 2013 - 4:55pm

This is one fantastic looking and I surmise sounding piece of equipment. It would be just what the Doctear prescribed to complete my simple system. Here's hoping. No matter who wins, I thank those folks who are making this sweepstakes happen.

NA Blur's picture
Submitted by NA Blur on February 18, 2013 - 4:57pm

Putting the new DAC to through the ringer is what I intend to do.

rschryer's picture
Submitted by rschryer on February 18, 2013 - 5:06pm

I'd love it, thanks!

crazymexican's picture
Submitted by crazymexican on February 18, 2013 - 5:28pm

Please this poor fellow needs a new DAC :)

sat7's picture
Submitted by sat7 on February 18, 2013 - 5:43pm

Oh yes ! Win Win Win !!!

ctmurphy's picture
Submitted by ctmurphy on February 18, 2013 - 6:01pm

Sweet!

ElizabethS's picture
Submitted by ElizabethS on February 18, 2013 - 6:13pm

Over on Audio Asylum they are all complaining about the Benchmark DAC1 being used for the Beatles remasters.. And the Class A rating from years ago... So time to pop for a review of this Benchmark DAC2.

I will be happy to give you my opinion when I win it.

Thanks in advance.

Love you guys..

emarca13's picture
Submitted by emarca13 on February 18, 2013 - 6:16pm

Great price.

matt123's picture
Submitted by matt123 on February 18, 2013 - 6:28pm

thanks

Dan12345's picture
Submitted by Dan12345 on February 18, 2013 - 6:34pm

When is the draw going to happen?

musicistheanswer's picture
Submitted by musicistheanswer on February 18, 2013 - 6:44pm

Please.  For the love of g*d.  Let me win this.

trynberg's picture
Submitted by trynberg on February 18, 2013 - 7:01pm

This would be great for my (evolving) computer audio setup.

Msegal's picture
Submitted by Msegal on February 18, 2013 - 7:15pm

Thank you.

Speakerphile's picture
Submitted by Speakerphile on February 18, 2013 - 7:19pm

Can always use a new DAC!

areitord65's picture
Submitted by areitord65 on February 18, 2013 - 7:31pm

If I win this, it will be an step up from my Benchmark DAC1.

badboy07's picture
Submitted by badboy07 on February 18, 2013 - 7:53pm

They killed SACD so I need a DSD DAC to get my fix.

ebarberena's picture
Submitted by ebarberena on February 18, 2013 - 7:53pm

I´ve been waiting for ages for a full featured DSD DAC and it's finally here. Now, if I can have it for free, it would be the perfect component.

badboy07's picture
Submitted by badboy07 on February 18, 2013 - 7:53pm

They killed SACD so I need a DSD DAC to get my fix.

Huffy's picture
Submitted by Huffy on February 18, 2013 - 8:06pm

Come to DADDY......

rvalle's picture
Submitted by rvalle on February 18, 2013 - 8:16pm

Mine!

ajcrisci's picture
Submitted by ajcrisci on February 18, 2013 - 8:29pm

Cant come soon enough. I'm in!

mcrushing's picture
Submitted by mcrushing on February 18, 2013 - 8:46pm

Do I ever want one of those! Pick me, pretty please. 

itsratso's picture
Submitted by itsratso on February 18, 2013 - 8:54pm

nice dac.

AvilleAudio's picture
Submitted by AvilleAudio on February 18, 2013 - 8:57pm

for my new DAC!

Jackblues's picture
Submitted by Jackblues on February 18, 2013 - 9:03pm

I'll take it. 

SKZA's picture
Submitted by SKZA on February 18, 2013 - 9:12pm

Yes please. 

Demondog's picture
Submitted by Demondog on February 18, 2013 - 9:17pm

Sure, at this point I just want to win one of these contests. But I also would love to have the Benchmark for my AV (tv) system.

CB3874's picture
Submitted by CB3874 on February 18, 2013 - 9:21pm

Hello!

I would like to throw my hat into the ring.

highinfidelity's picture
Submitted by highinfidelity on February 18, 2013 - 9:59pm

Its time

ahuesjp's picture
Submitted by ahuesjp on February 18, 2013 - 10:04pm

I am new to the loudspeaker side of audiophilia. This DAC seems like a great upgrade to my system.

caffeinefreedavid's picture
Submitted by caffeinefreedavid on February 18, 2013 - 10:25pm

I have a dream that some day someone at a Stereo magazine/webpage will take pity on me and provide me with a basic digital system.  A system from the wall plug to the notes coming out of the speakers.  Yes a dream but a dream that puts me to sleep every night. 

TravisPatrick's picture
Submitted by TravisPatrick on February 18, 2013 - 10:34pm

...please!

eorr23's picture
Submitted by eorr23 on February 19, 2013 - 12:02am

to win this!!!!

BlueSteelAudio's picture
Submitted by BlueSteelAudio on February 19, 2013 - 1:44am

yes please

Currawong's picture
Submitted by Currawong on February 19, 2013 - 2:47am

Can't say no to this!

Algee's picture
Submitted by Algee on February 19, 2013 - 4:58am

  Make my Digital Analog.

cdm's picture
Submitted by cdm on February 19, 2013 - 5:04am

I'm in....

CJB's picture
Submitted by CJB on February 19, 2013 - 5:23am

Lets see how the Benchmark competes with my noisy laptop fans!

jronning92's picture
Submitted by jronning92 on February 19, 2013 - 5:57am

This is a comment.

zandorseven's picture
Submitted by zandorseven on February 19, 2013 - 6:05am

Me too!

Kartik's picture
Submitted by Kartik on February 19, 2013 - 6:19am

This would be perfect for my system -- please pick me!

ironsienna's picture
Submitted by ironsienna on February 19, 2013 - 6:22am

Me too!! thank you :) :)

PeterMooreSmith's picture
Submitted by PeterMooreSmith on February 19, 2013 - 6:23am

Sign me up!

wendellkb's picture
Submitted by wendellkb on February 19, 2013 - 6:31am

looks like an improvement

awehns's picture
Submitted by awehns on February 19, 2013 - 6:34am

lucky day?

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