Benchmark Media Unveils Its Flagship DAC1 HDR with Remote Control

Syracuse, NY-based Benchmark Media Systems, designers of the well-known and well-respected digital-to-analog converter DAC1 series, recently announced the release of its flagship stereo preamplifier—the DAC1 HDR.

Those familiar with Benchmark’s DAC1 products will appreciate the incorporation of several of the company’s proprietary designs, including:

•    AdvancedUSB computer audio interface
•    DAC1 digital-to-analog converter
•    HPA2 headphone amp

But what sets the HDR apart is its updated remote control and motorized volume potentiometer. John Siau, Benchmark Media Systems VP, had this to say about the HDR’s custom-built, motor-driven Alps volume control. “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.”

The HDR’s remote controls on/off, input selection, volume, soft-mute, and adjustable dim level. The company notes that it is similar to the DAC1 PRE in form, function, and performance, which means that you can connect the HDR to a digital cable box, HDTV, DVD/CD player, computer, music server, satellite radio, FM tuner, phono stage, and so on.

The DAC1 HDR ships the week of April 20 (just around the corner) at an MSRP of $1,895. For more info on this preamp, go to http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-hdr.