Digital Processor Reviews

Description: D/A processor/preamplifier/headphone amplifier with volume control, 2 headphone outputs, single-ended and balanced analog outputs, and UltraLock clock circuit. Digital inputs (5): S/PDIF (RCA, TosLink), USB. Sample rates handled: 28–195kHz (S/PDIF, AES/EBU), 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (USB). Analog inputs: one pair on RCA jacks. Input impedance: 20k ohms. Analog outputs: 1 pair RCA, 1 pair balanced XLR, 2 ¼" stereo phone jacks for headphones. Maximum output levels: 23V RMS (29dBu) balanced (factory-calibrated for 12.3V, 24dBu); 2.75V RMS (11dBu) unbalanced (factory-calibrated for 2V, 8dBu); 8.7V RMS (21dBu) for headphone jacks. (Balanced outputs can be padded down in three 10dB steps; headphone outputs can be padded down by 10dB.) Line outputs can be used in variable-level or fixed-level calibrated mode. Output impedances: 60 ohms balanced, 30 ohms unbalanced, <0.11 ohm headphones. (Balanced output impedance ranges from 43 to 425 ohms when padded down.) Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.1dB (48kHz and 96kHz data). Channel separation: 100dB at 20kHz, 125dB at 1kHz, 130dB at 20Hz. THD+N (ref. 1kHz at 0dBFS): 0.00056% (–105dB). Maximum amplitude of jitter-induced sidebands (1kHz, 0dBFS signal with 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1kHz): <–141dB. Power consumption: 8W idle, 16W maximum.
Dimensions: 9.5" (249mm) W by 1.725" (44.5mm) H by 9.33" (237mm) D. Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg). Shipping weight: 7 lbs (3.2kg).
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 0804093-0.
Price: $1575. Approximate number of dealers: Sold direct.
Manufacturer: Benchmark Media Systems, Inc., 5925 Court Street Road, Syracuse, NY 13206-1707. Tel: (800) 262-4675. Fax: (315) 437-8119. Web: www.benchmarkmedia.com.