Benchmark DAC1 now available with USB

[HeadLover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliasGwinn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Tell me more about what you are trying to do.

I want to connect it both to a heaphones amp (need fixed output ones) and at the same time connect it to a streo power amp

So, missing two outputs

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadLover /img/forum/go_quote.gif I want to connect it both to a heaphones amp (need fixed output ones) and at the same time connect it to a streo power amp So, missing two outputs

Two possible solutions:

1. Use the RCA outputs in 'Calibrated' (fixed) mode to feed the headphone amp, and use the HPA2 (headphone output) with a phono-to-RCA cable to feed the amplifier. The HPA2 may be a bit hot, so if you have the DAC1 USB / PRE, you would want to lower the gain range of the HPA2 as much as possible.

2. Use the HPA2 for your headphones.

Thanks,
Elias

 

[HeadLover]

Why not adding RCA out to the unit?
I mean, it will be nice to have both variable and not, will even make it easier to use and so on

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadLover /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why not adding RCA out to the unit? I mean, it will be nice to have both variable and not, will even make it easier to use and so on

Maybe on the DAC2. Stay tuned!

 

[HeadLover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliasGwinn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe on the DAC2. Stay tuned!

I am always tuned in, hope it will come soon

 

[linuxworks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tps /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, I ordered a DAC1 PRE yesterday to use with Magnepan MMG speakers and Outlaw 2200 amps.

good choice on the maggies. I started with that pair and I love them. a bit inefficient but not a huge problem given their good flat sound (heh)

I rarely run into folks who have the maggies and it seems that 'boxy tower' speakers are so much the rage these days (sigh).

 

[jotos]

I have a brand new DAC1 USB.
My unit behaves a little strange with standby in USB mode. If I pull out the USB cable from the active Benchmark standby mode is never engaged. If I shutdown my computer with the usb cable attached standby mode is working.

The only way to make standby work is to reset the unit or start my computer and thereafter shut it down.

I´m a little puzzled here because I mailed Benchmark support and got the answer that it´s normal that both LED´s is active even in standby.

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jotos /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a brand new DAC1 USB. My unit behaves a little strange with standby in USB mode. If I pull out the USB cable from the active Benchmark standby mode is never engaged. If I shutdown my computer with the usb cable attached standby mode is working. The only way to make standby work is to reset the unit or start my computer and thereafter shut it down. I´m a little puzzled here because I mailed Benchmark support and got the answer that it´s normal that both LED´s is active even in standby.

Hello Jotos,

What they meant by "normal" is that this happens with a lot of computers. The DAC1's USB input is always locked to the computer in slave mode. Certain computers lock to the DAC1 differently then others. The DAC1's USB input has a "handshake" with the computer. For the USB input to go into standby, certain computers must 'sign off'. If the USB cable is removed from the DAC1 without those computers signing off, the DAC1 won't know that it is disconnected, and it will stay in 'active' mode.

Thanks,
Elias

 

[jotos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliasGwinn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello Jotos, What they meant by "normal" is that this happens with a lot of computers. The DAC1's USB input is always locked to the computer in slave mode. Certain computers lock to the DAC1 differently then others. The DAC1's USB input has a "handshake" with the computer. For the USB input to go into standby, certain computers must 'sign off'. If the USB cable is removed from the DAC1 without those computers signing off, the DAC1 won't know that it is disconnected, and it will stay in 'active' mode. Thanks, Elias

Ahh. Thanks for the explanation. Now I can focus on listening

Update: I just moved my DAC1 from my Thinkpad (Dac1 standby when shut down) to my HTPC. With my HTPC DAC1 never goes to standby, not even when HTPC is shut down. Are there PC:s that lacks the ability to force standby?

 

[Bostonears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaddy /img/forum/go_quote.gif MIT audio state burn in is required for their cables my MIT cables included a booklet detailing the required burn in for their IC's they state the 2/2 rule; 75% of performance in two days 100% in two weeks i am not arguing about whether you believe it or not, i am just providing facts that a cable manufacturer quoted burn in as you said you hadnt seen any manufacturer say

I know MIT cables have "networks", but those boxes have ICs in them?!? What?! Don't ICs require continuous voltage to power them? How the heck could you do that in an interconnect or speaker cable, where the whole idea is to transmit a signal by varying the voltage. Do the cables require an external power source in addition to the signal?

 

[G-U-E-S-T]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliasGwinn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe on the DAC2. Stay tuned!

Elias, is such an updated product release imminent? Did I buy a DAC1 PRE right before the "next greatest" thing comes out?

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jotos /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just moved my DAC1 from my Thinkpad (Dac1 standby when shut down) to my HTPC. With my HTPC DAC1 never goes to standby, not even when HTPC is shut down. Are there PC:s that lacks the ability to force standby?

That's right. Some computers simply don't 'sign-off' on their USB port.

Thanks,
Elias

 

[EliasGwinn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-U-E-S-T /img/forum/go_quote.gif Elias, is such an updated product release imminent? Did I buy a DAC1 PRE right before the "next greatest" thing comes out?

No, it was merely a way of telling 'HeadLover' that we will take his suggestions into account when we develop new products.

Thanks,
Elias

 

[Eric2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliasGwinn /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, it was merely a way of telling 'HeadLover' that we will take his suggestions into account when we develop new products. Thanks, Elias

That’s a shame I will have to cross it of my Xmas list

 

[tps]

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxworks /img/forum/go_quote.gif good choice on the maggies. I started with that pair and I love them. a bit inefficient but not a huge problem given their good flat sound (heh) I rarely run into folks who have the maggies and it seems that 'boxy tower' speakers are so much the rage these days (sigh).

I've had the DAC1 PRE for about a week now. An EXCELLENT sounding piece of equipment. The MMGs are ruthlessly revealing speakers, and the DAC1 also seems to be very revealing. On a good recording, such as a Linn or Classic Records 24/96 file, the DAC1 / 2200 / MMG combo blows me away. On average recordings, well, it sounds average, but that's the way it was recorded...