The Benchmark DACs put out something like 18 volts at full volume without resistor pad attenuation. This is too much for most preamp inputs. The resistor pads allow you to drop the output signal level to something much lower that your amp can handle.
Benchmark DAC2 seeting into Ayre k5exMP preamp
I just purchased a Benchmark DAC2 and hooked into my Ayre K-5xeMP preamp and set the HT Volume Bypass mode as per instructed in Benchmark manual. I started getting bad popping noises until I turned off and turned the volume control to 12 O'Clock ( halfway ). Benchmark manuals also states when using Balanced Analog outs the input sensitivityof an amp may require changing the internal output pads to -10db.
Anyone have any insight on this ? I bought the Benchmark very lightly used at less than a year old, maybe something wrong with it ?
Once I set the volume control to halhway or the 12 O'Clock position all seemed fine. I do not want to blow a resistor in my Ayre preamp howver. Thank you for your feedback.
Anyone have any insight on this ? I bought the Benchmark very lightly used at less than a year old, maybe something wrong with it ?
Once I set the volume control to halhway or the 12 O'Clock position all seemed fine. I do not want to blow a resistor in my Ayre preamp howver. Thank you for your feedback.