Benchmark DAC3 L

The Benchmark DAC3 L adds volume control, analog inputs, home theater bypass, and polarity inversion to the DAC3 B, making it a capable DAC and preamplifier that can drive power amplifiers directly without a separate preamp, with the full DAC3 conversion performance intact. Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA.

Type and Technology

Reference stereo DAC with analog preamplifier, solid-state. ESS Technologies ES9028PRO with four balanced 32-bit D/A converters summed per channel. Benchmark UltraLock3 jitter attenuation. 5 digital inputs: 1x USB, 2x optical, 2x coaxial. Analog inputs: 2x RCA. Outputs: balanced XLR (variable or bypass), 4x RCA including home theater bypass. Variable output level for direct amplifier driving. Polarity inversion switch. Native DSD64 via DoP 1.1. Bi-directional 12V trigger. IR remote. Available in black or silver. Made in USA.

Sound Character

Identical DAC performance to the DAC3 B with the addition of an analog gain stage for volume control. The variable output uses a passive attenuator at the XLR outputs for optimized gain staging to the power amplifier, a thoughtful design that delivers the best possible system SNR at every listening level. The overall character is Benchmark's hallmark transparency and accuracy.

Build and Finish

Half-rack width, 1RU height. 16 LED front panel status display for input, sample rate, word length, dim/mute, polarity, and bypass status. Matched footprint to HPA4, LA4, and AHB2. Available in black or silver.

Best For

Audiophiles who want to drive power amplifiers directly from a reference DAC with analog volume control, or those building a two-channel system without a separate preamplifier component.

What's in the Box

• Benchmark DAC3 L converter/preamplifier
• Power cable
• Remote control
• Documentation

Specifications