Benchmark

DAC3 B DAC

£2,049 RRP

Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. carved a niche for itself in the modern audio world by being early to the party with its widely respected second-generation DAC1 digital-to-analogue converter. Launched fifteen or so years ago, it proved to be one of the best designs of the time and very popular in the pro audio world – justifiably so, in many people's opinion, due to its robustness and fine sonic performance.

Lest we forget, the first generation of DACs appeared in the late 1980s, shortly after the time when manufacturers started fitting coaxial and/or optical digital outputs to their CD players. The idea was that their machines could be easily upgraded and not thrown away by the acquisition of a new standalone digital-to-analogue converter. They were strong sellers for a good few years but began to fall out of favour with the advent of sophisticated single-box DVD-Audio and SACD players. And it took another decade for offboard DACs to come back into fashion again – this time spurred by the new and exciting world of computer audio.

These days, the DAC1's direct descendant continues to sell in decent numbers. The DAC3 has been heavily revised internally, but there's little real visual difference between it and its ancestor. It comes in three different variants, all of which share the same ESS ES9028PRO digital converter chips and analogue electronics but provide differing connectivity. The B version tested here is the cheapest and most basic, with four digital inputs – two TOSLINK and two coaxial – plus a USB B digital input and a fixed volume control, so there's no 'preamp' functionality. You don't get a headphone amp on this either – the company will sell you its HPA4 headphone amp/preamp if you require this.

Sometimes, however, less is more. The DAC3 D is a purposeful, no-nonsense product – and its front fascia underlines this impression. Made of chunky brushed aluminium, it sports LEDs to indicate the digital input selected, 24 or 16-bit operation, and sampling frequency. There are just four small buttons, which provide power on or off, control lock and input selection. The rear of the unit also offers a choice of balanced XLR audio outputs or unbalanced RCAs. The general sense is of understated quality, and the deliberate avoidance of frills and fancy displays makes it very easy to use. Measuring just 44.5x249x237mm [HxWxD] and weighing only 3.2kg, it soon dissolves into the background in your equipment rack.

THE LISTENING

The DAC3 B sounds like it looks, which is straightforward and matter-of-fact – yet classy. It has an open, detailed, clear and well-defined sound with no obvious failings. It works well across the board, from the speed and agility of its bass to the clarity of its midband and the delicacy and definition of its treble. Cue up the driving rock of Simple Minds' Someone, Somewhere in Summertime, and the Benchmark delivers all of the above.

The soundstage is particularly good too, being natural with strongly resolved stereo images across a wide plane – it boasts superb depth perspective for a product of this price. The Benchmark DAC captures the large soundscape of Seal's Future Love Paradise with ease, conjuring up a panoramic view of this great Trevor Horn-produced track. The atmospheric-sounding classic jazz of Herbie Hancock's I Have Dream is a pleasure to behold, with a firm double bass underpinning an expansive and well-resolved recorded acoustic. Compared to some rivals it lacks a little weight, but it's always super-supple and propulsive. The DAC3 B is excellent at getting to grips with the nitty-gritty of a recording, signposting what's right (and wrong) about it. You wouldn't call it a romantic, as it certainly doesn't portray things through rose-tinted glasses.

THE VERDICT

Benchmark's DAC3 B is something of an enigma. It's a highly accomplished product, yet it doesn't stand out in the crowd because it's not as charismatic as its best-performing rivals. For example, it lacks the velvety charm of the Synthesis Roma 69DC tube DAC, nor does it have the rhythmic fluidity of Chord's Hugo 2 portable. Yet still, this product stands tall in such elevated company – in sonic terms, it's a fine all-rounder that does plenty very well. Factor in its small size, good build and fuss-free design, and there is much to like.

Visit Benchmark for more information