{"title":"Benchmark","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier-silver","title":"Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier - Silver","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Quietest Amplifier You Will Hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe AHB2 is the quietest power amplifier most people will ever hear, and that is the entire point of it. Benchmark built it around THX's Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier drives a low-bias Class AB output section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt makes 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, with both channels driven throughout. Bridge a pair to mono and each makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, or 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe chassis is 11 inches wide and weighs 12.5 pounds, which is startling for the output. There is no fan, and it does not run hot, because a feed-forward design wastes very little as heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eInside the Chassis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe distortion figure is the headline: THD+N below 0.00013% at full rated output. Signal-to-noise reaches 132dB A-weighted in stereo and 135dB in mono, and dynamic range is 130dB unweighted across the audible band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThose are not marketing numbers. They are the reason listeners report hearing detail in familiar recordings they had never noticed before. The amplifier is simply not adding anything on top of what the record already holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFrequency response runs from 0.1Hz to 200kHz. Damping factor is 350 at 20Hz into 8 ohms. Two balanced XLR inputs are fitted at 50k ohms, with three gain settings — 9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB — so the amplifier can be matched to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eStereophile lists the AHB2 in its Recommended Components, 2026 edition, marked both as a value recommendation and as a long-term reference. It is \"Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eKalman Rubinson found the practical result in his listening: \"much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings\", which Stereophile credits to \"the Benchmark's evident noiselessness\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to hear the recording, not the amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — THD+N below 0.00013% and a 132dB noise figure mean what reaches your speakers is what was on the record, which is the whole argument for this amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour speakers drop to low impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 259 watts per channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven, is a figure most amplifiers of this size cannot approach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace or heat is a constraint\u003c\/strong\u003e — 11 inches wide, 12.5 pounds, no fan and very little waste heat, so it fits and behaves where a conventional Class AB amplifier of this ability would not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour system may grow to monoblocks\u003c\/strong\u003e — bridged, each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, so a second unit doubles the system rather than replacing the first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou are choosing the control stage yourself\u003c\/strong\u003e — the volume and the inputs live in the preamp; start with our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eConnect your preamplifier to the balanced XLR inputs, and set the gain switch to suit it so your volume control lands in a comfortable range. Speakers go to the binding posts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRegister the amplifier with Benchmark when it arrives. That single step takes the warranty from one year to five in the US, and it costs nothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHere are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required, and the natural next decision — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Cables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry the current properly — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio Racks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much power does it make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven. Bridged to mono it makes 380 watts into 8 ohms and 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy does the distortion figure matter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAt below 0.00013% THD+N the amplifier adds essentially nothing to the signal. That is what listeners mean when they report hearing detail in records they know well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat are the three gain settings for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB. They let you match the amplifier to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier so the volume control sits in a usable range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have RCA inputs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo balanced XLR inputs are fitted, at 50k ohms. Benchmark's gain settings are matched to both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA signal levels — call us on 800-942-0220 and we will sort out what your preamplifier needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use two as monoblocks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Bridged to mono each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, 518 into 4 and 200 into 16.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does it carry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne year as standard, which Benchmark extends to five years in the US simply by registering the amplifier. Register it when it arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark Media Systems explains running the AHB2 bridged or in stereo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C2J1D_SxdJQ\" title=\"AHB2 - Bridged Mono or Stereo?\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eZ Reviews puts the AHB2 through a full review:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yqde9iAB3Eo\" title=\"Benchmark AHB2 (Z Reviews)\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power amplifiers, balanced connections, or building a separates system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ Standard \/ New","offer_id":45982851793069,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-SIL","price":3499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/beahb2_sil-large__33236.1725995001.1280.1280_b3072b33-a6bf-46ff-a422-350d9eb6f0e9.jpg?v=1778095239"},{"product_id":"benchmark-dac3-hgc-digital-to-analog-converter-silver","title":"Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter - Silver","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA DAC, a Preamp, and Two Headphone Jacks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark builds the DAC3 HGC to do three jobs at once. It converts digital, it switches and controls analog sources like a preamplifier, and it drives headphones from two front-panel jacks. All of it fits a half-width chassis 9.5 inches wide that weighs three pounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive digital inputs come in: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. Two stereo RCA pairs handle analog sources. Out the back are balanced XLR outputs and two pairs of RCA, so a power amplifier and a subwoofer or a second amp can run at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe name is the volume control. HGC stands for Hybrid Gain Control, and it treats each kind of source correctly rather than forcing both through one path. It comes in silver or black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhere the 0.00022% Comes From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe converter is an ESS ES9028PRO. Benchmark publishes THD+N of 0.00022% at 1kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 128dB A-weighted, and dynamic range beyond 120dB. Those are bench figures rather than marketing ones, and they set the standard the rest of the design has to meet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHybrid Gain Control is the part worth understanding. Digital sources are attenuated in the 32-bit domain, where there is resolution to spare. Analog sources pass through a motorized potentiometer instead, so they are never converted to digital just to have their level changed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headphone stage is not an afterthought either. Two quarter-inch jacks sit on the front, driven at an output impedance below 0.11 ohms, which keeps the frequency response of low-impedance headphones from following their own impedance curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJim Austin reviewed the DAC3 HGC for \u003cem\u003eStereophile\u003c\/em\u003e on October 26, 2017. It \"includes the usual, excellent Benchmark headphone amplifier (with two jacks) and two analog inputs, so that it can be used as a preamp.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJohn Atkinson's measurements agreed: \"Benchmark's DAC3 HGC offers state-of-the-art measured performance.\" Stereophile rates the DAC3 a Class A+ Recommended Component, and named it joint winner of its 2018 Digital Component of the Year, shared with the dCS Vivaldi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This DAC Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou are replacing a preamp and a converter\u003c\/strong\u003e — two analog inputs and five digital ones share one volume control, so a streamer, a disc player and a tape loop all land in the same box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou listen on headphones a lot\u003c\/strong\u003e — two quarter-inch jacks at under 0.11 ohms output impedance let sensitive headphones keep the response they were designed for, instead of tracking their own impedance curve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the volume control to cost you nothing\u003c\/strong\u003e — digital is attenuated in the 32-bit domain and analog through a motorized pot, so neither path is compromised to serve the other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run two amplifiers, or a subwoofer\u003c\/strong\u003e — balanced XLR and two RCA pairs leave the back panel at once, so a second amp or a powered sub takes its own feed without a splitter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou play records\u003c\/strong\u003e — the DAC3 HGC takes two line-level analog inputs but has no phono stage inside, so a turntable needs one ahead of it. Pick one for your cartridge from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ephono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and run it into either analog input.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun the balanced XLR outputs to your power amplifier, or an RCA pair if it is single-ended. Keep the second RCA pair for a subwoofer. A computer joins by USB, and disc players or a television by coaxial or optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnalog components take the two RCA input pairs and stay in the analog domain throughout. Headphones plug into either front jack. One knob then controls the lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding around the DAC3 HGC? Here are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Amplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e The balanced outputs are ready — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAmplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two jacks deserve two good pairs — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/headphones\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eHeadphones\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bring a turntable into the system — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR suits a long run — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use it as a preamplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Two stereo RCA analog inputs and a variable output mean it can run a power amplifier directly, with digital and analog sources on the same knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat converter is inside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn ESS ES9028PRO, measuring 0.00022% THD+N at 1kHz with a 128dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow many digital inputs are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. The coaxial inputs accept the highest rates, and the optical inputs run to 96kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a headphone output?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo of them, both quarter-inch, with an output impedance below 0.11 ohms. You can leave two pairs of headphones connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat is Hybrid Gain Control?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark's volume system. Digital inputs are attenuated in the 32-bit digital domain; analog inputs run through a motorized analog potentiometer, driven by the same knob and the remote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat size is it, and what finishes are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.5 by 1.725 by 8.5 inches and three pounds, in silver or black. It is a half-width chassis, so two can sit side by side on one shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHans Beekhuyzen puts the DAC3 HGC through its paces:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o7U4tlWccQQ\" title=\"Benchmark DAC3 HGC,, if you want sound quality\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMastering engineer Streaky reviews it from a studio perspective:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nuwn-WTeutc\" title=\"BENCHMARK DAC3 HGC REVIEW| Streaky.com\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about digital converters, headphone amplifiers, or preamplifiers? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":45983144509613,"sku":"NEW-BEDAC3-SIL","price":2299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/BEDAC3_2-SIL-Large__44090.1728429123.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778096372"},{"product_id":"benchmark-ahb-2-power-amplifier-black-rackmount","title":"Benchmark AHB 2  Power Amplifier - Black - Rackmount","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe AHB2, Built for a Rack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThis is the AHB2 in Benchmark's 19-inch rackmount chassis. Same amplifier and the same measurements, built into a faceplate that bolts straight into a standard equipment rack at 2U of height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt makes 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven, and 380 watts into 8 ohms bridged to mono. Benchmark builds it around THX's Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe rack version measures 19 inches wide and 10.62 deep, and weighs 13.5 pounds. The standard AHB2 is 11 inches wide and 12.5 pounds. So this is the one to order if the amplifier is going into a rack rather than onto a shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eInside the Chassis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe distortion figure is the headline: THD+N below 0.00013% at full rated output. Signal-to-noise reaches 132dB A-weighted in stereo and 135dB in mono, and dynamic range is 130dB unweighted across the audible band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThose are not marketing numbers. They are the reason listeners report hearing detail in familiar recordings they had never noticed before. The amplifier is simply not adding anything on top of what the record already holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFrequency response runs from 0.1Hz to 200kHz. Damping factor is 350 at 20Hz into 8 ohms. Two balanced XLR inputs are fitted at 50k ohms, with three gain settings — 9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB — so the amplifier can be matched to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eStereophile lists the AHB2 in its Recommended Components, 2026 edition, marked both as a value recommendation and as a long-term reference. It is \"Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eKalman Rubinson found the practical result in his listening: \"much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings\", which Stereophile credits to \"the Benchmark's evident noiselessness\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour system lives in a rack\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 19-inch faceplate at 2U bolts straight in, where the standard AHB2's 11-inch chassis would need a shelf or a tray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to hear the recording, not the amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — THD+N below 0.00013% and a 132dB noise figure mean the amplifier adds essentially nothing between your preamplifier and your speakers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour speakers drop to low impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 259 watts per channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven, from a chassis that weighs 13.5 pounds and needs no fan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe rack has a heat problem\u003c\/strong\u003e — a feed-forward design wastes very little as heat, so this amplifier does not need the clearance or the airflow a conventional Class AB design of this ability would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want separates\u003c\/strong\u003e — volume and input switching live in the preamp or streamer\/DAC ahead of it; choose from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBolt it into the rack at 2U, allowing 10.62 inches of depth plus cables. Connect your preamplifier to the balanced XLR inputs and set the gain switch to match it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRegister the amplifier with Benchmark when it arrives — that takes the US warranty from one year to five, at no cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHere are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required, and the natural next decision — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Cables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry the current properly — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio Racks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow is this different from the standard AHB2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOnly the chassis. This version has a 19-inch rackmount faceplate at 2U and measures 10.62 inches deep, weighing 13.5 pounds. The amplifier inside is identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much power does it make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven. Bridged to mono it makes 380 watts into 8 ohms and 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much rack space does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo rack units, 19 inches wide and 10.62 inches deep. Allow extra depth behind for cable runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it need forced-air cooling?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe feed-forward design wastes very little energy as heat, so it does not need a fan or the clearance a conventional Class AB amplifier would.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat are the three gain settings for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB, so the amplifier matches a professional source or a domestic preamplifier without the volume control sitting at an extreme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does it carry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne year as standard, which Benchmark extends to five years in the US simply by registering the amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark Media Systems explains running the AHB2 bridged or in stereo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C2J1D_SxdJQ\" title=\"AHB2 - Bridged Mono or Stereo?\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eZ Reviews puts the AHB2 through a full review:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yqde9iAB3Eo\" title=\"Benchmark AHB2 (Z Reviews)\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power amplifiers, balanced connections, or building a separates system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ Rackmount \/ New","offer_id":45983232065709,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-BLK-RAK","price":3599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/BEAHB2_BLK_01-Large__43569.1724166765.1280.1280_436169b9-198a-47bd-a7fb-1818b931b932.jpg?v=1778095234"},{"product_id":"benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier-silver-19-inch-rackmount","title":"Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier - Silver - 19 Inch Rackmount","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe AHB2, Built for a Rack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThis is the AHB2 in Benchmark's 19-inch rackmount chassis. Same amplifier and the same measurements, built into a faceplate that bolts straight into a standard equipment rack at 2U of height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt makes 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven, and 380 watts into 8 ohms bridged to mono. Benchmark builds it around THX's Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe rack version measures 19 inches wide and 10.62 deep, and weighs 13.5 pounds. The standard AHB2 is 11 inches wide and 12.5 pounds. So this is the one to order if the amplifier is going into a rack rather than onto a shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eInside the Chassis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe distortion figure is the headline: THD+N below 0.00013% at full rated output. Signal-to-noise reaches 132dB A-weighted in stereo and 135dB in mono, and dynamic range is 130dB unweighted across the audible band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThose are not marketing numbers. They are the reason listeners report hearing detail in familiar recordings they had never noticed before. The amplifier is simply not adding anything on top of what the record already holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFrequency response runs from 0.1Hz to 200kHz. Damping factor is 350 at 20Hz into 8 ohms. Two balanced XLR inputs are fitted at 50k ohms, with three gain settings — 9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB — so the amplifier can be matched to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eStereophile lists the AHB2 in its Recommended Components, 2026 edition, marked both as a value recommendation and as a long-term reference. It is \"Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eKalman Rubinson found the practical result in his listening: \"much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings\", which Stereophile credits to \"the Benchmark's evident noiselessness\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour system lives in a rack\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 19-inch faceplate at 2U bolts straight in, where the standard AHB2's 11-inch chassis would need a shelf or a tray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to hear the recording, not the amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — THD+N below 0.00013% and a 132dB noise figure mean the amplifier adds essentially nothing between your preamplifier and your speakers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour speakers drop to low impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 259 watts per channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven, from a chassis that weighs 13.5 pounds and needs no fan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe rack has a heat problem\u003c\/strong\u003e — a feed-forward design wastes very little as heat, so this amplifier does not need the clearance or the airflow a conventional Class AB design of this ability would.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want separates\u003c\/strong\u003e — volume and input switching live in the preamp or streamer\/DAC ahead of it; choose from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBolt it into the rack at 2U, allowing 10.62 inches of depth plus cables. Connect your preamplifier to the balanced XLR inputs and set the gain switch to match it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRegister the amplifier with Benchmark when it arrives — that takes the US warranty from one year to five, at no cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHere are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required, and the natural next decision — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Cables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry the current properly — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio Racks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow is this different from the standard AHB2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOnly the chassis. This version has a 19-inch rackmount faceplate at 2U and measures 10.62 inches deep, weighing 13.5 pounds. The amplifier inside is identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much power does it make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven. Bridged to mono it makes 380 watts into 8 ohms and 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much rack space does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo rack units, 19 inches wide and 10.62 inches deep. Allow extra depth behind for cable runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it need forced-air cooling?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe feed-forward design wastes very little energy as heat, so it does not need a fan or the clearance a conventional Class AB amplifier would.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat are the three gain settings for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB, so the amplifier matches a professional source or a domestic preamplifier without the volume control sitting at an extreme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does it carry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne year as standard, which Benchmark extends to five years in the US simply by registering the amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark Media Systems explains running the AHB2 bridged or in stereo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C2J1D_SxdJQ\" title=\"AHB2 - Bridged Mono or Stereo?\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eZ Reviews puts the AHB2 through a full review:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yqde9iAB3Eo\" title=\"Benchmark AHB2 (Z Reviews)\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power amplifiers, balanced connections, or building a separates system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ Rackmount \/ New","offer_id":45983257952429,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-SIL-RAK","price":3599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/beahb2_rmsil-large__83792.1724166804.1280.1280_b907fb31-853f-4086-a403-238db4034541.jpg?v=1778095244"},{"product_id":"benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier-black-19-inch-rackmount","title":"Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier - Black - 19 Inch Rackmount","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Quietest Amplifier You Will Hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe AHB2 is the quietest power amplifier most people will ever hear, and that is the entire point of it. Benchmark built it around THX's Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier drives a low-bias Class AB output section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt makes 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, with both channels driven throughout. Bridge a pair to mono and each makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, or 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe chassis is 11 inches wide and weighs 12.5 pounds, which is startling for the output. There is no fan, and it does not run hot, because a feed-forward design wastes very little as heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eInside the Chassis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe distortion figure is the headline: THD+N below 0.00013% at full rated output. Signal-to-noise reaches 132dB A-weighted in stereo and 135dB in mono, and dynamic range is 130dB unweighted across the audible band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThose are not marketing numbers. They are the reason listeners report hearing detail in familiar recordings they had never noticed before. The amplifier is simply not adding anything on top of what the record already holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFrequency response runs from 0.1Hz to 200kHz. Damping factor is 350 at 20Hz into 8 ohms. Two balanced XLR inputs are fitted at 50k ohms, with three gain settings — 9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB — so the amplifier can be matched to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eStereophile lists the AHB2 in its Recommended Components, 2026 edition, marked both as a value recommendation and as a long-term reference. It is \"Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eKalman Rubinson found the practical result in his listening: \"much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings\", which Stereophile credits to \"the Benchmark's evident noiselessness\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to hear the recording, not the amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — THD+N below 0.00013% and a 132dB noise figure mean what reaches your speakers is what was on the record, which is the whole argument for this amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour speakers drop to low impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 259 watts per channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven, is a figure most amplifiers of this size cannot approach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace or heat is a constraint\u003c\/strong\u003e — 11 inches wide, 12.5 pounds, no fan and very little waste heat, so it fits and behaves where a conventional Class AB amplifier of this ability would not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour system may grow to monoblocks\u003c\/strong\u003e — bridged, each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, so a second unit doubles the system rather than replacing the first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run a preamp or a streamer\/DAC with its own volume\u003c\/strong\u003e — that is where the controls sit; see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eConnect your preamplifier to the balanced XLR inputs, and set the gain switch to suit it so your volume control lands in a comfortable range. Speakers go to the binding posts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRegister the amplifier with Benchmark when it arrives. That single step takes the warranty from one year to five in the US, and it costs nothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHere are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required, and the natural next decision — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Cables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry the current properly — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio Racks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much power does it make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven. Bridged to mono it makes 380 watts into 8 ohms and 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy does the distortion figure matter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAt below 0.00013% THD+N the amplifier adds essentially nothing to the signal. That is what listeners mean when they report hearing detail in records they know well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat are the three gain settings for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB. They let you match the amplifier to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier so the volume control sits in a usable range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have RCA inputs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo balanced XLR inputs are fitted, at 50k ohms. Benchmark's gain settings are matched to both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA signal levels — call us on 800-942-0220 and we will sort out what your preamplifier needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use two as monoblocks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Bridged to mono each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, 518 into 4 and 200 into 16.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does it carry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne year as standard, which Benchmark extends to five years in the US simply by registering the amplifier. Register it when it arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark Media Systems explains running the AHB2 bridged or in stereo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C2J1D_SxdJQ\" title=\"AHB2 - Bridged Mono or Stereo?\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eZ Reviews puts the AHB2 through a full review:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yqde9iAB3Eo\" title=\"Benchmark AHB2 (Z Reviews)\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power amplifiers, balanced connections, or building a separates system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ Standard \/ New","offer_id":45983319949485,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-BLK","price":3499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/beahb2_blk-large__31203.1724186561.1280.1280_b6413201-d0bb-4f1d-8557-557030aae473.jpg?v=1778130526"},{"product_id":"benchmark-dac3-hgc-digital-to-analog-converter-black","title":"Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter - Black","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA DAC, a Preamp, and Two Headphone Jacks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark builds the DAC3 HGC to do three jobs at once. It converts digital, it switches and controls analog sources like a preamplifier, and it drives headphones from two front-panel jacks. All of it fits a half-width chassis 9.5 inches wide that weighs three pounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive digital inputs come in: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. Two stereo RCA pairs handle analog sources. Out the back are balanced XLR outputs and two pairs of RCA, so a power amplifier and a subwoofer or a second amp can run at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe name is the volume control. HGC stands for Hybrid Gain Control, and it treats each kind of source correctly rather than forcing both through one path. It comes in silver or black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhere the 0.00022% Comes From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe converter is an ESS ES9028PRO. Benchmark publishes THD+N of 0.00022% at 1kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 128dB A-weighted, and dynamic range beyond 120dB. Those are bench figures rather than marketing ones, and they set the standard the rest of the design has to meet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHybrid Gain Control is the part worth understanding. Digital sources are attenuated in the 32-bit domain, where there is resolution to spare. Analog sources pass through a motorized potentiometer instead, so they are never converted to digital just to have their level changed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headphone stage is not an afterthought either. Two quarter-inch jacks sit on the front, driven at an output impedance below 0.11 ohms, which keeps the frequency response of low-impedance headphones from following their own impedance curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJim Austin reviewed the DAC3 HGC for \u003cem\u003eStereophile\u003c\/em\u003e on October 26, 2017. It \"includes the usual, excellent Benchmark headphone amplifier (with two jacks) and two analog inputs, so that it can be used as a preamp.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJohn Atkinson's measurements agreed: \"Benchmark's DAC3 HGC offers state-of-the-art measured performance.\" Stereophile rates the DAC3 a Class A+ Recommended Component, and named it joint winner of its 2018 Digital Component of the Year, shared with the dCS Vivaldi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This DAC Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou are replacing a preamp and a converter\u003c\/strong\u003e — two analog inputs and five digital ones share one volume control, so a streamer, a disc player and a tape loop all land in the same box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou listen on headphones a lot\u003c\/strong\u003e — two quarter-inch jacks at under 0.11 ohms output impedance let sensitive headphones keep the response they were designed for, instead of tracking their own impedance curve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the volume control to cost you nothing\u003c\/strong\u003e — digital is attenuated in the 32-bit domain and analog through a motorized pot, so neither path is compromised to serve the other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run two amplifiers, or a subwoofer\u003c\/strong\u003e — balanced XLR and two RCA pairs leave the back panel at once, so a second amp or a powered sub takes its own feed without a splitter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou play records\u003c\/strong\u003e — the DAC3 HGC takes two line-level analog inputs but has no phono stage inside, so a turntable needs one ahead of it. Pick one for your cartridge from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ephono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and run it into either analog input.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun the balanced XLR outputs to your power amplifier, or an RCA pair if it is single-ended. Keep the second RCA pair for a subwoofer. A computer joins by USB, and disc players or a television by coaxial or optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnalog components take the two RCA input pairs and stay in the analog domain throughout. Headphones plug into either front jack. One knob then controls the lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding around the DAC3 HGC? Here are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Amplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e The balanced outputs are ready — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAmplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two jacks deserve two good pairs — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/headphones\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eHeadphones\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bring a turntable into the system — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR suits a long run — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use it as a preamplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Two stereo RCA analog inputs and a variable output mean it can run a power amplifier directly, with digital and analog sources on the same knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat converter is inside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn ESS ES9028PRO, measuring 0.00022% THD+N at 1kHz with a 128dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow many digital inputs are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. The coaxial inputs accept the highest rates, and the optical inputs run to 96kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a headphone output?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo of them, both quarter-inch, with an output impedance below 0.11 ohms. You can leave two pairs of headphones connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat is Hybrid Gain Control?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark's volume system. Digital inputs are attenuated in the 32-bit digital domain; analog inputs run through a motorized analog potentiometer, driven by the same knob and the remote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat size is it, and what finishes are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.5 by 1.725 by 8.5 inches and three pounds, in silver or black. It is a half-width chassis, so two can sit side by side on one shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHans Beekhuyzen puts the DAC3 HGC through its paces:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o7U4tlWccQQ\" title=\"Benchmark DAC3 HGC,, if you want sound quality\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMastering engineer Streaky reviews it from a studio perspective:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nuwn-WTeutc\" title=\"BENCHMARK DAC3 HGC REVIEW| Streaky.com\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about digital converters, headphone amplifiers, or preamplifiers? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45983361532077,"sku":"NEW-BEDAC3-BLK","price":2299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/BEDAC3_1-BLK-Large__16061.1728428967.1280.1280_b3556797-a5fb-4edf-9a96-c2ca22cd1156.jpg?v=1778123572"},{"product_id":"benchmark-ahb","title":"Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifiers","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Quietest Amplifier You Will Hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe AHB2 is the quietest power amplifier most people will ever hear, and that is the entire point of it. Benchmark built it around THX's Achromatic Audio Amplifier technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier drives a low-bias Class AB output section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt makes 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, with both channels driven throughout. Bridge a pair to mono and each makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, or 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe chassis is 11 inches wide and weighs 12.5 pounds, which is startling for the output. There is no fan, and it does not run hot, because a feed-forward design wastes very little as heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eInside the Chassis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe distortion figure is the headline: THD+N below 0.00013% at full rated output. Signal-to-noise reaches 132dB A-weighted in stereo and 135dB in mono, and dynamic range is 130dB unweighted across the audible band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThose are not marketing numbers. They are the reason listeners report hearing detail in familiar recordings they had never noticed before. The amplifier is simply not adding anything on top of what the record already holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFrequency response runs from 0.1Hz to 200kHz. Damping factor is 350 at 20Hz into 8 ohms. Two balanced XLR inputs are fitted at 50k ohms, with three gain settings — 9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB — so the amplifier can be matched to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eStereophile lists the AHB2 in its Recommended Components, 2026 edition, marked both as a value recommendation and as a long-term reference. It is \"Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eKalman Rubinson found the practical result in his listening: \"much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings\", which Stereophile credits to \"the Benchmark's evident noiselessness\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to hear the recording, not the amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — THD+N below 0.00013% and a 132dB noise figure mean what reaches your speakers is what was on the record, which is the whole argument for this amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour speakers drop to low impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e — 259 watts per channel into 2 ohms, both channels driven, is a figure most amplifiers of this size cannot approach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace or heat is a constraint\u003c\/strong\u003e — 11 inches wide, 12.5 pounds, no fan and very little waste heat, so it fits and behaves where a conventional Class AB amplifier of this ability would not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour system may grow to monoblocks\u003c\/strong\u003e — bridged, each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, so a second unit doubles the system rather than replacing the first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run a preamp or a streamer\/DAC with its own volume\u003c\/strong\u003e — that is where the controls sit; see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eConnect your preamplifier to the balanced XLR inputs, and set the gain switch to suit it so your volume control lands in a comfortable range. Speakers go to the binding posts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRegister the amplifier with Benchmark when it arrives. That single step takes the warranty from one year to five in the US, and it costs nothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHere are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreamplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required, and the natural next decision — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Cables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry the current properly — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio Racks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much power does it make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 190 into 4 and 259 into 2, both channels driven. Bridged to mono it makes 380 watts into 8 ohms and 518 into 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy does the distortion figure matter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAt below 0.00013% THD+N the amplifier adds essentially nothing to the signal. That is what listeners mean when they report hearing detail in records they know well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat are the three gain settings for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.2dB, 17.0dB and 23dB. They let you match the amplifier to a professional source or a domestic preamplifier so the volume control sits in a usable range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have RCA inputs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo balanced XLR inputs are fitted, at 50k ohms. Benchmark's gain settings are matched to both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA signal levels — call us on 800-942-0220 and we will sort out what your preamplifier needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use two as monoblocks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Bridged to mono each AHB2 makes 380 watts into 8 ohms, 518 into 4 and 200 into 16.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does it carry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne year as standard, which Benchmark extends to five years in the US simply by registering the amplifier. Register it when it arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark Media Systems explains running the AHB2 bridged or in stereo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C2J1D_SxdJQ\" title=\"AHB2 - Bridged Mono or Stereo?\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eZ Reviews puts the AHB2 through a full review:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Yqde9iAB3Eo\" title=\"Benchmark AHB2 (Z Reviews)\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about power amplifiers, balanced connections, or building a separates system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ Standard \/ New","offer_id":45982851793069,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-SIL","price":3499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Rackmount \/ New","offer_id":45983232065709,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-BLK-RAK","price":3599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ Rackmount \/ New","offer_id":45983257952429,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-SIL-RAK","price":3599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Standard \/ New","offer_id":45983319949485,"sku":"NEW-BEAHB2-BLK","price":3499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/beahb2_sil-large__33236.1725995001.1280.1280_b3072b33-a6bf-46ff-a422-350d9eb6f0e9.jpg?v=1778095239"},{"product_id":"benchmark-dac3-hgc-digital-to-analog-converter","title":"Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA DAC, a Preamp, and Two Headphone Jacks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark builds the DAC3 HGC to do three jobs at once. It converts digital, it switches and controls analog sources like a preamplifier, and it drives headphones from two front-panel jacks. All of it fits a half-width chassis 9.5 inches wide that weighs three pounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive digital inputs come in: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. Two stereo RCA pairs handle analog sources. Out the back are balanced XLR outputs and two pairs of RCA, so a power amplifier and a subwoofer or a second amp can run at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe name is the volume control. HGC stands for Hybrid Gain Control, and it treats each kind of source correctly rather than forcing both through one path. It comes in silver or black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhere the 0.00022% Comes From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe converter is an ESS ES9028PRO. Benchmark publishes THD+N of 0.00022% at 1kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 128dB A-weighted, and dynamic range beyond 120dB. Those are bench figures rather than marketing ones, and they set the standard the rest of the design has to meet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHybrid Gain Control is the part worth understanding. Digital sources are attenuated in the 32-bit domain, where there is resolution to spare. Analog sources pass through a motorized potentiometer instead, so they are never converted to digital just to have their level changed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headphone stage is not an afterthought either. Two quarter-inch jacks sit on the front, driven at an output impedance below 0.11 ohms, which keeps the frequency response of low-impedance headphones from following their own impedance curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJim Austin reviewed the DAC3 HGC for \u003cem\u003eStereophile\u003c\/em\u003e on October 26, 2017. It \"includes the usual, excellent Benchmark headphone amplifier (with two jacks) and two analog inputs, so that it can be used as a preamp.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJohn Atkinson's measurements agreed: \"Benchmark's DAC3 HGC offers state-of-the-art measured performance.\" Stereophile rates the DAC3 a Class A+ Recommended Component, and named it joint winner of its 2018 Digital Component of the Year, shared with the dCS Vivaldi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This DAC Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou are replacing a preamp and a converter\u003c\/strong\u003e — two analog inputs and five digital ones share one volume control, so a streamer, a disc player and a tape loop all land in the same box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou listen on headphones a lot\u003c\/strong\u003e — two quarter-inch jacks at under 0.11 ohms output impedance let sensitive headphones keep the response they were designed for, instead of tracking their own impedance curve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the volume control to cost you nothing\u003c\/strong\u003e — digital is attenuated in the 32-bit domain and analog through a motorized pot, so neither path is compromised to serve the other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou run two amplifiers, or a subwoofer\u003c\/strong\u003e — balanced XLR and two RCA pairs leave the back panel at once, so a second amp or a powered sub takes its own feed without a splitter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou play records\u003c\/strong\u003e — the DAC3 HGC takes two line-level analog inputs but has no phono stage inside, so a turntable needs one ahead of it. Pick one for your cartridge from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ephono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and run it into either analog input.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun the balanced XLR outputs to your power amplifier, or an RCA pair if it is single-ended. Keep the second RCA pair for a subwoofer. A computer joins by USB, and disc players or a television by coaxial or optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnalog components take the two RCA input pairs and stay in the analog domain throughout. Headphones plug into either front jack. One knob then controls the lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding around the DAC3 HGC? Here are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Amplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e The balanced outputs are ready — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAmplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two jacks deserve two good pairs — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/headphones\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eHeadphones\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bring a turntable into the system — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR suits a long run — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use it as a preamplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Two stereo RCA analog inputs and a variable output mean it can run a power amplifier directly, with digital and analog sources on the same knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat converter is inside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn ESS ES9028PRO, measuring 0.00022% THD+N at 1kHz with a 128dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow many digital inputs are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFive: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. The coaxial inputs accept the highest rates, and the optical inputs run to 96kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a headphone output?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTwo of them, both quarter-inch, with an output impedance below 0.11 ohms. You can leave two pairs of headphones connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat is Hybrid Gain Control?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBenchmark's volume system. Digital inputs are attenuated in the 32-bit digital domain; analog inputs run through a motorized analog potentiometer, driven by the same knob and the remote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat size is it, and what finishes are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e9.5 by 1.725 by 8.5 inches and three pounds, in silver or black. It is a half-width chassis, so two can sit side by side on one shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHans Beekhuyzen puts the DAC3 HGC through its paces:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o7U4tlWccQQ\" title=\"Benchmark DAC3 HGC,, if you want sound quality\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMastering engineer Streaky reviews it from a studio perspective:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nuwn-WTeutc\" title=\"BENCHMARK DAC3 HGC REVIEW| Streaky.com\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about digital converters, headphone amplifiers, or preamplifiers? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Benchmark","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":45983144509613,"sku":"NEW-BEDAC3-SIL","price":2299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45983361532077,"sku":"NEW-BEDAC3-BLK","price":2299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/BEDAC3_2-SIL-Large__44090.1728429123.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778096372"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/benchmark.oembed","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}