New Benchmark DAC1 HDR released...

cool. but 1250 is really high for a dac.

oh s@#%. nice avatar btw.

^^^ Price: $1,895. At that price it has to be damm good. I wonder?

Why are there two phone outs? Different impedance output?

It is a 24/96 USB DAC, but note that it has multiple selectable inputs with remote so it clearly is meant to act as your main line stage preamp. The headphone amp has selectable gain settings as well.

So. If the sound quality is very good, noise floor is very low, etc then they are competing in the preamp market-- with a high resolution DAC and headphone amp thrown in as extras. Just another way to look at it. :-)

The only difference between the two jacks I could find on the spec sheet:

It looks like it might be time for me to try a Benchmark!

Early this year I chose a Grace m902 over a Dac1 Pre, both for its remote control (I use it as my system pre-amp), and for its reputation as being warmer sounding. The sound of my headphones and speakers are both a little on the "analytical" side.

But I've wanted to try a Benchmark DAC, and I've been looking for a solution to the Grace's under achieving USB input. Most recently thinking of getting the $500 Bel Canto USB Link 24/96 so I can play my hi-rez downloads. This new Benchmark DAC1 HDR could solve my USB problem, while giving me a different lower jitter DAC, and I won't have to loose the remote control.

It looks like the DAC1 HDR's remote control is for volume functions, and does not control input selection? (neither does the Grace's, though it does also control balance, crossfeed, and volume control switching between headphone and analog out)

I doubt I'll get rid of the Grace, it's such a nice unit, and it may match up better with the AKG K701's. Would it be wrong to own both?
I hope they offer the 30 day home trial on this new Benchmark, though I doubt it would be difficult to resell in any case.

Looks like a DAC1 Pre + motorized volume knob + Remote... Correct me if there's more to add to that list.

I was wondering if there is anything else that is an improvement to the DAC1 Pre. Improvements are always welcomed.

A post from ComputerAudiophile.com by machinehead
Link: New Benchmark DAC1 HDR | Computer Audiophile
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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.
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So, the remote seems to be able to control everything on the DAC1 HDR which is a nice add.

I don't know about that...

I thought the existing USB and USB Pre versions already offered that.