DAC2 HGC Instruction Manual Rev B Page 7
New Features
Native DSD Conversion
The DAC2 HGC supports native DSD
conversion. DSD signals can be delivered to
the USB or Coaxial inputs in DoP 1.1 format.
The DSD signal is then routed directly to a
bank of 1-bit DSD D/A converters. Four
balanced 1-bit converters are summed
together for each balanced output.
Asynchronous USB 2.0
The USB interface supports DSD and 192 kHz,
24-bit PCM. The DAC2 HGC generates the
conversion clocks and totally eliminates the
USB interface as a source of jitter. No drivers
are required for Apple operating systems.
Drivers are provided for Windows operating
systems.
Native Asynchronous USB 1.1
The DAC2 HGC has a driverless USB 1.1
mode that supports 96 kHz, 24-bit PCM with
all operating systems. This mode provides
quick and easy connection to a wide variety of
computers and tablets.
New Hybrid Gain Control
HGC™ is Benchmark’s unique Hybrid Gain
Control that combines active analog, 32-bit
digital, and passive analog attenuation
systems. HGC™ puts an end to the debate
about analog versus digital gain controls, and
passive versus active analog attenuation.
The dual-domain HGC™ system combines the
high dynamic range of Benchmark’s HDR™
analog control with the low distortion, and
accuracy of digital control. HGC™
outperforms traditional analog or digital
volume controls, including the two-stage
DAC1 HDR™ system. Musical details are
preserved over a very wide range of output
levels. Analog inputs are controlled in the
analog domain. Digital inputs are controlled
in both domains.
The volume control is a servo-driven analog
pot. This control rotates in response to
commands from the remote control while
providing the convenience of manual
adjustments.
Low-impedance passive output attenuators
optimize the gain range of the active analog
and digital gain sections.
Home Theater Bypass
Any input can be placed in a fixed-gain home
theater bypass mode. The DAC2 HGC can
drive the left and right power amplifiers, while
the home theater system drives all other
power amplifiers. When the home theater
mode is in use, left and right audio passes
through the DAC2 HGC at unity gain, and the
home theatre system controls the audio level.
Digital Pass-Through
The second coaxial input (D4) can be
reconfigured as a digital output. When
operating as an output, any selected digital
input is passed through to (D4) without any
processing. Optical, coaxial, and USB inputs
can be passed through to the (D4) connector.
This even includes special signals such as
DoP, DTS, Dolby Digital, etc.
Polarity Control
Each digital input can be inverted to correct
polarity problems. Some listeners report that
polarity is incorrect on some recordings, and
that they enjoy an improved listening
experience when this is corrected.
Bi-directional 12V Trigger
The 12V trigger can be connected to other
audio components so that an entire audio
system can turn on an off in a sequenced
fashion. The DAC2 HGC trigger I/O could be
connected to a preamplifier, power amplifier,
or both. The DAC2 HGC will pull the trigger
I/O to 12 volts DC when the DAC2 HGC turns
on. If an external device pulls the trigger I/O
to 12 volts, the DAC2 HGC will turn on.
