Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter

Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter

What You Need to Know

One Box That Masters Three Jobs

The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is a reference-grade digital-to-analog converter, a true analog-and-digital preamplifier, and a world-class headphone amplifier in a single half-rack chassis. Hand-built and individually tested in Syracuse, New York, it earned Stereophile’s Class A+ rating and Digital Product of the Year honors—and remains a Recommended Component today.

If you want measurably state-of-the-art digital playback that also replaces your preamp, this is the one.

Quad-Summed ES9028PRO Conversion

The DAC3 uses the ESS ES9028PRO—an eight-channel, 32-bit converter—and sums four converter channels per output. This 4:1 arrangement improves signal-to-noise by 6dB and averages out converter non-linearities, helping the DAC3 achieve vanishing distortion: THD+N of just 0.00022%.

When Stereophile measured it, the verdict was two words: “All I can say is ‘Wow!’”

Hybrid Gain Control: The Best of Both Worlds

The HGC’s namesake volume system treats every source correctly. Digital inputs are attenuated in the 32-bit DSP domain; analog inputs pass through a motorized analog potentiometer. Your analog sources are never digitized, and your digital sources never touch a pot—one knob, zero compromise, with the included remote physically driving the servo motor.

UltraLock3 and High-Headroom DSP

Benchmark’s UltraLock3 system pushes jitter-induced distortion at least 140dB below the music—inaudible by any measure. And the entire conversion path reserves 3.5dB of headroom above 0dBFS, so the “intersample overs” that clip ordinary DACs on loud modern recordings pass through cleanly.

HPA2: A Reference Headphone Amplifier Built In

The DAC3 HGC includes Benchmark’s HPA2 headphone amplifier: near-zero (0.11 ohm) output impedance, 1.25 watts into 30 ohms, and dual ¼-inch jacks that drive two headphones at once. The left jack mutes the main outputs for private listening.

Connections for a Complete System

Five digital inputs (USB, two optical, two coax), two pairs of analog RCA inputs, balanced XLR and dual RCA outputs, a programmable home theater bypass, polarity invert, and a 12V trigger make the DAC3 HGC the control center of a serious system.

Building Your System

Connect the DAC3 HGC directly to a power amplifier or powered monitors—its hybrid volume control eliminates the need for a separate preamp. Balanced XLR outputs with built-in attenuators let you optimize gain staging for maximum system-wide signal-to-noise.

Every unit is made in Syracuse, New York, and backed by Benchmark’s 5-year warranty with registration.

Features & Specifications

Quad-Summed ES9028PRO Converter
Four converter channels per output for 6dB lower noise and record-low distortion.

Hybrid Gain Control
Digital volume in DSP, analog volume in the analog domain—never the wrong way.

UltraLock3 Jitter Attenuation
Jitter artifacts at least 140dB below the music on every input.

High-Headroom 32-Bit DSP
3.5dB of headroom above 0dBFS eliminates intersample-over clipping.

HPA2 Reference Headphone Amplifier
Near-zero output impedance with dual ¼-inch jacks.

Made in Syracuse, New York, USA
Hand-assembled, individually tested, and backed by a 5-year warranty.

Specifications

•          Type: DAC / Preamplifier / Headphone Amplifier

•          Converter: ESS ES9028PRO, 32-bit, quad-summed per channel

•          THD+N: -113dB (0.00022%) at 0dBFS

•          Signal-to-Noise: 128dB (A-weighted)

•          Digital Inputs: USB Audio 2.0, 2x Optical, 2x Coax

•          PCM Support: Up to 24-bit/192kHz; Native DSD via DoP

•          Analog Inputs: 2 Stereo Pairs (RCA)

•          Outputs: Balanced XLR (with 10/20dB attenuators), 2x RCA

•          Headphone: HPA2, Dual ¼-inch, 0.11-ohm output impedance

•          Extras: Remote Included, Home Theater Bypass, 12V Trigger, Polarity Invert

•          Dimensions: 9.5“W x 1.725”H x 9.33"D

•          Weight: 3 lbs

•          Finishes: Silver or Black

•          Warranty: 5 Years (with registration, USA/Canada)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate preamplifier?
No. The DAC3 HGC is a complete preamp—its hybrid gain control handles both digital and analog sources, and the balanced outputs drive power amps and powered monitors directly.

How does the DAC3 HGC compare to the DAC3 L and DAC3 B?
All DAC3 models share identical conversion performance. The L omits the headphone amplifier; the B omits the volume control and analog inputs entirely. The HGC is the full-featured flagship of the family.

Does it support hi-res and DSD files?
Yes—PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz on USB and coax, plus native DSD playback via DoP on every input. No drivers needed for Mac, and none for Windows 10 and later.

Who is the DAC3 HGC designed for?
It’s ideal for listeners building a system around measurably state-of-the-art digital playback—especially those who want DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier duties handled by one American-made component.

Why Audio Advisor?

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