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R/E/P => R/E/P Archives => Brad Blackwood => Topic started by: aivoryuk on February 16, 2007, 02:03:02 PM

Title: Benchmark DAC-1 with USB
Post by: aivoryuk on February 16, 2007, 02:03:02 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benchmark Media Systems Announces First Native 96-kHz 24-bit "Advanced USB Audio"

SYRACUSE, New York, February 15, 2007 - Benchmark Media Systems reinforces its
position as a leading manufacturer of precision audio electronics with today's
announcement of the DAC1 USB - a 192-kHz, 24-bit, digital-to-analog converter
featuring "Advanced USB Audio", the world's first native USB audio solution that
supports 96-kHz, 24-bit audio.

Until now, special drivers were required for 24-bit word lengths and sample rates
above 48-kHz. Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio provides high-resolution,
bit-transparent playback just seconds after plugging into a computer's USB port
for the first time. There is no software to install, and there are no system
settings that need to be changed. Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio is compatible
with Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X.

"The ground-breaking performance and elegant simplicity of Benchmark's Advanced
USB Audio technology is the ideal addition to the DAC1's jitter-immune UltraLock™
system", noted John Siau, Director of Engineering at Benchmark Media Systems.
"We conducted stringent audio-quality tests on four different operating systems
using a variety of audio playback applications. Our system delivers stunning
performance without the compromises normally associated with computer-based
audio playback."

"The DAC1 USB is the only PC audio interface device that is fully satisfactory;
in terms of bit-accuracy, sample-rate, and word-length performance", added Allen
Burdick, President of Benchmark Media Systems. "It's intuitive, it's easy - it's
USB audio done right."

The new DAC1 USB, which begins shipping worldwide on March 1, 2007 at a price of
$1275 USD, also includes high-current output drivers that can be configured to
mute upon headphone insertion. The classic DAC1, which does not include the USB
option and special high-current drivers, is still available for $975 USD. Both
options are available in the silver, black, and, black rack-mountable chassis.

Benchmark's DAC1 - a 2-Channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog converter - is
the recipient of a multitude of awards and a consistent top-seller in both the
pro-audio and audiophile markets worldwide.

"The DAC1 set the mark for digital audio conversion - uncompromised sonic
integrity at an incredible value - the DAC1 USB does the same for PC audio",
emphasized Allen Burdick. "The importance of high-resolution, bit-transparent
computer audio playback simply cannot be overstated. Computer-based audio is
used almost exclusively in the broadcast world, it's commonplace in recording
studios, and it's revolutionizing home audio systems."

More information about the DAC1 USB is available on Benchmark's website at:

   http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/eupdate

High resolution photos are available at:

   http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac1/photos