WIN! A Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analogue Converter worth £1,999, $1,899, €2,390!

We have teamed up with our friends at Benchmark Media Systems to bring you a fantastic competition to win a DAC3 B Digital to Analogue Converter worth £1,999/ $1,899/€2,390.

Our editor, Alan Sircom reviewed the DAC3 B in Hi-Fi+ issue #233 (pages 63-66) and wrote, “This is a DAC that’s uniformly good at everything,” adding that “the DAC3 B is like an invisible yet super-competent musical butler.” He also praised its dynamic prowess: “With all that digital headroom on tap, the DAC3 B shines in a way almost all other DACs cannot.

It takes the recordings audiophiles find vile and offensive and makes them more approachable. Even that famed casualty of the Loudness Wars – Metallica’s Death Magnetic – gets a shot at redemption here.”

He continued, “The beating heart of the Benchmark Media Systems DAC3 B is the ESS Technologies’ ES9028PRO converter chip. The DAC3 B runs internal digital processing and conversion at 32-bits, summing the ESS chip’s eight converters into two output channels.”

According to Benchmark, “The digital processing in the DAC3 B operates with an extra 3dB of headroom beyond the usual 0dBFS clip point of most other DACs. This unique topology prevents the clipping of the high-level peaks that are embedded in most recordings.”

Alan concluded by saying the Benchmark Media Systems DAC3 B “makes a balanced, honest sound that allows you to sit and listen to music for hours. That is what makes Benchmark’s products consistently popular with audio engineers.”

Competition Question

How much headroom beyond 0dBFS does the Benchmark DAC3 B provide?

a. 0dB

b. 3dB

c. 3cm

To answer, please visit the Benchmark dedicated competition page at https://BenchmarkMedia.com/HiFiPlus

Alternatively, use the postal service to send your written answer and yourcontact details to: Benchmark Competition, Benchmark Media Systems, 203 E Hampton Pl, Syracuse, NY 13206, USA.

Competition Rules

All entries must be received between August 1st 2024 and October 3rd 2024. The competition is open to everyone, but multiple, automated, or bulk entries will be disqualified. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries, will be contacted via email (where possible) and their name will be published in the magazine. The Editor’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Absolute Multimedia (UK) Ltd. is compliant with the Data Protection Act and UK laws apply. Our policy is such that we will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.