Benchmark DAC3 HGC Digital-to-Analog Converter - Black

A DAC, a Preamp, and Two Headphone Jacks

Benchmark 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.

Five 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.

The 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.

Where the 0.00022% Comes From

The 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.

Hybrid 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.

The 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.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Jim Austin reviewed the DAC3 HGC for Stereophile 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."

John 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.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• You are replacing a preamp and a converter — 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.
• You listen on headphones a lot — 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.
• You want the volume control to cost you nothing — digital is attenuated in the 32-bit domain and analog through a motorized pot, so neither path is compromised to serve the other.
• You run two amplifiers, or a subwoofer — 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.
• You play records — a phono stage ahead of it feeds either analog input — pick one for your cartridge from our phono preamplifiers

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run 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.

Analog 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.

Pairs Well With

Building around the DAC3 HGC? Here are some great companions:

• Power Amplifier: The balanced outputs are ready — see our Amplifiers.
• Headphones: Two jacks deserve two good pairs — see our Headphones.
• Phono Stage: Bring a turntable into the system — see our Phono Preamplifiers.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR suits a long run — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use it as a preamplifier?

Yes. 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.

What converter is inside?

An ESS ES9028PRO, measuring 0.00022% THD+N at 1kHz with a 128dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio.

How many digital inputs are there?

Five: one USB, two optical and two coaxial. The coaxial inputs accept the highest rates, and the optical inputs run to 96kHz.

Does it have a headphone output?

Two of them, both quarter-inch, with an output impedance below 0.11 ohms. You can leave two pairs of headphones connected.

What is Hybrid Gain Control?

Benchmark'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.

What size is it, and what finishes are there?

9.5 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.

See It in Action

Hans Beekhuyzen puts the DAC3 HGC through its paces:

Mastering engineer Streaky reviews it from a studio perspective:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about digital converters, headphone amplifiers, or preamplifiers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.