Benchmark Dac1 now has remote control

BlueFox

I just received this via email. This is a big improvement in my mind. Remote control makes it much easier to adjust the setting for each song than getting up, turning the knob, sititng down, deciding it isn't quite right, getting up, turning the knob, sitting down,.......

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benchmark Media Unveils Their Flagship DAC1 HDR with Remote Control


SYRACUSE , New York , April 09, 2009 - Benchmark Media Systems, the designers of the award-winning DAC1 family, has announced the release of their flagship stereo preamplifier, the DAC1 HDR. The DAC1 HDR incorporates several of Benchmark’s proprietary designs: the AdvancedUSB computer audio interface, the DAC1 digital-to-analog converter, and the HPA2 headphone amplifier. It builds on Benchmark’s DAC1 PRE with the addition of a unique remote control solution and motorized volume potentiometer.


“The DAC1 HDR features a custom-built, motor-driven Alps volume control,“ says John Siau, Vice-President of Benchmark Media Systems. “Our approach to remote volume-control is unconventional, since we were not satisfied with either the dynamic range limitations of digital volume controls or with the distortion and noise introduced by IC-based analog volume controls. Our customers should not have to sacrifice clean and transparent sound to enjoy the convenience of remote control. The DAC1 HDR delivers performance and convenience.”

The remote control of the DAC1 HDR controls on/off, input selection, volume, soft-mute, and adjustable dim level. The user can adjust the “dim” volume setting and the “normal” volume settings independently, and the DAC1 HDR will remember those volume settings. This feature targets the HDTV users, who may want to lower the volume during commercials without losing the normal volume setting.

The DAC1 HDR main unit is similar to Benchmark’s DAC1 PRE in form, function, and performance. It can connect to a digital cable box, HDTV, DVD/CD player, computer, music server, satellite radio, FM tuner, phono stage, VCR, etc. The DAC1 HDR will be available with both black and silver faceplates.

"We are incredibly excited about the DAC1 HDR’s remote control solution," said Elias Gwinn, application engineer. “The custom volume potentiometer maintains the full sound quality, and the unique dim settings give the user unprecedented control.”

Benchmark will begin shipping the DAC1 HDR the week of April 20, 2009. Price is $1895.00 USD.

More information about the DAC1 HDR is available at:

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/DAC1-HDR

High resolution photos of the DAC1 HDR are available at:

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/DAC1-HDR/photos

Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. is a privately-held manufacturer of precision audio electronics providing leading-edge performance to audio professionals and enthusiasts since 1978.


For more information, call Rory Rall at 1-800-262-4675 or email:

sales@benchmarkmedia.com

steveinaz

sweet, now they'll get some well deserved attention.

venomclan

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seems like my email to Rory got through, like all Venomclan emails do.

Now they just need to add an HT Bypass...

Typing to Rory now.
Venom

steveinaz

I received an email from Rory as well. 1800 smackers though...OUCH. $1595 was bad enough for the DAC PRE.

heiney9

Yep, that's a lot..............but to do a proper "analog" type remote control volume it costs some money. Knowing Benchmarks rep the money is well spent. I know on my GFP-750 a great deal of cost went into making sure the motor driven volume control was as good as possible. Also internal switching should be done by relays not switching I/C's that's very costly to implement as well.

In it's day the GFP-750 cost $1500 and that didn't include a DAC. So $1800, while a lot, I'm sure you get a lot as well in the design for audiophile performance.

In the mid 80's Nakamichi had 2 pre's. The CA5 non-remote and the CA7 remote. The CA7 was 2.5 times the cost because of the motor driven volume control and relay switching (which was the proper way to do it).