Benchmark amp? the H1

[papomaster]

Hi all!

Seems like the Benchmark DAC-1 has recieved it's share of praise recently, however I couldn't find any info using the search engine on Benchmark's dedicated headphone amp, the H1. Seems like a well-built component, but it's features are kinda strange : balanced inputs only, unbalanced output only. Anyone has any inputs on that amp?

Benchmark Media Systems - H1

 

[Bizzel]

I could be very wrong here but isn't the amp module inside the H1 the same as the one in the DAC1? If so, it should sound almost identical.

 

[sejarzo]

The feature mix really isn't that strange--you must always remember that as far as Benchmark Media goes, their primary market is the pro audio community, not in consumer gear.

In the pro realm--regardless of whether one considers studios or live sound reinforcement--line level signals are almost always carried on balanced lines.

Likewise......ever seen a pair of pro/studio headphones that are supplied by the manufacturer with balanced cabling?

Balanced headphone amplification is an "audiophile thing", not something that pros would use.