Benchmark DAC3 HGC reference DAC with headphone amplifier, hero product shot
Benchmark DAC3 HGC reference DAC with headphone amplifier, additional product view
Benchmark DAC3 HGC reference DAC with headphone amplifier, additional product view
Benchmark DAC3 HGC reference DAC with headphone amplifier, additional product view
Benchmark DAC3 HGC reference DAC with headphone amplifier, additional product view
Benchmark

Benchmark DAC3 HGC

Sale price$2,399.00
Color: Black

The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is the most fully featured member of the DAC3 family, combining the full conversion performance of the DAC3 series with volume control, analog inputs, polarity inversion, home theater bypass, and a built-in headphone amplifier in a single half-rack unit. Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA.

Type and Technology

Reference stereo DAC, analog preamplifier, and headphone amplifier, solid-state. ESS Technologies ES9028PRO with four balanced 32-bit D/A converters summed per channel. Benchmark UltraLock3 jitter attenuation on all inputs. 5 digital inputs: 1x USB (up to 192kHz), 2x optical (up to 96kHz), 2x coaxial (up to 192kHz). Analog inputs: 2x RCA. Line outputs: balanced XLR (variable or bypass), 4x RCA. Headphone outputs: 2x 6.35mm TRS with independent volume control. Native DSD64 via DoP 1.1. Polarity inversion, home theater bypass, -20dB dim, bi-directional 12V trigger. IR remote. Available in black or silver. Made in USA.

Sound Character

The complete Benchmark performance profile in a single box. The DAC conversion is identical to the DAC3 B and L, 128dB SNR, 0.00022% THD+N, and UltraLock3 jitter elimination. The headphone output delivers 1.25W into 30 ohms with less than 0.11 ohm output impedance, sufficient for virtually any headphone. The result is one of the most versatile and technically capable all-in-one source components available at its price.

Build and Finish

Half-rack width, 1RU height. 16 LED front panel display. Two 6.35mm headphone outputs with independent volume control, the left jack mutes the right when inserted. Matched footprint to HPA4, LA4, and AHB2 for a clean system stack. Available in black or silver.

Best For

Audiophiles who want the full Benchmark DAC3 experience with built-in headphone and preamp capability in a single component, the most complete and cost-effective way to enter the Benchmark ecosystem.

What's in the Box

  • Benchmark DAC3 HGC converter/preamp/headphone amp
  • Power cable
  • Remote control
  • Documentation

Specifications

Specification Value
Type Reference stereo DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier
DAC chip ESS Technologies ES9028PRO (4x per channel, summed)
SNR 128 dB A-weighted
THD+N -113 dB (0.00022%) at 0 dBFS, 1kHz
Digital inputs 1x USB (up to 192kHz), 2x optical (up to 96kHz), 2x coaxial (up to 192kHz)
Analog inputs 2x RCA stereo
Line outputs Balanced XLR (variable), 4x RCA (including home theater bypass)
Headphone outputs 2x 6.35mm TRS
Headphone output impedance Less than 0.11 ohms
Headphone output power 1.25W into 30 ohms
Native DSD support DSD64 via DoP 1.1
Power 12W typical, 15W max, less than 0.5W idle
Dimensions (W x H x D) 9.5" x 1.725" x 9.33"
Weight 3 lbs

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